Empreinte Spring/Summer 2016: Gardens in Bloom

Empreinte is one of those brands that everyone in the lingerie industry knows and loves, but that outsiders (like myself) often have a hard time getting. It was years before I was able to look beyond the ornate European lace and embroidery, and truly understand what made their bras so extraordinary. When it comes to full bust bra design, Empreinte is a master, and I'm not just talking about the aesthetics here. The fit, the shape, the quality, the support - Empreinte represents the gold standard in this niche. While there are lots of full-bust bras companies nowadays (literally more than ever before, in fact), Empreinte is still widely regarded as one of the (if not THE) best.

Yet as we've covered a few times on TLA, exceptional quality like this doesn't come cheap, and Empreinte has one of the highest price tags for a bra brand in the lingerie industry, especially for a fit-focused (as opposed to a fashion-focused) label. Many of their bras start around the $150 USD mark, with limited colorways or special editions nearing $200. However, customers unanimously agree that the brand is worth it. Nothing else works as well or lasts as long. A single Empreinte bra could easily replace 3 or 4 cheaper bras of lesser quality.

The Spring/Summer collection pays tribute to the flower gardens of Versailles with bloom imagery throughout, often in delicate shades of blush, rose, and berry. The Melody Seamless Lace Bra, Empreinte's flagship style, is a standout this season in beautiful gold-tinged Chantilly lace while the Hanae range is inspired by the delicate cherry blossoms of spring. The deep suspender belt in this range shows off Hanae's elegant lace and embroidery to full effect; I can't help but think this will be a popular item for wedding season.

Lilly Rose picks up on this year's jacquard trend, while the silver-laminated embroidery trim adds a truly decadent touch. Contrast this with the Grace collection which is almost refreshing in its simplicity, and utilizes a gorgeous floral Leavers lace to give support without adding bulk. Finally, the Pompadour range, with its ornate lace and embroidery seems directly influenced by the court of Versailles; the tightly focused opulence displayed here seems to be casting an eye back to when ladies of the French court set the tone on fashion for the rest of the European world.

Do you have any thoughts about Empreinte as a brand or their latest collection? Is this a label you've tried before? And, if so, what did you think of the fit and quality?