Hoorah for the Bra: A Perky Peek at the History of the Brassiere

by Cheree Berry

It was in 1914 that Mary Phelps Jacob set women free -- from the prison of the corset. With a little help from her lady's maid, this ingenious New York socialite stitched together two handkerchiefs and a long pink ribbon to fashion the world's first-ever brassiere. (Jacob later sold her patent for $1,500 -- to a company that went on to make $15 "million" off her invention.) The rest, as they say, is history -- a history that's amply, titillatingly documented by designer Cheree Berry in "Hoorah for the Bra."
The 20s' flat-chested flappers, the 50s' bullet-bosomed bombshells, the eye-gouging cones of Madonna's "Blonde Ambition"tour bustier: this provocative pop-up book reveals it all. The straps and the cups. The underwire and the padding. The elastic and the Lycra. The demure pink satin and the racy midnight lace. "Hoorah for the Bra" tells a tale that doesn't sag and presents a cast of characters -- mail-order moguls, brassiere-torching women's-libbers, sweater-clad movie stars -- who never let you down. Sure to be a bust-out hit, the book's the perfect gift for any Wonderbra dreamer or Frederick's of Hollywood vamp. To view the pop-ups, you just lift and separate!

Genres: Humor, Fashion

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Aline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and informative look at the History of the Bra! Great for Women’s History Month!

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A coworker recently went to a pop-up book workshop, and this author was there. This is the only one of her books available in Clevnet, and I wish there were more. This was fun and funny, but not nearly as provocative and with less pop-ups than I expected. Interesting info, though, and I think it's hysterical that she gives directions at the back for men so they can learn how to unhook a bra one-handed.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just received this as a gift from my mom's friend Wally - a fun trip through the history of the bra! Consider it important work reading...

[Chloe H · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s a super fun book with tons of little details, but I cannot get past the misinformation regarding the corset! The corset was not a prison made out of whalebone, it was functional and supportive, and was worn for everyday activities.

Read more here: https://www.lancasterhistory.org/debu...

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comically informative.

[Muffy Kroha · Rating 1 out of 5]

A waste of paper!!!!!! I mean really!!!!!! What a PERFECT subject for a pop up book- but no- NO
Not even worth cracking- Put it down now.

[Xina · Rating 4 out of 5]

sweet history of underpinnings, and how to care for em

[Katrina]

it looks intresting and funny!!!

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a pop-up book, it kinda falls flat, not being interactive enough, but what an appreciative look at a supportive garment that done much to shape fashion in the 20th century!