The voice of women, even the presence of femininity, has for so long been hushed and regarded as lesser-than. One thing, throughout history, is consistent. When an artist, or societal group, is trying to become part of radical change, a nude female is always present.

Starting back in the fourth century BC, Aphrodite of Praxiteles, goddess of love and beauty, was one of the first notable female figures to be sculpted nude. (side education: Venus of Willendorf is also one of the oldest nude females, go Aphrodite!) At the time, this gesture was insulting to higher society, thus the group demanded the sculpture to be recreated with clothes on.

Throughout art history and political history, you can see the correlation between nude art and revolution. A casualty of all this? Our intimates.

Lingerie has always been a garment that separated man vs. woman. In the late 1800s, lingerie became a way to enforce “the brand of femininity”

While men were busy designing lingerie for women that emphasized “long figures” or “hour-glass shapes”, women practiced patience. We would breathe deeply (metaphorically in some cases) and wear what they designed. 

In the secret life of women, we have been building for the new era of equality amongst many domains, including but not limited to: voting, wages, and expression of sexuality. 

During WWII, women were called to de-wire their bras and forsake the magical nylon for weaponry and parachutes. Yes, the world turned to our undergarments for the safety of all. This major call also allowed women to work in “men’s fields”, which ultimately paved the way for women to work in roles that were traditionally held by men. Due to the demand for wire and nylon, designers had to come up with new styles for women to wear!

Nowadays, there are hundreds of female-run lingerie brands (like PEARLLE!). These brands notably have the modern female in mind and they consider function along with fashion. Our Kendall bralette is the perfect example of this –– a cross between a sports bra and a sexy camisole. 

It’s exciting to say that now more than ever lingerie is considered appropriate as clothing, and not just undergarments. Other notable daring designs by Pearlle include Tori and Mischa. 

What’s your favorite Pearlle? We would love to hear! Tag us on Instagram (@shoppearlle) and share your emboldened thoughts!