Undress: Shaping Fashion and Private Life

The defining characteristic of any fashion period is the shape of the silhouette. Shape is largely determined by what is worn underneath the fashionable garment and next to the skin. Why silhouettes have often had so little to do with the shape of the human body is one of the mysteries of fashion. It is influenced by economic, political and social circumstances as well as attitudes toward sexuality and the ever-present desire for novelty. In this exhibition undress includes not only the garments that give the body structure and shape, but also garments worn at night, at home and in informal situations. These are the garments that reveal and shape private life.