There is debate on who really invented the push-up bra. Frederick Mellinger has claimed the title~ Frederick of the infamous Frederick’s of Hollywood. He CLAIMED he was inspired by his fellow army mates in World World II to make a sexier bra and when he got home from the war, that is exactly what he did.
“The Rising Star”~ the “first” push-up bra~ was introduced in the early 50s.
However, London’s Science Museum uncovered a padded bra that was made in 1880, giving Frederick competition. Since we don’t know who made that one, Frederick still safely holds the title.
I believe the scene really happened with his friends…although, it’s hard to believe they were “designing” bras while away at war. I guess they needed a distraction…
But I think I know the REAL way inspiration hit…
I only know this because I have a little boy of my own.
I believe the push-up was dreamed up in his childhood when he was lying by his mom, playing cars. He had a car in one hand and “drove” them across her chest.
Driving along…doot de doo.
Driving across the road…
“Tiny mountain…”
Give that road a push…
“Humongous mountain!”
Voila! The push-up bra was born.