I love that there’s always a presentation at Lingerie Fashion Week that’s dedicated to NYC and USA-based indie brands. As much as I thank the internet for opening my eyes to a huge range of international brands and styles that are available from mass-market retailers (as a full-bust woman, that’s pretty much all I can wear if I want a supportive, affordable bra), I love any opportunity I have to shop local or handmade. Not only are indie designers often more daring and more innovative than the big brands, it’s reassuring to know that the people responsible for making your undergarments have been paid fairly and treated well. This year’s presentation featured one of my favorite brands from past seasons, a brand I’d been dying to see in real life, and a brand that was totally new to me.
NaiS
I adore New York City-based NaiS‘ slightly boho, slightly futuristic aesthetic. Presentations from past seasons (F/W 13 and S/S 14) impressed with sophisticated color stories, inspired styling, and creative shapes.
I feel like each new season builds beautifully from the previous ones– some familiar shapes (like the lace bodysuit) returned in a gorgeous new color, and new pieces like a strapless bra with high-waist knickers arrived in great colors. For F/W 14 Anais worked with a palette inspired by gemstones, including amethysts, emeralds, garnets, and topaz.
I even love the slouchy, chic jumpsuit, and in general I am not a jumpsuit person!
The styling was fantastic as always, as the models sported black stars on their cheeks and glittering gold lips. NaiS is now available at several New York City boutiques, and Modcloth even carries a selection of styles.
Clare Bare
I’ve followed Clare Bare on social media for a while now, and so it was a pleasure to see the Los Angeles-based brand in person.
The pieces channels darker bondage-inspired elements through the lens of soft, loosely structured silhouettes like bralettes, bodysuits, and garter tanks, and the results are sultry, sweet, and very, very wearable.
LOVE these knickers!
This season’s presentation featured some fabulous sherbet colors blended softly together, which softened darker elements like a leather waspie and black strap details for a look that’s approachable but also super sexy. I particularly loved the strappy brief (above) and the long-sleeved black garter shirt!
Sophi Reaptress
This brand is entirely new to me. Based in Philadelphia, the collection features loungewear pieces like hoodies and leggings that offer some major shape and proportion play.
The hoodies are oversized and angular, with sweeping hems and deep hoods, while fitted, overlong sleeves (or no sleeves at all) tip the look away from the cloisters and back onto the streets.
On the website I particularly liked the bamboo and cotton romper with tight, ruched long sleeves– it felt almost like an update of a Victorian mourning garment, both severe and sexy at the same time. The presentation made the leggings really stand out, and I loved the jeweled crowns worn by some of the models.
*****
Tomorrow I’ll cover the final runway show, featuring favorites Affinitas and Parfait. Any pieces or trends really catch your eye?
