2008-2009 Hosiery

Elongate Your Leg with Wolford’s Spring 2009 Collection

February 4, 2009 by Rene

In 2001-2002, Wolford went through a common exercise for a company that licenses the brand to franchisers. During that year, Wolford took control of some of the franchises and started a joint venture called Wolford Boutiques LLC to take ownership of some of the other boutiques. It isn’t clear which boutiques are company owned, but it looks like most of the US outlets are owned by the LLC. (Info). Some of the outlets have closed. This isn’t surprising considering the miserable year in retail in the US. Due to the restructuring, the parent company is relatively strong.

While I was watching Trinny and Susannah try to take over the US like they did in the UK, I picked up an interesting tip in their first show. Elongating the leg is a key element of dress. (See the show)

Here the girls cut away the straps from the shoe to show how these horizontal lines cause the eye to shorten the leg. Wolford’s spring line focuses on the vertical line causing the leg to look long. Nearly every piece has an embellishment that runs the length of the leg.

Wolford is available at many online retailers. Pictures courtesy of TLC and Wolford.

Le Bourget: 2008-2009 Hosiery

October 22, 2008 by Rene

In this abbreviated series, TLP will look at new hosiery for the 2008-2009 seasons. With fall and winter rapidly approaching in the northern hemisphere, it is time to start thinking about hosiery and leggings.

Earlier this year, TLP brought you the new lingerie offering from Le Bourget. The founders of Le Bourget hosiery chose their name three years before Charles Lindbergh made his historic flight. Today Le Bourget ranks among the more well-known brands in hosiery. Le Bourget is offering sales from their corporate store. Pricing is in Euros and the text is in French.

The Jambieres Malek is in brown, nearly black, and black for 21,89 €

The Jambiere Opaque is in orange, brown, olive, and black for 8,97 €.

The Collant Chicissime Châtaigne is in brown or black for 16,42 €.

Collant Phabre is in black for 19,70 €.

Photos courtesy of Le Bourget.

Love Me: 2008-2009 Hosiery

October 21, 2008 by Rene

Love Me lingerie is a relative start up in the hosiery game. This is a label designed in France with less than a five year history. The company has a Pinup line and then a Japanese comic-inspired line, Manga. They also have some knits going under the name “Bonnie Doon.”

This is the Eglantine. It is a hold-up in polkadot tuille with lycra. There are also small rhinestones adorning the top. Find it for 25 €.

From the Manga line, this is the Senji. It is a cotton and wool stocking with buttons and a silicone coated top. This is 52.36 €.

A little cherub adorned your leg with hearts in the Valentine. This is 20 Dernier hold-up. Find it for 39.20 €.

Also new for this season is the Julia Boheme. This 20D hold-up has velvet garland under the welt. It also has a velvet flower tattoo at the ankle. Find it for 27.63 €.

Photos courtesy of Love-Me.

Girardi: 2008-2009 Hosiery

October 19, 2008 by Rene

girardi

Girardi is an Italian manufacturer of hosiery. In 1954 Mr Domenic Girardi established ‘Calzifico Girardi’ after a long experience in the stocking industry. By the 1970s Girardi became very popular throughout Italy. This led to a strong growth in the company and in order to cope with the demands Girardi S.R.L. was created in 1998.

These soft black cotton knee-highs look and feel great. They come with a frilled edging and an extravagant satin bow. Try them with your favourite heels. Comes in one size, which fits adult UK shoe sizes 3-7. Price is £25.00.

I don’t know when the skirted suspender belt was invented, but it has been making a very sexy comeback over the last few years. Several companies are offering up this design including Cameo Intimates, Victoria’s Secret, and an elaborate contraption from Made by Niki. This invention from Girardi includes a smooth panel of sophisticated black lace that is designed to lie flat under clothing, giving the sexy allure and convenience of stockings but without fiddly suspender fasteners. Topped with tiny bows and decorated with a subtle pattern across the top, these skirted suspender tights will add glamour and sophistication to any outfit. Find it for £30.00.

The top of the black hold-up has been embellished with a deep frill of cream lace and finished with a lavish bow. These Girardi hold-ups are £35.00.

Photos courtesy of Be Cheeky.

Wolford: 2008-2009 Hosiery

October 17, 2008 by Rene

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.