Pleasure State

Pleasure State is probably one of the most popular Australian lingerie brands. Started in 2004 under the watchful care of designer Kay Cohen. Kay had been working and designing for brands such as Triumph, Elle Macpherson and Berlei. She joined the Bendon group in 1997 as Creative Director and reshaped the Elle Macpherson Intimates label to what it is today. She moved over to Berlei in 2003 and only after 6 months left the company, disillusioned at having to again try put new blood into old labels. So in 2004 she started up Pleasure State with business partner/investor Justin Davis-Rice, knowing there was a market out there. Australia needed a brand that could fuse fashion, fit and function all into one lingerie label.



The launch in 2004 used high end European fabrics - Leavers lace, swarovski crystals, and silks. The look went along the lines of the now Pleasure State Couture brand. Even before being launched, the label was a success. Having already committed to sales in David Jones and Harrods. By 2005 Pleasure State was being stocked in over 300 stores worldwide including Victoria's Secret in the US.  This is an amazing achievement for an Australian label only one year old. Then in 2010 she merged the label back into her old company Bendon, where her business partner had been CEO for the past year, and then relinquished her interest in Pleasure State...... Interesting...... But we hear on the grapevine, that this year, she will be launching another new label. I wait with baited breath...

I don't enjoy hearing the business side of fashion labels sometimes, as it makes me a little disillusioned by the industry. Honestly though, as a label I think Pleasure State has finally started a lingerie style in Australia -  creating an easy first step into the world of beautiful lingerie. It's given us a taste of something a little different, with lingerie no longer limited to either basic or bedroom wear, and is easily attainable in stores. Pleasure State provides a boutique look without the boutique environment. I am not a huge fan of the label nowadays but I can often be caught wearing some of their trademark pieces. I am a sucker for lingerie. What can I say.......


Pleasure State has 3 distinct labels:

Couture

'Couture' is the more stylised, opulent look. The label is a little more out there while still using the classic shapes. Sometimes the designs have a combination of far too many elements creating a very busy look. Not quite to my liking, however it makes for some interesting designs, and you won't see any other lingerie label in Australia doing this. The price point of 'Couture' is the highest of the Pleasure State labels.

White Label

'White Label' sits at a lower price point, using the same shapes, but the line is often a little smoother when compared to pieces featured in 'Couture'. The label is not as detailed in the design and offers an overall simpler style, but still offers an array of interesting options to suit many tastes.

VIP

'VIP' caters to a fuller cup. Starting at a DD and going up to size G, this label is catering for the ever growing bust line of Australian women - even starting at a size 8 now in some designs, but only going up to a size 16.  I however, do not have a full bust, so can't talk too much about the 'VIP' range as I don't own any pieces. I've had some mixed reviews from people on the overall fit of the garments, so I'd love to hear from you about your experience with 'VIP'.

In addition to these, Pleasure State offers basics via their 'My Fit' range. Smooth line everyday wear, still in pretty colours. Again I don't wear basics so I don't have much to say about it!

Here are a few Pleasure State collections from over the years:

Pleasure State White Label

Pleasure State continues to capture Australians' attention with their innovative designs and multitude of ranges. What do you think of Pleasure State?

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Lingerie Accessories

Fraulein Kink Mask and cuffs

What are lingerie accessories you ask? I'm not talking about adding on a matching suspender belt or hosiery and calling it an accessory. That's just lingerie. I'm talking about accessories like wearing earrings that compliment the colour of your dress. Not necessary, but adds a little something to your outfit. Something you would wear to dress things up. Lingerie accessories are a little different to clothing accessories. Yes you can go and put on those lovely filigree lace look earrings to go with your lacy lingerie set, but I'm thinking outside the box here.

Naory "Lulu" from im

How about a lace mask?



Italian label Naory (pictured here) made a gorgeous series "Lulu" with a matching lace mask. These pieces completely sold out before I could get my hands on them........ Such a shame.

However I did start a collection of Lise Charmel (French Label sold at im) lace masks. They were $55 a mask. And they each match a lingerie series released by the company. I unfortunately only have one of the matching series. They release a lace mask each season. I'm eagerly awaiting the next release!

How about some hand cuffs?? Now I'm not talking about the tacky fur lined cheap metal cuffs bought at a Club X store. I'm talking pretty lace style cuffs with ribbon ties you could actually wear out as a fashion accessory. Lately I have found quite a few international labels creating them to compliment a lingerie set. How gorgeous!










Now lingerie accessories are probably a new thing for most of you out there, but can be a fun little add on to raunch up an outfit. Don't freak out picturing full on bondage gear in leather. As you can see my style is feminine with a touch of naughtiness. Lace, ribbons, thin chain detail. Something so small can change the mood of an outfit so quickly. This look says to your partner that he is in total control of you. However, truth be known, its the other way around! He will be completely out of control and you will have the power..........
Remember this is all in fun.

Here are a few look ideas for those adventurous enough to try some lingerie accessories.

Fraulein Kink

Villa Satine

So now what do you think of lingerie accessories?

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How do you store your bras?

I remember a time when I was so proud to have two drawers devoted just to lingerie. One for bras and one for bottoms. Then I started buying chemises, corsets, bodysuits... more bras. I had to then extend my lingerie section to three drawers.  Now as my collection has run wild I have a whole tall boy full of lingerie! Not just full, but completely overflowing. I have had to hang my chemises and long night gowns to make space for the ever growing collection. I have officially outgrown the chest of drawers that I got when I was 21 and am in search of a lingerie wardrobe to store my more expensive pieces.


