Valentine’s Day Escape ~ Collar Swim

February 11, 2019

By ALISON CONNOLLY

The original purpose for creating the Gallery on Lingerie Briefs was simply to share inspiring images that have some ties to lingerie or swimwear, or at the very least, fashion. It can be something as simple as a pattern or a color that becomes the basis for a post. In this case, it’s this collection of images from Latvian swimwear brand Collar. The colors and patterns simply caught my eye while recently looking at Pinterest. The warm reds and light pinks made me think Valentine’s Day (which you hopefully know is later this week), and the unconventional styling captured my attention. Co-founded by designer Monta Apsāne and Ieva Laube, Collar aims to create designs that capture both the ethereal beauty and fierceness of women. These images are actually from an older SS17 collection, but still relevant and worth sharing. And, as in all artful things, a visionary escape. Enjoy!

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Voiment Intimates ~ Eco-Friendly, Innovative & Very 2019

January 28, 2019

By ALISON CONNOLLY

The last time we featured Voiment Intimates on Lingerie Briefs (July 2017), the brand had just launched its initial capsule collection, and its co-founders Yuman He and Ruwen Song were fresh from having graduated from London College of Fashion (with first class honors, naturally). It’s a pleasure to now take a look at how the brand has evolved over the past year and a half, and not only see what’s been created since then, but what’s being launched in 2019. The following images feature the current SS19 lingerie collection, as well as a sneak peek at what’s coming soon in swimwear.
Voiment, derived from the words ‘void’ and ‘movement’ (symbolizing “infinite containment and imaginary space”) is a niche lingerie and swim brand from China that takes an eco-friendly approach to timeless style. The current season, called Monotropaceae (the ghost flower), features pieces that artfully combine tulle, satin and lace. The earthy colorway is a nod to the brand’s green approach to manufacturing and is meant to mimic the colors of the transparent ghost flower that reflects the colors of the light and earth surrounding it. Voiment is an innovative brand that is detail-oriented, incredibly chic and designed for women XS-XL and bra cup sizes A-E. Many of the pieces are meant for mix and match styling, as you will see in their latest campaign images. The year ahead should be an interesting one for the brand, which has hopes of expanding its retail presence worldwide. I know if I still had a store here in the U.S., I certainly would want Voiment Intimates in my shop!

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Rising Star ~HERVÉ BY CÉLINE MARIE

January 14, 2019

By ALISON CONNOLLY

Celine Marie is a French-German lingerie designer (based in London) who was recently named a “Rising Star” at the 2018 UK Lingerie Awards. After looking through these dazzling images from her latest collection, you will agree with that assessment.

Though the brand HERVÉ BY CÉLINE MARIE is fairly young, it is anticipated that this will be its breakout year. What sets this innovative couture lingerie label apart from others is its relationship between modern and traditional design; from 3D laser cutting technology to its traditional handcrafting techniques. The goal is to create lingerie that is worn to be seen, and there is no doubt that these intricate avant-garde pieces are show-stoppers!

The Fall/Winter collection, called Human Mechanoids, is both parts futuristic and classic with its gilded lace and structural framework. It is inspired by the works of Swiss surrealist painter HR Giger and his idea of the biomechanoid, and how our relationship with technology is taking over our minds and bodies.

HERVÉ, the designer’s mother’s maiden name, symbolizes strength and fierceness. The brand’s mission is to create lingerie that all empowers all women, particularly those who have uneven breasts or have undergone a mastectomy (that is why the made-to-measure element is important). HERVÉ uses sustainable textiles to create handmade garments that are derived from laser cut patterns. This highly technical approach is evident in the corded metallic lace applique (layered on sheer tulle bases) you see on most pieces.

It will be exciting to see how the brand expands and evolves throughout this year. No doubt we will continue to see the continued balance of the ethereal and the industrial in future designs.

Discover more about the world of HERVÉ BY CÉLINE MARIE

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The Art of Couture ~ Emiah Lingerie

December 31, 2018

By ALISON CONNOLLY

If you need just one reason to be excited about 2019, we have it. It’s the emergence of the bespoke lingerie brand Emiah (pronounced Eh-mi-yah). Based in South Wales, UK this luxury label creates artfully draped corsetry and hand dyed lingerie that is breathtakingly beautiful.

All of the designs have an ethereal style heavily influenced by nature, whether it’s the dark evening sky (Aoye collection), reflections of light on water (The Shape of Water), or garden vines adorned with mythical flowers (Amaranth). After all, the name Emiah is a nod to nature with its name being derived from the initials of ‘Eudyptula Minor (scientific term for the smallest breed of penguin) and ‘Alycia Hirani’ (the designer’s name). Hirani’s love of the greenery and mystical waterfalls is evident in the colors and shapes of her works. It’s particularly clear in the artfully staged images of her collections, which we are thrilled to share.

The Amaranth collection, featured here, is crafted from ombre chiffons, jewel tone tulles and hand-painted Chantilly laces…and is available in any size you wish, specific to the measurements you provide (expect a 10-12 week lead time). The rich colors perfectly capture the opulence of the Winter season, and the shapes are undoubtedly sultry and luxurious.

We encourage you to visit Emiah’s website to see her works in full high-resolution detail or follow her on Instagram (@emiahcouture) to see her additional collections which are equally stellar and inspiring. We provided a sneak peek at The Shape of Water collection at the end of this post just to whet your appetite…the full collection is on the website! https://www.emiah.co.uk/collections

Photography above: Dee Bryan, HMUA: Dee Bryan,
Model above: Kacie Laura,
Designs: Emiah

A glimpse at The Shape of Water collection

Photography: Catherine Laura, HMUA: Amy Benson,
Model: Zara Syrett,
Design: Emiah

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‘Tis the Season to Treat Yourself ~ Kiki de Montparnasse

December 17, 2018

By ALISON CONNOLLY

I recently decided to visit www.barneys.com to do a little Christmas shopping (who are we kidding, I was looking for myself), and discovered the lingerie brand Kiki de Montparnasse in their ultra-glamorous gift guide. Being somewhat of a luxury intimates aficionado, I was admittedly surprised that the brand was still around. For some reason I assumed that when the brick-and-mortar boutiques closed, the entire business did too. Turns out that their NYC boutique had transitioned into a private atelier (shop by appointment only at this to-be-disclosed location), and that the brand continues to have a solid presence in stores like Barney’s, Shopbop and Net-a-Porter, in addition to their own online boutique.

Whether you know the brand has been in business all along, or whether you’ve never heard of Kiki de Montparnasse, it’s still worth taking a look at what the brand has been up to! It’s also worth noting that in my last Gallery blog post, I featured the brand Fleur du Mal , which was founded by Jennifer Zuccarini who launched Kiki. Clearly I’m attracted to the aesthetic of Ms. Zuccarini’s labels!

The following items are from the current season, and currently available for purchase. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, like I have been, or someone special, all of these items would make a wonderful gift!