lingerie planet - Details

Venus Williams is known to create quite the buzz on court with her wardrobe choices (remember her lingerie–esque ensemble at the French Open?), and this year’s U.S. Open has been no exception.

The tennis star defeated Shahar Peer in straight sets on Sunday, but it was her hot-pink sheer tennis dress with matching short-shorts that got people buzzing — and tongues wagging.

And if you’ve been following the tennis open, you’ll undoubtedly remember (how could you forget) that Venus’ skintight rhinestone-encrusted, booty-revealing outfit made an encore during last night’s match against Francesca Schiavone. That and she moved on to the semi-finals.

Initially revealing the sparkly tennis dress on Friday  playing against Mandy Minella, the black sheer get-up resembled something you’d be more likely to see in a nightclub, rather than a tennis court. But it’s the hot-pink version of her initial attire that has really created frenzy and set the blogosphere on fire.

When asked by reporters what prompted her latest fashion choice, Venus simply replied: “This outfit was supposed to be about New York. It’s like bursts of fireworks.”

Um, perhaps there are other ways to show your patriotism without having to tug it back over your behind after every point? Just saying.

Potential wardrobe malfunction aside, I am looking forward to seeing what Venus flaunts next during the semis!

What do you think of Venus’ colorful outfits? Do you find her tennis garb too distracting, or do you love her flair for fashion?

Mark your calendars — the hottest night of the year on television is coming soon.

Victoria’s Secret announced today that the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returns to CBS on November 30, right about the time we all start complaining about the winter chill.

This years live lingerie runway show will be broadcast from New York and will feature Victoria’s Secret Angels Adriana Lima, Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Candice Swanepoel, Chanel Iman and Erin Heatherton. The company hasn’t yet announced the musical guest, but it will be a big name — last year, it was international superstars the Black Eyed Peas.

Missing in action at this year’s show will be last year’s show-stealer Miranda Kerr and Doetzen Kroes, both of whom will be on maternity leave.

To get a taste of what’s to come, we’ve included some VS sketches above and below, showing some of the costumes being prepared for the big night. Cue the spotlights!

Just when you thought you’ve seen it all from Lady Gaga, here she comes again, this time decked out in meat lingerie — yep, you read that right — for the cover of Vogue Japan.

Hard to imagine why anyone would want to do this, unless you like being licked by dogs.

So what do you make of this? Trashy self-parody by a professional exhibitionist? A metaphor for the commodification of celebrity? Pathetic overreaching by a compulsive fame whore?

Or perhaps it’s an incisive commentary on the ecology of consumer culture, wherein cotton undies and flank steak are interchangeable byproducts of the post-industrial frenzy to satisfy mass tastes?

Then again, maybe it’s just a stupidly hilarious picture. Whatever, we’re sure PETA is not amused.

Seeing spots? Don’t worry, you’re not going crazy, you’ve probably just been bombarded with the IT trend of fall — leopard print fashion.

That’s right, everywhere you look you’re bound to see a leopard print item. You would think a pattern that’s so ubiquitous would turn you away from the trend, but because leopard print has been re-invented into a myriad of shapes, colors and designs, there is something to suit anyone’s tastes.

And it’s not just apparel and accessories that have been adorned with the wild animal print; it’s also the hottest trend for lingerie.

Alicia Vargo,  founder of Pampered Passions Fine Lingerie, which was voted best lingerie store of 2010, currently offers a plethora of leopard-printed lingerie on her e-commerce site. Here’s what she says:

“Although animal prints are trendy almost any season, they are coming on stronger than ever for fall, with clothing, shoes, handbags and, yes, fine lingerie. But the popularity of leopard print seems to have reached its height for fall 2010.”

Eager to jump on the leopard print bandwagon, but not sure how to begin or where to look? Luckily for you this season, leopard print is offered in different garments, colors and shapes that appeal to a wide variety of consumers.

Those with extroverted personalities, or with a dramatic flair, would probably gravitate towards a bolder, colorful print. The punchy, red leopard-print cutout set (above left) from Marlies Dekkers definitely makes a statement, while the DreamGirl flirty pink Lycra leopard-print camisole and boyshort (above right) with black contrast lace trim is the perfect set to lounge or sleep in. The drawstring detail offers instant sex appeal if you so desire.