Now storing lingerie to me is a very important part of preservation. If you are wanting your garments to last you must store them properly. Bras especially, can easily go out of shape if squashed into drawers (as I have learnt with over cramming!) If everything is stored neatly it will keep you not only rotating your lingerie more often but also keeping your bras in the best possible shape.

Bra drawer #1... yes I have more...

 Moulded Bras

As you can see my moulded cup bras are all lined up, inverted or twisted, (not the ideal storage way I must admit) with a matching bottom tucked up behind it. This is so I can keep track of all my matching pieces so I'm not scrounging around in my undies drawers trying to find the matching g/string to a bra I want to wear. And yes I usually wear matching.  I've sorted everything into colours so I can easily grab out the right colour to match an outfit I'm wearing. Red top? There's my red bra options! Quick and easy.

To invert or not invert. This is the question. Well it depends on three things.

#1 Do you have the space to lie your bras flat?
#2 Are your bras pre formed moulded?
#3 Can you twist?

#1 Do you have Space?

If you have the space to store your bras flat then definitely go with that option. This is how you are meant to store them. Line up your bras, with the back hooks done up, one in front of the other. It's the best way to keep the shape of the bra. Moulding on top of moulding. For the bra up the very back pop something underneath the cups so it too can keep its shape.

Lying flat. How they should be stored.

 

#2 What is Pre formed Moulded?

Think your smoothest T-shirt bra. Now it isn't only made in the basic version, this can often be covered in a fabric or lace. Look at the inside of the cup. Is it all in one piece with no seams? This is a pre formed moulded. As a test, invert the cup and see if ripples appear. Often seen all over or even just on the edges of the moulding. If it ripples anywhere do NOT leave the cup inverted. Check the inside AND the outside. Often the inside of the bra looks fine but you can feel fine ridges on the outside underneath the fabric. The longer it sits like that in your drawer the more permanent the creases will become. Your smooth line bra will no longer be a smooth line.

Ripples created from inverting the cup during storage

#3 Can you Twist?

Twisting can be done only on your low cut plunge bras (or push ups). If there is a very narrow band to the middle section you give it a half twist one way so you have placed one cup upside down on top of the other and tuck the straps up behind it. It isn't inverting the cup and ruining its shape. This can only be done on certain shape bras. Make sure the wire does not get twisted and you are not forcing the bra into position. It should fold naturally and easily.

Twisted

So have a look at what you have and how best to store them. If you can, store them flat. Keep your bras separate from your clothes. Remember if you are inverting or twisting your bras then make sure you do up the back hooks! Why? So they don't catch on anything. The worst thing is having the hooks catch onto the lace of another bra and spending the next minute trying to set it free without tearing the fabric. Rookie mistake. Do up your hooks!

I'm now on the search for a second hand wardrobe to do up and store part of my lingerie collection in. I need to practise what I preach and store my lingerie better. Which means no longer over crowding my drawers and creating more storage space to better preserve (and display) my collection.

So........how do you store your bras?

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Bottoms: French Knickers, Shorts, Boylegs.

 

Whatever name you call them, they can often be exactly the same thing, or completely different! Confusing isn't it?! Shorts, French Knickers, Boylegs, Booty Shorts, G/Short, Hot pants, Boxer short, Boy short, Shorty, etc. They are all names for a bottom that has a wider side, covers the hips and sits like a short on the body. Cuts will vary dramatically depending on brands definition of the words. But they could all be called one of the names above. So if you walk into a store asking for something with a matching french knicker, remember it may be nothing like the style you are picturing in your head.

                                         Traditional French Knicker

Traditionally a French knicker is meant to be a loose fitting short. Think of a higher waisted version of a men's loose boxer short. It was a style that became popular in the 1920s in UK and Australia. (Also known as Tap Pants in the US.) The name supposedly came from the early 1900s French Can Can dancers frilly bloomers, worn under their dresses to flash at the patrons. The French however never use this term! A French knicker can now be called so if it has no elastic on the leg opening. The name has stuck now to a number of different short style cuts. Hence nowadays there are fitted versions of the French Knicker also.

                                 Silk semi traditional French Knicker

 
 Due to the seamless effect shorts can now create, they have overtaken G/strings in popularity. With no elastic cutting into the bum, but still offering coverage, it's no wonder they have become a winner with women. Popularity with men has increased dramatically also, due to the often "cheekiness" of the cut. Sitting straight across the back, rather than under the cheek line, you see just a little bit of the bottom peeking through. Because this cut doesn't have elastic through the leg it can move on the body sometimes depending on your curves. And this is exactly how it is meant to be. It's up to personal comfort whether you like this or not.

                                               Aubade "Bahia" short

Stretch lace is a popular choice to use, as it can be woven in the exact width of the short. Around 15cm wide with scalloped edges on both sides. No elastic needed to keep the pants in place. The fabric itself has all the stretch it needs. Make sure you get the correct size so it sits flush against the body and doesn't flare at all on the leg.

A boy leg is meant to be different again. A cut popularised by Bonds with their lower cut hipster style. It tucks up under the bum cheeks but still with a wider side over the hip. A sportier style generally. As it stays in position on the body. The cut follows the bum line not like a short that is cut straight or bikini which is angled up more. 

I'm a shorts girl. Are you? I find it the best fit for a more curvaceous behind. Creating a smoother line and no unsightly VPL under clothing. No elastic to cut into the meatier part of the body. If you have a more bountiful booty or want to create the look of one this is a good style to go for. Something that shows just a little bit of "cheekiness".

                       Hand made Leavers lace French Knicker and Triangle bra

                                    Shiori hand beaded Hot Pink short

                               "Marvel by La Perla" Showgirl G/Short

 So whatever style bottom you normally like to wear, one of these shorts is sure to take your fancy. Try something different. Give one a go. I'm a shorts girl. Are you?

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