La Perla
Established 1954Founded in 1954 by corset-maker Ada Masotti, La Perla is an Italian luxury company, mostly known for redefining lingerie as a fashion accessory. Masotti adapted her expertise as a corset-maker to different kinds of lingerie, inventing new styles and redefining how lingerie was considered and worn. Presenting her garments in a luxurious box lined in red velvet, similar to a jeweler’s case, Masotti named her company ‘La Perla’ – a symbol of harmony and femininity.
La Perla was the first to experiment with new materials such as tulle and Leavers lace woven on Calais looms – the so called Dentelle de Calais. La Perla was also the first to experiment with colorful, floral and checked patterns alongside the more traditional white, black and nude. In the 1970s, La Perla introduced the triangle bra, which allowed for free-flowing movement and reflected fashion’s preference for a smaller bust. In 1978, La Perla launched its stretch lace sets, echoing the fashion of the day with its clinging dresses and natural flowing lines.
Care has been taken to trace the ownership of any copyright material and to contact the owner. The author does not intend to infringe on anyone’s copyright for text, photos or otherwise. Anyone who feels that any item in these pages may have inadvertently breached their copyright should advise the author via the contact sheet, including a link to the page, so that appropriate remedial action can be taken.
