Guys, in case I haven’t made it clear over the last few posts, I STRONGLY FEEL that you should check out the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, starring Essie Davis as the Honourable Phryne (pronounced Fry-nee) Fisher (season 1 is streaming on Netflix, season 3 was just announced, and season 2 is available exclusively on Acorn TV, which makes me cranky because the last thing I need is to sign up for yet another video streaming service, and yet I can feel that I might cave any day now, because I want my Miss Fisher). It is pure catnip to lovers of mysteries, romantical shenanigans, and olden-time eye candy.
The Honourable Phryne Fisher, who of course keeps daggers in her stockings.
They are frothy and flapper-y and charmingly cast and I promise the first two or three episodes will have you digging through your liquor cabinet searching for a cocktail to swill while you watch. Miss Phryne Fisher is a sexually liberated feminist who can handle her booze, her boys, and her bad guys with equal aplomb. She is slinky and sassy and compassionate and fierce and impeccably coiffed and I love her.
“Yes, I am fabulous. Observe my feathers.”
I also love her wardrobe.
Phryne in one of her many baller kimonos. Swoon.
Julia Lambert (“Julia Lambert” is my twin sister’s blog alias, for those of you who are newbies) and I have both begun reevaluating our lingerie drawers with the single criterion “What Would Miss Fisher Wear?”, and in light of that I thought it would be fun to share some of my picks for How to Build Miss Fisher’s Lingerie Wardrobe. Let’s all pretend we’re wildly wealthy aristocrats in Australia in the 1920s with a yen for social justice and a predilection for awesomeness, shall we?
Left to right: Mary Green “Nouveau Retro” Teddy, Hips and Curves Lace Trim Satin Plus Size Teddy, Kiss Me Deadly Peach Silk “Ida” Bralet and “Peachy Keen” Longline Girdle
The 20th century was a period of immense change in the fashion world in general, and women’s lingerie was no exception. Lingerie was hugely affected by the other Big Deal Things that were going on in the world at the time, like, you know, suffrage, world war, industrialism, and general social and political upheaval. Women’s clothes grew shorter and slinkier, so all-in-one garments like cami-knickers and “step-ins” became popular for their comfort and practicality, allowing the lighter, closer-fitting garments to hug the body. Instead of waist-nipping corsets, many women chose to wear longer, slimming girdles, corselettes, and other pieces of shapewear that helped them achieve the long, straight silhouette of the 1920s. Shorter skirts meant shorter slips and visible stockings, and pale pink and blush were some of the most popular colors. This distinctly retro color palette has made a resurgence lately, so you have plenty of options to begin building your flapper’s lingerie wardrobe.
Clockwise from top left: Dollhouse Bettie “Juliet” Black Silk Seamed Flapper Stockings, Angela Friedman “Charlize” Slip, Mimi Holliday “Knickerbocker Glory” Camisole and Shorties, Hips and Curves Satin Chemise and Robe Set, Dottie’s Delights Gold Lace Bra and Girdle Skirt, Mimi Holliday “Bisou Bisou” Teddy, Kiss Me Deadly sheer “Elle” Knickers and “Van Doren” Bralet
Phryne is, to quote Singing in the Rain, “so refined I think I might kill myself”, and as a woman dressing in the height of sophistication, she would DEFINITELY have some slinky black pieces in her lingerie drawer. These seamed silk stockings, fluttering tap pants, silky teddies, slips and camisoles, and a stunning girdle skirt would make any of her lovers weak in the knees.
Clockwise from top left: Harlow & Fox “Eleanor” collection, Dottie’s Delights “Century Girl” Slip, Harlow & Fox “Eleanor” collection, Mimi Holliday “Banoffee Pie” camisole and shorties, Dollhouse Bettie “Juliet” Silk Flapper Stockings.
But she’s not in full seduction mode all the time. This woman takes her detective work seriously (“I don’t allow myself to be lustfully compromised during my murder investigations”), and she dresses impeccably for every social engagement, from cocktails and dancing to a ladylike garden party. These beautiful ivory styles make a lovely counterpoint to black evening wear.
Clockwise from top left: Carine Gilson “Sonia” Short Kimono, Trashy Diva Flapper Robe, Layneau Collection “Contessa” Robe, Carine Gilson “Sakura” Long Kimono, Jenny Packham Long Satin Robe
Phryne busts out an awesome robe in the very first episode, while seducing a Russian ballet dancer, and that’s how I knew we were soulmates. I could see her wearing any of these stunning robes, particularly the velvet Layneau “Contessa” robe, which reminds me of one of her many fur-trimmed evening coats.
