I was informed earlier that today is the centenary of the very first bra, a most special day which i couldn't pass on without comment or small tribute. In fact, upon looking into the matter, i discovered that the bra itself dates back to 2,500 BC when the Minoan women of Crete wore a similar item which in fact lifted their breasts out of their clothes and into the open...

...........................now what was i saying again?

Oh yes, the bra.

The modern concept was designed by the French, Herminie Cadolle stormed the Great Exposition of Paris in 1889 with her corselet gorge. The first patented brassiere appeared in 1913, the work of New Yorker Mary Phelps Jacob, while a Russian emigrant by the name of Ida Rosenthal founded the notion of cup sizing.

Each and every girl is special, from AA to HH, your bra is your faithful friend no matter how much of a handful you may or may not possess.

Satsumas are just as tasty as melons.

As it's affectionately known, the over-shoulder boulder-holder now comes in a multitude of designs and styles, from the deeply sensual to the stunningly eye-popping and of course, our old friend, the frumpily dull and drearily functional.

Men the world over have practised the art of unfastening these feminine devices, relishing the glorious moment of liberation, while women have at times threatened to burn their bras in protest. Whatever your thoughts on the matter, i suggest you reflect for five minutes on what this world would be like if we were returned to the former dark days of bralessness.

Hurrah for the bra!