For much of the 20th century, lingerie was tucked away behind closed doors—more private ritual than public statement. But over the last few decades, the intimate has become iconic. No longer confined to bedrooms and dressing rooms, lingerie has taken center stage in pop culture, influencing music, fashion, celebrity styling, and social movements.
So how did something once whispered about in hushed tones become a bold symbol of empowerment and rebellion?
The Supermodel Era and the Rise of Public Lingerie
In the 1990s, supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer turned heads on runways—not just in gowns, but in lingerie. High-fashion designers began showcasing corsets, bustiers, and slip dresses as outerwear, blurring the lines between private wear and public power dressing.
Then came the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Once an annual spectacle, it featured high-end lingerie paired with angel wings and high production value. Though often criticized for its narrow beauty standards, it was also part of a broader cultural shift: lingerie was now entertainment, fashion, and fantasy.
Lingerie and Music: A Perfect Match
Few industries have embraced lingerie as fiercely as music. From Madonna’s iconic cone bra to Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty performances, artists have used intimate apparel to reclaim narratives about their bodies and their voices.
Today, lingerie in music videos, album covers, and red carpet appearances is not just expected—it’s celebrated. It symbolizes confidence, vulnerability, power, and self-expression, all in one visual gesture.
Retailers like Romantic Depot have reflected this shift with bold, diverse selections of lingerie that range from stage-ready to comfort-first. It’s no longer just about seduction—it’s about style, identity, and agency.
Streetwear Meets Underwear
One of the most unexpected transformations is how lingerie has influenced everyday fashion. Think slip dresses worn over turtlenecks, bodysuits as daytime tops, or sheer robes replacing cardigans. Influencers and stylists continue to borrow from lingerie aesthetics to redefine streetwear, often blending delicate fabrics with structured pieces.
This mainstreaming has made lingerie more accessible and normalized than ever. It’s now a canvas for experimentation, especially among younger generations who refuse to categorize clothing as either “public” or “private.”
Lingerie as Social Commentary
Lingerie isn’t just about fashion. It often mirrors social change. Today, conversations about body positivity, inclusivity, and gender expression are actively shaping lingerie design. Pop culture has amplified the need for more sizes, gender-neutral options, and diverse models—and brands are responding.
The shift is also technological. With online stores like Romantic Depot offering extensive, easy-to-navigate lingerie collections, customers are empowered to explore styles that align with their identity without judgment or discomfort.
Final Thoughts: More Than a Trend
From boudoir photography to TikTok fashion hauls, lingerie has evolved from a hidden garment into a cultural force. It’s not just something you wear—it’s something you inhabit. And in that space between fabric and skin, people are finding ways to express who they are, who they want to be, and how they want to be seen.
Pop culture didn’t just embrace lingerie—it helped reimagine it. And in turn, lingerie redefined pop culture, proving that sometimes the most intimate things have the loudest voice.
