Secret Life of Syrian Lingerie: Intimacy and Design (Paperback)

~ (Author), Rana Salam (Author)
Key Phrases: angel lady, Umm Fathi, The Secret Life of Syrian Lingerie, Middle East (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The most outrageous and exuberant lingerie in the world comes from a place youíd probably never expect: Syria. Adorned with everything from faux fur artificial flowers and feathered birds to plastic toy cell phones these intimates flash lights play music even vibrate. Well known across the Middle East—in Syria the lingerie forms an important part of the folk tradition around trousseaus and weddings—it is openly displayed in the markets and souks. Authors Malu Halasa and Rana Salam have brought together a diverse and dramatic collection of photography and writing including the voices of Syrian women celebrating this little-known niche of fashion design in all its playful glory.

About the Author

London-based journalist Malu Halasa is the author of several books on art and culture.

Rana Salam is an acclaimed graphic designer. She has lectured and exhibited internationally. She lives in London.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (September 3, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811864588
• ISBN-13: 978-0811864589
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #448,266 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Weird, just weird, November 13, 2009

By	Thomas Ahern (Foster, RI USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

I have to admit, it was the title that won my heart. Almost anything that would pay off a title this mysterious would be fine, I thought when I purchased this book. I wasn't prepared for a well-documented, pretty serious look at the bizarre (to my American, secular eyes) world of female-underwear marketing in the Middle East. Imagine women, cloaked as conservative Muslim societies demand, out shopping for the most outrageous lingerie, locally dreamt up and stitched, adorned with feathers and who knows what (the cover photo is a pretty normal example), all intended as happy marriage aides, to bring entertainment for husband's eyes only into the privacy of the bedroom.