Britney Spears in Lascivious

Britney is on tour (she’s in London right now), and as usual there’s some… provocative outfits to help spice up the action. In these Circus shows, at one point Britney wears this breathtaking Lascivious bodysuit “Candy” from the Showgirls collection we mentioned back in April.

I think it’s great that for these European concerts, Britney’s wearing some more European outfits, and I’m sure the labels that were chosen to provide these are extremely excited about being in the spotlight.

I love Lascivious – and it’s pretty obvious Britney’s stylists share my taste. I hope that’s a good thing. Photos thanks to BritneySpears.com and Lascivious.

Lascivious Lingerie Spring/Summer 2009

Lascivious is one of those lingerie labels that does so much more than just designing beautiful lingerie. They’re a lifestyle brand in a way — and along with their new lingerie for Spring/Summer 2009, they’ve also launched a brand new website and…. a new deck of playing cards!

Let’s start off with the lingerie. For SS09 the focus is on clean lines, strong silhouettes and a more directional fashion edge. Inspired by empowered, sexy women everywhere Lascivious designer Chloe Hamblen wanted to explore shape, structure and detail, with an emphasis on revealing and concealing with a modern twist. From the beautiful tulle and mink sophistication of The Elise collection through to the strong graphic lines and cut outs of the Lila collection There is a style and a statement for everyone.

The showgirls “Candy” body is now joined by our new “Sailorgirl” and “Mariette” collections. “Sailor girl” is a naughtical inspired collection featuring limited edition “tattoo” stockings by the artist Kev Grey and “naughtical ties,” whilst The beautiful “Mariette” collection features nude mesh, Black fringing and the ever popular “Tassel suspender.”

The new “LOVE” playing cards have been launched and along with the previous “LASCIVIOUS” deck, repackaged to make way for future additions.

Can’t get enough off Lascivious? They’ve got some great desktop wallpapers on their site — I’m using one!

Football Jerseys versus Lingerie

Ladies, we have a big problem on our hands. A recent survey of 2,000 UK men found that they would more prefer their lovers in a jersey associated with their football club than in sexy lingerie. The poll found that 34% of the men surveyed found women to be sexiest in a football jersey (that’s a soccer jersey for those of us in the US!). Only 23% favored provocative lingerie, and 16% prefer skimpy costumes (such as a “sexy nurse” or “naughty schoolgirl”).

I can’t be the only one baffled by these poll results! Indeed, the website who hosted this survey, MyCelebrityFashion, said, “Women everywhere always had a sneaking suspicion that blokes like their football or rugby team more than they should…but to find out that they find women more attractive in bed when they are wearing a football or rugby top is maybe taking it a little too far.”

I know sports are important to many guys, but I can’t see how any sane man would rather come home to find a baggy old t-shirt waiting in his bedroom instead of something more like this:

I suggest that tonight, every lady around the world puts on her most provocative lingerie and remind her man why the sexy little things are best! Of course, I guess you could compromise with this cute costume from Yandy.com, which you can get for 10% off with the coupon code “lingeriepost”.

Late Chocolate

Late Chocolate is a Madrid-based manufacturer of sensual products. In the US and UK, “sensual products” tends to be a keyword for “sold in adult stores like Fascinations.” This isn’t typically a customer segment that carries much elegance. A few companies are trying to change that like Kiki de Montparnasse and Coco de Mer. Late Chocolate should be added to the list.

They offer Perfumes and lotions and a personal toy known as the Late Late. More interesting to this posting is their line of lingerie.

Late Chocolate is a welcome change from the companies offering 50-200 individual offerings. Their lingerie choices are relatively similar — skimpy, erotic, and with plenty of bows. The lines include Innocent, Executive, Party, Night, and Cocktail (presented in this photographic order). These distinctive lines do capture distinctive moods, but if you have the right body, any of them will make you look smashing.

I find the pieces very similar to Lascivious in the UK without as much fabric (which is sort of like comparing “skimpy” to “barely there”). I like the pieces and think they show a certain designer flair not found in the typical shrink-wrapped sensual product line ups from large manufacturers. The company also offers two accessories – a mask (shown below) and some cuffs. Again, the simplicity in their offering is welcomed.

