After reading an article in the Daily Mail last week which proclaimed, "It's been the curse of women throughout the ages - the dreaded VPL (Visible Panty Line)!" I decided to do some investigating into the ongoing VPL 'epidemic.' It was around 1976 that the visible panty line 'curse' became public knowledge with the advent of Underalls (easily recognizable by the large outline of a woman's ass on the package). And, while Underalls may have fizzled out in the 90's, the 'curse' of the VPL lived on.
"Underalls" ad, 1980In recent years, brands like Barely There, Cosabella, Commando, Jockey, and Spanx have perfected the "invisible panty line" using everything from flat elastic and mesh blends to microfiber and seamless finishes. (Jockey has even trademarked the "No Panty Line Promise" Bikini. And sales of Debenhams' Invisible Knickers -- which are reported to fit like a "second skin" -- have increased 1,800% in the last 12 months.)
So, how then does one explain the emerging trend of designers creating looks in which people can see right through to a woman's panty lines? Take VPL (which actually does stand for Visible Panty Line) who begged the question "what mystery really lies beneath?" by bringing underwear out to become a visible, stylish part of our everyday uniform. Or those hilarious skirts in which Japanese women spoofed the visible panty line trend by giving passersby temporary x-ray vision? Or the myriad of designers that put outerwear creations (like dresses and skirts) on 2008/2009 runways that scream, "The visible panty line is back!"
Does this mean we're actually ready for a granny panty VPL comeback? Or has anti-VPL sentiment been etched too deeply into our collective DNA to warrant it's return?
Roberto Cavalli, Temperley London, and Rock & Republic - Spring 2009
Todd Lynn, Spring 2009
Araks, John Galliano, and Betty Jackson - Spring 2009
Sonia Rykiel, Spring 2009
Alessandro Dellacqua & Alexandre Herchcovitch - Spring 2009Ann-Sofie Back, Fall 2008
Krizia, Spring 2009
Luisa Beccaria, Reyes, and Margaret Howell - Spring 2009
Jaeger London, Spring 2009
Toni Maticevski & Armand Basi One - Spring 2009Zac Posen - Fall 2008
Christian Dior, Spring 2009
Custo Barcelona, Jasper Conran, and Jean Paul Gaultier - Spring 2009
9 comments:
I kinda like the black panties under the sheer dress :>> U have to have a great body to get away whit that trend x>
i don't have the ass (or the legs) for this trend!
I was always SO uncomfortable with VPL. I don't care what anyone says about thongs. I love 'em!
Sigh. This stuff really brings out the prude in me. Designs that purposely show bras and knickers just make me cringe. I am, however, a faithful thong-wearer and VPL hater in my regular-person life.
I love this style, "féminin "et sexy
Beautiful choice
That's such a comprehensive roundup of sheer looks. I'm always in awe of your finds.
I probably shouldn't admit this, but back when I watched "Melrose Place," in '98 (?), I remember Heather Locklear swanning around in what really amounted to a crochet dress in one episode. Underneath, all she had on were giant black granny panties and a big, opaque black bra. That's the last time I remember seeing anything that deliberately sheer, until now.
Everything looks fantastic, edgy and sheik.
Looks absolutely great, adding a lot of style. Gotta take a risk sometime.
Lingerie
The designer has a lot of style.
Lingerie
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