Farewell my friend

Recently I had to do one of the hardest things in my life... Say goodbye to one of my best friends. It's not easy when you lose someone who has been a part of your life for so many years. They had encouraged me throughout my career in the lingerie industry. Had been there at the birth of the blog. When I worked as a designer. When I spent all my travel money on lingerie. I could discuss my unique world for hours with them and in time gave them a love of lingerie as well. They were always there to support my crazy addiction, proof read my posts and understand this was my passion as well as my career. I felt truly blessed to have them in my life.

So the past month has not been an easy time for me and writing and spending energy on the blog hasn't been a priority. At this highly emotional time I have also been trying to organise my first trip to Europe where I will be learning the ropes of internationl lingerie buying. It is my dream job, my dream life and I still felt completely and utterly disconnected from it. What I needed was a break... 

Stella McCartney - Anna Glowing

I escaped for a weekend where I let my brain just switch off from everything that I felt. I could have fun conversations about life, travel and what to cook up for a big group breakfast. I could play boardgames, drink red wine and eat chips from the packet. I knew I had work to do but I didn't want to research new brands or write about frivolous things like lingerie... The passion had been stunted. But as I spent time with my friends and further away from my normal life as I possibly could (think gumboots, khaki sweater dresses and woolen tights) I realised that even though I hid my sadness and addiction, I still had on all the layers of my personality underneath, including the $1000 worth of lingerie I kept hidden. Even if I wanted nothing more than to escape that reality.

I ended up picking up my bag of newly purchased Stella McCartney, my Canon and started taking a series of photos around the farm. Hanging up each piece of lingerie delicately over tree branches, swings and fireplaces. It brought me a sense of joy in creating art with just my camera, natural lighting and a few new pieces in my ever growing collection. No words needed to be said. My friends knew to just let me be and enjoy.

Once I came back from my escapade the girls then eagerly raided the bag and a lingerie discussion started. "Where did you get those from?" "My breasts have changed after breast feeding and need to be refitted" "I buy my lingerie from IGA!" We talked about where you could shop on a budget. Changing bra shape sometimes over size itself and when the next group lingere shopping trip would be. I felt at home. 

Stella McCartney - Josephine Marrying

 

Stella McCartney - Selma Dancing

 

 

Stella McCartney - Eve Giggling

Each one of these beautiful pieces were picked up at the Bendon Outlet $20 sale only a couple days earlier, hence they still have tags attached! Retail therapy certainly did help lift my mood a little and wearing nice lingerie always makes me feel better. Farewell my friend. I will miss you.

Did you make it to the $20 Bendon sale? If not, why not??

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The Architecture of Lingerie

I was lucky enough to attend an event last week that had me surrounded by talented architects. I thought I would be the one educating them on things like fashion and lingerie but it turned out the other way around. The conversations that were formed intrigued me and were based around the similarities between an architect and a lingerie designer. The art form as well as the technical side both professions must achieve in their grand designs. The aesthetic imagery versus the viable creation they must then be able to produce. This conversation enraptured me.

It made me automatically think about the label Nichole de Carle from London. The theme for her ongoing classic Opal collection, was actually iconic architecture from around the world. The range drew inspiration from the Duomo in Milan, Westminster Abbey in London, the Chrysler building in New York and Chateau de Villette in Paris. She created a lingerie image that was so unique to other labels out there, combining the lines of the female form meshed with the sophistication and detail of these intricate structures. The strap work created a frame like a building would use and the spaces were then filled with feminine yet strong silks. Ridiculously stunning and my current items of desire...

Westminster

Villette

Talking to someone in a different field and of a different sex gave me a view of lingerie I hadn't seen in awhile. I do admire the construction of some more bespoke brands but I don't often look at designs as something they worked days, weeks or months on. I see it as "Ohh thats pretty, I want it!" I don't stop often enough to think about the designer, their vision and the work that went into the garment. From the original drawing board sketches to the complete/for sale lingerie. I realise it has been far too long since I've designed and just dabbling now and then isn't enough to keep up my appreciation in lingerie design and the work it actually involves. I promise to appreciate my pieces a little more now. Original designs are so rare nowadays and the innovative ideas should be appreciated for the art work they are.

 

Now more than ever I need to own something from this label. I look forward to finally seeing these garments in person next month.

Are you an architect? What do you think of buildings as inspiration for lingerie?

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