Late Chocolate doesn’t offer direct sales (yet), so you can find them at these retailers: Female Touch, 1969, Angelique Devil, and Coffee, Cafe, & Kink. This young brand by women for women looks very promising. The company has even produced a short film found here, like some of their competitors. Visit the company at their corporate site www.latechocolate.com.

Lascivious Lingerie Fall/Winter 2008-2009

Lascivious is back with new collections!

Featuring Button, Dusky, Lou, Kitty and Midori, the collections are a striking selection of slick body con pieces, mixed with flirtatious access all areas tulle and back by popular demand classics like the Midori bodysuit.

Read more

Miss Katie Corsetry

Katie B. is the founder of Miss Katie – a maker of corsets and retro fashions. Katie spoke with TLP over email in May of 2008.

Q: You have some high profile clients (Immodesty Blaize, others). How do they factor into your business? Do you only focus on the high profile client or do you have a broader customer base?
A: Of course Miss Blaize is one of my best clients. It’s a pleasure to make such intricate and sumptuous show pieces and see them worn to their best effect! She is obviously at the top of the scale but I do everything from an undergarment for a wedding dress to the occasional corset for a man.

Q: How did you step into this line of exquisite costumery 10 years ago?
A: If always loved historical clothing so I scooted of to London College of Fashion to study theatrical clothing and then found a job at Skin 2 and then House of Harlot making rubber clothing. As I started making fabric corsets for myself, others expressed interests in buying them…an age old business start-up.

Q: Do you think there is a lingerie renaissance? Why or why not?
A: I certainly think that all types of underwear have got more exciting and colourful over the last 10 years. Mainly I think to do with the cheap and disposable age that we live in. People can afford to buy a crazy coloured bra for £3 and wear it twice a year. A few years ago, it was a different story where you would buy just the sensible option. Things tend to go in cycles and I’m sure we will see that again.

Q: Certainly there seems to be resurgence in burlesque. Why do you think that is?
A: A small section of this society will always be looking for new music, entertainment and of course style. Again I come back to the cycle issue. The 70’s were influenced by the 30’s, the 80’s by the 50’s and now burlesque is back. We a very lucky to live in a time and place to enjoy it.

Q: How large (geographically) is your market?
A: My customers are mainly from Britain but I do have a reasonable amount from Germany, Finland and the Americas, etc.. They will often tie in a trip to London with coming to see me for measurements and fittings. I do have an American customer that flies over specially and has had film shoots in the U.S.

Q: Can you describe the process from sketch to sale?
A: Quite simply I will talk to the customer and agree with a sketch and details, take a full set of measurements and then make a tuille. With one fitting I then make the corset.

Q: How different is the pricing for the off-the-peg pieces (Toulouse Corset at £300.00) and your bespoke pieces?
A: My custom corsets are really a tailoring service. They are made for the individual, unlike my off the peg range which I sell wholesale to shops. Both sides of my business are equally important and gives a nice variety in my work life. Obviously a made to measure is going to be more expensive due to the fittings, samples and construction time. I seem to have more and more bespoke work to do every year.

Q: Can a large lingerie company move into the custom corsetry space?
A: I think people like to have a specially made piece which can sort out personal tastes and issues. I do it with shoes, I will have a beautiful pair hand made by Natacha Marro but then kick around in boots for work. Its nice to have a cherished piece in your wardrobe. If Marks and Spencer start doing made to measure corsets I’ll eat my socks!

Q: Do corsets have a season? I’m in love with the Burgundy and Cream waistcoat. Can I buy this any time or will you retire this design?
A: Hmmm…Don’t worry, at this point I have no plans to throw out that pattern! The main problem is finding a reliable source of fabric which doesn’t get discontinued, this would be the main reason that a style would be dropped. Of course I may get run over by a bus tomorrow, at which point my death might seriously jeopardize a style…..or two.

