Frederick's of Hollywood Bras and Bra Sets
For 70 years, Frederick's of Hollywood has been making lingerie and women’s undergarments. The brand offers nightwear for women of all ages.
What is Frederick's of Hollywood?As a GI during World War II, Frederick Mellinger took an interest in many of the leading ladies in Hollywood such as Betty Grable, Jane Russell, and Rita Hayworth. Mellinger began to investigate what made those women so appealing. Upon asking his fellow soldiers, he was told, “It’s the ladies’ bras.”
In 1947, Mellinger opened up the first Frederick's of Hollywood where he sold bras as well as panties, see-through corsets, and other lingerie items. The store also housed a Lingerie Hall of Fame, which contained the undergarments of famous women such as:
- Ava Gardner’s petticoat from “Showboat”
- Lana Turner’s slip from “The Merry Widow”
- Susan Sarandon’s garter belt from “Bull Durham”
- Ethel Merman’s girdle from “There’s No Business Like Show Business”
At its height, Mellinger’s company consisted of more than 160 stores and a mail-order business that was promoted by a catalog. By the time Mellinger died in 1990, his company had acquired Victoria’s Secret, which was another lingerie line that was also invested in catalog sales.
What styles of bras are available?Some examples of Frederick's of Hollywood bras include:
- Balconettes
- Bralettes
- Bra sets
- Demis
- Full coverage
- Plunge
- Push-Up
- T-Shirt
This collection includes intimates that range in band size, including 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, as well as small and medium. In addition, the cup sizes include A, B, C, D, DD, and DDD, as well as one size.
These undergarments are also available in colors such as beige, black, white, red, blue, and ivory, to name a few, as well as different materials such as 100% cotton, cotton blend, nylon, polyester, lace, satin, and leather.
Who are the Frederick's of Hollywood models?Some famous actresses and models have posed for the Frederick's of Hollywood catalog. These women include:
- Rita Hayworth
- Jayne Mansfield
- Tina Louise
- Pamela Anderson
- Dita Von Teese
- Joanna Krupa
- Shauna Sand
- Nicky Hilton
- Cindy Margolis
- Brooke Burke
- Nina Agdal
- Eva LaRue
Frederick's of Hollywood did not close, although it no longer maintains stores. In 2015, its brick-and-mortar stores closed, and its lingerie catalog ceased to be printed. However, the brand still maintains an online presence.
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