Even more than in 2009, the 2010 collection has some of the most detailed patterns I’ve seen on hosiery from a mainstream label. Floral details, geometric labyrinths and jaw-dropping baroque-style patterns catch the eye as soon as you see these photos – and make these tights and stay-ups even more of a fashion statement.

The images really do speak for themselves on this one, if you ask me.

Photos via Mugo at HQ-Models.

Wolford has a fifty plus year history. Wolford was one of the first to market the hold-up. This fall, Wolford is offering several hosiery illusions.

The Mignon Stay-Up includes a diamond pattern with a reprieve in the back of the leg forming the outline of a larger diamond. They are £37.00. These Cuff Leggings are made of merino wool with a chunky-knit. The extra length makes them perfect for wearing with high-heels. The side opens with Swarovski buttons. These are £149.00.

On the left , the Aspen Stirrup Tights look a little like ski pants including a front seam. For £59.00. On the right, a Merino wool stay-up. They do not contain lycra since wool has an innate elasticity. For £29.00.

On the left, Opera Tights with a nice graphical stripe – horizontal around the thigh and a thin line traveling up the rear for £25.00. On the right, Sascha Tights includes a mix of lines and patterns. Below the thigh, polka dots dominate this pair for £26.00.

The Alcazar Tights are a clever illusion. The seam is on the side, the stay-up effect is an optical illusion and the fishnet on the leg is not real, but they look smashing for £34.00. On the right, the Bracelet Tights have a chain look along the leg and around the waist for £25.00.

I see some ladies are getting even more inventive going to the local department store and buying less expensive tights and using a Sharpie marker to draw on homemade designs of their choosing. When finished, these elaborately decorated tights look like ridiculously expensive bought leggings and would fool even the most experienced connoisseur of fine lingerie.

So if you are tired of your ho-hum run of the mill plain-Jane tights, get your creative juices flowing and use your imagination to conjure up a beautiful fashion statement sure to intrigue.

The Hurly Burly girls recently chose burlesque costumier 2007 award winners What Katie Did to design their stage costumes and were dressed in 1950s style pink lingerie and black stockings.

What Katie Did specializes in retro style stockings and lingerie. Their flagship London boutique in the heart of Portobello opened on National Stockings Day: Friday 19th October.

Their ‘Bring Back Stockings’ petition has received hundreds of signatures with comments including:

• “What man can resist a the thrill of a lady in stockings? They make the world sexier!”
• “Tights are awkward, inelegant garments. Stockings are far more sophisticated.”
• “Suspenders and stockings bring the art of seduction back into sex. Men love ‘em, women feel very sexy in them. Bring ‘em back!”
• “They simply look delicious.”
• “The 21st Century world needs a little more sophisticated elegance and this is a good step forward in the right direction.”
• “Even beeing a Grandma for more than 18 years, I still think stockings are far more feminine and so sexy!!”

In Association with Breast Cancer Care
As I’m sure you’re all aware, October is Breast Cancer Care month. Along with their pink What Katie Did lingerie Hurly Burly girls are wearing limited edition pink ribbon stockings by Charnos which have been designed specifically for Breast Cancer Care (10% of profits go to Breast Cancer Care).