We love lingerie. We love fun. Combine the two, and we are just tickled pink. To that end, the Japanese lingerie manufacturer, Triumph International, has a history of designing and producing some of the most interesting and amusing bras we have ever seen. Triumph’s usual lingerie design is elegant and innovative, an aesthetic delight in undergarments. However, the socially conscious company annually unveils a special edition. These special designs are not intended for manufacture or sale, but to address a particular social issue. We have shown some of our favorites here:
The Solar Bra, designed to call attention to energy conservation, has a solar panel, worn around the stomach, that can store enough energy to charge an iPod or MP3 player, or even a toaster. The bra requires exposure to sunlight to charge, so the company doesn’t expect to market it any time soon, thinking that lingerie is not usually worn as outerwear. Obviously, they haven’t met Lady Gaga. The eco-conscious Triumph has another green-themed bra that converts into a resusable shopping bag. TrashyLingerie.org applauds this endeavor because we, too, believe that “Lingerie can Save the World”!
The Chopstick Bra features a pair of collapsible and reusable chopsticks that fit in a pocket at the side of the cups. The cups, themselves, are a rice bowl and a miso soup bowl. Yes, we agree. This DOES give a whole new meaning to the idea of “cup o’soup”. The Japanese discard 25 billion pairs of wooden chopsticks per year. To discourage this “throw away” culture, and save huge chunks of Japanese forest, reusable chopsticks are being promoted.
As more adults concentrate on career, rather than marriage and family, the average age in Japan rises. The government has encouraged young adults to consider marrying earlier, to avoid the troubles facing people seeking marriage partners in their late 30′s and 40′s. With this issue changing the face of the country, Triumph unveiled the Marriage Hunting Bra. It features a digital countdown clock, that ticks off the days until the projected wedding date, and is activated by inserting an engagement ring in a holder between the cups of the bra. It has pockets for a seal and pen, for filling out the marriage license, and is constructed of bridal satin and lace. The accompanying apron and oven mitts make the bride-to-be immediately ready to step into her role as homemaker. The company hopes that this will help the marriage-minded woman find a husband by wearing her intentions on her sleeve, so to speak.
