When one thinks of technological breakthroughs, the first thoughts in their minds are usually of rocket ships and cures for terminal diseases, not women’s lingerie.

Yet, new bras that have been introduced by Victoria’s Secret and Bragel International Inc., will likely change the way people think of high technology.

Victoria’s Secret recently introduced a new bra in the Body by Victoria line, featuring new technology they call IPEX. Using thinly shaved layers of material to form padding, the new model’s slogan is “maximum coverage at the center, virtually weightless at the edges.”

In their promotions for the IPEX, Victoria’s Secret claims that “the world’s most advanced bra is now the most popular bra in America.” An image of supermodel Gisele Bundchen wearing the new bra has replaced the traditional pink stripe pattern on the store’s shopping bags.

Today, the bra has been acknowledged as a significant part of women’s fashion, rather than merely being an afterthought. Victoria’s Secret and Bragel International Inc. are attempting to meet the needs of women who seek for fashionable lingerie that also provides coverage.

Through an international collaboration of designers, engineers and technicians, the Victoria’s Secret team created a fusing process that allows them to make featherweight bras, shaving multiple layers from the bra to form the perfect pad, according to their Website. Victoria’s Secret has even filed for a patent with the U.S. government.

However, the sensational debut of the IPEX hasn't found its way here to the SF State campus, at least not yet. Many students were left to wonder what's so new about the bras.

When Dyah Sutedjo passed by the shop window of the Victoria's Secret, displaying the IPEX, she thought "another bra from Victoria's Secret," she later said.

"I think they are trying to diversify their products,” said Sutedjo, a senior apparel design and merchandising major. “But I think it's the same, like Body By Victoria Angel Collections (another of the store’s lingerie lines). They all look alike. I just look for comfort."

However, Victoria’s Secret isn’t the only company making advances in bra technology. Bragel International Inc. introduced the NuBra Aphrodite, the newest version of NuBra.

NuBra, a self-adhesive, strapless bra, is another evolution in bra technology. It uses silicon gel bra cups that women can stick directly to their breasts. Think of it as a “sticker” bra that provides support without uncomfortable straps and hooks. The NuBra Aphrodite adds a lace and crystal design to better fit in under sheer garments.

“(NuBra) was designed to make all women happy,” said Rose Murillo, an account specialist for Bragel International Inc.

The NuBra was originally developed by Bragel, a California-based company, in 2001. The technology used as the inspiration for the NuBra came from Bragel's work in helping women with breast cancer.

The predecessor to the NuBra, the “Lia Essence,” was developed as a prosthesis for women who had undergone mastectomies.

However, while technological advances in bra design are being made, some SF State students said they are not sure these advances are effective or necessary.

“I pay attention to lingerie every day since it’s very close to your body and I think it’s important,” said senior Marina Zakian, a philosophy major. “But I never thought about getting NuBra. It seems like it has no support. I don’t need it.”

Maria Mau said she isn't interested in spending more money for technologically advanced bras.
"Even though Victoria's Secret tries to be the frontrunner of lingerie, bras are just bras,” said Mau, a sophomore. “It basically serves the same purpose."

She said she would buy the store’s products, but not necessarily brand-new products, since they usually cost more.

Tipp Vatana was interested in getting a NuBra, but she also expressed concern over its functionality.

“I’m interested, but I think real bras look better,” said Vatana, a senior majoring in apparel design and merchandising. “I don’t think NuBra could replace lingerie. The point of lingerie is to wear it and look sexy. NuBra looks a little odd.”

Bragel plans to introduce a new NuBra model every year through 2007, Murillo said.