Q: In your gallery pages, I see some pieces are shown with Buttress and Snatch bras. You’ve told me that Atsuko is a friend. Are you friends with many designers? Do you consider any business partnerships with them?
A: I’ve been hanging around clubs in London for an awful long time now. Along the way friends have started businesses and I’ve met established designers. I also worked at the Dior studios on behalf of House of Harlot, you just have to make the most of opportunities when they arise. At the end of the day we all just trying to earn a crust doing something we enjoy. Its good to see small businesses surviving, its not easy.

Q: Have you thought about a diffusion line?
A: I’ve toyed with the idea of sourcing production from the Far East, but I’m still struggling with my conscience with that. I would like my corsets to remain as a special purchase that will be treasured instead of ending up in the pile on the floor.

Q: Do you think that Miss Katie is as successful as brands like Lascivious or Playful Promises?
A: How do you measure success? I hardly advertise as I’m terrible at promotion so all the work I have finds me. I’ve got as much on as I can manage and the next step is to expand.

Q: What has been your greatest success so far? How about your greatest hurdle?
A: Still doing what I do. Its very difficult for small businesses to start up with very little help. Hopefully in a couple of years Miss Katie will be a few more leaps on.

Q: Where do you find inspiration?
A: Well, I hardly look at magazines, fashion or the internet so I’m not sure really. Maybe I have a monkey on my shoulder whispering ideas to my subconscious….

Find out more about Miss Katie on her website

TLP Interviews Aussie Designer Natalie Begg

Natalie Begg is a designer from Australia. TLP interviewed Natalie over email during May of 2008. Natalie provided lovely, high quality photos, so make sure to click on the smaller images to see the larger images. Natalie has this to say about her start.

Six years ago, after an extended period of travel and self discovery throughout America, Uk, Europe and Asia, the largely self-taught designer set up studio in one of Australia’s most culturally rich suburbs of Melbourne – Brunswick. Whilst studying, she decided to put theory into practice and launched her first collection of sleepwear. Inspired by the colours, patterns, textures, flavours, space and sense of freedom she experienced a broad, ‘Elope’ was born.

Q: It looks like silk is your preferred fabric. Have you worked with other fabrics?
A: I have worked with all kinds of fabric ranging from the latest technology in man made fibres right through to antique lace from the 1920’s. I always end up coming back to the finest natural fibres including Swiss cotton voiles and hand painted silks designed and made in our fashion house in Melbourne.

Q: Do you have any schooling or training in contour/fabric design?
A: I have formal training in fashion design and pattern making but I taught myself everything else. I love the exquisite detail and fabrics used in lingerie which compliment my resort wear collections. Both collections have the same philosophy: purity of form above content.

Q: In the UK, there is certainly a renaissance in boutique lingerie designers (Playful Promises, Lascivious, others). Do you see the same thing going on in Australia?
A: I see a lot of people try but it is very difficult in Australia as there are very few skilled people to do the job.

Q: How do you develop the product?
A: I have a vision in my mind after intensive research and then create a pattern and watch it unfold. It may take 10 attempts before we reach our end result.

Q: Where do you see Natalie Begg in five years?
A: Exporting thoughout the world and possibly a flagship store in Melbourne.

Q: Have you done any design collaborations?
A: Yes, with a knitwear company, called Jemala. My range is currently been taken thought Europe and shown to buyers from Hermes, Gucci and Jean Paul Gaultier. Jemala have produced some of the finest wool in the world, their wool is softer and more pure than cashmere.

Q: How can customers buy your designs? Any stockists?
A: Visit my website www.nataliebegg.com and send us the code, colour and size you require and we can ship direct. Otherwise we have stockist throughout Australia.

Q: How do you get the pieces manufactured?
A: With intensive training!

Q: How many collections do you create?
A: Three lingerie and three resort wear a year.

Q: Does the Internet broaden your customer demographic?
A: Yes, although my fashion house is situated in the most multicultural street in Australia and I am often designing with as many nationalities in mind.

Q: How can our readers get in touch with you?
A: My email, my website (www.nataliebegg.com), even my phone 613 9314 8885.

