Lingerie Francaise Exhibition
Tokyo, July 20th 2014 — following the shows in Paris, London, Shanghai, Dubai, Berlin, New York, Toronto and Moscow the travelling exhibition ‘Lingerie Française’ arrives in Tokyo. The French association PROMINCOR presents the history of French Lingerie from July 20th until July 28th 2014 at BA-TSU ART GALLERY in Tokyo. The international show reviews 100 years of French expertise in creativity and luxury.
Eleven renowned French lingerie manufacturers — Aubade, Barbara, Chantelle, Empreinte, Implicite, Lise Charmel, Lou, Maison Lejaby, Passionata, Princesse tam.tam and Simone Pérèle — open their treasures to the public. This unique exhibition demonstrates the influence lingerie products have been exerting on society — from the late nineteenth century up until the present day.
In total, 130 exhibits will be presented: the oldest of which date back to the late nineteenth century. Exhibits range from ancient corsets and bras to prototypes of modern lingerie combining a functional and aesthetic claim. Next to the historical pieces on display, the exhibition also offers a unique view into the chronology by means of providing moving images and pictures.
A special installation provides the visitor with a new perspective, namely that of lingerie as a seismograph for societal values such as morale and convention. The show culminates in a "Trans-Historical Striptease": A life-sized hologram illustrates the development of lingerie with a view to the change of the female silhouette and her body language.
The show is supplemented by a publication of the Paris based publisher "Plon", the latter having published a book with the title ‘Lingerie Française’. The historian Catherine Ormen, curator of the exhibition, presents impressions with interpretations of the renowned photographer Gilles Berquet. The book is available in the English and French languages and offers a comprehensive retrospective of French Lingerie from the late nineteenth century up until today.
The exhibition is powered by PROMINCOR – LINGERIE FRANÇAISE, an association for the promotion of the French Lingerie sector, representing the interests of the manufacturers all over the world. The organization of fashion shows and the publishing of literature is a central part of the association’s work. The French Committee for the Development and Promotion of Apparel, the DEFI – LA MODE DE FRANCE, supports the "Lingerie Française" exhibition.