OBJECTS Art Nouveau Fashion Brassieres, after 1900 Prague or Vienna Panama canvas, elastic band, galloons; length 34 cm By the end of the 19th century, the spirit of reform aimed against corsets introduced a host of alternative means of breast support. In the early years of the 20th century, bra types known as breast bodices or breast holders took on the form of a short bra with shoulder straps which, with minor modifications, is still in use today. During the same period, the suspender belt (garter belt) was devised for functional reasons to fasten stockings and give contour to the stomach, replacing the earlier health-damaging round garters.