Everyday French ~ Icone Lingerie

August 12, 2019

By ALISON CONNOLLY

Lingerie does not need to be flashy or impractical to be sexy; it can be an everyday indulgence that works with your active lifestyle. French lingerie brand Icone has recognized this from the beginning, with designs that fit into the sexy, yet practical category perfectly. In fact, the Icone brand was created in 2014 by Marion Toccacieli with the intention of “making lingerie accessible to all”. This means selling styles at reasonable prices (bras average $45 USD) and creating styles that are comfortable for a full day’s wear.

A majority of the bras are triangle (wireless) styles, although there are a few underwire styles offered too. Other shapes include bodysuits, briefs and camisoles. The images shared here are a peek at the upcoming Fall/Winter 2019 season, with a selection of rich colors like navy and garnet for the Winter, as well as lilac, cornflower and gold for Autumn.

Every season from Icone is wonderfully timeless…have you tried this brand yet?

Facebook

Twitter

Jane’s Vanity ~ Lingerie Connoisseur

July 29, 2019

By ALISON CONNOLLY

Having once owned a luxury lingerie boutique (Faire Frou Frou, based in Los Angeles), I have a high level appreciation for any small business that can maintain a high-end niche identity and thrive throughout the years. In the case of Jane’s Vanity, it’s been 29 years! Clearly the ladies behind this business are onto something.

Established in Portland, OR in 1990 by Jane Adams, Jane’s Vanity has made a name for itself specializing in designer lingerie, with a focus on unique, high quality brands from Europe. Over the decades the business has shifted from a brick-and-mortar boutique to an online and events-based business, maintaining its commitment to offering the finest names in intimate apparel to its customers. All products are hand selected by Jane and her collaborator Emily Tate, as both ladies often travel to markets in London, Paris and beyond to discover “ lingerie designed by uncommon artists who, compelled by passion, create unique and sophisticated garments that are functional, wearable pieces of art”.

For the past few years, each season Jane’s Vanity has created an editorial style lookbook featuring their most eye-catching new arrivals. The Summer 2019 lookbook (featured here, captured by Jess N Pierson) is bold and colorful, and captures the sultry heat of the summer season featuring designers such as Loveday London, Gilda & Pearl, Camille Roucher, Taryn Winters, Studio PIA and more.

Discover much more about Jane’s Vanity and shop their full selection of “the best of” luxury intimates at www.janesvanity.com.

Photographer & Collage Artist: Jess N Pierson
Hair: Tessa Matsis Smith
Makeup: Amy Gillespie
Styling & Art Direction: Emily Tate
Models: Abigail VanSteenberghe, Ashley McPhail, Kandy Johnson
Photographed at: Cobalt Studios PDX

Facebook

Twitter

Alawa Swimwear ~ Elegance in the Everyday

July 15, 2019

By ALISON CONNOLLY

It truly is a pleasure to discover a brand run by a team that is filled with passion for what they create and who they create for. I immediately felt this way when learning more about Madrid-based swimwear label Alawa. Creating elegant swimwear is at the heart of this label’s essence, following Dostoyevsky’s concept of “beauty that will save the world” as their mantra.

There is no shortage of elegant details in Alawa’s current Spring/Summer 2019 season. Haute couture elements are intentionally incorporated into many of the designs with the goal of inserting elegance into the everyday. Knots, ties, large ruffles and bows appear to be a constant in many of the styles, with a swimwear selection that consists largely of one-piece suits (though the brand does make tankinis, bandeaus, halters, jumpsuits, and cover-ups). An interesting technical component of Alawa is that its swimwear is chlorine-resistant (will last in harsh sun and pool chlorine) and is made from materials that offer SPF 50+ protection. Basically, you could say their designs have “beauty and brains”!

Having recently exhibited at Unique by Mode City in Paris for its first time, I would imagine we will see more stateside boutiques carrying Alawa next season. Or at least I hope so!

https://alawa.es/en

Facebook

Twitter

The Red, White & Blue Checks In~ Marysia Swimwear

July 1, 2019

By ALISON CONNOLLY

I’ve been a fan of Marysia Swimwear for several years, and with beach/pool season in full-swing, it is the perfect time to finally feature the brand in our Gallery.

The current Summer 2019 collection has a dominant red, white & blue color scheme that happens to be right on theme with this week’s July 4^th celebration. When you take those colors, and mix in gingham print and scallop trims, we’re seeing something quite fun and quite frankly, all-American!

The collection featured here was actually inspired by designer Marysia Reeves’ month-long stay on Shelter Island (Long Island, NY). From the details of the colors and patterns (checkerboard motifs reminiscent of family Summer picnic blankets), to pieces that can transition easily from beachside to the indoors, Marysia brings the east coast beach experience directly to you.

Marysia is known for its scallop-trim swimwear, and this season it adds lightweight denim work jackets, ruffled dresses and trousers to its assortment. There are actually a number of new shapes and retro-patterned styles on their website, and if you’re looking to make a fashion statement at your next pool party, head over soon to complete your Summer look!

Facebook

Twitter

Summer Style Expressions ~ Rossell England

June 17, 2019

By ALISON CONNOLLY

It has warmed up considerably here in Los Angeles over the past few days, which has me searching for all breathable cotton-clothing options to kick my summer wardrobe into high gear. When it’s hot out, we can all agree the simpler the outfit, the better. Sometimes even forgoing the underwire in your bra adds that extra needed comfort and coolness.

In searching for practical, polished options, I found myself drawn to the summer collection from Rossell England. The current season features lingerie and loungewear made from lightweight versatile cotton and linen fabrics.

The bright color palette for the summer season is inspired by Expressionist Italian painter and sculptor Modigliani. Take a look at the powder blue, daffodil yellow and navy styles below, and you may get a sense of where the inspiration played out. Interestingly, my last Gallery post featuring Undress Code; a luxury intimates brand also inspired by modern art (in their case, it was the work of Wassily Kandinsky).

It’s worth noting that Rossell England specializes in non-wired bras, but they work for sizes A-E cup. They specialize in using natural fibers sourced from Italy, Switzerland and France that are interpreted into modern clean lines. Some of the items are wonderfully versatile; wearable from bedroom to beach-side. Those bow-tie camisoles and chemises are just begging to be shown off while out and about.

If you’re a fan of Rossell England, we’d love to hear what your favorite pieces are. Or if you’re new to the brand, which items from the summer 2019 collection are speaking to you?