What Lies Beneath

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Galliano turns things inside out at Dior, Couture F09

I hate pantyhose, even the name is a turn-off so instead of spending the winter wearing jeans and trousers I'm considering the option of stockings and garters. The Couture collection for Fall 09 from Dior provided lots of inspiration. John Galliano underscored the growing importance in fashion of alluring foundation garments with half-dressed models wearing girdles, garters and other sexy lingerie pieces meant to emphasize womanly curves. When I watch Mad Men's Joan Holloway undulate around around the office I always think that her sex appeal is based more on imagining what lies beneath the body-con dresses and tight-fit sweater sets.
Now the challenge is to find '50s/60s-inspired undergarments at less-than Agent Provocateur prices. Try www.orchardcorset.com for authentic corsetry. Also, Fantasy World at 192 7th Ave South has a vast range of stockings amongst the more fetishistic garb.
Even the sandals at Dior gave a nod toward the classic garter belt fastenings.



Just so you know, Madonna will probably pop up frequently in this blog; here she is with exposed garters in 1990. Helmut Newton photographed her for Vanity Fair.

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