The bold and the beautiful

Looking stylish and relaxed isn't just about what you wear on the outside - the right underwear plays a big part in feeling comfortable and attractive.

This season sees women's lingerie turn utterly seductive, while men's remains playful, upbeat and colourful.

At lingerie specialist Private Shop, the main look for winter 2009 lingerie is 'glamorous seduction'. Many of the lines feature touches of Leavers lace beneath softly draped silk or satin. This classic union of fabrics revives old Hollywood glamour and aims to bring out the silver screen heroine in every woman.

Animal prints are also in vogue, with brands such as top lingerie specialist Chantelle bringing out ranges featuring leopard and other animal prints.

The overall look for Chantelle's winter '09 collection is epitomised by baroque styling, guipure lace, satin and transparency effects. Motifs are delicate and fabrics soft to the touch. The colour palette ranges from powdery ivories and greys to blue, prune, red, gold and black. The lingerie brand is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

The fabrics used in the AH Collection, also stocked at Private Shop, are luxurious and the styles play with the transparency of lace and feature fine detailing. The look is sophisticated, elegant and European, and the colour scheme favours bold hues that are not too overpowering.