By: Laura
The Swiss brand, Hanro, has been known since 1884 for creating simple, elegant underthings using mostly natural fibers. Back in the day, it was an innovator in circular knitting technology, which could create garments with no seams.
In more recent times, it has become the go-to for super soft camis and underwear that are understated, feminine, and reliably tasteful. The quality of it’s Swiss-made lace and european-production is beautifully superior to mass market products we buy and throw away, and it remains a long-standing challenge to our modern culture of disposable fashion.
So when I went to Hanro’s New York showroom for the Spring 2012 press day, I was expecting to ooh and ahh over the softness of their classic knitwear. This is exactly what happened when I touched their basics. But I am most excited to write about the new trend offerings for Spring 2012, which were unexpectedly feminine and fashionable. Here are three of my favorites:
Vintage Story of Hanro, Ginger Collection
Inspired by combing the company’s own vast archives, Hanro designers have created a retro-looking group that is absolutely gorgeous. This slip is 100% silk rib with scalloped polyester lace, and pairs with a matching bikini. I am blown away by the delicacy of the silk, and love the traditional touches of the gored construction and little bows at the bust and gores.
Available at Saks in Manhattan in December 2011. Retails for around $275 for the set.
Natural Shape
For Spring, Hanro has unveiled a small shapewear collection, Natural Shape. It stands out from the exploding category of shapewear because it has a cottony handfeel and quiet construction. It has no hard boning and seems to make the opposite statement as a corset or visibly paneled shaping item; it is a natural extension of a beautiful body, rather than the body’s disciplinarian. With a lower spandex content than its competitors (11%) and sexy, elegant shape, it both does the job and looks surprisingly pretty. I love the red!
Natural Shape Bodydress available at Neiman Marcus, February 2012. Retails for around $148.
Dusty Rose
Hanro’s spring collection features soft, dusty shades of rose and grey, and I love the easy femininity of this underwire bra and panty set. It is neither too sexy nor too simple–just right for everyday and for taking out for a ride at night. The company produces much of their fabric in house, or it is produced exclusively for them in Switzerland; this devotion to craftsmanship in raw materials is evident in this delicate lace design and soft feel.
My personal taste has always tended toward lingerie with a little edge, but after learning more first-hand about this classic brand, I’m a convert. Should I squeeze a little cottony Hanro into my over-stuffed lingerie drawer?
