What Lies Beneath*

by Tracy James


Photography by Chuck St. John
Model: Claire Valentine with Red Models
Makeup: Lita Sheri Peer
All garments from The Lingerie Shoppe in Mountain Brook Village

The origins of lingerie trace back to 3000 BC in Egypt, but the term - derived from the French word “linge” meaning “linen” - was not frequently used until the late 1850’s. Since then, this category of clothing has taken on many forms and functions, from those perhaps not as commonly known: to protect the body, to show piety, to indicate wealth…to those more associated with the delicate garments: to shape, to sleep, to seduce. I believe one of lingerie’s most powerful aspects is its ability to evoke a secret, inner glamour within the wearer that inspires women to feel even more beautiful in their clothes or state of leisure.

In Bloom by Jonquil chiffon racerback chemise ($48) & robe ($68)

In Bloom by Jonquil chiffon racerback chemise ($48) & robe ($68)

Hanky Panky boy short ($29); Mad Mac rose print mesh chemise ($92), made in Dallas and designed by women. 

Hanky Panky boy short ($29); Mad Mac rose print mesh chemise ($92), made in Dallas and designed by women. 

Lingerie is the maximum expression of a woman’s femininity.
— Dolce & Gabbana
Natori "Forbidden City" gown/robe set ($300)

Natori "Forbidden City" gown/robe set ($300)

Natori chemise ($160) & robe ($120); Jacques Levine bedroom shoe ($96)

Natori chemise ($160) & robe ($120); Jacques Levine bedroom shoe ($96)

Without proper foundations there can be no fashion.
— Christian Dior
Wacoal "Embrace Lace" bra ($50) & panty ($27); Oscar de la Renta flutter-sleeve wrap robe $58

Wacoal "Embrace Lace" bra ($50) & panty ($27); Oscar de la Renta flutter-sleeve wrap robe $58

* As published in B-Metro Magazine, February 2017.