By ELLEN LEWIS
I’ve been following the Shell Belle Couture Lingerie brand ever since its inception in 2010. Tantalized by the extraordinary workmanship of founder and artist Michelle Blenkinsopp-Guild, I always check out her new collections. This year, it’s the Forbidden story, inspired by the heroines of the Silk Road and the luxuries once only afforded to nobility. Designed in sandwashed silk these pieces are intricately detailed with French appliqué … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
I don’t even know where to start when describing the Shell Belle Couture bridal brand. It’s an exquisite, showpiece of excellence, a cornucopia of lingerie detail expertly sewn, and a true paradigm of intimate design. In today’s world held hostage by on-line media the Shell Belle Couture campaign imagery sells its story effortlessly. I can vouch that this is all true because I just saw the new … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
I met Michelle Blenkinsopp-Guild, founder of Shell Belle Couture, shortly after she launched her luxury collection in 2010. I was immediately smitten. Her beautiful bridal designs, created in England, are lingerie masterpieces. Composed with European silks, tulles, and leavers laces, they are heirloom pieces that hark back to a time when precious underpinnings were all the rage. I imagine a scene out of The Great Gatsby, … Read More
Other than my own wedding which was so long ago, the details escape my memory, I have only attended one bridal suite pre-wedding regalia. That was recently at my daughter in law’s bequest. There the bride and her attendants, wrapped in specially monogrammed robes, were pampered by makeup artists and hairstylists who morphed them into ladies in waiting. The champagne flowed. mimosas were poured and there was so much food … Read More
By Ellen Lewis
My affair with the Shell Belle Couture Luxury Lifestyle Collection began several years ago when I first discovered the brand at Curve. The artistry and workmanship that seduced me at the time moved me enough to highlight a few pieces in my show wrap up. It’s no secret that I have been enamored ever since, writing previous articles about Michelle Blenkinsopp’s exquisite design hand. Handcrafted in England … Read More
There is always emerging talent percolating in the Intimates market and I watch very carefully to see which labels appear to have “legs”. I tend to wait to see who survives several seasons, ships on time, develops new product with continuity and has a focused vision with customers returning for more. Those are the collections I like to highlight, because, in fact, they appear to be establishing themselves as true … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
The synergy between the bridal and lingerie industries has always fascinated me. It’s not about the wedding. It’s all about the artistry, the cherished memories unique to these tableaux. Exquisite laces, delicate embroideries, luxurious fabrics, treasured details, pearls, crystals, floral motifs are all assembled in an enchanting conclave of beauty. Basking on this assortment, one can easily grasp how a woman’s sense of self would be enhanced … Read More
