I always, always, always love introducing a new brand on TLA. Even better if that brand is run by someone who’s been the invisible, behind-the-scenes innovator on so many luxury lingerie labels, from Ludique to Bordelle. One can’t help but wonder what someone that creative could do if they were in charge of their own label. For now, at least when it comes to Pia Conaghan, we don’t have to wonder anymore. Her debut collection for the eponymous brand, Studio by Pia, is both ambitious and impressive.
When I saw JBC Lingerie’s new lookbook, “DAD I’M GOING OUT,” pop up on my timeline, I was in awe. I saw models in a range of shapes and sizes all sporting badass lingerie and an IDGAF attitude. JBC Lingerie tapped into a level of inclusion rarely seen in lingerie.
Few things are as mysterious as luxury lingerie. In a retail landscape obsessed with 5 for $20 panties and 2 for $30 bras, it can seem strange when a company goes in the complete opposite direction, prioritizing high quality materials, fair labor, and impeccable fit over low prices.
As a lingerie designer, people often tell me my work sounds like a ‘dream job.’ An aura of fantasy and glamour surrounds the fashion industry. However, the reality is lingerie design can be pretty boring most of the time, with very little creativity involved at all.
I first met one of the founders of Department of Curiosities at the Oxford Conference of Corsetry. Gerry Quinton, under the label Morua Corsetry & Couture, actually designed one of my favorite pieces – a cream overbust corset with golden stars made of fragmented glass. I was honestly delighted when I first heard the news of her new lingerie label. Corsetry is a bit of niche area, inaccessible and intimidating to many. Loungewear on the other hand…well, who doesn’t want some of that?
