The Tasteful Artistic Sluttiness of Wolford

by | Mar 15, 2012 | ART

Wolford is an Austrian lingerie and clothing brand not known for it’s varied portfolio of models (are we edging closer to more diverse European modelling? It’s tough on the psyche. I’ll skip the diversity rant for now), but for it’s luxe legwear which incorporates very bold geometric and bio-diverse patterns bi-seasonally. That’s right. Wolford designs legwear with undergarments and outerwear, also available as coordinating pieces for Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter. Am I crazy? No, we just don’t have a flagship store in Richmond, and we probably won’t anytime soon. Meanwhile, I suggest you stare at the book.


Wolford is an Austrian lingerie and clothing brand not known for it’s varied portfolio of models (are we edging closer to more diverse European modelling? It’s tough on the psyche. I’ll skip the diversity rant for now), but for it’s luxe legwear which incorporates very bold geometric and bio-diverse patterns bi-seasonally. That’s right. Wolford designs legwear with undergarments and outerwear, also available as coordinating pieces for Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter. Am I crazy? No, we just don’t have a flagship store in Richmond, and we probably won’t anytime soon. Meanwhile, I suggest you stare at the book.

Women’s undergarments have long been the token example of a fetish object. Enter Fetishism Class 1; Craving the Object. It doesn’t involve interest in the person the object belongs to, just sole interest in the object. I’m not too shy to discuss the porno aspects of lingerie photography, but I like a decent fetishistic interpretaion more than anything. The Wolford catalog shots with faces in them are moderately clothed. The more revealing legwear garment shots are grouped without any attention to the facial expression at all, relating to a humanless characteristic of Fetishism.

The above photo is one of the only image examples of an entire lingerie ensemble with the face of the model showing in the photograph. The photography wasn’t done with a Nikon D800 (out this month), but although the monolithic game changing piece of technological advancement will indeed enhance imaging in the fashion world, Wolford has managed thus far in a commitment to progressive fashion photography using technology previously available. Furthermore, all Wolford garments are made in Austria–not in Asia.

So, I need to be able to walk into a Wolford storefront within walking distance of the Arts District. I’m turning blue in the face waiting for it to happen. It may seem selfish and spoiled. You might think I’m, you know, ridiculous. But, I see nothing stopping the virtual planning of a fashion park with a pedestrian mall in the downtown Richmond area, walking distance from VCU, and on the bus line. I need Wolford to be in the minds of the city’s economic planners.

Marilyn Drew Necci

Marilyn Drew Necci

Former GayRVA editor-in-chief, RVA Magazine editor for print and web. Anxiety expert, proud trans woman, happily married.




more in art

Griffin in Summer: How a Tribeca Winner Was Filmed in Richmond

The new coming-of-age feature Griffin in Summer is already drawing attention for its Tribeca wins and upcoming theatrical release, but for producer Bobby Hoppey, the film carries an extra layer of meaning: it was made in Richmond, a city he’s connected to...

When Art Meets Activism: Environment at Risk at Glen Allen

The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen is hosting Environment at Risk, a group show curated by Appalachian Voices’ Virginia field coordinator Jessica Sims. Installed in the Gumenick Family Gallery, the exhibition gathers paintings, prints, collage, sculpture,...

From Skate Parks to Tour Vans: Elyza Reinhart Shoots the Grind

Elyza Reinhart has been shooting shows since she was twelve, before she had a photo pass, before she even really knew what she was doing. That early start, and the nerves that came with it, still shape how she works today. Now based in Richmond, she’s finding new ways...

Writer’s Block | Four Poems by Breanna Hoch

A Sunday series from RVA Magazine featuring writers from Richmond and Virginia Writer’s Block is RVA Magazine’s Sunday series highlighting contemporary writers working in Richmond and across the Commonwealth. Each week, we feature original poems, short stories,...

Topics: