I first met one of the founders of Department of Curiosities at the Oxford Conference of Corsetry. Gerry Quinton, under the label Morua Corsetry & Couture, actually designed one of my favorite pieces – a cream overbust corset with golden stars made of fragmented glass. I was honestly delighted when I first heard the news of her new lingerie label. Corsetry is a bit of niche area, inaccessible and intimidating to many. Loungewear on the other hand…well, who doesn’t want some of that?
Every once in awhile, and I do mean very rarely, I run across a collection that I wish I could keep secret. I feel so spellbound, so mesmerized, that trying to commit my sentiments to paper (or Wordpress) seems almost sacrilegious. There’s a power in secrets, in things hidden from sight and known only to a select few. In an era when most brands are clamoring for attention, Between the Sheets has gone in quite the opposite direction, releasing a new collection that’s elusive, mysterious, and utterly sublime.
For several seasons now, I’ve been enamored of Harlow & Fox’s gorgeous full bust lingerie. Crafted from sumptuous fabrics and exquisite laces, Harlow & Fox Director Leanna Williams pushes the envelope of what lingerie tailored for DD+ cups can be. I talk to so many people who believe lingerie for larger busts has to sacrifice glamour for fit and that any bra beyond a D cup must be plain, boring, and beige. Ms. Williams proves that there is elegant lingerie available in this size range, and I have no problems admitting I wish my bust was a little bit larger so I could take advantage of these brilliant pieces.
Uye Surana is an independent brand from NYC with a commitment to ethical manufacturing, supportive bralets and gorgeous textiles. Their products are all sewn in-house in small quantities, and Surana’s designs offer a refreshing take on the overdone strappy trend. Delicate lace trims and plays on transparency/opacity make the aesthetic look fresh and appealing. The brand also has some gorgeous colourways and textiles on offer (including hand-floral-dyed silk). I’ve been wanting to try Uye Surana for a while, so felt pretty lucky when I offered some of their products to review. I chose the Claire bralet, panty and a Deep-V Layering cami.
Helena Stuart, founder, owner, and designer of Only Hearts, does as much work as you’d expect from a woman who has led a company for almost 40 years. Every hour is filled with effortless flitting between fabric choices, retail delivery dates, cost and margin management, color development and more. There is no visible anxiety or stressed-out vibes here. Helena does it all, and makes it look easy.
