Couture Lingerie ~ Cristina Aielli

By ALISON CONNOLLY

I often feel that the word “couture” is overused by designers to describe their work.  After all, it means “the design of fashionable clothes to a client’s specific requirements and measurements” and we know that is frequently not the case.  The word alludes to luxury and exclusivity, which explains why it is too often used to elevate the perceived quality of a brand.  However, there are designers like Cristina Aielli that have earned the right to its use.  Each of the garments from her eponymous label are exclusively made-to-measure and handcrafted in Italy.  When you see the intricate patterns Cristina Aielli magically creates with lace, you will understand just how necessary this is.  Each piece is created using a combination of Italian Chantilly lace, silk and tulle to create the illusion of a pattern suspended in mid-air.  Custom measurements are required so that the lace appliqué covers the right place upon the skin.  Designs can be created in a specific color (other than the black and ivory shown) or with tulle to match specific skin tones.  The brand is dedicated to creating a one-of-a-kind experience for its customers, as detailed on their website. This is just the beginning of the journey for a brand that was launched just one year ago (August 2015).  I shall wait with bated breath for what this young talent creates next!