Flirty and feminine
In a season where sheer fabrics and see-through dresses featured heavily on catwalks, beautiful undergarments have become a necessity. This autumn-winter, brands have stuck to four main themes: vintage, red, lace and floral.
The strong vintage or burlesque-inspired silhouettes are prevalent throughout many collections - reflected in bustier-style bras and the return of high-waisted briefs. But these are not Bridget Jones' undies. The extended shape helps create curves on smaller frames and flatter curvier bodies.
Princesse tam.tam's Ruby Series is nostalgic and romantic, featuring high-waisted underwear with lace panels and an elastic fabric to make it lightweight, breathable and comfortable. In a similar vein, classic girdle designs feature in Chantelle's lacy Versailles line.
Reflecting the trend towards a new generation of shapewear, longer silhouettes are also a key feature of Triumph's new Shape Sensation - a form-fitting bodywear collection using lycra to help mould the body from top to bottom. In a choice of styles and fabric blends, the collection allows you to choose the amount of shaping from overt to subtle. For those looking for more curves on top, Huit's In the Mood For and Nuit Celeste series feature air pads inside the cups for added lift.
The must-have colour this fall and winter is lipstick red. This eye-catching colour features in the latest collection by Passionata. An emerging brand under the Chantelle Group, Passionata features fun and interesting designs targeted at younger consumers. For instance, at first glance their Diamond series appears to be three-dimensional, with the designer skilfully weaving together fabric and lace to produce a layered effect.
Simone Perele features a stunning deep red and delicate leafy lace that creates a flattering shape. For a deeper winter rose colour, Chantelle has produced the Haute Couture series - inspired by Parisian high fashion and featuring rich lace across the bust and ornamental guipure lace on the straps.
Lace is still a popular and classic choice for underwear. Seductive and mysterious, it can reveal a little or a lot. Ritratti has designed its lacy Private Collection specifically for Asian women. The pad in the cup effectively lifts the breasts, and the elastic jacquard lace helps breasts appear more natural. The straps can also be easily detached, making the bras versatile and practical.
For a soft colour palette, Ritratti's Nicole K. series features ethereal combinations such as powder pink and ice blue, referencing the nostalgia of the past.
French brand Aubade is one of the masters of lace, and this season is no exception. Coco Blues uses Leavers Lace and the contrasting colours of beige and black. Handcrafting is obvious with two silk ribbons wound around the middle and decorated with delicately embroidered flowers.
Flirty and feminine, floral patterns are bold and exaggerated this season. In stunning colours such as royal blue, bright yellow, peach pink, brilliant purple and pea green, they are designed to liven up cold winter days.
Princesse tam.tam features bold, exaggerated floral patterns combined with graphic butterflies to create a sweet, young look. At Wolford, florals are all grown up with black trellis details on a beige background.
Diesel has also come up with a range of styles for women this season to suit the adventurous and uninhibited.
