Lingerie of the Week: Dear Bowie 'Ashlinn' Robe

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Dear Bowie was one of the brands I fell in love with at this season's lingerie market, and I'm incredibly excited to report that Journelle (one of my favorite lingerie boutiques) has picked up their first season's collection as an exclusive!

This is a huge deal for a new independent brand (most boutiques prefer to see at least three seasons worth of collections before purchasing), and it also represents a major risk on the part of Journelle... not just financially in terms of stock, but also their reputation. If they go out on a limb for a new indie, and it bombs, then Journelle looks like they don't know what they're doing.

Besides all this though, the buying climate in the lingerie industry is extremely conservative right now. Most boutiques aren't taking chances on non-corporate labels, so it's even more impressive when one of the most famous lingerie boutiques in the country is throwing the weight of their name behind such a fledgling brand. And I'm glad they are.

I've spoken before about my belief that independent boutiques should support independent designers. Not only does more diverse stock help indie boutiques stand out in an increasingly crowded market, it also supports the part of the industry where most of the innovation and ideas are happening. And in the same way many indie boutiques believe they should have consumer support because they're small businesses, so too do indie brands deserve small business support as well.

I've rambled a bit, but let me bring things back to what I believe is the strongest piece from Dear Bowie's debut season. While I don't know if I'd call it my favorite piece (I can't decide between this, the eyelash robe, the maxi robe, or that divine embroidered robe), I do think the 'Ashlinn' robe is the item most likely to win converts to the brand.

I'm loving the neutral oatmeal color, the micro-modal and silk blend, and the amazingly elegant cowl neck --- which can be worn as a hood or draped over the decolletage. While this piece definitely qualifies as luxury loungewear at a price point of $250, I believe it's worth it. Not only is the construction beautiful (like I said, I saw this item at market), but you also have to remember that indies are operating at a different pricing margin and structure than large corporate brands. Besides all that though, the versatility of this piece is second to none. I've become something of a loungewear obsessive in recent years (blame it on my working from home), and part of why I adore this piece is because I could wear it for a quick run to the bank or coffee shop. With a pair of leggings and calf-high boots, I'm dressed. I love easy, effortless outfits like that.

I don't think Dear Bowie will be everyone's cuppa tea, but then no lingerie brand is. I am optimistic about this company's future, though, and I can't wait to see what they come out with next season (or who picks them up). I don't often get really, super excited about a new brand (especially a luxury brand), but I'm crazy about this one.

What do you think of Dear Bowie? Could you see this piece working in your lingerie wardrobe or everyday fashion closet? Let me know what's on your mind!