This July, take a look at the changes that more than 100 years have brought to this intimate wear.

In France, lingerie is important enough to receive official backing from the French government’s DEFI, Development and Promotion of French Clothing. Thanks to this support, you can make a journey through corsets and girdles, taking in a retrospective of the gorgeous, feminine pieces dating back more than 100 years. Curated by historian Catherine Ormen, the exhibition ranges from ancient corsets and bras to prototypes of modern lingerie and examines the form and function of artistic undergarments. A life-size hologram even illustrates the development of lingerie with a view to the change of the female silhouette and body language.

The main objective of the event is to promote French lingerie as a whole, rather than one brand in particular, even though renowned labels such as Aubade, Chantelle and Simone Perèle will be featured. The exhibit has traveled the world from Paris, London, Shanghai, Dubai, Toronto, Moscow, Berlin and New York, and it’s now Tokyo’s turn to get an eyeful.

Lingerie Francaise Exhibit

Lingerie Française Exhibit

More information: www.lingeriefrancaise.com, www.lingeriefrancaise.jp

How much: Free

When: July 20–28 (Note: the event will close at 16:00 on July 22 and 23)

Where: Ba-Tsu Art Gallery (see below)

Main image: Gilles Berquet, Lingerie Française