As I’m beginning to make my appointments to see the upcoming Spring/Summer 2015 collections at Curve next month, Holly’s recent article for The Lingerie Addict reminded me that I never shared some of my top picks for Fall/Winter 2014! Cecily and I covered some of the trends for this season after the show in February, and now that some of these styles are starting to show up in stores (Fall/Winter styles begin to ship in late July/August and continue through November), I thought it would be fun to show you the pieces I’m most looking forward to seeing!:
Elomi
“Bijou Soiree” by Elomi. Available in sizes 36-44 E, 34-44 F-G, 34-42 GG, H (UK)
While I thought Elomi’s season wasn’t quite as strong as F/W 2013 or S/S 2014, this baby stood out as a clear winner. With an on-trend trompe l’oeil lace print and a versatile, smooth plunging shape, this bra is a huge stand-out in the full-bust/full-figure market. The price is a little higher than some of Elomi’s other bras (recommended retail is $82 for the bra alone), which might drive it out of the reach of some, but as a special occasion bra it’s pretty outstanding.
“Flirtini” by Sculptresse, available in sizes 36 F-H, 38 E-H, 40 DD-H, 42-46 D-H.
Sculptresse is REALLY starting to find its feet, style-wise. After some timid early seasons the brand has stepped up and begun offering vibrant, cheerful and pretty full-bust full-figure lingerie that reminds me of the strongest offerings from sister brands Cleo and Panache. Y’all know how I feel about polka dots, so Flirtini is a no-brainer as my favorite pick. This is one of the brands I’m most looking forward to seeing in August.
“Envy” Bodysuit by Panache, available in sizes 30-38 D-J.
I’m so, so excited to try this bodysuit I can’t even handle it. I’m on a major spending lockdown at the moment, but if I buy one piece of lingerie in the next few months, it’ll probably be this one. The placement of the stretch lace, the cool houndstooth pattern, and the careful construction are making me extremely hopeful that this piece will be a winner.
Runner-up: “Clara” by Panache, available in sizes 30-38 D-J (UK)
While Clara wasn’t the best fit for me, shape-wise (it’s a cousin to Andorra, so if that shape works well for you you’ll probably be set), this gold and black colorway is staggeringly lovely.
“Deco Darling” by Freya. Plunge Bra AND Strapless Bra in sizes 32-38 B, C; 28-38 D-G; 28-36 GG. Brief, Short, Thong sizes XS-XL, Suspender sizes S-XL.
I am lukewarm on Deco, at best (it’s a fantastic bra, truly; it’s just not my cup of tea), and I’ve wearied of seasons built around eight different colors of the same bra, but wow: this collection is lovely, versatile, and understatedly elegant.
“Fishnet” by Claudette in Pointe Shoe. Available in sizes 28-38 A-G (UK).
I am obsessed with Claudette’s color names, because they are consistently perfect, and this pointe shoe color slays me.
“Paloma” by Claudette in Pointe Shoe. Available in sizes 28-38 A-G (UK).
Not only does it appeal to eleven-year-old me who was convinced that despite her towering height, big boobs, and flat feet she could still ONE DAY be a professional ballerina, it also satisfies my new What Would Miss Fisher Wear? lingerie criteria, by being a lovely retro-ish blush pink. For a shiny, luxurious look, try Paloma, with its fabulous button-back brief OR side-tie knicker, or give the fabulous Fishnet collection a try!
“Aleah” by Masquerade (cancelled). Was going to be size 28-38 D-H (UK)
Just kidding, it was cancelled. Poor Masquerade—from everything I’ve heard they had a rough season, sales-wise, which is a shame, because I thought it was one of their stronger seasons in years, style-wise. After some dreary lookbooks and drab oatmeal-and-greige color schemes they finally presented a collection featuring sumptuous, flattering colors and some new shapes (and G+) sizes. The Aleah bra, a non-padded, non-molded (hallelujah!) D-H bra in a totally luxe grey-and-gold color scheme, reminded me of one of my favorite books from when I was little – Beauty by Robin McKinley. I was prepared to pay good cash money for this bra (it was one of my favorite bras I’d seen in my size in years), and I was incredibly disappointed that it was cancelled.
