Category: sex

A Journey Through the History of Women’s Lingerie

A beautiful young thin woman wearing gorgeous black lingerie with fish nets
Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

The Evolution of Elegance

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A Journey Through the History of Women’s Lingerie

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Women’s Lingerie

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The history of women’s lingerie is a captivating tale of innovation, empowerment, and artistry. From its humble beginnings as a practical necessity to its current status as a symbol of confidence and self-expression, lingerie has mirrored the changing roles and perceptions of women across centuries.

The story begins in ancient civilizations, where women wore simple garments for modesty and support. In Egypt, linen tunics served as undergarments, while Roman women used breast bands called strophium. Fast forward to the Middle Ages, and lingerie began to take on a more structured form. The corset, introduced in the 16th century, became a defining piece of women’s fashion. Made from rigid materials like whalebone, it sculpted the body into an idealized silhouette, though often at the cost of comfort.

The 19th century brought significant changes. The Industrial Revolution made lingerie more accessible, and the invention of the sewing machine allowed for intricate designs. Corsets remained popular, but the late 1800s saw the rise of the “health corset,” designed to be less restrictive. By the early 20th century, the feminist movement and shifting societal norms led to the decline of the corset. In 1914, Mary Phelps Jacob patented the first modern bra, offering women a more comfortable alternative.

The 1920s flapper era embraced freedom and rebellion, with women opting for looser, more practical undergarments. World War II further emphasized functionality, as materials like silk were rationed for parachutes. The post-war era, however, saw lingerie return to glamour. Icons like Marilyn Monroe and Bettie Page popularized seductive designs, while brands like Frederick’s of Hollywood and Victoria’s Secret turned lingerie into a global phenomenon.

Today, lingerie is a celebration of diversity and inclusivity. Modern designers prioritize comfort, sustainability, and body positivity, creating pieces that empower women of all shapes and sizes. Leading the charge are international designers who have redefined the industry.

beautiful girl reclining wearing all black lingerie
Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

La Perla, founded in Italy in 1954, is synonymous with luxury and craftsmanship. Known for its exquisite lace and timeless designs, the brand has dressed celebrities and royalty alike. Chantal Thomass, a French designer, is celebrated for her playful, avant-garde creations that blend sensuality with sophistication.

In the UK, Agent Provocateur has made waves with its bold, provocative designs, while Stella McCartney champions sustainability with eco-friendly lingerie made from recycled materials. Across the Atlantic, Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty has revolutionized the industry with its inclusive sizing and empowering runway shows, celebrating diversity like never before.

From corsets to bralettes, the history of women’s lingerie is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the enduring quest for self-expression. Today, it’s not just about what women wear—it’s about how they choose to define themselves. As designers continue to push boundaries, lingerie remains a powerful tool for empowerment, reminding us that elegance is not just in the design, but in the confidence it inspires.

topless model seated with black g-string
Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

 

Debunking The Myth: Do Blondes Really Have More Fun?

blond model zipping up her boots wearing lingerie and a corset
Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

Do Blondes Really Have More Fun? Debunking the Myth

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 Let’s dive into the origins of this idea and explore whether hair color truly has any bearing on one’s ability to enjoy life.

The phrase “blondes have more fun” gained widespread popularity in the 1950s, thanks in part to marketing campaigns for hair dye. Companies like Clairol used the slogan to sell their products, capitalizing on the idea that being blonde was synonymous with being carefree, attractive, and adventurous. Hollywood further cemented this image, with iconic blonde bombshells like Marilyn Monroe and Brigitte Bardot embodying glamour, charm, and a seemingly effortless zest for life.

But does science back up the claim? Not really. Studies on happiness and personality traits show no correlation between hair color and one’s capacity for fun or enjoyment. Fun is subjective and depends on individual personality, interests, and circumstances—not the shade of one’s hair. In fact, the stereotype can be limiting, reducing people to a single trait and ignoring the complexity of their experiences.

