We all like our labels, from trainer shoes to high fashion, the high street is dominated by the must have names and for those who can afford, designer items from the top designers. So what do women look for when buying their lingerie? A few of course will have their favourite labels including Lejaby, Triumph, Fantasie, Freya, Rigby & Peller, but for the vast majority such loyalties don't exist, with many women buying badly fitting bras off the shelf, from department store and supermarkets. Yet lingerie is an area where designer goods are readily available and often at really affordable prices. One of the things I look for when buying lingerie.....
for Just Bras is the story behind the lingerie. Who designed it, what's their background, who are they designing for and what look are they hoping to achieve? I'm looking to fill gaps in what we have to offer and to occasionally have something that little bit different or even unique. As part of this we look for some of the small independent designers, which ensures that we have designs in store that can't be found in most other stores.
Designers such as Emma Parker of Playful Promises who we've carried now for a number of seasons, and will again be featuring at Just Bras for Autumn Winter 09/10 with some fantastic new designs. Emma recently won the UK Fashion Exports Awards 2009 for Lingerie & Beachwear!
‘The 2009 Awards provide a platform to celebrate the success of those fashion companies that still manage to attract the attention of international buyers looking to inject exciting and innovative designs into their stores.’
As a buyer it feels good to bring in a new designer and label who goes on to win wider recognition and our customers benefit from having fantastic designs from an innovative designer at a price that won't break the budget with bras under £30.
Other designers supported by Just Bras are Karen Ellis who has her own label KEIA Intimates, specialising in pretty bras for the larger cup, with fantastic designs, luxurious materials and bras that offer comfort and support at a price that won't break the bank. The Georgie Bra from the KEIA continuity range (there everyday bra) has to be the most gorgeous everyday bra I've seen, with briefs that have a corset tie at the back and are a firm favourite in our shops.
Caprice with her own range of Lingerie, Swimwear and Nightwear gets more attention than some of the lesser known designers, but her designs have proved to be a best seller with Just Bras, especially the Can Can cleavage enhancing bra and the Fleur Gel Bras. What I like about Caprice is that she has put her money into her own business and takes an interest from the design, to the marketing, not to mention modelling her own products. Unlike other brands under the name of a 'model' this is not a licensing agreement, to use the name, but a genuine buisnesswoman involved in all aspects of her business.
Michael Thompson of Pour Moi, who started life as an accountant and ended up designing some of the most successful lingerie designs to be found for under £22. Gorgeous designs and great value for money have to Michael's trademark.
Another firm favourite at Just Bras is Honeydew Rhumba Briefs designed by Benny Zafrani in LA, who brings out new designs for his Rhumba briefs on a regular basis. Briefs modelled by Nichole Ritchie and Paris Hilton and at only £14 a pair.
So next time you want that label, remember that with lingerie you can buy your favourite brand, but for a similar price you could have a design by Emma Parker, Benny Zafrani, Michael Thompson, Caprice, Karen Ellis or even Igor Pacemski!
