Lingerie In Cinema

Just like in our lives, lingerie has figured prominently in the movies. From the earliest silent films, when there was no censorship, to now, luxurious lingerie has had a starring rule in both film and television. Here are some of our favorite examples where fabulous lingerie is the star.

Claudette Colbert in 1934’s “Cleopatra” used opulently decorated lingerie to seduce Ceaser. Winning an Oscar for cinematography this classic is well worth the viewing for the costumes alone. While Elizabeth Taylor is stunning in the 1963 version the 4 hour length of this Cleopatra makes the movie a long haul.


Don’t forget 1960’s Hitchcock thriller, “Psycho”. Everyone talks about the shower scene, but it’s Janet Leigh’s bra scene that broke new ground. You get a first hand look at the highly constructed bra styles of the late 50’s and early 60’s that made a tight fitting sweater a must-have in every wardrobe. You also get an inkling why women were so happy to burn their bras in the late 60’s.

In 1966 Raquel Welch literally burst on to the scene in her fabulously tailored cave girl outfit in “1,000,000 B.C.”. With no real dialogue Raquel’s tight-fitting animal skin bikini said it all. With beautifully coiffed hair, perfect make-up and a body to die for this movie is great, campy fun. The Raquel poster from the movie was in every boy’s room. It even played a key role in 1994’s “Shawshank Redemption”.

For all out bling in your lingerie watch 2010’s “Burlesque” starring Cher and Christistina Aquilera. The Swarovski Crystal corsets are a knock-out. Plus, Christina gives us a great lesson in how to put on and take off stockings. Fun!

Here’s a little “out-of-the-box” thinking about a movie that features lingerie: “Cold Comfort Farm”. This 1995, delicious eccentric British comedy, is set in 1920’s England. Joanna Lumley from the “Ab-Fab” comedy series, has a standout supporting role as a London socialite who spends her spare time collecting fabulous lingerie. She and her long-suffering butler steal the show pinning and caressing her mannequins displaying the collection in her front parlor. The movie is fun and it gives you a great glimpse at the fashions of the late 20’s.

There are hundreds of examples where lingerie has helped to move movie plots along. Televion and Videos also look to lingerie for inspiration. Check out videos by Beyone or Madonna and Lady Gaga. TV’s “Sex In The City” features beautiful lingerie. There was a even a short-live televisdion series on USA Network called “Lingerie”. You have your favorires. Let us know what they are.