Maison Louve: Truly Artisanal Lingerie from France
By ESTELLE PULESTON
Described on its website as that has something for you whether you’re after a chic everyday set or something truly special.
Previously known as Lou crie à Tort, it was created by Lou Salomé Carrillo in 2015. Her goal was to combine creative design with exceptional craftsmanship, plus a ‘female vision’ of lingerie that would make the wearer feel her very best. “Lingerie has this unique power to transform how one feels. It’s both intimate and a form of personal expression… the most empowering way to feel or redefine our femininity” she says.
For the most part, Maison Louve lingerie centers around chic and comfy-looking bralette and brief sets in refined laces – fabrics which she sources from the Calais region – alongside relaxed, drapey robes and stylish bodysuits. But there’s also a section on the website called the pièces d’exception (exceptional pieces), and this is where the designer’s creativity really shines.
Created out of a desire to push the boundaries of design and craftsmanship, the four available looks in this collection range in price from around $180 to over $1,600 and each represent countless hours of development and construction.
There’s Aimée, a chocolate lace bodysuit with a dramatic plunge back to frame the detachable, hanging lotus jewel – a 24k gold-plated piece hammered into shape by jewelry designer Morgane Ribeyrolles. Next, there’s Thelma, a fiery red set in mesh and lace which comes with a narrow ‘face band’ dripping with beads, which can be converted into a blindfold.
Lune is an extravagant, avant-garde bra set and matching skullcap, both heavily encrusted with beads, which has an asymmetric shape that exposes one breast, framing it with petals of lace and yet more cascading beads. Finally, there’s Ivy, an ornate bustier draped with layers of tulle and adorned with flowers handmade by milliner and accessories designer Pauline Paez.
“Collaborating with other artists is something I truly enjoy,” says Lou, “It allows me to merge different creative visions and techniques, resulting in pieces that are richer and more layered than if I were working alone.”
Besides these collaboratively-outsourced elements, all Maison Louve lingerie is hand-crafted at her French atelier, either by Lou herself or by a select team of highly-skilled seamstresses. This setup allows the brand to offer a made-to-measure service in addition to their standard sizing.
For brides, there’s also the option to work directly with Lou to create a bespoke wedding lingerie set based on your preferences. With three options priced from 250€ to 400€ (approximately $275-$445) to suit your budget, each one includes an in-person or virtual fitting and either 3 or 4 custom-made pieces.
Off-the-rack Maison Louve designs, which are still made to order, start from 40€ (approx. $45) for separates or 125€ (approx. $140) for sets.
Website: https://www.maisonlouve.fr/
Instagram: @maisonlouve_
Email: maisonlouvelingerie@gmail.com
See More Featured Designers in the Gallery on Lingerie Briefs