The Complete Boudoir: Furniture

You are dressed to the nines, but how well dressed is your bedroom? What can you do to turn a bedroom into a boudoir? This TLP series (The Complete Boudoir) will help you find pieces to complement your lingerie wardrobe and create a lascivious sanctuary. Visit past articles on wallpaper, storage, lighting, and pillows. In this article, TLP looks at boudoir furniture. You may not have a lot of extra room, but the essential boudoir furniture is some form of chaise lounge. Fireside Antiques offers this c. 1890 day bed (Removed by request)

Also from Fireside Antiques, this c. 1890 day is (Removed by request)

If you like the antique look, but not the price, Wards has this chaise lounge with deep cherry wood and a light tapestry fabric. Pick it up for $649.

For more modern tastes, Urban Outfitter offers the Antoinette Fainting Sofa in velvet for $550.

De Montfort Contour Programme

De Montfort University offers one of the only University level lingerie courses available. The Contour programme graduates potential designers of tomorrow. Here are some details of the programme.

Fashion and Contour Design – BA Honours Programme

• Mode(s): Full-time, part-time
• Duration: Three years full-time, six years part-time (day-time)
• Provides a unique opportunity to specialise in the creative and technical design aspects of contour and fashion design
• Supported by dedicated staff and technical resources
• Opportunity to produce an innovative range/collection of clothing
• The only degree course in the world to specialise in lingerie, underwear, bodywear, swimwear and performance sportswear
• Established in 1947 for the Leicester corset industry, Contour Fashion recently celebrated its 60th anniversary
• Maintains close links with the contour industry and educates specialist designers for a wealth of creative roles in the UK and worldwide
• Opportunities to work with companies on live projects, work placements and competition awards
• Supported by the ACE Style Institute, offers a specialist facility at DMU designed to bring all aspects of the contour fashion supply chain together
• Highly experienced teaching staff who advise contour fashion companies globally

What is expected of the enrolling students?

• Students should normally have a good portfolio, plus one of the following
  • Successful completion of an Art and Design Foundation course
  • National Diploma merit profile in a relevant subject
  • 240 points, to include two GCE/VCE A Levels with grade C in one art or design subject
• All equivalent international qualifications are welcome, as are applications from mature students (21+) with alternative qualifications and/or work experience
• International students require an English language qualification of IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 550/213, GCSE/GCE O Level grade C or equivalent

How is the teaching of the programme handled?

The teaching of the course includes formal lectures, group seminars, tutorials, presentations, practical workshops and studio-based activities. Assessment generally occurs at the end of each term with informal critiques held at appropriate times throughout the year.

How expensive is the programme?

• Overseas students: £8955 per year
• EU students: £3070 per year
• Please note that fees are subject to change each year. Overseas students are eligible for a 5% discount if fees are paid in full at the beginning of the course
• DMU offers some scholarships as well as an Art and Design bursary, currently £750. Visit dmu.ac.uk/international for detail

DMU also offers short courses.

• Bra Fitting
• Bra Making
• Bra Pattern cutting & Grading
• ‘Plus Sizes’ Bra Pattern Cutting & Grading
• Quality Assurance in the Imtimate Apparel Industry
• Structured Lingerie & Swimwear Design with Adobe Ilustrator

The short courses are usually 2-4 days long.

Who has graduated from the programme?

• Charlotte Sparey
• Anne Brierley
• Chloe Hamblen

Find out more here: http://www.dmu.ac.uk/Subjects/Db/coursePage2.php?courseID=4511

Here are some sketches from the programme.

The Complete Boudoir: Lighting

You are dressed to the nines, but how well dressed is your bedroom? What can you do to turn a bedroom into a boudoir? This TLP series (The Complete Boudoir) will help you find pieces to complement your lingerie wardrobe and create a lascivious sanctuary. Visit past articles on wallpaper, storage, and pillows. In this article, TLP looks at boudoir lighting. For those with a flexible budget and a real sense of adventure, Spark Fires introduces the modern fire place. It is six linear of flame with your choice of materials in the trough. Hurry, they’re going fast at $14,999.

The Spark Fire makes an appearance in the remake of Sleuth starring Jude Law and Michael Caine.

