True Luxury: HERVÉ by Céline Marie Lingerie

By ESTELLE PULESTO

Launched in 2018 by French-German designer Céline Marie after she graduated from the London College of Fashion, HERVÉ is a deluxe, made-to-order brand that quickly ended up on every lingerie connoisseur’s wishlist (and in many of their collections, no doubt).

It took the growing trend for lacy or embroidered lingerie with an illusion tulle background and really ramped it up to an eleven, using the finest tulle fabric that all but disappears against the wearer’s skin, and layering over it beautiful French laces. That technique is still central to the brand DNA today, with four skin tones offered so that anyone can enjoy the true ‘invisible’ look intended.

Styles range from triangle bralettes and plunge bras to structured waist cinchers, to several high-necked bra and bodysuit silhouettes – the perfect backdrop for showing the intricate appliqué patterns off to full effect. There are also coordinating appliqué-detailed stockings and gloves, and clip-on gold chain accessories that complement the gold-tone hardware of the lingerie.

Céline, and by extension her brand, has been based in various European countries over the years and she aims to source materials as locally as possible. That means Italian silk, French lace and hardware components, and elastics produced on a small scale in France or Spain.

Now based in Barcelona’s bohemian Gràcia district, where she recently opened up a new atelier, her work day might begin with a walk along the beach, before cycling through the city’s rich architectural background on her way to meet with her team. She finds inspiration everywhere in the world she sees around her but especially its smaller, rarely-noticed details.

“Since my atelier move in January, HERVÉ has grown into a team of three incredible women including myself, with a fourth position now opening, which makes me really proud,” she says, “Finding artisans who share my obsessive attention to detail has been one of the hardest yet most rewarding parts of this journey.”

 

For now, all HERVÉ by Céline Marie lingerie is still directly by Céline – designed, pattern-cut and hand-crafted by the designer herself with the help of a seamstress who’s specialized in delicate appliqué work. And like any small business owner, Céline has many other hats to wear too, from managing social media to staying on top of the paperwork. By growing her team, she hopes to free up more time to really focus back in on the creative direction.

“I’ve realized that I can take HERVÉ anywhere I want – there are no rules,” she explains, “My goal is to give myself permission to be unapologetically creative, to challenge my own patterns, and to design what I truly want to create, rather than what clients might expect next.”

As well as sketching, she loves to drape new product ideas, experimenting with different placements and allowing the materials to guide her until the design feels right. Even once a design is finalized, the appliqué work for every piece made involves individually recreating each motif in the most economical way possible (the sustainability-conscious brand aims for zero fabric waste) which leads to finished garments where no two are ever completely identical.

All HERVÉ lingerie comes with a typical 2-5 week production time. Bespoke sizing is an option which includes a fitting prototype, while standard sizing runs from XXS to XXL (not every style in every size) and covers bra sizes up to a DDD/F cup. Prices begin at 60€ (approx. $70) for small accessories and go up to 1,020€ (approx. $1,175) for the most appliqué-intensive bodysuit in the collection.

Contact information:

Website: https://www.celine-marie.com/

Instagram: @herve.bycelinemarie

Email: info@celine-marie.com

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