From Seventeen
In the fifties and sixties, the girls' magazine Seventeen consistently promoted the wearing of figure-shaping foundations. The Seventeen Book of Fashion and Beauty, published in 1967, summed up the prevailing philosophy:
Never underestimate the importance of your bra and girdle. They cannot substitute for diet and exercise in correcting figure problems, but oh, what a difference they can make in the fit and swing of your clothes. Underpinnings can and should make minor readjustments in your proportions through control and redistribution where necessary: by lifting your bosom to give you a prettier shape under sweaters and knits and allow the bustline darts of a dress to hit the right place; by flattening tummy and firming derriere so that your skirts do not cup and vertical seams fall straight; by smoothing bulges to make your thigh-line sleek and trim. Your choice of bra and girdle should be determined by two things: your own silhouette and the particular clothes you plan to wear.
In one early-sixties issue, the magazine presented this advice in the form of an illustrated essay, showing models posing as ballerinas while clad in foundations from a variety of well-known manufacturers. Accompanying the illustration were quotes from the choreographer, Agnes DeMille. The unwritten implication is any girl can attain the grace of a ballerina if she makes sure to wear the proper foundation. This section was followed by illustrations of fashionable outfits selected to coordinate with the foundations.
Today, the sequence gives a remarkable insight into the perceptions of what was considered proper attire for young ladies. This presentation extracts the pictures and text of the article, as well as a sample of the matching outfits.
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