I see you, you saucy minx.
Don’t forget accessories!
I have not seen this episode yet, and so seeing this picture pop up on the internet caused me actual pain because I’m so stoked to watch it, NETFLIX. Season 2. Get on it.
While I can’t in good conscience recommend keeping a dagger in your stockings (we’re not all loaded, Phryne– how many pairs of silk stockings do you accidentally stab?), Dollhouse Bettie offers a silk garter flask that cracks me up, and also I want one. Throw in a feather boa and some dancing shoes, and you’re all set!
Clockwise from top left: Dollhouse Bettie fan, garter flask, and boa, Very Fine ballroom shoes, Jacques Levine Kraze silk marabou mules
There were far, far too many wonderful options out there for me to include them all in the post. If you’re looking for more, be sure to check out Dollhouse Bettie, Dottie’s Delights, Kiss Me Deadly, Mimi Holliday, and What Katie Did for more retro goodness. From slips to camiknickers to tap pants to seamed stockings, each retailer and brand offers a huge range of vintage-style (and modern!) lingerie pieces in a variety of shapes and styles.
Oh you two. Get a room.
Go catch bad guys and drive the local detective inspector wild.
Miss Fisher and Detective Inspector Jack Robinson. I want Phryne to have all the lovers she wants, but I am firmly Team Jack, in my heart.
17 Comments on Lingerie for Lady Detectives: Inspired by Miss Phryne Fisher
5Pingbacks & Trackbacks on Lingerie for Lady Detectives: Inspired by Miss Phryne Fisher
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[…] opaque piping, or a set that’s unabashedly retro in pale pink silk with matching tap pants, like one Miss Phryne Fisher might wear. In other words, I want something really, really sexy or special, without sacrificing the fit and […]
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Erica of A Sophisticated Pair
June 18, 2014 at 12:11 pm (9 years ago)Sweets, I literally just binge watched the second season about a week and half ago, and I must say that it is my goal to be like the Honorable Miss Fisher when I grow up. Seriously, she is amazing, and oh those gorgeous clothes! I just want to sashay around in feathers and silk all day. Oh, and did you see the episode where she talks about dressing for yourself and how nothing feels quite so great as “silk underwear?” Perfection!
Sweets
June 18, 2014 at 12:35 pm (9 years ago)I AM SO JEALOUS that you’ve watched Season 2. I feel all my plans for this weekend slowly draining away as my willpower dwindles.
sophisticatedpair
June 18, 2014 at 12:42 pm (9 years ago)Willpower is overrated, dahling! Trust me, Season 2 was great. I think the episode where she talks about lingerie is like 4 or 5. And the clothes this season, oh the clothes! Easily one of my favorite TV series 🙂
Darlene
June 18, 2014 at 3:28 pm (9 years ago)I want that Carine Gilson Sakura long kimono!!!
Sweets
June 18, 2014 at 4:13 pm (9 years ago)ME TOO. It’s just staggeringly gorgeous!
Mom
June 18, 2014 at 10:27 pm (9 years ago)This is great!
Madame Tulip Noire
June 19, 2014 at 8:49 am (9 years ago)I adore this post! I’ve always loved 1920’s styled undergarments and it is wonderful to see such a beautiful compilation.
Julia Lambert
June 19, 2014 at 3:25 pm (9 years ago)Did you read the interview with Essie Davis on NPR? She revealed that the embroidered design on her black kimono is two fighting cocks, and that it is her favorite, most thoroughly Phryne costume piece. I love that. I would also like all of the teddies, please, and stockings, thank you, and season 2 on Netflix.
Sweets
June 19, 2014 at 3:32 pm (9 years ago)Essie Davis seems like such a kick. I want to take her out to a bar and get her to tell me all her secrets.
Susan Dennison
April 19, 2015 at 4:42 pm (8 years ago)If you are near a public library -you can get season 2! If they don’t have it, request the purchase. It was delightful. I like the lingerie, but love, love, love the clothes. Where can you find those??
Sweets
April 19, 2015 at 6:56 pm (8 years ago)Hi Susan! For 1920s-inspired fashions, I recommend checking out Unique Vintage. They have one of the best selections of 1920s designs, including plus sizes, coordinating slips, and accessories! For shoes you can also check out Re-mix Vintage. Enjoy!
Ciara
January 1, 2020 at 6:14 pm (3 years ago)I’d love an updated post on this. The films out soon. I love this style of lingerie!