Lucile London A/W 2014: A Heritage of Luxury
Lucile London has been crafting silk and lace fancies for over 100 years. In the late 19th century, Countesses and Queens were enchanted by Lucile's romantic and seductive pieces that were the creative vision of founder Lady Duff Gordon. This rich heritage of creating unparalleled luxury continues with her great-great-granddaughter, Camilla Blois, at the helm.
Lucile London's classically elegant collections were a regular standout at The Lingerie Collective (the now defunct UK-based lingerie show). Their newest collection is no exception. While none of these silhouettes are particularly innovative, there is fine attention to detail that is evident even in the simplest of shapes. Exquisite laces are expertly handled to show off their craftsmanship, making the pieces (and their wearers) true works of art.
The lace blouse is an excellent example of this superb lace utilization and was recently featured as one of our lingerie lust objects. Gorgeous eyelash scalloped lace takes this piece from romantic evenings in, to nights out on the town. A tailored fit with silk-bound plackets, cuffs, and collar makes this piece imminently wearable with pencil skirts and tuxedo trousers. The decadent scalloped edge finishes the hem and adds feminine flair (and boudoir appeal).
Other pieces that utilize French eyelash lace are a triangle bralette, a sleek chemise, a balconette-style bra, and lace front knickers. This lace features subtle metallic details for sophisticated shimmer. These simple silhouettes display the scalloped edge lace to create decadently framed décolletages that are begging to be shown off.
The collection also utilizes laces to equally dramatic effect by pairing them with sumptuous silks in juicy berries, rich creams, and dusty roses. Again, these are classically-cut styles that are not influenced so much by trends, making them wonderful investment pieces that can be treasured for many years. There are silk lined plunge bras overlayed with delicate laces, barely there boudoir bras, the prettiest suspender belts, and the quintessential flirty tie-back knickers. There are a few sweet bows here and there, but they are more chic than overtly feminine.
The showpiece of the collection is the Odalisque gown (shown at top). This floor length black georgette silk gown features hand cut lace in an unusual zig zag design that trims the entire border, hem, and sleeves. And it has a small, sweeping train! It's dramatic and glamorous and fanciful... the stuff luxury lingerie dreams are made of.
What do you think of Lucile London's newest collection? Are you a fan of silk and lace lingerie? Are there any pieces here you would put on your lust list?
