History is a source of endless inspiration for contemporary designers of fashion and lingerie. This is documented by the RETRO LINGERIE EXHIBITION at the P Hall, which features eighteen mannequins dressed in historic lingerie from the 19^th and early 20^th century – from a period of budding revolution in fashion when body-friendly styles were beginning to take the lead.

White is the colour that is typical for all the displayed petticoats, slips, bodices, night gowns and panties, including those with long legs. Many of the exhibited pieces are embroidered and decorated with lace, which wonderfully illustrates the skill and craftsmanship of the period seamstresses. The historic underwear was also very important in keeping women warm and protected. Over time, however, we can see a substantial shift in the design and styling in ladies’ lingerie. “Parallels between the past and the presence are not accidental. The fashion world is notorious in borrowing and transforming sources of inspiration and ideas from one fashion sphere into another,” explains the curator of the exhibition Ludmila Růženecká from Municipal Museum Brno. The style and form of nightgowns, for example, is nowadays seen in smart jackets and blouses. Romantic skirts of various lengths resemble the lavishly decorated and gathered underskirts, and the corset has transitioned into a source of inspiration for evening dresses. The exhibition displays also historic postcards and reproduced drawings from period journals.