Date: 2008
Origin: Designed in the UK, made in Morocco
Fabric: Polyester-elastane blend mesh
Brand: Agent Provocateur
The ‘Maschina’ set is based around a beige polyester tulle embroidered with a barbed wire pattern. Against pale skin, this has a tattoo-like effect. The choice of embroidered motif plays with the expectations of femininity in lingerie; barbed wire carries relatively violent connotations and is fiercely opposed to the traditional floral patterns that are most commonly found in lace or embroidery. This contradiction in materials is further re-enforced by the decorative bows used at the centre front of each garment, which are made from leather.
Agent Provocateur was founded as a luxury lingerie retailer and brand in 1994 by Serena Rees and Joseph Corré, with the first store opened on Broadwick Street in Soho, London, UK. The brand became renowned for its provocative and daring designs and advertising strategies. The label often used celebrity models, and many early campaigns focused on women’s sexualities performed for their own pleasures, rather than the typical male gaze.
The brand was sold to investment firm 3i in 2007. The company faced financial difficulties and entered financial administration in 2017, to be later sold to Four Holdings.
From the collection of Karolina Laskowska
