Posts in category "indie designer spotlight"

Indie Designer Spotlight & Review: Majo Rey

Amanda II fringed set by Uruguayan indie designer Majo Rey.

Amanda II fringed set by Uruguayan indie designer Majo Rey.

Majo Rey is a handmade lingerie designer from Uruguay.  Her designs are modern, accessible, and stylish.  Sold on Etsy, her profile boasts that all items are crafted in-h0use.  She reached out to The Lingerie Addict, and after perusing her web store, I jumped at the review opportunity.  Though the following samples were sent to me free-of-charge, all opinions below are my own, and let me start by saying that I was very impressed.

The construction of both the bras and panties I received was very tidy, sturdy, and well-finished.  Designers like Majo Rey really showcase the difference between [what my instructors would call] “home sewing” and “handmade.”  All the stitching was clean and regular, and nothing felt too delicate.  When I tried on the first piece, my opinion only continued t climb.

"Lujan" set by Uruguayan indie designer Majo Rey.

“Lujan” set by Uruguayan indie designer Majo Rey.

I was sent two sets: Lujan and Santa Selva.  Lujan is one of Majo Rey’s most popular designs, with a simple halter lace bra contrasted with ruffle butt panties ($75 on Etsy).  I’m a softie for soft bras, but I was actually surprised by just how much I liked the Lujan bra.  I expected the semi-seamless halter to be basically useless.  I’ve certainly seen gravity-defiant boobs and I also certainly don’t have them.  Still, the Lujan bralette provided comfortable lift, though somewhat minimal support.  At a 30C, of course, I don’t need much in that way.  I did find the strap a little long (3″ shorter would’ve noticeably increased the support), but I imagine anyone taller than my 5’3″ might not notice that issue at all.  The back was very adjustable, which is nice.  I love simple design like this, made powerful through skillful execution.  My final issue with Lujan is that the halter is, naturally, simply not practical for more than occasional wear.  In honor of this review I wore mine today, paired with the collared romper I got from Underprotection, which is a slightly unexpected combination that has worked out rather well in terms of conspicuousness.

Lujan panties by Majo Rey

Lujan panties by Majo Rey.

I love the Lujan panties ($45).  The cut is mildly cheeky in the rear and the lace and ruffles are both fun and sexy.  Frisky, if you will.  My only minor concern with them was that the front waistline felt high compared to the rise at the sides and back.  Personally, my figure tends to do best with styles that are either very low-rise or on the natural waistline, so aesthetically it was a bit high for me, but even with that in mind the front was a smidge high.  All told, of course, that’s probably the most minor fit complaint I’ve ever noted in one of these reviews.

Ruffled Panties "Selva Santa" by Majo Rey

Ruffled Panties “Selva Santa” by Majo Rey

By comparison, the Selva Santa Ruffled Panties ($43) are much cheekier (yay) with a more comfortable rise at front.  Since they are less textural, they could be a bit more practical for daily wear.  The bright yellow of Selva Santa is super fun, and sexy, especially paired with the light ruching details.

Majo Rey Selva Santa bra

“Selva Santa” bra by Majo Rey

For me, though, the star was definitely the Selva Santa underwire bra ($60).  Despite being sized in S-M-L, I found that the fit both lay and looked well.  Too often I find that bras are too deep in the cup but not wide enough for the breast tissue.  This bra comfortably framed my breasts and gapped only minimally on my smaller side.  The band wasn’t overly wide or stretchy and seemed to lay pretty straight across my mid-back.  (For reference, I am a 30C American/30D UK.)  The straps had a lot of flexibility in the adjustable sliders.

Black and red Fringed Garter Belt by Majo Rey.

Black and red Fringed Garter Belt by Majo Rey.

As much as I love cute, sexy, exciting garments, I am quite practical at heart since I do a lot of juggling and running around in my day-to-day life; I think Majo Rey fits my needs very well in that sense.  There were several other styles that I would have loved to test out, particularly the fringed styles such as the black and red garter belt shown above.  I highly recommend Majo Rey for the quality of design, construction, and fit.

