ThoughtGallery.org > ‘History of the Bra: From Push-Ups to Protest’ Webinar

‘History of the Bra: From Push-Ups to Protest’ Webinar

From two handkerchiefs sewn together in the mid-1800s to Victoria’s Secret bullet bras of the mid-1900s, the story of the bra is one of pushing up, strapping down, lifting, and separating to fit different ideals of beauty and comfort throughout history. It’s time to explore how this distinctly feminine garment not only became an essential component of women’s undergarments, but more importantly reflected the role of women in a changing society.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the evolution of the bra and its connection to beauty ideals throughout the centuries.

Led by fashion historian Caroline Elenowitz-Hess, our virtual look at one of human culture’s most unique garments will include:

  • Ancient Roman mosaics showing the precursor to the sports bra
  • How the bra (or “bust-supporter”) became a niche alternative to the corset, which remained fashionable until the early 20th century
  • How technical innovations changed how bras functioned and fit, and where the A, B, C, D cup sizing system came from
  • Why feminists in the 1960s and ’70s were labeled “bra-burners”
  • The evolution of the “bullet bra” from Marilyn Monroe to Madonna
  • The modern debate of bras being a symbol of both sexy and sexist

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Caroline — any and all questions about the bra are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually! $10.

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Caroline

Caroline Elenowitz-Hess is an independent fashion historian based in New York City. Caroline worked for several years as a fashion designer before pursuing her MA in Fashion Studies from Parsons. She previously received a BA in English Literature from Yale University and an AAS in Fashion Design from FIT. Most recently, Caroline has been a curatorial intern at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and at the Museum at FIT. Her research is focused on definitions of femininity in the twentieth century in France and the United States.











When: Mon., Mar. 29, 2021 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Where: No Location
Via livestream

Price: $10
Buy tickets/get more info now
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From two handkerchiefs sewn together in the mid-1800s to Victoria’s Secret bullet bras of the mid-1900s, the story of the bra is one of pushing up, strapping down, lifting, and separating to fit different ideals of beauty and comfort throughout history. It’s time to explore how this distinctly feminine garment not only became an essential component of women’s undergarments, but more importantly reflected the role of women in a changing society.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the evolution of the bra and its connection to beauty ideals throughout the centuries.

Led by fashion historian Caroline Elenowitz-Hess, our virtual look at one of human culture’s most unique garments will include:

  • Ancient Roman mosaics showing the precursor to the sports bra
  • How the bra (or “bust-supporter”) became a niche alternative to the corset, which remained fashionable until the early 20th century
  • How technical innovations changed how bras functioned and fit, and where the A, B, C, D cup sizing system came from
  • Why feminists in the 1960s and ’70s were labeled “bra-burners”
  • The evolution of the “bullet bra” from Marilyn Monroe to Madonna
  • The modern debate of bras being a symbol of both sexy and sexist

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Caroline — any and all questions about the bra are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually! $10.

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Caroline

Caroline Elenowitz-Hess is an independent fashion historian based in New York City. Caroline worked for several years as a fashion designer before pursuing her MA in Fashion Studies from Parsons. She previously received a BA in English Literature from Yale University and an AAS in Fashion Design from FIT. Most recently, Caroline has been a curatorial intern at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and at the Museum at FIT. Her research is focused on definitions of femininity in the twentieth century in France and the United States.

Buy tickets/get more info now