Moreover, the myth has its downsides. Blondes often face unfair stereotypes, such as being perceived as less intelligent or more frivolous—a phenomenon known as the “dumb blonde” trope. These assumptions can lead to real-world consequences, from workplace discrimination to social biases. On the flip side, non-blondes might feel excluded from the narrative, as if they’re missing out on some secret to happiness.

Ultimately, fun isn’t determined by hair color—it’s about attitude, confidence, and embracing life’s opportunities. Whether you’re blonde, brunette, redhead, or rocking a bold neon hue, the key to having fun lies in being true to yourself. So, let’s leave this outdated myth behind and focus on what really matters: creating joy on our own terms. After all, fun comes in all colors—not just blonde.

Black Lace: A History of Elegance and Eroticism in Fashion

Beautiful rich woman standing in front of castle holding her breasts wearing black lace
Black Lace. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

Black Lace

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A History of Elegance and Eroticism in Fashion

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Model: Gina Iannece for the Heroines & Vixens Series

Photography: Tony Ward

Styling:  KVaughn

Makeup & Hair: Michael Connor

Lighting: Anthony Colagreco

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Black lace has long been a symbol of sophistication, mystery, and sensuality in the world of fashion. Its intricate patterns and delicate texture have captivated designers and wearers alike for centuries, transcending cultural boundaries and evolving into a timeless emblem of erotic allure. From its origins in European aristocracy to its modern-day interpretations, black lace has woven itself into the fabric of fashion history, embodying both elegance and seduction.

The history of black lace dates back to the 16th century, when it first emerged as a luxury fabric in Europe. Initially crafted by hand in regions like Flanders and Venice, lace was a labor-intensive textile reserved for the elite. Black lace, in particular, gained prominence in the courts of Spain and France, where it was used to adorn garments for royalty and nobility. Its dark hue contrasted strikingly with the pale complexions of the aristocracy, creating an air of mystery and refinement. By the 19th century, black lace had become a staple of mourning attire, popularized by Queen Victoria after the death of her husband, Prince Albert. Yet, even in its somber context, the fabric retained an undercurrent of sensuality, hinting at the duality of life and death.

As fashion evolved, so did the role of black lace. By the early 20th century, it had shed its association with mourning and emerged as a symbol of feminine empowerment and allure. Designers like Coco Chanel embraced black lace, incorporating it into their collections to create garments that were both elegant and provocative. The flapper dresses of the 1920s, with their sheer lace overlays, epitomized the liberated spirit of the era, while the lingerie of the 1940s and 1950s used black lace to evoke a sense of intimacy and desire.

The erotic allure of black lace is deeply rooted in its ability to reveal and conceal simultaneously. Its translucent quality allows glimpses of skin, creating a tantalizing interplay between modesty and seduction. This duality has made black lace a favorite in lingerie design, where it is often used to craft pieces that are both delicate and daring. In cultures around the world, black lace has been embraced as a symbol of femininity and sensuality. In Latin America, for example, it is a key element of traditional bridal wear, symbolizing purity and passion. In Japan, black lace is often used in modern fashion to blend traditional aesthetics with contemporary edge.

Today, black lace continues to inspire designers like KVaughn and captivate wearers. From haute couture runways to everyday streetwear, its versatility and timeless appeal ensure its place in the fashion lexicon. Whether adorning a wedding gown, a cocktail dress, or a piece of intimate apparel, black lace remains a powerful expression of elegance and eroticism, a fabric that transcends time and culture to embody the eternal allure of the feminine mystique.

News: Trump Destroys D.E.I. Hiring

DEI workplace illustrations by A.I.

Trump Destroys D.E.I. Hiring

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In a sweeping move that has sent ripples through the federal workforce and beyond, President Donald Trump has issued executive orders dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government. These actions, which include placing DEI staff on paid leave and deactivating related web pages, mark a significant departure from previous efforts to promote inclusivity in public institutions. 

