An iconic red three piece lingerie set Made by Berlei in New Zealand, consisting of an early 60s bra, knickers and slip. All made from fire engine red nylon with lace accents. The bra has slightly pointed cups for a subtle ‘bullet bra’ silhouette and dainty embroidery on the upper cups with bows, leaves and a floral spray. Its straps are non-stretch but adjustable thick satin ribbons and the back has three sets of double metal hook and eye closures and a short band of elastic that has lost its stretch but could be replaced easily. The bra itself is non-stretch but adjustable with the three hook settings. The knickers are stretchy and have elasticated waist and legs, They are a high waisted full brief with small panels of sheer nylon overlaid with lace at front legs. These are unlined except the gusset. The slinky slip is perfect for layering under dresses and has lace cups and a deep lace hem. Its ribbon straps are adjustable with sliders.
Fits like modern size 34B/12B Size S (you probably won’t fill the bra all the way to the points of each cup. Women often wore triangular pads to stuff the points of their bullet bras!)
Measurements (lying flat):
Bra
Shoulder straps width c24cm
Shoulder straps max length 44cm
Overbust first closure 88cm
Underbust first closure 74.5cm
Underbust second closure 73cm
Underbust third closure 71.5cm
Cup diameter 13cm
Cup depth 7cm
Knickers
Waist 24-36cm
Hips 34-40cm
Leg opening 18-26cm
Depth 32cm
Slip
Shoulder to shoulder 18cm
Underarm to underarm 35-38cm
Waist 41-45cm
Hip 46-50cm
Length 97cm
Label: Bra: “Hollywood Vassarette by Berlei Made in NZ” “H4053A Size 34” “Nylon Do Not Iron”, Slip: “32”, Knickers: “Made in NZ SSW”
Provenance: Sourced from NZ
Condition: Very good – Good – a little wear evident throughout including slight wear to seams, a pull at front gusset on knickers, some marks on both knicker and slip straps. Knicker elastic is in great shape. The bra has short bands of elastic at its back and back of straps that have lost their stretch but can be replaced easily.