What do you think of Majo Rey’s designs?  Have you tried Majo Rey already?  We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Marianne

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For the Fearless, and Fabulous: Nakimuli Swimwear

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Bright Aztec Serengeti Swimsuit

Sometimes I run across a designer I know I’d never wear…but who is simply unforgettable nonetheless. Nakimuli is one of those designers. Ever since I first encountered one of her swimsuits on Pinterest, I just can’t stop thinking about her inimitable style. Like I said, these swimsuits aren’t a good fit for me personally, but if you love bright, bold swimwear, I haven’t seen anything cooler than these. Best of all, most of Nakimuli’s swimsuits are available in both plus and misses size. Nakimuli Swim is sold via Etsy and her website. What do you think of these swimsuits?

nakimuli_black_liquid_swimsuit

Black Liquid Swimsuit

nakimuli_bright_delight_swimsuit_misses

Bright Delight Swimsuit (Misses Size)

nakimuli_bright_delight_swimsuit_plus

Bright Delight Convertible Swimsuit (Plus Size)

nakimuli_punky_tee_swimsuit_misses

Punky Tee Swimsuit (Misses Size)

nakimuli_punky_tee_swimsuit_plusj

Punky Tee Swimsuit (Plus Size)

nakimuli_seregenti_swimsuit_misses

Serengeti Swimsuit (Misses Size)

nakimuli_serengeti_swimsuit_plus

Serengeti Swimsuit (Plus Size)

nakimuli_point_guard_swimsuit_misses

Point Guard Swimsuit (Misses Size)

nakimuli_point_guard_swimsuit_plus

Point Guard Swimsuit (Plus Size)

Cora

Cora

Founder and Chief Editor of The Lingerie Addict. Sugar Junkie. Lace Lover. Sci-Fi Geek.

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Eco-Designer Spotlight: Underprotection Lingerie Review

Sigrun body by Underprotection
Photo: Lauren Luck
Model: Victoria Dagger

When I got sent the press release for Underprotection, a Danish sustainable lingerie and loungewear brand, they caught my eye.  I was immediately impressed by their chic lookbook with beautiful photography – none of the hippie granola cliche of sustainability.  Upon perusing their website, I found that their commitment to sustainability seems to have a solid foundation, using not only eco-friendly materials, but also using sustainable labor practices.

Pamela set by Underprotection.
Photo: Lauren Luck
Model: Victoria Dagger

A representative from Underprotection was kind enough to send me two sample sets of my own choosing for review.  Their catalog images didn’t seem to do the styles justice, but between the web catalog and the lookbook photos I chose my favorites out of a lot of cute options.  When Underprotection’s package arrived for me, I continued to be impressed.  A hard copy of the gorgeous lookbook was included, and information about the fibers used in each style was attached to the hang tag.  Silhouette-wise, the Pamela bra and brief set is very different from Sigrun body, though both happen to be composed primarily of bamboo.  Now, bamboo is admittedly semi-controversial as an eco-fiber – the plant itself is wonderful, but the process of turning it into filament is chemical-heavy, but there’s no denying it does make for a wonderful fabric.  Anyway, I like to test new wardrobe and put it through its paces by subjecting it to a photoshoot.  Special thanks to Lauren Luck for the extra-special film photography.

Pamela set by Underprotection.
Photo: Lauren Luck
Model: Victoria Dagger

Pamela set
Style-wise, while the halter-strap is very cute, it is a little impractical for daily wear, but I just can’t resist a good bralette.  The fit was comfortable, with about as much support as you’d expect from a soft cup bra.  The matching panties were also comfy – they had a more relaxed fit than I usually go for, yet it seemed appropriate for the style.  The waistline was a smidge low for my tastes, but the fabric stretchy enough that I could pull it up to my natural waist.  The keyhole at the back is a cute little touch.  Overall, I thought this was a great set to make me feel both comfortable and sexy.

Pamela set by Underprotection.
Photo: Lauren Luck
Model: Victoria Dagger

Pamela set by Underprotection.
Photo: Lauren Luck
Model: Victoria Dagger

Pamela set by Underprotection.
Photo: Lauren Luck
Model: Victoria Dagger

Pamela set by Underprotection.
Photo: Lauren Luck
Model: Victoria Dagger

Sigrun body
I was pretty curious about the Sigrun body – while I’m addicted to rompers, the minute you call it a “bodysuit” or “teddy,” somehow I get these weird 80s-high-legline-cheap-lace pictures in my head and lose all interest.  The menswear reference and stark black and white fabrication of the Sigrun body was just too good to deny, though.  I did find the super-duper-extra-sheer crotch, with no liner, a slightly odd choice: for the photos, I had to wear a lightweight pair of nude high-waist panties.  I think it would make me self-conscious enough to not make it a loungewear go-to, much as I’d like it to be, but I’ll be definitely wearing it as a daywear piece.  Again, I love the combination of the comfortable fit with a stylish design.