“Alice” Slip in Ink by Masquerade (cancelled). Was going to be sizes 28-38 D-G (UK).
My second choice (the Alice slip in a gorgeous navy with gleaming floral embroidery, which also reminded me of Beauty’s wardrobe from the afore-mentioned favorite-book-of-my-childhood) was cancelled too. I’d have loved to have seen both Aleah and Alice at a higher end boutique like Journelle, and I’m not sure why Masquerade had such trouble finding buyers at the show. The collection they’ve been left with for the season feels like a motley crew of stragglers (there’s a dusky berry color with lace for Antoinette, there’s a somewhat basic purple molded bra, there’s a random hot raspberry bra, there’s that one exceptionally boring black lace bra for H-cups, there’s the bridal collection. We’re done). Masquerade is getting a rebrand for SS15 (it will become “Panache Black”), so I’m interested to talk to brand reps at the show in August and get a little more information about what’s been going on behind the scenes.
Fantasie
“Rebecca Mirage” by Fantasie, available in sizes 30-40 D-FF, 30-38 G, and 30-36 GG.
I’m going to talk about Ivana in a second, but first: Rebecca Mirage is SUCH a smart choice for both the brand and the style. Rebecca (original flavor) is a really fantastic bra: a seam-free molded bra in lightweight, breathable spacer fabric, it offers smooth coverage and a flexible fit. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea (it’s MUCH more full-coverage than, say, Deco), but for women who don’t like seams but want something more breathable and comfortable than a standard molded cup, this bra is amazing. Rebecca Mirage offers the same great shape in a new, grown-up color and print. I love the stylized swirling floral vines and the delicate velvet bows, and I love that they’ve taken one of their basic, workhorse bras and made it a little special and elegant. A+.
“Ivana” Basque by Fantasie, available in sizes 30-38 D-G (UK).
Ivana speaks for itself. It’s beautiful and I love it and the color and I LOVE IT.
“Jolie” by Cleo, available in sizes 28 D-G and 30-38 C-G (UK)
I was torn trying to choose a favorite from Cleo, because I think the raspberry version of the Marcie babydoll (below) is the perfect marriage of color and style, but ultimately Jolie charmed the pants off me. Look at how interesting the neckline is! Look at how great the charcoal-orange-pink-red color scheme is! Look at all the bows! I don’t even care for padded bras and I still think this is just a damned delight.
Runner-up: “Marcie” Babydoll in Raspberry by Cleo. 28-38 D-J (UK)
“Augusta” Collection from Harlow & Fox: Bra, Brief, Suspender Belt, and Robe. Bra available in sizes 30-38 D-G, accessories in XS-XL. I want it all. All of the silk, and all of the tassels. It’s available in both Scarlet (pictured) and Black.
TASSELS! I mean, I could be more eloquent, and I could say that this too belongs on the list of Lingerie for Lady Detectives, and I could talk about how staggeringly lovely we’d all look slinking down a grand staircase by candlelight with a drink in our hands and soft, silky fringe swishing against our thighs, but I don’t reeeeally need to say those things, because duh.
“Nouvel Emoi” by Huit, available in sizes 32-38 B-E, 32-36 F (UK sizes). Colors: Poppy (pictured) and Noir.
I know Huit is more of a core size brand, but this bra goes up to an F-cup and it has sleeves (which can be swapped for regular straps), and they please me. That is all.
“Roxie” Camisole by Curvy Kate. Available in sizes 28-30 D-J, 32 D-HH, 34 D-H, 36 D-GG, 38 D-G.
I don’t care for padded bras, blah blah blah, you’ve heard this song before, and I don’t care because THIS IS ADORABLE. And it’s available up to a J-cup in some band sizes. It is so stinking cute.
“Dare” by Curvy Kate in Boysenberry/Silver. Available in sizes 28-38 D-J.
I also enjoy Dare’s new sparkly embroidery, which continues onto the back of both the bra and the knickers, very, very much indeed.
