When I was contacted by a journalist writing for the Observer to comment on women and their relationship with their lingerie, I was keen to contribute. Our conversation began by discussing the rather contradictory comments by the very successful Victoria’s Secret Angel, Adriana Lima, who has been modelling for the lingerie brand since 1999. In a backstage post-show interview only last month she said she hoped to continue in as a Victoria’s Secret model for 20 years. However,in a contradictory post on her social media one week later, Lima claimed:

“I will not take [off] my clothes any more for [an] empty cause … I am tired of the impositions, we ‘as [women]’ can’t be continuing living in a world with such superficial values.”

Apparently, the trigger for this was an invitation to appear in a video not to Lima’s liking. A spokesperson for her was quick to respond saying that Lima’s intention was to share “a message of female empowerment”.

Even the most traditional underwear retailers are embracing the sexy underwear trend. For example, Marks & Spencer collaborated with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, a British model and also a former Victoria’s Secret Angel, to produce a sensual range of underwear designed “by women, for women”.

The relationship between a woman and her underwear is complex, personal and context-dependent. Do you agree? Have your say and read the full article here.

Photograph: VCG/Getty Images