As one would surmise from their name and logos, the company is situated in Paris, France and was founded and managed by the Bena family until 2006. The company’s official website best describes their longevity and success story. They are a family and ultimately a corporate entity that took risks, adapted and innovated to the point where they became a world-renowned organization.

The family has since sold controlling interest to an equity firm in 2006 but the Barbara of Paris Fall 2008 Collection has already hit the runways this month in Las Vegas and New York at Lingerie Americas.

Many luxury lingerie companies focus on one or two products or lines making them the signature product. Barbara, on the other hand, has endeavoured to create all types of lingerie including sleepwear, swimwear, underwear, shaping garments, foundation garments and specialty items such as maternity and plus sizes. But they do not compromise quality and image in order to produce such variations in selection.

And, while the Bena family may now only own about thirty percent of Barbara, the new regime continues to focus on family values and the virtues of looking good with quality products. The 2008 advertising campaign emphasizes the bond between a mother and a daughter, which closely parallels the historic value of the Barbara of Paris line. The campaign’s underlying message is that family is important and Barbara has always been a successful family concern.

The Spring/Summer Collection, which is being sold in specialty boutiques now, is simply delightful with names such as Fleurs du sucre, Thé au jasmine and Macarons. The collection is best described by the company itself as “an appetising pic-nic” of “sweet sensations”. Think of perfumes, fruity colors such as pink raspberry, peach tea and apricot and creamy textures inspired by Japanese flower gardens.

As long as the company continues to innovate, please and maintain the quality control and comfort for which it is known, may it continue to lead as one of the world’s greatest lingerie success stories. More info on the Barbara website!

Readers who have not yet heard about Pudding can be forgiven for thinking it’s an odd name for a lingerie shop! That’s because Pudding is far more than the average lingerie shop. Its owners, Helen and Paul Masters, describe it as ‘a luxury lingerie salon, where shopping should feel like a real treat…they want their customers to indulge!’

Their opening catwalk show featured an exclusive range of the world’s best brands, most of which are completely new to Reading. As Helen described, “Shoppers in Reading told us that they’d love to be able to treat themselves to world renowned luxury brands like Rigby and Peller, La Perla, Myla and Roberto Cavalli but until now that has meant a trip to Harrods or maybe an out of the way lingerie shop. There’s also a real demand for expert fitting and a wider size range than other high street stores offer – that’s where Pudding can help.”

Pudding was created to bring luxury lingerie to the high street for the first time and to offer a retail therapy treat for the woman who wants the best fitting and best looking bra , a divine pair of knickers or a stunning piece to wear on the beach that no-one else will have! Bras start at £32 so Pudding also have made luxury affordable to lots of shoppers.

Helen says she is very keen to encourage the women of Reading who haven’t been professionally fitted by a lingerie specialist to come and give it a go : ‘It’s free, fun and can instantly help you look half a stone slimmer and give you a trimmer waist . People often walk out of the salon wearing their new bra after a fitting because they love the change in shape it gives them so much that they don’t want to take it off!’ says Helen.

With more than 50% of Pudding’s research group admitting to having returned lingerie bought for them by their partner, Pudding also offers a tailored gift buying service for men, complete with gift buying advice; luxury gift wrapping and beautifully presented gift vouchers. As Paul, co-owner says “We also have a wish list that our customers can fill in to give some hints to their partner…so now there’s no excuses for buying dodgy gifts in the wrong colour or size!”

Pudding ~ Lingerie that’s good enough to eat

Additional notes
The Pudding range includes lingerie, swimwear, nightwear, hosiery, corsets, accessories and pamper products.
Brands stocked include: Le Mystere, La Perla, Myla, Pleasure State, Roberto Cavalli, Spoylt, Chantal Thomass, SPANK, Verde Veronica, Verdissima , Moontide, Maryann Mehlhorn, Hoola, Barbara, Edencoeur, Amoralia, Plie, Purelime, Girl From Ipanema, Esbelt, Soyelle. Free fitting and gift service available. The website: www.puddinglingerie.com, will be fully transactional from later in the year.

Upon entering the ballroom after a cocktail party, guests took their seats around the runway where models were already placed on stage wearing designs from the competitors. Following dinner, guests were treated to the runway show and the presentation of awards. The competition in each category was tough indeed, particularly in the Best Fashion and Best D+ competition. That one is closest to the heart, of course.

Perhaps what stood out in my mind the most, that many others attending the event also mentioned, is that women of all shapes and sizes were represented in the runway show.

One line, Best Plus Size award winner Tia Lyn (also appearing at the trade show), is an all-inclusive line that spans sizes small to 3x. This vintage inspired line features a variety of chemises, gowns, camisoles, and panties.

Also a contender for both Best Plus Size and Best D Plus finalist, Empreinte, is seeking to become more of a presence in the U.S. with its beautiful and well constructed pieces for fuller figure women. This 60 year old company based in France offers numerous options in sizing (up to a G cup) as well as high fashion and glamour. I am most impressed with the delicate embroidery and variety of moods the collection fits.

Other contenders for Best D Plus include my personal favorites, Panache and Elixir, Barbara, and the amazing Australian based line, Bendon. So expect more about some of those lines soon!

Best Fashion was probably my other just-can’t-pick-my-favorite category of the evening. With TLP favorites Marlies Dekkers, Madame V, Chantelle, and Elle MacPherson and one of my trade show finds, Lou, it was stiff competition! Lou will be debuting this fall with parts of the collection arriving in both September and November so check your local boutique. Perhaps my favorite part of the evening might have been when the team from Marlies Dekkers was accepting their award and shared their design philosopy. They design pieces to please women, but if it also happens to please men, then that’s great. I like their way of thinking!

Overall, it was a phenomenal evening of great food, great conversation, and GORGEOUS lingerie. You can drool over all the beautiful pieces like I did! See the video coverage of the show at Zoozoom.com.

The first new thing is the look and feel of the website. With a new logo and a complete redesign Silk Storm can now easily rank themselves amongst the most beautiful in the industry. They have also added some very useful new things such as the catwalk feature videos. They’ve got seven now — but promise more in the near future! Browse through the Silk Storm page and find out how well-organized it all is yourself!

The second big new thing is the “Seven Steps of Desire” program. As Silk Storm was already well-known for their membership spoiling — they’re trying to do better with this loyalty program. Again — read the details on the SS website — but expect freebies and discounts.

Check out the website — you’ll be amazed!

1. FAIRE FROU FROU Summer Blowout Sale
Faire Frou Frou, located in Studio City, CA (and online at fairefroufrou.com) is hosting its annual Summer Clearance sale from JUNE 22nd thru AUGUST 30, 2007. Markdowns on lingerie, swimwear, outerwear, jewelry, slippers, etc.! Percentages? 30-75% off! Brands include BluGirl, Carine Gilson, Leigh Bantivoglio, Fifi Chachnil, Guia la Bruna, I.D. Sarrieri, John Galliano, Lavande SWK, Nefer and many more!

2. Site-wide June sale at Silk Storm
Using the coupon code “JUNE” you can get 20% off at SilkStorm. On what? On EVERYTHING! Amongst the high-end brands at SilkStorm are: Bacirubati, Valery, Barbara, …

3. Summer sales at Figleaves — Both on Figleaves UK and Figleaves USA.

Check out the photo’s. The Argentovivo is on the left, the Barbara bra on the right:

Make your pick, ladies!

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