By ESTELLE PULESTON

Has there ever before existed a lingerie brand that’s quite so environmentally and socially conscious as Underwear for Humanity, which launched this year? I’m struggling to think of one. With a tagline of “kindness in action”, this Australian start-up is one that’s centered around giving back to the world in numerous ways.

Let’s start with its eco credentials. Underwear for Humanity was founded by lingerie industry veteran Kelly Barrett, who previously created Silent Arrow but closed it down when she found herself stuck in the modern-day fashion cycle of regular product launches followed by necessary discounting to clear old stock.… Read More

By ESTELLE PULESTON

Independent lingerie brands really don’t come much more iconic than Buttress & Snatch. This British label, which has been seen on everyone from Kate Moss to Beth Ditto to Madonna, has an instantly-recognizable aesthetic – one that’s characterized by luxuriously-draped off-shoulder details, oversized bow and flower adornments, and a wonderfully whimsical use of color and print.

Buttress & Snatch was created in 1999 by Rachel Kenyon, who describes herself as a “compulsive underwear inventor”, and who also founded the luxury lingerie brand Marilupa.… Read More

By ESTELLE PULESTON

Maguy de Chadirac’s eponymous loungerie brand – in my opinion, one of the most exciting independent luxury labels to debut in this industry in the past few years – was launched almost by accident. A French designer based in the UK, in 2017 Maguy was working in haute couture between Paris and London when a lingerie boutique noticed her work, and asked her to create a small run of loungewear items for them.

Those initial garments took very little time to sell out, and that one wholesale client proved to be just the beginning.… Read More

By ESTELLE PULESTON

If ethically-made, elegantly-luxurious lingerie is your cup of tea, then Swiss brand Madame Pierre is one you’ll no doubt be delighted to discover. Founded by Sabrina Peter, the decidedly slow-fashion label debuted in 2015 and launches two new collections per year: swimwear for the Spring/Summer season, and lingerie for Fall/Winter.

Sabrina knew she wanted to design beautiful underwear from a young age – ever since watching the film Die Herbstzeitlosen (Late Bloomers), about a woman who finally decides to fulfil her lifelong dream of creating and selling lingerie after turning 80.… Read More

By ESTELLE PULESTON

If ever a lingerie brand existed that transcended mere fashion to become undisputable art, it was Strumpet & Pink. Founded in 2002 as a collaboration between Lisa Z Morgan and Melanie Probert, the label mostly closed down when Melanie passed away in 2015 – although some designs are still available to order (more on that later).

Focused on limited-edition and one-of-a-kind pieces of the most luxurious sort, Strumpet & Pink came up with numerous exquisite and avant-garde creations that, frankly, no brand since has been able to match.… Read More