Less is more

In 21st century Poland:

Renowned lace makers in the Polish village of Koniakow have found a new way of boosting sales - sexy underwear.

Artisans who used to create gowns and altar cloths for customers such as the late Pope now craft G-strings and other lingerie for sale all over the world.

They say the underwear is quicker to make and easier to sell than traditional goods such as tablecloths.

But not everyone in the deeply Catholic village is happy with the changes to the 200-year old industry.

...."The priest told me that a woman came to confession and asked him if it was a sin to make G-strings," said Anna Barska, a 47-year-old lace maker.

But now many people have embraced the new business opportunity.

"Traditional lace craft was too expensive, so it wasn't selling anymore. We weren't making a living," said Malgorzata Sanaszek.

So when her experiment with G-strings proved to be a big hit, she set up a internet underwear sales company which now employs about 60 lace makers.

Buyers can choose bras, camisoles and other lingerie in dozens of delicate designs and colours. There is even a lacy thong on offer for men.