'Leila' Sheer Mesh & Satin Ribbon Slot Sling Bra & Thong By Agent Provocateur

Date: 2005

Origin: Made in France

Fabric: Nylon-elastane blend stretch mesh, satin ribbon

A sling cup bra, designed to be worn in the boudoir with the nipple exposed, with a matching ouvert thong. Stretch nylon mesh, satin strapping and plastic boning are strategically used to subtly lift the bustline whilst covering very little of it. Pale pink satin ribbon slot lace trim and bows are signature details of many early Agent Provocateur designs. The coordinating thong is open at the centre front and through the crotch, with ribbon slot trim framing the opening.

This set was part of the brand’s 2005 ‘Box Of Tricks’ collection as a new colourway for the brand. The set was previously released in 2004 in an all-black colourway. The designs were most likely created for Agent Provocateur by French manufacturers ‘Folies By Renaud’, who continue to offer very similar silhouettes under the style name ‘Mégane’.

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 and The Underpinnings Museum. Thong kindly donated by Tiah Eckhardt.