Sigrun body by Underprotection
Photo: Lauren Luck
Model: Victoria Dagger

Sigrun body by Underprotection
Photo: Lauren Luck
Model: Victoria Dagger

Sigrun body by Underprotection
Photo: Lauren Luck
Model: Victoria Dagger

Sigrun body by Underprotection
Photo: Lauren Luck
Model: Victoria Dagger

Sigrun body by Underprotection
Photo: Lauren Luck
Model: Victoria Dagger

Sigrun body by Underprotection.
Photo: Lauren Luck
Model: Victoria Dagger

Final thoughts
Four stars.  For the most part, the stitching was very clean, although I did notice that the halter strap seemed a bit strained in its set-in on one side.  I have a sneaking suspicion that I’ll have to tack it back in place at some point in the future.  I love the drape and feel of both the lightweight bamboo satin and the soft bamboo mesh (!!).  The colors/color blocking are utterly charming.  I think Underprotection is a brand to keep your eye on, even if you don’t have a particular interest in sustainable design.  Who doesn’t love clothes that both look and feel good when you wear them?

What do you think about the sets shown above and the other styles on Underprotection’s website?  Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Marianne

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The Glorious Brazilian Bikini + 4 Swim Brands to Watch

I’m writing this from Buzios, Brazil, where I’ve spent a week contemplating the tininess of the Brazilian bikini.

Back in the States, even our skimpiest bathing suits generally keep the behind at least somewhat modest (or else who knows what kind of judgment would greet you), but here the guiding principle of beach dress seems to be the more skin, the better.

At first, this sea of flesh was shocking to my North American sensibilities.  But now that I’ve become acculturated to it (and even bought myself a teeny fuchsia 2 piece), I’ve come to think that the spirit that accompanies tiny beach attire here is actually refreshing and would be a welcome influence on our overly body conscious culture in the States.

We American women, as has been discussed from many different perspectives on this blog, are in a constant battle with our bodies.  We idolize the supermodel physique, but resent it too since it’s out of reach.  And who, even among those of us who do like our bodies and believe theoretically that we SHOULD live in a less judgmental culture, doesn’t sometimes catch herself seeing another woman and thinking, “she’s wearing THAT?”

The glory of the Brazilian beach is that people seem much more comfortable in their skins.  All shapes and sizes frolic in thongs and tiny triangle tops, the men in little briefs, playing football and eating variants of fried cheese, the national snack.  There does not seem to be the attitude that if a woman’s body doesn’t conform to a specific ideal of beauty, she doesn’t deserve to be wearing something small, or that she somehow owes it to the public to keep herself modest.  Everyone can dress skimpy, sexy, and enjoy the sun on whatever regions of their skin they’d like.

Aside from getting to ponder the most noteworthy aspect of the Brazilian bathing suit, its size, this trip has been a great trend spotting experience to see what a year-round beach culture is wearing.  It got me excited to spotlight some trends that I saw in the boutiques in Ipanema and Buzios, Brazil that were also influencing swim direction here in New York.  In general, Brazilian swim is more uniform in silhouette, whereas North American swimwear is taking varied directions in shape, but both had interesting print and detail.  Both, also, are revisiting one piece shapes in innovative ways.

During market week for Resort and Spring 2013, I visited  (Capsule), a trade show in New York City for emerging trend-forward brands, and came across three lines that impressed me: Beth Richards, Beach Riot,  and Lilibon.   A fourth, K Belo, I found by word of mouth in Brooklyn.

In this deepest, darkest month of winter, I want to share my finds with you so that we can all have something inspiring to look forward to in the near future (tropical vacation, anyone?) or in the more distant frolicsome months ahead.

BeachRiot reflects the easy, sporty-yet-sexy, particularly American influence of its Southern California roots.  For spring, designer Nicole Hanriot showed a mix-and-match variety of pieces . The line, though it includes disparate fabric, color, and detail choices, is unified by a strong brand identity that merges  vintage Americana print, trashy-chic, and casual cool.  Silhouettes vary widely, and include Brazilian cut bottoms and wispy crochet-inspired tops.

Beach Riot

Beach Riot

Canadian designer Beth Richards‘s take on swim is modern, sleek, and severe-yet-sexy.  Her mostly monochromatic black and white palette feels modern and refreshing among the bold colors and prints for the past few seasons.  Silhouettes feel more constructed than her cohorts’, with a conscious attention to placed cutouts and opacity mixed with transparency–all to a very sexy and sophisticated effect.  UV-protected fabrics make this a functional swim choice, and the option to mix and match pieces and to use them as ready-to-wear bodysuits makes it a versatile and elevated one too.

Beth Richards

Beth Richards

Lilibon is sweet, feminine, and lovely.  Inspired by 1940′s pin-ups, designer Emilie Bon says, “I have always loved lingerie, and I aim to bring the same sense of style and unashamed feminity to the women’s resort wear.”  Design details include high waisted briefs and structured bra tops, sweet fluttery ruffles, and pastel floral print.

Lilibon

Lilibon

K Belo features classic styles with a modern twist, the kind of swimwear that, rather than catering to a specific and defined aesthetic like the previous three brands, is a chic and flattering choice for a range of tastes, body types, and uses.  Brooklyn designer Diane Belgrod was inspired for 2013 by “the hazy nostalgia for a bygone era of style and leisure. Dreaming of a weekend jet-set to 1950’s Havana, Cuba, taking just one small suitcase full simply of swimwear.”  Made of Brazilian fabric, the line includes classic one pieces and separates in black, with pops of brights as well as breezy stripes and polka dots.

K Belo

K Belo

Writing this from faraway Brazil is putting me in a deliciously acquisitive swimsuit mood, and I am so excited to go out and get some of these sophisticated pieces this spring.  The variety of swimwear among these brands–and the choice to change my look day-to-day on the beach– is the best part.  My teeny Brazilian bikini will also be coming home with me, and I’m planning to sport it in all its flesh-showing glory back on more modest American turf.

What are your thoughts on body consciousness and beachwear?  Do you have any favorite swim brands to share?

Laura a.k.a. Lola Haze

I’ve loved lingerie since before that was reasonable. I taught myself drawing, designing, and sewing, and after graduating from Harvard with an English degree, immediately went to work disregarding it and following my passion for fashion. After a few years designing for a big company, I went off on my own and started Lola Haze TM, (named after the title character in “Lolita,” my favorite book). Lola Haze is playwear for the bold woman who loves fun and dresses for herself! I feel happy and lucky that I get to love my job so much, and am thrilled to share my lingerie enthusiasm with The Lingerie Addict!

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3 Up-and-Coming Corsetieres to Watch in 2013

While some old favorites never lose their charm (Dark Garden, Electra Designs, Sparklewren), there are some intriguing newer names that I’ve discovered in the past year.  The following three designers have impressed me with their distinctive, fresh aesthetics, innovative detailing, and technical craft.  Here are the corsetieres I’m looking forward to watching in the coming year.

Alicia Rose
United Kingdom

Following Alicia Rose, I get a sense of delicate femininity: girlishness, if you will (look at all the subtle sweetheart motifs in the images above).  Lots of sheer fabrications, intermixed with an unusual long-strand embroidery in stark, vibrant contrast.  There’s a definite sense of vintage inspiration and bridal styling, but paired with a chic sense of whimsy.

˜˜˜

Neon Duchess
England

Neon Duchess, aka corsetiere Hannah Light, plays a lot with texture and textured silhouette.  Fabrications are layered within panels or stacked in placements such as the hip fins, further dramatizing the already striking corseted silhouette.  In particular, the use of metallic leather seems to be something of a signature.

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Purdy Corsetry
New Zealand


Purdy Corsetry’s approach is a perhaps bit more classic than the above two designers, but I like the subtle twist she puts on traditional looks, and her craftmanship seems top notch, as evidenced by the clean finishing of the miniature heart shaped cutouts.  Purdy’s work also demonstrates intriguing diversity: the graceful, elegant fanned bone channels contrasting with the hard-edged corset spine lacing (I wish I’d thought of it!) or Gaultier-esque anatomically inspired pieces.

