Love Bomb: Kriss Soonik

Kriss Soonik, Fraulein Kink and Natacha Marro shoes modelled by Tessa Kuragi. Photo by Anna Swiczeniuk, MUA by Cheyenne Raymond

The phrase “loungerie” is relatively new to the lingerie world, having become popular around 2009. The word conjures up images of exactly what it represents – a cross between the sexiness of lingerie and the comfort and versatility of loungewear. Loungerie blurs the fashion boundaries, quite fitting to today’s trend of celebrities in nothing but their under crackers.

Kriss Soonik launched her collection of fresh lingerie and loungerie in 2008, starting a new wave in the already-snowballing underwear as outerwear trend. Her velour gowns especially breeched the gap, working perfectly as warm winter dresses when teamed with thick socks and some faux fur!

Inspired by everything from Manga comics to cult films, Kriss believes that all women can be superheroes!  She also stands by bringing her work back to her home country of Estonia, ensuring that all her designs are handmade there.

Susan Motion

A stunning new version of her popular Susan Motion lace bodysuit has got to be one of my favourites from her recent collection. In beautiful gold lace perfect for a Valentine’s Day, the limited edition just makes me want it even more!

Diana patent wrap

I LOVE kimonos and their influence on mainstream fashion and so the Diana wrap is right up my street. I particularly love how versatile it is, perfect for all year round!

Keep your eyes peeled on Kriss Soonik's blog, