Past Event

Speaking of Unmentionables: The Rise and Fall of Ladies Underwear

A Road Scholar Program by Ellie Carlson

Women’s fashions are shaped, literally and figuratively, by their underclothes. Throughout history a woman’s frame has not always been entirely her own. Delicate pieces of linen and lace, stiff corsets, and sturdy hoops and bustles are fascinating to modern eyes. They are the unseen history of an era. Modern contrivances are no less remarkable. Who is the world thought of control top panty hose? And we thought we were liberated! This novel and sometimes naughty* presentation will unveil some myths about women’s unmentionables. Participants will also view actual examples of historic underwear. *Ladies only please!

Elizabeth "Ellie" Carlson is a museum curator with a specialty in costumes and a background in theatre. She holds a Masters of Historical Administration and Museum Studies from the University of Kansas and has interned at the Smithsonian

This event is Free and Open to the public. For more information, please contact Katie Spilotro, 773.929.7599.