Sexy smalls verses assertive drawers

Vargas Girdle from Kiss Me Deadly

The era of sexy, minimalist smalls is being pushed aside by bold, assertive lingerie. Our recent trip to the heart of lingerie trends in Paris has revealed to us that retro giant briefs, high-waisted girdles and retro longline bras are back in fashion! But don’t be fooled, Grandma’s knickers are still not the height of fashion, so keep those well hidden.

Delicate, simple and petite lingerie will always be available however, more and more brands are offering high-waist briefs that can be worn above the navel or even above the waist-line and below the bust depending on the style. There is also a surge in longline girdles that also rise above the navel and sit below the bust and longline bras that extend to the waist-line creating a flattering shape. These latest trends have emerged from the growth in popularity of shape wear and vintage retro lingerie and faux retro lingerie.

Brands such as Kiss Me Deadly and What Katie Did are experiencing a great interest in their dominant lingerie lines, but there is also demand for contemporary designed statement lingerie with a modern design and lighter more feminine fabrics.

Playful Promises have experienced a surge in demand for longline bras. The Ava range was extremely popular for us and for our Autumn Winter collection we have included high waist briefs and longline bras. These chunky lingerie pieces have almost sold out before even reaching the shops and our spring summer 2012 lingerie collection promises further longline bras and girdles and high waist briefs.

The need for smaller and delicate lingerie is still strong and stylists are using this opportunity to now juxtapose these bold, statement pieces of lingerie with smaller, lighter and delicate pieces. I love the mix of the soft-cup triangle bra from the Playful Promises Etti line matched with the bold block of the high-waist Etti brief. The high waist brief has additional tulle mesh inserts to lighten the bold block design. However, I love how the Etti range can almost be worn as outer wear. Match the Etti soft-cup bra with the hipster Brazilian brief too!

Longerline lingerie is also great under summer t’s, showing off bold shapes, interesting cutting edge design and patterns and something a little saucy.

Try the style yourself; the Ava longline bra works great under a loose black or white t-shirt or the black What Katie Did Maitresse bullet bra with a cropped t-shirt.