Artistic Transformation ~ LOU Lingerie
Recently, culling through my archives, I came across this image of Les Voûtes Filantes (The Shooting Vaults), a series of arched string tunnels installed in a 16th century courtyard by the Atelier Yok Yo with sculptor Ulysses Lacoste and Laure Micarré for the June 2015 emerging garden festival in Cahors, France The exhibition, lasting a mere 4 weeks, is a highly technical collaboration consisting of 78 kilometers of cobalt blue yarn that form semi-transparent tunnels over the cloister garden at St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The result: an ephemeral landscape that merges historic grace with modern vision. One might define it as high quality fashion art. Here today and gone tomorrow, the impact of the experience lingers indefinitely in the participants memory.
This, to me, is the reality of the LOU Lingerie brand. Combining 70 years of bra engineering expertise with its unique design signature they have long been recognized for their classic intimates with an eclectic twist. The moment I saw the spring 2016 Voile de LOU collection, I envisioned the extraordinary yarn installation accessible for a brief time in Cahors last year. Using laser cut appliques re-embroidered on white tulle, LOU has transformed a traditional demi bra and panty set into a fresh work of art. Yes, this is a fashion group, destined to be replaced by another arrangement of beautiful designs within months. But, owning this bra (32-38, B-E) and panty (S-XL) provides a woman with a memorable adventure into sensual beauty and a lasting addition to her intimate archives.
I have followed the LOU brand for several years now, from the moment they entered the US market as a small fashion entity through their growth in fine retail stores nationwide. When they hit a business bump last year, I was concerned. But my concerns have been put to rest as I learned about their plans to sustain old talent and invest in new ideas. Sometimes great art disappears, but when an artist is truly gifted, the next great work will surely appear.
Contact: krista.tonra
“You Begin With The Possibilities Of The Material” ~Robert Rauschenberg
