By HOLLY JACKSON
Amber Tolliver, the creator of Liberté, started her lingerie modeling career in 2001, and quickly recognized the disparity between standard sizing and “plus”. Many of the products she encountered through her photoshoots were either cheap and cheerful or high-end and slightly matronly. A lover of fine European lingerie, she was frustrated by the lack of beautiful intimates available for a younger, curvier woman. Not interested in fast fashion, she saw the opportunity for high quality, attractive bras and panties. She recognized a gap in the market and was motivated to fill it with her own brand.
Amber spent five years educating herself: attending Interfilière and establishing sourcing relationships. Primed with allies willing to support small businesses, she developed her initial collections, in 2019 online and at Curve 2020 at wholesale.
Tolliver’s eye for detail, exhaustive research, and expansive industry knowledge shine brightly throughout the entire product range. The underwires used by Liberté are even custom designed for the bras. The focus on fit and support for curvier figures and larger cup sizes, 32C to 38H, sets this indie brand apart from the pack.
The Liberté line offers a simple premise: a range of unlined bras and matching panties made from Italian materials. Each set comes in Onyx, Blush, and Midnight. Fine tulles, laces and mesh fabrics are used to create pieces that are functional and stylish. Liberté appeals to a wide range of customers who are interested in elegant simplicity.
This black owned business made a splash at Curve NYC last February where Ellen met Amber and discovered the brand. It already has, despite the impact of a global lockdown, a devoted following among contemporary lovers of high-quality intimates. We can’t wait to see what they do next!