“Danielle” by Parfait, available in sizes 30-40 D-G (UK). Continuity colors Dusty Rose and Imperial Purple.
I will never stop wishing the Danielle longline bra in pretty pale pink came in my size, and I will never not be jealous that Julia Lambert has one. For those of you lucky enough to fall in this size range, this peacock-blue satin set trimmed with black embroidery is simply dazzling. Please wear it, as I cannot.
“Grace” by Fauve. Padded half cup available in sizes 32-38 B-C, 30-38 D-G (UK), plunge balcony bra (pictured) available in sizes 30-38 D-G, 30-36 GG.
This bra reminds me of Rapunzel from Tangled. I’m not a huge Disney nerd, although I loved fairy tales from all walks of life when I was little, but this beautiful bra looks like a dreamy watercolor. I think it’s much lovelier in person– the brand images don’t really do it justice. So pretty!
*****
Did any of these make it onto your wishlist? What are your favorite picks for the upcoming season?
Julia Lambert
July 18, 2014 at 12:15 pm (9 years ago)I clicked on this post expecting to chirp “Claudette Claudette it’s pointe shoe time Claudette!” And that happened, sure, but…like, the Peacock Danielle. I forgot about the Peacock Danielle. And that bow bra from Cleo is the cutest. And the styling on the Panache shoots, along with those two items themselves, could not be more perfect. As usual, I would like all the pretty things and it’s a terrible decision and it’s all your fault.
Sweets
July 18, 2014 at 12:19 pm (9 years ago)Panache had the best lookbooks for this season, period. They are really magnificent. And I know how you feel– writing this post was really, really hard, because I kept going “wait, what about this? or this? or THIS!”
Wendy
July 18, 2014 at 7:38 pm (9 years ago)WHY did panache cancel exactly their best looking masquerade bra?? Doesn’t sound like a very bright idea to me..
Sweets
July 18, 2014 at 7:44 pm (9 years ago)I know, it makes me sad, but for whatever reason, a LOT of the Masquerade styles just didn’t sell to retailers. My third favorite style was this incredible dark olive strapless bra with a ruched detail along the top of the cup. It was stunning and elegant and unique and it got the axe, too. I’m not sure if the season didn’t fit with the rest of the Panache collections, or the buyers who would have picked up the styles just didn’t associate Panache with their aesthetic, but the styles I thought were the most creative and most fresh and innovative just didn’t sell. I’ll be really interested to see what’s in store at Curve, as it sounds like they’re considering a new direction for Masquerade.
faustineli
July 18, 2014 at 7:58 pm (9 years ago)Yeah, I would have bought Aleah just like that. They have about three bras left if I remember correctly. Okay, an exaggeration, but. I hope a rebrand helps. Some of the regular Panache bras were starting to look pretty luxe themselves, though- like Clara and perhaps Dahlia.
I wonder why they don’t churn out the favorite Rhea in fashion colors.
Sweets
July 21, 2014 at 10:48 am (9 years ago)Oooh, Rhea in fashion colors would be stunning! I’ve seen a few tiny sneak peeks of the rebrand, and while I think there’s room for awesomeness, my first impression is that they’ll be playing it safe (although I think there’s one bra they want to launch up to a K-cup, which is a first for Masquerade/Panache Black).
Chiharu
July 20, 2014 at 2:15 am (9 years ago)So I was incredibly disappointed about Masquerade’s cancelations… but I found the Alice slip online about a 2 months ago??? I bought it from one of the common UK online bra stores at a steep discount, I believe 50% off… is it possible the Aleah made it to a few retailers too???
Sweets
July 20, 2014 at 6:24 am (9 years ago)Hi Chiharu! Alice was actually part of the past season’s collection, but the colorway was slightly different. I suspect that’s the one that is currently on sale (or was two months ago) but if the navy/ink version does indeed turn up I’ll be really interested to hear!
windiegardie
July 20, 2014 at 5:25 pm (9 years ago)I don’t have a lot that I want to get from the upcoming season (and thank goodness because my taste keeps getting more and more expensive…), but the fishnet in pointe shoe is FOR SURE on the buy list. I feel like the blush colour will work so incredibly well with the sportier style of the bra. It’s just an unexpected combo that I think I’ll really dig.
