A 1937 lessons in how a wife should and should not undress
Back in 1937, it seemed women had no idea how they should and shouldn’t undress that Allen Gilbert founded the “School of Undressing” in Manhattan. As an operator of burlesque shows, Gilbert declares his intention of “dedicating my school to the sanctity of the American home.” The noble aim was “to make going to bed appear a thing of charm and pleasure rather than a routine chore.”
As Gilbert indicated in the magazine, “Such good bedroom manners are essential to married happiness once the honeymoon is over.”
LIFE magazine published the following photo spread, where two burlesque stars demonstrated the techniques of undressing to students. The dark-haired Connie Fonzlau demonstrated the improper way, and blonde June St. Clair showed the correct techniques. Gilbert told LIFE that 48 women had signed up for the school's $30 course.
"Nightgown technique is the high point in the Gilbert course. Here Miss St. Clair adroitly gets into her nightgown and drops her lingerie all in one magic motion."
"A prime principle of artful undressing is to keep the hands graceful at all times. Here Miss Fonzlau clearly demonstrates what a knot some women make of their clothes."
Source: LIFE magazine
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