A Peep Into The Past

About the Book

This illustrated History has been put together to allow the viewer a peep into the past of the many changes in women’s under fashions which have taken place from the early decades of the 20th century to the first decade of the 21st century. With the exception of drawings of under fashions from the early part of the 20th century, which I I sourced from fashion magazines, and vintage shops in London and Napier New Zealand. The illustrations from the late 1950s to 2000 have been sourced from my own memory and experience. I worked for many decades selling lingerie and under fashions in the retail industry, including experience gained from running and buying for my own Lingerie Boutique for several years. This shop was situated in Napoleon Street Cottesloe, Western Australia. I still have in my possession original drawings depicting nightwear and underfashions which were used for advertising purposes in the West Australian newspaper. Also Calenders given to me by Triumph International; these were used to advertise their wonderful undergarments. All of the above have been an invaluable source for me to refer to. When I commenced creating the pen and ink drawings for this book I wanted to present the garments with as much authenticity as memory and sources allowed; at the same time using my artistic license to present them somewhat tongue in cheek, with the hint of the risqué to make it a much more fun experience for the viewer to enjoy. I have featured in some of the drawings a few examples of the changes over the decades to the style of underwear/nightwear that men wore to illustrate that their fashions also underwent a similar evolution. Today many fashions, Swiss cotton, viyella and some of the fi ne quality silks and wools have become too expensive to use in the production of fi ne lingerie. When the idea came to me to create this “Peep into the Past” it was important for me to record by drawings, some of these wonderful garments which I derived so much pleasure not only from wearing, but also from the experience of selling and handling over the decades many beautiful garments and fabrics.

About the Author