The leopard print trend in lingerie has also extended into maternity and nursing bras. Adding just a touch of that sexy print will instantly perk you up — even if you’re only functioning off two hours of sleep! For the bustier yummy mummy, Freya’s Kelly drop cup nursing bra (above left – available in D-HH cup size!), is made from a silky blend of materials and features feminine, coral lace trim. Also available is the Cupid clip bra from Agent Provocateur with alluring red contrast detail (above right). The full cup offers support and comfort while providing a flattering shape both during and after pregnancy.

Want to take part in the roaring trend, but prefer a more subdued print? Not to worry! Many of the lingerie labels have incorporated monochromatic animal print into their collection.

Calvin Klein’s Perfectly Fit leopard lace bra (above left) is a lightly padded underwire taupe satin bra with merlot leopard print lace overlay. Another choice is Wacoal’s Wild Bunch contour bra (above right), which features molded stretch foam cups in a shimmery jacquard covered in a tiny leopard print, perfect for everyday wear.

Now if you prefer to stick with the classics, there is an abundance of styles to choose from. You could opt for a classic little slip, like Victoria’s Secret Lacie halter slip (above left), or from AP’s racy fall collection, and bound to get some hearts racing, is the Betsie bra and suspender set (above right) in grey leopard print silk satin and edged in black lace.

In contrast, you could also opt for a more unique way to incorporate leopard print into your boudoir. Why not try a pair of seductive leopard thigh-highs like DreamGirl’s sheer lace top leopard stockings (above left), or add an unexpected pop of flash to your outfit with Wolford’s Leo printed tights (right) and Leo print stay-ups?

Whatever variation on leopard print you decide to try — color, shape or size — you’ll surely be spot on with this season’s most versatile lingerie trend!

Miley and Ashley in the City of Lights

Newly single singer-starlet Miley Cyrus was spotted all over Paris on the weekend, hitting the clubs with pal Ashley Greene of Twilight fame.

You’ll recall that Miley has been searching for some style direction over the past year, especially when it comes to lingerie-as-outerwear and as a stage costume, and how to distinguish between the two.

The photo above gives us hope that grown-up Hannah M has found the happy medium between hipster cool and public indecency.

Both girls look terrific in understated outfits that let the lingerie tease and whisper — as it’s meant to do — rather than scream and shout.

Here’s hoping both girls stopped in to visit Chantal Thomass.

Fangs optional

Dutch lingerie label Marlies Dekkers has found a unique way to promote its new Victorian-themed fall lingerie collection.

MD is hosting a Victorian Vampire Night over two nights (Sept. 11 & 18) in her native Netherlands. The event is part costume ball and part catwalk show, with guests expected to dress for the occasion.

And what, exactly, does that mean? The invitation reads: “Dress code is Victorian Romantic poets, priests, True Blood, nuns, Twilight ….” (Nuns???)

Still looking for wardrobe suggestions? Dekkers offers this catalogue of vampire looks that you can draw inspiration from.

Lost in translation?

British media have been in a tizzy all week after a tourist on holiday in Hong Kong saw billboards that used a look-a-like of the late Princess Di to promote a new lingerie line. To make matters worse, the ads appeared on the 13th anniversary of Diana’s death.

The ‘Diana’ lingerie line features a model wearing a tiara and the slogan “Feel the romance of British royalty” on its ads. Most offensive of all? An ad depicting a Diana clone dressed only in her undies, playing a cello in front of a laughing toddler.

The ads, and the Diana lingerie collection, are the work of Jealousy International, a large Chinese garment maker.

On its website, the company explains that the Diana line is not inspired by Princess Di, but by the Roman goddess Diana, who is similar to the Chinese moon goddess and is considered a symbol of “romance and elegance in western culture”.

The Diana collection, it says, “compromises both the eastern verve and western style … and shows the special mature flavor of eastern ladies.”

Ahhh, the special mature flavor of eastern gals. See? Not so offensive after all.

Stay up late with the Angels

The 2010 edition of Fashion’s Night Out is shaping up to be a heck of a party, as designer labels throw open their doors for some late-night mixers with celebrities, models and, of course, the underdressed public.

