Another lingerie market season has come and gone and I’m excited to share what I'm most excited about for the Autumn/Winter 2014 collections. Most of my time was spent at CurveNY, the massive trade show featuring hundreds of brands both large and well-known and small and up-and-coming.
My approach to walking the floor was really to see what wowed me. What had a story. What demonstrated a new approach or innovation in the industry. What would be exciting for you to put on your wish lists for fall! The roundup below includes what I found most intriguing in the full cup size range. Let me know which styles you are most excited about for fall.
Claudette
Since coming on the scene a few years ago, Claudette has become a staple for many full cup ladies. The signature mesh Dessous bra, in its vivid contrasting colors, is quickly identifiable in store windows. In recent seasons, Claudette has expanded its repertoire to include long line, fishnet, stretch crepe, and lace bras. I was interested in seeing how they would innovate for the upcoming Autumn/Winter collection. In addition to new colorways for their existing ranges, Claudette has added the Paloma range. The full coverage bra features silk across half the cup and including the strap creating a glamorous look. This fall, Paloma will have matching Pin Up Knickers, Tie Side Bikinis, and Button Back bikinis (with a peek-a-boo front!) taking the Claudette aesthetic a step forward. I’m interested in seeing the response it gets in stores this fall!
Empreinte
I’ve always known Empreinte to be a high quality brand for fuller cups, but have never spent much time with the brand before. Am I glad I stopped by! The A/W collection is themed around seduction, with each range being inspired by eras gone by and European adventures. Empreinte is masterful at details, so if you appreciate intricate embroidery, delicate bows, and exquisite eyelash lace, look out for these pieces to hit the stores this fall. Each bra and panty set incorporates multiple accents forming an opulent, cohesive look. The tagline “treat yourself” is true to form as that is exactly what each piece in this collection will have you do! My favorite stand out piece from Empreinte is in its basics range. For fall, the brand reinvents its best-selling bra, Melody, in honor of its fifth year innovating in seamless lace lingerie. The Melody Onyx bra features an intricate Guipure racerback. I’m confident this will be a crowd pleaser!
Parfait
Parfait by Affinitas continues to be a go-to brand for full cup styles at a reasonable price point. What I most appreciated about the upcoming collection was the step away from what seemed to be overwhelmingly a lot of pale pink last season. Fall features more diversity with vibrant purple, deep pink, robust blue, and my personal favorite – more prints! Prior to the seeing Parfait at the Lingerie Fashion Week runway show and then in person at Curve, I thought I was over floral prints. My styles and interests are changing, and I thought for sure a floral print could no longer impress me. I was wrong! On paper, I was intrigued by the Autumn Print used for the Delphine range. Seeing it on the model confirmed that maybe I’m not done with florals. I’m sure I won’t be alone in this.
Curvy Kate
I’ve only recently gotten into Curvy Kate by means of a swimsuit I’ve come to love. I wasn’t sure what to expect of their A/W collection. As I mentioned, I was looking to be inspired. To see something new. Something that popped. I appreciate the fun Curvy Kate brings to the full cup range and was looking to see if they could capture that for a wide range of women. As I mentioned, my style is in an evolution and what I prefer is changing. While there were definitely pieces I saw that would accommodate a more “juniors” style, I did find a number of styles that resonated with me.
What really caught my attention though was the wealth of lingerie options, or "boudoir wear," including babydolls and camisoles. From my perspective, while full cup bra styles have grown in popularity, lingerie for these sizes can still be lacking. As I think about my own collection, it is what I need to expand the most! My personal favorite is Ritzy. And I don’t even love red, but this shade of it along with the flattering balconette cup makes this a winner in my book!
The other new development I was excited about was the strapless bra. As someone who has struggled to find one I like, I’m curious how this one will fit. With vertical seams, an inner sling, and a cup that covers a significant part of the top of the breast seems to have all the ingredients for success.
Panache
While I appreciated the fashion options from Panache, what was most exciting for me was an addition to the sports line. As a runner, I’m always looking for the best fitting sports bras. One of the best I own is from Panache. For Fall, Panache is not only adding a non-wire option (accommodating through an H cup) but also a tank including the bra! Finally! Options that our smaller busted peers have had the luxury of having access to for years are now coming to fruition for us fuller cup girls. Keep this in mind come fall!
Harlow & Fox
If you are looking for true luxury, then look no further than Harlow & Fox, the 2.5-year-old brand out of the UK. Each and every piece is designed with such thought and care as seen through details like French seams (which contribute to a neat and polished look), silk-lined cups, and perfectly chosen hardware. This vintage-inspired, modern collection impressed me most with its construction. The opulent pieces made of beautiful stretch silk and exquisite laces are paired with strategically placed mesh panels designed to accommodate the full cup. Love, love, love!
Are there questions you have about any of the styles? Is there something else you were expecting to see?