What Katie Did x Peaky Blinders: The Shelby Collection

Since its debut in 2013, Peaky Blinders has become as celebrated for its visual identity as for its storytelling. Across six series, and now with the release of the feature-length continuation, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, authenticity has remained central to the world of the Shelbys, right down to the foundations beneath the costumes.

We are proud that What Katie Did pieces were sourced by the costume department throughout the original television series and again for the new film. As the story moves forward into 1940 and the upheaval of World War II, the importance of historically accurate underpinnings becomes even more significant. The silhouette of the era is unmistakable: structured yet practical, elegant yet shaped by wartime austerity.

While we cannot detail every garment selected for production, the Shelby Collection brings together a curated edit of styles that reflect the kind of authentic 1930s and 1940s lingerie and hosiery seen on screen. From seamed stockings that define the line of the leg, to French knickers and structured bras inspired by original British patterns, these pieces recreate the foundations that give period costume its integrity.

The 1940s marked a distinct shift in women’s undergarments. With fabric rationing in force, designs became more economical in cut yet no less considered in construction. Cups were shaped for support rather than softness, waistlines sat higher, and seams were carefully positioned to create lift and structure. These subtle architectural details affect not only the way garments look, but the way an actor moves and carries herself. Posture, drape and silhouette all begin with the correct foundation.

Our 1940s-inspired bras and French knickers are adapted from genuine period patterns, preserving the seam placement and shaping techniques of the era. Alongside these sit lace variations and classic seamed hosiery, styles that echo the refined yet resilient femininity of wartime Britain. Seamed stockings, in particular, became an enduring hallmark of vintage glamour. Even during the shortages of the 1940s, women found ways to maintain the illusion of the seam, understanding its transformative effect on the silhouette.

As The Immortal Man returns audiences to Birmingham under the shadow of the Blitz, the visual language of the series evolves once again. Cillian Murphy reprises his role as Tommy Shelby, navigating a Britain at war in a story written by Steven Knight and directed by Tom Harper. Against this darker wartime backdrop, women’s fashion reflects both strength and restraint; qualities rooted firmly in authentic foundation garments.

For our Shelby-inspired imagery, we were honoured to collaborate with heritage brands whose craftsmanship mirrors that commitment to authenticity. Hats featured in our shoot were kindly loaned by Lock & Co. Hatters, the world’s oldest hat shop. During the 1940s, Lock & Co created hats for figures including Winston Churchill, making their involvement a fitting nod to the era depicted in the film. Footwear was provided by Memery, whose historically inspired designs complement the structured lines of 1930s and 1940s lingerie beautifully.

The Shelby Collection is not a costume replica line, nor is it limited only to pieces seen on screen. Instead, it represents the wider aesthetic and historical accuracy that define the world of Peaky Blinders. It gathers together styles that evoke the same period authenticity: foundations that could exist seamlessly within the wardrobes of the Shelby women, whether in the earlier interwar years or the austerity of 1940.

At What Katie Did, our focus has always been on recreating vintage lingerie with respect for original construction methods, authentic detailing and true-to-era silhouettes. To have our designs selected by the costume department of one of Britain’s most iconic modern dramas is an honour. The Shelby Collection celebrates that connection; and invites you to experience the enduring power of a perfectly constructed vintage foundation.