FredericksofHollywood: The Legacy of Provocative

FredericksofHollywood: The Legacy of Provocative Lingerie

When we talk about American lingerie that pushed boundaries and redefined sensuality, FredericksofHollywood is an undisputed icon. Known for its bold, unapologetic approach to intimate apparel, this heritage brand carved out a reputation that has spanned decades, bringing risqué into the mainstream and empowering women to own their sensuality—on their terms.

At Olivia Paisley Intimates, we honor the evolution of lingerie and its power to reflect confidence, femininity, and self-expression. In this spotlight, we take a closer look at the legendary FredericksofHollywood—its history, its influence, and where it stands today in the ever-evolving world of intimates.

The Origin of Hollywood Glamour

Founded in 1947 by Frederick Mellinger, Frederick’s of Hollywood began as a small lingerie boutique in Los Angeles, quickly gaining a cult following among Hollywood’s elite. Mellinger, credited with inventing the push-up bra, revolutionized the way women shaped their silhouettes—making Frederick’s synonymous with glamour, curves, and confidence.

Where other lingerie brands leaned toward subtlety and practicality, Frederick’s leaned into boldness, boudoir, and bombshell style. Feather-trimmed robes, satin bustiers, lace-up corsets, and sheer baby dolls weren’t just fantasy—they became fashion.

What Set Frederick’s Apart

Frederick’s of Hollywood wasn’t just about lingerie—it was a cultural statement. The brand was built on the idea that every woman deserves to feel sexy, regardless of body type, age, or societal norms.

Key Contributions:

• The Push-Up Bra: Marketed as a confidence-boosting alternative to traditional bras.

• Mainstreaming Eroticwear: Long before it was normalized, Frederick’s brought corsets, garters, and crotchless styles into the spotlight.

• Inclusive Imagery: While ahead of its time, the brand often featured diverse models and inclusive sizing before it became an industry standard.

• Lingerie as Outerwear: Many Frederick’s styles were designed to be seen—transforming intimate apparel into bold fashion statements.

The Brand’s Evolution

By the late 20th century, Frederick’s had grown into a household name with mall stores across America. But with the rise of modern competitors like Victoria’s Secret and the emergence of e-commerce-driven brands, Frederick’s faced challenges adapting.

Following a series of bankruptcies and buyouts in the 2000s, the brand reinvented itself as a digital-first lingerie label. While much of the original flair remains, today’s offerings are more in tune with affordable sensuality and trend-driven design, focusing on online accessibility and millennial appeal.

How FredericksofHollywood Compares Today

Frederick’s still retains its signature edge, with collections that include:

• Lace teddies and bodysuits

• Push-up and plunge bras

• Bralettes, panties, and loungewear

• Eroticwear including crotchless and open cup designs

The current tone is youthful, sexy, and budget-conscious. However, the craftsmanship and quality have evolved to meet mass-market demand rather than couture-level expectations.

The Olivia Paisley Perspective

At Olivia Paisley Intimates, we celebrate the enduring legacy of brands like Frederick’s of Hollywood. While our design philosophy leans toward refined sensuality, premium fabrics, and elevated details, we appreciate how Frederick’s opened the door for lingerie to become a tool for empowerment, not just function.

Think of it this way:

• FredericksofHollywood: Bold, flirtatious, accessible—designed for making a statement.

• Olivia Paisley: Sophisticated, inclusive, intentional—designed to feel as beautiful as it looks.

There’s room in every wardrobe for both boldness and elegance. The beauty lies in having the freedom to choose.

Final Thoughts

FredericksofHollywood has earned its place in lingerie history by embracing the daring, celebrating the body, and encouraging women to feel confident in their skin. From its golden age in Hollywood to its modern-day reinvention, the brand remains a testament to the power of lingerie to transform.

At Olivia Paisley, we carry that torch—redefining intimacy for a new era with garments that are as beautifully made as they are empowering to wear.

Discover Elevated Lingerie at Olivia Paisley

📍 Visit our Woodland Hills boutique for a personalized fitting experience
🛍 Explore our curated collection of luxury bras, bralettes, garters, and lingerie sets
💬 Chat with our stylists for expert guidance in building a lingerie wardrobe that reflects you

Elegance. Empowerment. Every day. That’s Olivia Paisley.