If you are looking for more pragmatic lighting without being boring, these next selections will make excellent choices. Generate offers this geometric and organic shape known as “Chaos”. If you could afford several of them for your dresser, I’m sure the affect would be dramatic. Find it for $699.

Generate also offers this intriguing personal orb. For $99, you get a one-of-a-kind interactive art form. Batteries are replaceable.

Need to set a mood? Generate offers this unique option:

An innovative light fixture that creates the illusion of natural sunlight, streaming in through a double window and onto your interior wall. As air currents pass through the projector, the branches of the projected tree appear to sway in a gentle, morning breeze. An ideal solution for small, urban spaces, and rooms that could use a “view”.

Graham & Green in London offer this hint of nature with these cherry blossom flower lights for only £16.00.

If you love the idea of natural shapes and have a lot of money, this blossom chandelier made from pink and clear Swarovski crystal with white LED light is available for $22,500.

You can of course aim for the traditional use of candles in the boudoir. Kiki de Montparnasse shows only a sample of what is available from many vendors.

The Complete Boudoir: Wallpaper

Unless you frequent some daring clubs or are part of a burlesque troupe, some lingerie is strictly for the bedroom. You are dressed to the nines, but how well dressed is your bedroom? What can you do to turn a bedroom into a boudoir? This TLP series (The Complete Boudoir) will help you find pieces to complement your lingerie wardrobe and create a lascivious sanctuary. To kick off the series, we present wallpapers from Paper Voyeur.

The romantic home isn’t dead it’s just been painted white and boxed in with steamed beech but you can renovate your sensual self with a roll or two this most exquisite wall covering then lay back and enjoy your handy work, or that of another. Either way there is a corner of our Sweedishy minimal homes that will be forever decorative, forever sensual and forever florid. So snuff out that candle and go build your boudoir, for, as they say, build it and they will come…

You can sample their designs from these pictures including Lipstick, Warm Black, and Mercury Blue.

Samples of the wallpaper:

You can order directly from the web site. Each roll of wall covering is £59. Paper Voyeur is also available at Coco de Mer.

Couture Latex: Atsuko Kudo

What is Couture Latex Design? Atsuko Kudo is a design shop in London.

Atsuko Kudo designs and manufactures a full range of ladies wear exclusively in latex rubber. All of our garments and accessories are available in a wide variety of plain colours and uniquely patterned prints. Our clothing is designed for women who wish to look and feel beautiful, feminine and strong. We provide individual garments and complete ensembles for the bedroom, the salon, the nightclub or for any other preferred location. If you have more specific requirements we also undertake commissions. Please feel free to contact us.

The company offers a wide variety of garments including jackets, skirts, dresses, tops, corsets, lingerie, accessories, and a wide selection of hats fit for the boudoir or the club. It is the attention to smaller items that shows Atsuko’s commitment to the craft and the fabric. One of Atsuko specialities is leggings. Her leggings are a very long palette of colours that has attracted the high end of fashion. For the Hussein Chalayan Paris catwalk show, the models are seen in Atsuko Kudo stockings.

Vivienne Westwood also showed the leggings in her Paris show for SS08.

Atsuko specializes in printed latex and her designs and efforts are broadening the appeal of a fabric that was considered fetish.

Atsuko has a partnership with Lascivious in the UK. So far, the results are gloves and a choker, but more to come, I’m sure.

Atsuko offers these guidelines for the care and handling of their special garments.

1. Always use talcum powder or water based lubricant inside all rubber clothing before use
2. Keep away from heat and daylight – even indoors. store in a dark wrapping
3. Lighter coloured rubber can become discoloured when placed next to strong ones
4. Metals can damage rubber i.e, belts, body piercings, coathangers
5. Avoid contact with all oils. oils can mark and/ or permanently damage rubber i.e. greasy hands, baby oils
6. We recommend the use of a rubber polish (eg pvc dressing. also known as pervoshine) in order to maintain the quality of the rubber
7. As with all printed fabrics it is possible that the print on some printed latex garments may wear. this is more common where the garment is rubbing against itself (eg under armpits).

See Atsuko online and buy garments from the same site.

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