The Lingerie Edit Show in London

January 24, 2017

I have never done this before: featured a guest blog on the Briefs page. But rules are made to be broken and so, here we are publishing the recap that blogger Tamar Kendall wrote for us about The Lingerie Edit which took place on January 12-13 at the Savoy Hotel in London. This show, which precedes the Paris Salon de la Lingerie and Interfiliere, is a boutique expo focused on smaller brands in a more intimate venue to showcase their collections. Tamar’s overview of each brand’s forte will provide you with valuable product information. So, without further adieu, here’s her wrap:

The Lingerie Edit ~ Savoy Hotel, London, January 12 & 13, 2017

by TAMAR KENDALL

Mimi Holliday, Hot as Hell and Maison Close

For intimates buyers in the mid to high-end market there is one must-attend event in London and that’s The Lingerie Edit. Staged at world-famous luxury destination, The Savoy Hotel, buyers and press are invited to view forthcoming collections from around 30-40 lingerie, loungewear, swimwear, hosiery and accessory brands over two days.

This year, the trade showroom took place on the 12th and 13th January and exhibiting brands included Bluebella, Inamorata London, Mimi Holliday, beingU, Playful Promises, Miel Sisters, Afina London, Conturelle, Hot As Hell, Lou, Les Jupons de Tess, Loveday London, Maison Close, Tragic Kiss and Yes Master to name a few. Key buyers from around the UK and internationally were in attendance and positive feedback was received for the SS17/AW18 collections on show.

As I made my way through the luxurious Abraham Lincoln and Manhattan rooms of The Savoy Hotel there were a few main trends that stood out to me. I got a strong Rock Chick vibe from a few of the brands particularly Inamorata London who won ‘Press Best Brand’ at the last show and is launching into Topshop and Selfridges. With fishnet, mesh and wet look detailing in ‘High Risk Red’ and ‘Gold Digger’, the independent label is definitely channelling their muse Debbie Harry, who famously said, “ Being hot never hurts.” Another brand who captured the look was Loveday London, fusing romantically delicate eyelash lace with wet look gold for their ‘Elfin’ style. While Playful Promises did the wet look gold with strapping, shapewear label Perfect Smoothy went all over wet look catsuits.

Playful Promises & Loveday London

Yes Master exhibited their SS17 collection of crossover designs that work as ‘swimtimates’ and outerwear featuring fashion silhouettes, strap detailing and mesh inserts. Noblesse Oblige and Maison Close took a lighter take on the trend with white and silver mesh and elements of shine.

At the other end of the design spectrum there were lots of Vintage Romantic pieces, with a strong nod to Art Deco influence. Independent British label Emma Harris’ SS17 collection featured the Tiffany range with lace inlayed into champagne silk tap pants, camis and more. Mimi Holliday played with graphic deco lace placements on classic styles, a favourite being the very detailed bra straps! Likewise, Chasney Beauty featured simple lines with luxury lace appliqué. Scalloped edging cropped up in Playful Promises’ and Maison Close latest offerings. A real stand-out brand was new launch, Studio Pia, designed by Pia Conaghan best known for her six seasons designing at luxe label Bordelle. After spotting a gap in the market for ethical luxe lingerie she decided to embark on her own project and launch with a triumph of a collection, featuring a stunning palette of Bamboo Green, Jungle Green and Flamingo Pink inspired by the works of Henri Rousseau. The Liana Plunge Basque wraps the body in an illusion of embroidery and is trimmed with silk strapping…. a real show-stopper!

Pure Chemistry & Playful Promises

In terms of colour, a common theme threaded throughout many of the SS17/AW18 collections was a warming palette of peach, coral and burnt orange tones. Pure Chemistry wowed with Lost Paradise in Papaya from the Renaissance collection, and Playful Promises made a statement with their orange over-wire bra. Maison Close went for warmer, burnt orange tones, as did Hot As Hell along with a softer peach tone (Hot As Hell was voted Best Brand by visiting buyers and press to TLE).

Rose Fulbright silk loungewear

Finally, luxury silk loungewear label Rose Fulbright presented her collection inspired by Matisse’s cut-outs and Bloomsbury Set textile designs. Her eye-catching Delphine line in rich coral and exclusive hand painted print was wildly bold yet softly feminine.

It was a treat to see beingU exhibit with their skin tone lingerie and foundation solution pieces, including their revolutionary skin tone stick on bras. Sizing ranges from 28D to 44H (B and C cups from a 30 back) and beingU is also the only brand that has designed briefs specifically to fit the fuller bottom shape. Their mission is to make women feel ‘visible’ enabling them to embrace their skin colour and body shape, to feel treasured and beautiful, through the wearing of beautiful underwear designed with their body in mind.