SIR The Label ~ Summer Vibes From Down Under

April 22, 2019

By ALISON CONNOLLY

I’m not sure whether it’s the Spring weather or so much talk of Coachella, but these breezy cotton pieces from SIR the Label are really speaking to me lately! Many of you know this cult Australian label as a ready-to-wear and separates brand, but it also has a lovely selection of intimates, many of which work so well as outerwear (just take a look at the images in this post). Established in 2015 by Sophie Coote and Nikkie Campbell, SIR specializes in wardrobe essentials typically made from broderie anglais (eyelet), embroidered cotton and linen (though there are also silk & Lycra styles too). I think what tugs at my heartstrings is the variety of eyelet patterns and styles. Of course its feminine, minimalist aesthetic, and versatile mix-and-match separates are a big part of its appeal. Many of the items featured here are from the current season (or at least the past year), and I encourage you to check out their full intimates collection here: See what the land down under has created, odds are you’ll get swept away in their bohemian-styled world!

Facebook

Twitter

Jet Black Fashion ~The Order

April 8, 2019

By ALISON CONNOLLY

Probably the last words anyone would use to describe my style would be “edgy” or “rock n roll”, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciation aesthetics outside my personal style. In fact, because edgy doesn’t come naturally to me, I have an extra appreciation for those who can capture it. That brings us to The Order. The Order is self-described as a “jet-black, rebellious and compelling” collection for femme fatales that are “feminine yet fierce, seductive yet intimidating”., a Chicago-based brand of ready-to-wear and intimates that blurs the lines between inner and outerwear. Created by designer Nicole Maret, Many of the images shared within this post are from the AW2018 collection, though the brand prefers to take a non-seasonal approach to its works. The designs are texture-rich pieces made from silks, suedes, vinyl and mesh, with trims such as gunmetal safety pins and hand-embroidered leather. Because nearly all items are hand-made to order, certain items like bralettes can be created in custom sizes. I enjoy the provocative, lingerie-as-outerwear aspect of The Order, and who can’t appreciate wearing all-black? Take a look at what’s new…share which items you want to incorporate into your wardrobe.

Facebook

Twitter

On Pointe ~Just a Corpse

March 25, 2019

By ALISON CONNOLLY

I have a soft spot for lingerie that is dance-inspired…and Just A Corpse hit the target! This high-end leisure and body-wear brand clearly draws its inspiration from dance and fashion, and the result is a sensual collection of designs that are meant for movement. No stiff underwire or constricting garments here. Just think, if you can move any which way wearing Just a Corpse, imagine how well you can relax in it! This Slovenia-based brand was developed by model Valerija Kelava and Uros Balantic (whose previous experience includes creating costumes for ballet troupes). They recently showcased their latest collection at Salon International de la Lingerie , where Ellen quickly identified its dancewear aesthetic as a key trend. It comes as no surprise that the designers manufacture their works with the technical precision of contemporary sportswear, and balance that with delicate materials such as stretch tulle and superfine second skin jersey. So much of the collection featured here doubles as outerwear, which makes this a line of intimates you will see inside and outside of the bedroom. And by outside the bedroom, it can be the ballet studio or simply a stylish day out and about. After all, the designers describe their brand as something you can wear “for exercise at a barre, or relaxing in a bar”. We’d like to use it for both!

Facebook

Twitter

Kana Matsunami ~ Midsummer Night’s Dream(wear)

March 11, 2019

By ALISON CONNOLLY

Kana Matsunami is a sensual, imaginative lingerie and ready-to-wear brand based in Tokyo, Japan that recently made its debut at Salon International de la Lingerie. At the Paris show, the eponymous label unveiled a special collaborative collection of airy intimates with Parisian lingerie designer Veronique Moriez (known for her work with Chantelle Paris) for summer 2019. Using delicate French materials, the current season is a fresh combination of transparent iridescent tulle, floral mesh print and Sophie Hallette lace (it’s the French lace manufacturer). Shades of pink, pale violet, ivory and gold set the tone for this effortless chic collection that feels both contemporary and romantic.

All of the pieces shown here are currently available for pre-order on the Kana Matsunami website and are expected to ship mid (summer) June 2019. Which of the items below will you be placing on your wish list?

Agency: Agencelassemblee.com Creative & Art Direction: Laetitia Combebias Photographer: Jerry Pigeon Assistant Photographer: Lawrence Fafard
Stylist: Audrey Febvre Hair & Make Up: Emilie Lebel Models: Noémie Zozé & Katia Gorshkova
Lingerie : collaboration with Véronique Moriez

Facebook

Twitter

The Language of Lingerie ~ Gracija-Rim

February 25, 2019

By ALISON CONNOLLY

I’m not sure what the odds are that I discovered two Latvian lingerie designers in a row to feature here on the Gallery, but here we are! This week I am pleased to present the work of Gracija-Rim, a seductive brand of lingerie that was actually established in 1994. I was initially amazed that I had never heard of this beautiful intimate apparel brand that has been in existence for 20+ years, but seeing that it mainly caters to sales in Eastern Europe and across Russia, I can understand why. Another small obstacle in learning more about the brand is that their website is completely in Russian. Thanks to a bit of Google Translate, I learned that the founders of Gracija-Rim (Vladimir and Rimma) met when working in a Soviet era textile factory, and their shared love of fabrics and sewing led to the creation of their lingerie company (the company is now run by their adult children).

Language differences aside, the images from a few of their recent collections really spoke to me. I was drawn to not only the designs, but the details in how their lookbooks were styled. A combination of lace, silk, chiffon, tulle and a variety of forms, textures and styles make their collections a delight to look through. I pulled some of my favorites from their recent works, but encourage you to visit their website for more.

Enjoy the images below and see if Gracija-Rim speaks to you!