It all takes place on Friday in cities across the USA (and abroad), but the place to be is New York, which has put together a jam-packed itinerary of shows and store promotions.

For lingerie lovers, if you’re in SoHo, make sure to drop into the Victoria’s Secret store, where three VS Angels (Chanel, Doetzen and Adriana) will greet shoppers and sign copies of the iconic image (above) taken for Vogue magazine. The girls will also be conducting a live web chat from the store until 11 p.m.

Learn more about NYC Fashion’s Night Out here.

You’re never too old …

A 59-year-old British television personality who successfully sued her employer for age discrimination has a new offer — to become a lingerie model.

Selina Scott has been offered a position as brand ambassador for Playtex, which is planning to introduce a new line aimed at women in Scott’s age bracket.

Scott, who had been a news reader for the BBC since 1980, won a landmark case in 2008 after she was offered a new broadcast role that was later given to two much younger women. She recently compiled a report on “malign sexism and ageism” at the BBC, which is now being reviewed by the government.

Scott has no experience as an underwear model, but was flattered by the Playtex offer.

“At first, I thought it was a bit of a joke, then I felt flattered,” she said. “The lingerie business is very competitive, with beautiful women like Kelly Brook, so it’s terrific to know I am still considered in that league.”

At least the burglars had good taste

Expensive lingerie is giving insurance companies something new to worry about.

According to a study conducted by the UK insurance company More Than Insurance, the growing popularity of costly premium lingerie has sparked a wave of thefts — from backyard clotheslines — and corresponding insurance claims.

“We are bombarded with images of celebrities in luxurious undergarments,” a company spokesman said.  “It’s no surprise they’re coveted.”

The company said knicker thefts have risen 20 per cent over the summer, and that lingerie has become a “primary target” for burglars. In fact, their survey found that one in three ex-cons quizzed said clotheslines are the first thing that home burglars check out.

The company blames the trend not just on consumer tastes, but on the popularity of advertising campaigns featuring desirable celebrities like Kelly Brook and Kylie Minogue in high-priced intimates.

Tired of the same old bedroom routine? Worried about keeping your guy’s attention, especially now that football is back?!

Well, leave it to Victoria’s Secret to offer a few suggestions that are guaranteed to make playtime a bit more …. memorable.

The always-inventive lingerie powerhouse has just released a line of erotic lingerie costumes called Sexy Little Fantasies. Ironically, you’ll find the collection in the Victoria’s Secret online store under “Sleep and Lounge” — but you’ll be doing little of either in these get-ups.

The series includes 12 outfits perfect for role-playing fun or perhaps even an adult Halloween party a deux? The pieces have the same quality and design standards we’ve come to expect from Victoria’s Secret, but there’s nothing original about the costume choices themselves.

Choose from such standard male-fantasy archetypes as the Sexy Little French Maid, Sexy Little Sailor, SL Nurse, SL Ballerina, etc. Viewed as a whole, the collection looks like a deck of playing cards for 12-year-old boys.

The full series, modeled by a postively bursting-at-the-bustline Candice Swanepoel, is shown below.

A couple of oddities in the Sexy Little Fantasies line raise some questions, though. First, the Sexy Little Angel — wings, halo and all — seems to be a spin on the iconic Victoria’s Secret Angels modelling crew. Think about this: do you want your BF fantasizing about Adriana Lima et. al when he’s with you???

And second, the Sexy Little Bride outfit has me puzzled. This is not erotic bridal wear, but a costume for women pretending to be a bride in order to arouse their playmate. Again, just tell the BF to buy the cow instead.

The costumes cost as little as $68 for the SL Cowgirl and up to $298 for the SL Angel. I guess heaven ain’t cheap, even in the bedroom.

Altogether, the attention-grabbing Fantasies collection is amusing — and a little unnerving. Victoria’s Secret, which makes its bread and butter selling undies to your kid sister, is venturing ever-so-slightly across the line into the world of trashy erotic stripper costumes, the sort of thing you find in adult toy stores where you can find racy pirate costumes or sexy Little Mermaid outfits. One has to wonder where they’ll go next.

Finally a word about sizing. They don’t call these sexy “little” fantasies for nothing. Almost every costume in the collection is available in only a very limited number of sizes — no A cups, nothing above a 36, etc etc. There’s no excuse for this from a mass-market retailer these days, so write your congressman — or your favorite VS Angel — to complain.

