Emma Peel (Excerpts from “Emma Peel - feminist icon” by Elizabeth Eggleston)

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One of the most identifiable factors about Emma Peel is her wardrobe. She was conceived in an era of pop culture and throwaway fashion, at a time when appearance was everything and everyone aspired to a particular template of perfection. The Avengers was certainly stylish and is often regarded as one of the ultimate icons of this superficiality, relying on its kitsch for its success. Emma’s wardrobe gave us an insight into her sexuality, physical strength and intelligence.

Arguably the most famous aspect of The Avengers was the leather catsuit连体紧身衣 — a tight suit that covers the whole body. It had appeared in the Cathy Gale seasons (prior to Emma Peel). The sexual allure of a woman in an item of clothing that covers the body whilst revealing every nuance of the naked body is undeniable. Nonetheless there is more inspiring reasoning behind such independent women as Mrs Gale and Mrs Peel wearing them. They are powerful in their communication of sexuality. Everything is done up, everything is ready to be undone, and the body is tightly encased while the hair hangs free and flops across the face at opportune moments. The power in the wearing of a catsuit连体紧身衣 — a tight suit that covers the whole body is simply achieved and very powerful. It uses the strongest weapon women possess, sexual allure, but it is empowering in its flexibility as a garment. It gives women the feline quality that men admire and fear in equal parts.