Marketing men's luxury underwear is tricky business, but lately we've been seeing some outstanding examples. Ones that strike the right notes of masculinity, aesthetics and innovation. London-based Under Limited is one such brand. The contemporary label just launched at Selfridges, the Holy Grail of retail for forward new brands.
In perusing their line, we can see why the influential UK retailer
...
Read more >
One of the most exciting new brands we came across at the New York trade shows was Relique, the brainchild of college friends Chelsea Carson and Kaitlyn Vasquez. The inspiration behind their latest collection – fiery volcanoes amidst the snowy landscape of Iceland – serves as a larger metaphor for the brand's incendiary aesthetic. One built on compelling juxtapositions of
...
Read more >
For being such stalwarts in the lingerie industry, Triumph International also has an impressive reputation for innovation. Perhaps nothing exemplifies their spirit of creativity more than the Triumph Inspiration Award, an international design competition that showcases the brightest young talent in lingerie design. In this fifth edition of the hallmark competition, the prize was awarded to Sian Whitefoot of De
...
Read more >
Glitz is taking a gritty turn on the runways, with bedazzled legwear outfitting punk- and grunge-inspired ensembles. Capturing the D.I.Y. spirit of the era, sheer tights and trouser socks are sporting an edgy jumble of rhinestones, studs and sequins. Foil applications and Lurex fibers offer smoother, subtler shine; and coarse, heavy-gauge yarns further dim the sparkle. – Nivara Xaykao
Read more >
Paris: The runways are a unique place where pants and shirts are optional and lingerie roams free, fluttering in the perfumed wake of a model's strut. Cold outside? Just throw on a fur chubby or a mannish overcoat. That's the solution Marc Jacobs offered in his latest for Louis Vuitton on this last day of Paris Fashion Week. An appropriate
...
Read more >
Exploring the use of lingerie as loungewear, designers in Milan and Paris are featuring bras and, especially, briefs in all manners of cozy layered ensembles this season. Coordination is key, as hipsters and boyshorts are being matched with turtlenecks, twinsets and coat-igans in lush woolen fabrics to combat the cold. – Nivara Xaykao
Read more >
We've been fawning and swooning over Raf Simon's latest collection for Dior all morning and slowly uncovering its myriad layers. The collection is littered with intimates influences, from floaty chiffon frocks to robe-like coats. Surreal illustrated ornaments appear throughout – roses climbing up a hem, a shoe tossed against a white expanse, an eye grazing the hip – meandering down
...
Read more >
How do you make a "modest" swimsuit sexy and stylish? That was the challenge Hayley Parker-Barker (of childrenswear label Culdesac) was tasked with in designing a capsule collection for Lime Ricki, a swim brand known for its sleek covered-up suits.
First, Parker-Barker looked to the poolside glamour of 60s Hollywood to craft one-piece suits and tankinis full along the neckline and
...
Read more >
We credit Hanro of Switzerland for initiating the lingerie-as-loungewear movement a mere 129 years ago. Along with its neutrality, banking system and cheese, Switzerland is renown for its fine craftsmanship and exquisite textiles. Nowhere is that more evident in intimate apparel than at Hanro.
In addition to a presence at fine retailers like Barneys and Neiman Marcus, the brand just opened
...
Read more >
The delayed and much-anticipated Marc Jacobs show closed out New York Fashion Week last night, delivering this final word: pajamas rule. Jacobs was seduced by the bedroom for F/W 2013, filling out his collection with boyish pajama tops, piped pants and high-waisted briefs. The famed designer even took his bow on the catwalk in a debonair foulard number – paired
...
Read more >
In case you didn't know, there's this little thing called New York Fashion Week happening right now. We attended the terrific La Perla presentation last week, video crew in tow, and captured some of the sights and sounds from the event, as well as insight from the charming creative director of the brand, Giovanni Bianchi.
The presentation drew all the hotshot
...
Read more >
In this case, what's come back around is the Frederick's of Hollywood archives. Yes, that slightly sordid shop tucked in the corner of many a suburban mall, responsible for bringing G-strings to the masses.
Vintage retailer What Goes Around Comes Around have the business of upcycling kitsch down to a science, and now they've taken on the high-cut bodysuits, marabou-trimmed robes
...
Read more >
What do you get when you cross the Pop-Baroque interiors of the W Union Square with the ladylike-quirk of one of New York Fashion Week's rising stars? For starters, an exquisite robe of lush washed silk in eye-popping tangerine and blush. One constructed in a stacked silhouette for a unique peplum effect and finished with refined Japanese-inspired details. This is
...
Read more >
Snow, champagne, a miniature of Iceland, random (boisterous) catwalk shows every hour, exquisite lingerie. This must be Paris – the renown trade show Salon International de la Lingerie, to be specific.
We are busily building a comprehensive wrap on Salon at the moment, but in the meantime, here are a few highlights from yet another superlative show.
Designer we were most excited
...
Read more >
As I scan through my loose-leaf scribbles of notes for the day, a few words pop out: bricks, spiders, bruised vegetables. Yikes! Okay, while they all had a part in the Interfilière trend forum, they do not exactly represent the sum of the show.
From the forum to the conferences, the word "synergy" kept on coming up. The convergence of intimates
...
Read more >
