St Michaels News, Colour Supplement, Autumn-Winter 1970. © Marks & Spencer Company.

All images from "Women Fashion Power" at the Design Museum in London.

Margaret Thatcher suit, 1975. Courtesy of Christie's

Susan Sage blouse, Bowes Museum.

Evening gown of silk crêpe, satin-backed, 1932. From the Bowes Museum.

Edwardian basket corset from the collections of Leicestershire County.

Packaging for Extra Firm Control Girdle, 1960s. © Marks & Spencer Company.