Could you introduce yourself, and talk us through how you ended up in the lingerie business?
I’ve always had a love of underwear. While studying print design at Central Saint Martins I would always design a pair of knickers to go with an outfit, even if there were never seen! I find lingerie so much fun and you can be so much more creative when using colour and trim than you could when designing women wear. I launched the Ayten Gasson label three years ago and since then the designs are becoming more adventuress! My current favourite is a pair of silk backless peek a boo knickers which have a silk chiffon skirt called Strawberry Frill!
One of our standard questions: there are hundreds of lingerie brands. How are you trying to get your label to stand out?
Every piece from the Ayten Gasson label is made from 100% silk and is hand made in my studio in North London. I work very closely with a small team in the studio so a high level of quality is maintained in each piece. I also source vintage patterns and styles so the designs are different to what you may see in other designers work. I try to combine beautiful silk fabrics with unusual and interesting designs.
Authenticity seems to be one of the keywords in your work. Does that mean your work is very time-consuming? How much time do you spend on one piece?
The most time consuming piece must be the strawberry frill knicker. I decided to create a knicker which was very over the top with frills and bows, but one that was still wearable and flattering. I now manage to make around 15 – 20 knickers in a day which is a lot more than when I first started out!!!
What are your favourite fabrics to work with? Are these the fabrics you enjoy wearing too?
I always work with 100% silk satin and silk chiffons, using French lace for trims and details. I would never wear anything polyester and would never use it in my designs. I’m always seeing lovely designs in boutiques and on the high street but then get put off when they are made from poor fabric.
Does that mean you’re always spending a fortune on lingerie?
I tend to spend more money on lingerie than on my outerwear. I justify it by calling it research! I will wear my own designs then every now and again I’ll see something different that’s beautiful and made from a gorgeous fabric and just have to splash out on it!
When not wearing your own pieces, what are your favorite lingerie brands?
Unfortunately I am only able to offer soft bras at the moment, which are great for light support, but every now and again a larger sized girl needs something more structured to hold her in! I’m a size 34DD so I love Freya’s range of larger bra’s which are still really sexy. I team them up with a pair of my own knickers in either silk or cotton (depending on the bra).
The final question: where do you see yourself in five years?
I would love to continue having the lingerie made in my studio. I see my team growing in size as the label become more recognized. I’d like to keep the handmade element to each piece and would continue to use lovely fabrics like silk and delicate lace trims. Maybe even opening my own boutique one day.
More on Ayten Gasson?
Ayten Gasson on The Lingerie Post
Ayten’s Official website