Think, for instance, of corsets narrowing the waist and restricting movement from the 16th century onwards, or of the 1960’s cone bra, which Germaine Greer described as an instrument of male oppression. Indeed, seeing how underwear has evolved through the ages provides a fascinating reflection of social changes to women’s lives.
Two members of Soroptimist Club Zagreb have a unique family collection of lingerie spanning half a century. The oldest pieces were made from embroidered linen and lace from the late 19th century, while the lingerie from the 1950s was machine-sewn from new fabrics such as nylon.
The Soroptimists and the Zagreb City Museum jointly organised a catwalk show for Museum Night on 30 January. The event was also used to draw attention to the needs of orphaned girls and to highlight their integration difficulties once they have completed their secondary education.
Models were recruited locally and photographed by one of Croatia’s leading fashion photographers, Mare Milin, for an accompanying exhibition. The proceeds from the sale of these photos went to orphanages in Zagreb and to the Ozana Association, which works to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities and to support their families.