The administration’s stance is that DEI initiatives constitute “illegal and immoral discrimination programs” and divert from merit-based hiring practices. By revoking Executive Order 11246, originally signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965 to prohibit employment discrimination by federal contractors, the current administration aims to eliminate what it perceives as preferential treatment based on race, sex, or religion. 

Critics argue that dismantling DEI programs threatens decades of progress in addressing systemic inequalities. Civil rights advocates express concern that these measures will reduce workplace diversity and hinder efforts to combat discrimination. The rollback of DEI initiatives is seen by some as a step backward in promoting equal employment opportunities for historically marginalized groups. 

DEI hire_drag_queen-illustration
DEI

The implications of these executive orders extend beyond the federal workforce, potentially influencing the broader American economy and job opportunities for people of color and other non-white ethnic groups. Federal contractors, who were previously mandated to implement affirmative action programs under Executive Order 11246, may now feel less compelled to prioritize diversity in their hiring practices. This shift could lead to decreased representation of minority groups in various industries, as companies may no longer be incentivized to actively promote inclusive hiring. 

Moreover, the administration’s directive to encourage the private sector to end DEI initiatives could have a chilling effect on corporate diversity efforts nationwide. Businesses that once invested in DEI programs to foster inclusive workplaces might scale back or eliminate these initiatives, fearing potential scrutiny or repercussions. Such a trend could exacerbate existing disparities in employment and advancement opportunities for underrepresented groups. 

The trickle-down effect of these policies may also impact educational institutions and nonprofit organizations. With the federal government signaling a departure from DEI commitments, universities and nonprofits that rely on federal funding might reconsider their diversity programs to align with the new directives. This could result in reduced support systems for students and communities of color, further entrenching systemic inequities. 

In summary, the administration’s recent executive orders to eliminate DEI programs represent a significant policy shift with far-reaching consequences. While proponents argue that these measures restore merit-based practices, critics contend that they undermine efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, potentially reversing progress made in creating equitable opportunities for all Americans.

DEI hire_drag_queen-illustration
DEI

The Art of Trust: A Nude Model’s Perspective

White college student modeling in the nude for a photography class
Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024

Text by Tony Ward, Copyright 2024

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The Art of Trust

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When she first volunteered to model nude for my Photography and Fashion Class, I knew it would challenge not just her sense of vulnerability but also the dynamics of trust and professionalism between myself, my peers, and my students. Seated in the center of the studio, illuminated by carefully angled lights, she learned that trust is not an abstract concept in such intimate settings—it is the foundation of everything.

As a seasoned photographer and instructor at the University of Pennsylvania, I began the project lectures with an earnest discussion about boundaries, respect, and the ethical responsibilities of capturing the human form. My words were reassuring, but the real test came when I stepped onto the set with my student. There is a rawness to standing unclothed in front of a camera, yet my demeanor and guidance made it clear that she was not merely a subject—she was a collaborator in the creation of Art.

From the outset, I emphasized precision: how a slight change in pose could transform a composition, how lighting softened the sharpness of vulnerability, and how every shadow told its own story. But the most important element, I explained, was the critical trust between artist and model. Each instruction that I gave was measured, devoid of intrusion or presumption. My professionalism reminded the student that this was not about exposure but about free expression. 

One moment in particular during the instruction stood out. As I adjusted the angle of a spotlight, I paused and asked, “Are you comfortable?” It was a simple question, but it conveyed so much more: an acknowledgment of my autonomy and a reminder that this was her space as much as mine to photograph. That question made all the difference.

Throughout the session, I became acutely aware of how trust shapes the creative process. Posing nude is not about perfection; it’s about presence. It’s about the willingness to be seen fully and the courage to believe that those seeing you—whether peers, an instructor, or an audience—will treat your vulnerability with care.

In retrospect, the experience transcended the act of modeling. It became a lesson in collaboration, communication, and the delicate art of honoring another person’s humanity. As much as this project taught my students about the interplay of lighting, setting, and pose, it taught me far more about the power of trust.