What do you think of these new corsetieres?  Whose work are you looking forward to following in the new year?

Marianne

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Lost in Wonderland: Berlin’s Newest Luxury Lingerie Label

‘Pitaya’

‘Vegan’ doesn’t equal ‘boring,’ and in case you didn’t know that, Lost in Wonderland is here to prove it. Combining luxurious laces, vegan fabrics, classic styles, and a playful sensibility, Lost in Wonderland honestly has me smitten. With nocturnal flowers as the inspiration, these sets are pretty, yes, but they’re also wearable. And everything is purchased from and manufactured in Europe. Have you fallen in love yet? Lost in Wonderland’s first collection will be available worldwide this December…just in time for Christmas. You can view a complete gallery of all the looks at the bottom of this article.

‘Moonflower’

‘Love Lace’

‘Nightshade’

‘Midnight Hibiscus’

‘Pink Hibiscus’

Cora

Cora

Founder and Chief Editor of The Lingerie Addict. Sugar Junkie. Lace Lover. Sci-Fi Geek.

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Why Body Jewelry is the Hottest trend in Lingerie–and 6 Must Have Pieces

Lola Haze “Web of Seduction Body Chain”

When  I was designing my Lola Haze Spring collection, I spent a lot of time looking at trim and raw materials.  I love unexpected flourishes, especially ones that emphasize hardness or softness.  In lingerie the counterbalance between hard and soft is a design element that can be toyed with to great effect.

I love to incorporate chains into my work, and I’ve been excited about the direction jewelry has been going recently.  Where a few years ago jewelry was easily classified by where it sat on the body–necklaces went around the neck, bracelets around the wrist, earrings through a pierced ear, and rings on a finger– leather and chains and rings have started creeping over the hills and dales of body parts, blurring territories and categories.

They’ve formed a brute squad (but such delicate brutes!) and have taken over every exposed piece of flesh.  There are rings that snake over knuckles and wrists, earrings that encapsulate the entire ear cartilage, and necklaces that enmesh breasts and ribs and waists.

I especially love all this jewelry when I think of it in the context of lingerie.  If one purpose of lingerie is to encompass and adorn the body beautifully, then why limit the category of lingerie to things made of fabric?  The new interpretation of how jewelry interacts with the body blurs into the category of lingerie.

So for my Lola Haze collection, I designed a body chain.  I draped it and fit it just like I would a silk chemise, the whole time trying to combat the gravity and wiliness of skinny metal links.  I’m excited by the end result and its versatility: it can be worn alone, scandalously, against the skin; as an accent with lingerie; or as a bold accessory over a simple dress.

It’s not just the versatility (and therefore added value) of body jewelry that I love, but also the beautiful contradiction of draped metal.  It has the glint of body armor, and also the sweetness of a treasured keepsake.

Here are a 4 great pieces:

I came across designer Bliss Lau‘s incredible jewelry line recently, and fell in love with everything.  To me, the standouts were the her art deco collection.  I got to ask Bliss a bit about her pieces:

“The concept for the Zelda Bra is inspired by Zelda Syre (Fitzgerald) I created a full art deco collection which includes styles “Chrysler Bracelet” the slave style bracelet inspired by the chrysler building and “Ziegfeld” a shoulder piece inspired by the Ziegfeld Follies.  All of these styles are made using delicate chain which has details of vintage chain featuring small black glass beads.”

Bliss Lau “Zelda Bra,” $395

Bliss Lau “Zigfield”

Bijoux Indiscrets “Flamboyant,” $26

Lone Wolf Accents Thigh Chain, $65

Nasty Gal body chain, $38

What do you think of body chains as lingerie?  Would you wear one?

Laura a.k.a. Lola Haze

I’ve loved lingerie since before that was reasonable. I taught myself drawing, designing, and sewing, and after graduating from Harvard with an English degree, immediately went to work disregarding it and following my passion for fashion. After a few years designing for a big company, I went off on my own and started Lola Haze TM, (named after the title character in “Lolita,” my favorite book). Lola Haze is playwear for the bold woman who loves fun and dresses for herself! I feel happy and lucky that I get to love my job so much, and am thrilled to share my lingerie enthusiasm with The Lingerie Addict!

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