Ever wonder why some lingerie designers inspire such fanatical devotion? Or why some boutique labels become this season’s must-have, while others are destined for the clearance bins?

For an answer, look no further than UK cult favorite Damaris Evans, and her newly released collection under the Mimi Holliday label. (The fall collection of the more upmarket Damaris brand should be released in the next week or so.)

Damaris’ exquisite pieces are beautifully styled, original and crafted with precision and care. But the real secret to her success is, quite literally, in the details.

Check out the images above, all taken from the new Mimi Holliday line. Tiny bows, flirty little cutouts, hand-tied ribbons, delicately understated lace trims … these are the small touches that make Damaris devotees gasp.

As one observer put it, there’s no cooler fashion statement these days than having one of Damaris’ colorful little bows “popping out of your low-slung hipsters.”

Read our take on the new Mimi Holliday fall collection here.

Victoria’s Secret has released this video documenting the opening last week of the first VS store in Toronto (and second in Canada).

You’ll get a good sense of what a big deal this was for Toronto shoppers, and how well promoted it was too.

Shoppers lined up for hours in advance of the Aug. 26 opening at the Yorkdale Mall store, where they had a chance to meet supermodel Adriana Lima. Adriana and two other VS Angels — Chanel Iman and Erin Heatherton — were on hand the day before for a media preview and all-round love-in with mall visitors.

Oh, and as it was a gorgeous sunny day in Toronto, the video offers a terrific look at some of the street life in one of the world’s great cities.

For Toronto readers, watch for additional Victoria’s Secret store openings this month in Square One and in October in the downtown Eaton Centre. No word on whether we’ll see the Angels for a return visit!

Lady Gaga is transformed into a lingerie-clad Lady Liberty in this limited edition cover for V magazine’s New York theme issue, which hit newsstands today.

But if you want one of these short-run covers, you’ll have to act fast. Two versions of the Liberty cover are available exclusively online through V’s shop, in limited editions of 1,000 each.

Altogether there are four variations of the V67 cover, after the magazine commissioned four NYC artists — Nate Lowman, Spencer Sweeney, Dan Colen and Aaron Young — to create their own personalized versions.

As for that icon-bending image of Lady G, editor Stephen Gan is unapologetic: “Just as the Statue of Liberty was France’s gift to America, Gaga is, to us, New York’s greatest gift to pop culture and fashion,” he says. ” She has become a bonafide genius and we can safely declare her our muse.”

Which may explain why Marc Jacobs — the city’s real fashion leader — looks a bit miffed sitting next to her!

Remember a few months ago when I discussed 3.1 Phillip Lim’s foray into lingerie with the launch of his line Initials? Boy, summer really did fly by. Sigh.

Though some of you will mourn the end of summer, surprisingly, 3.1 Phillip Lim’s Initials fall collection is a far cry from the dark and moody styles we’ve already seen from other premium labels like Blush and Lascivious.

Included within the collection are styles in fall-like emerald tones as well as classic black, but many of the pieces have a light, romantic quality offered in neutral hues.

Lim’s more lingerie-like styles — bralettes and slips — find a place among the introduction of loungewear this year. And, staying true to Lim’s aesthetic, the Initials collection features many pieces that can be worn outside of the house.

The nude harem pants, for instance, could easily transition into daywear with the addition of a military jacket and lace-up wedge booties. And doesn’t his long sweater in smoke look ridiculously comfy? It’s the perfect length to throw over a pair of leather leggings or skinny jeans.

Similar to his last collection, Lim includes the signature feminine aesthetic that he has become known for, and which has spurred a devoted cult following.

Beautiful Monet-like florals adorn silk teddies, bralettes and slips, while girly ruffles trim the hem of tap shorts, camisoles and a sumptuous raspberry-hued silk slip. One stand-out piece is the nude silk ruched  tank-style slip. Only a few prints and embellishments accent the otherwise color-blocked collection.

If you can’t swing a trip down south next February, slipping into something from Lim’s Initials collection will undoubtedly chase away those winter blues.

Visit 3.1philliplim.com to find online stockists or locate the nearest retailer. Meantime, check out the images below from the new Initials collection.