Channel 4 Mon 13 to Thurs 16 Aug 2007 7.55pm
Three Minute Wonders presents a series of films on the history of the bra. Of all garments invented by man or woman to improve their appearance only the bra truly defies nature itself, struggling against the force of gravity.
The films delve into the knicker drawer of brassiere history to discover a few things about a woman's most essential and intimate undergarment; shining a light on what makes an everyday object truly remarkable.
Film 1: The Bra Lady – 13 August
It's an oft-quoted fact that 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra. Sadie 'the bra lady' Ayton has fitted over 50,000 women in her 37-year career – transforming their lives as well as their busts.
Film 2: Me, My Bra and I – 15 August
Stop frame animation of real women wearing the same bra in progressing sizes together with a few home truths from women about their relationship with their bra.
Film 3: The Liberators – 14 August
Did women really burn their bras? Two feminists re-visit the toe-curling Wonderbra adverts of the 1970s to explore why the bra became the 'bête noire' of the women's movement.
Did women really burn their bras? Two feminists re-visit the toe-curling Wonderbra adverts of the 1970s to explore why the bra became the 'bête noire' of the women's movement.
Film 4: Happy Birthday Bra – 16 August
A whistle-stop tour through one hundred years of the bra! This film takes a look the changing silhouette of the bust from the invention of the bra in 1907 to the present day – from flattened flappers through to cone shaped 'Sweater Girls' – from Jane Russell to Eva Herzigova – for 3 minutes the bra's supporting role in history takes centre stage.
The films attempt to look sideways at the history and cultural legacy of this not-so-ordinary undergarment, exposing the secrets we tell ourselves (and others) and revealing something about humanity's ability to shape our history – despite the constraints of reality.
From Tigerlily Films for Channel 4
Director: Pinny Grylls