Sweets
July 21, 2014 at 10:45 am (9 years ago)I think so too! Fishnet is just such a cool, unique style in full-bust land and then you add that color and it’s just fabulous.
astrid
July 21, 2014 at 9:07 am (9 years ago)I hear you on the canceled bras. Panache broke my heart when they decided to release the Envy Body only up to J cup, and not up to a K, as previously announced. I’ll still get the bra in Cassis!
Sweets
July 21, 2014 at 10:46 am (9 years ago)I know, I was so sad when I saw the updated size range. Fortunately the cassis looks super pretty, and maybe if the bodysuit does well they’ll be able to update the sizes. That’s my hope, at least.
Rachelle
July 25, 2014 at 12:23 pm (9 years ago)I have to start putting my Panache pennies aside. 1) Envy bodysuit 2) Cassis Envy 3) Clara
I’ll try to give Elomi another chance, but it hasn’t been working for me lately.
Thanks for the update!
Sweets
July 25, 2014 at 12:27 pm (9 years ago)You’re welcome! I love Panache’s season– far too many good choices for my budget!
PersephoneUnderground
August 13, 2014 at 9:08 am (9 years ago)Ooh, I love the Claudette fishnet- I think that could work for an everyday bra for me. I’ve been having a hell of a time trying to replace my old beige t-shirt bras- I found one really good one, but it was really expensive and I can’t wear it every day at work or I’ll wear it out. And I kinda hate molded cups, honestly, because they are boring and always gap and show the tops of the cups clearly through my flow-y blouses, so I feel like moving isn’t allowed or it makes my bra totally detach from where it’s supposed to be. Argh! You ladies have been there, amiright?
I wonder if the Fishnet would be a good shape for me, though, since I usually love things like that canceled Masquerade bra that are more structured and give me a more lifted look. Sorry for the rambling- any thoughts Sweets et al? (For reference, I usually wear a 32D, but I might need to be resized since I lost some weight recently- so I’m lucky that I can wear some core-size brands and full-bust brands, too.)
Sweets
August 13, 2014 at 10:43 am (9 years ago)Hi! As far as I know Fishnet gives a nice round shape, but it can feel a little shallower than some other brands’ styles, and it’s not one for dramatic lift and shaping. It’s very soft and comfortable, though. Also, I am sorry to have to report this, but I found out at Curve last week that the Fishnet collection in Pointe Shoe was cancelled for the season (the other Pointe Shoe collections should still be available). It will be back for Spring/Summer though!
PersephoneUnderground
August 28, 2014 at 9:02 am (9 years ago)Oh no! Ah, well- maybe I’ll try out the other one you pictured in pointe shoe. Fishnet does sound like it could be nice, for a less dramatic look- just wish I didn’t have to wait for Spring/Summer to come out to see. Thanks for the info, Sweets!
Ana
January 17, 2015 at 6:53 pm (8 years ago)So sad the Aleah was cancelled, no wonder I couldn’t find it in stores 🙁
Loved Masquerade’s AW2014 collection, the colors were so great, the new Panache Black it’s a disappointment when compared but maybe molded beige bras is what folks want to buy…:(
Came across this post while searching the web to buy Masquerade’s Aleah and Alice in Ink.
edit: was writing the comment while reading the post…
Alice was also cancelled!!! :((((( now I’m mad, they were the two styles I wanted from this past season, thought they were waiting for valentines day for release or something booooo
DDtop
August 16, 2015 at 6:09 am (8 years ago)Hi Got the Elomi Bijou soiree in the Black Bra and brief in a deal in 44E must say there both so very comfortable was a bit off put by the no side support as guy’s/me tend to come from sides more but no it’s fantastic something can wear all day in comfort the only downside is it’s shaped more for more forward projection in breast shapes and im more rounded but growing into it!as still growing got put on Tgels for tumor but just sent them Haywire!
Just found hard to find this set in my size in either colour so must have sold quite well.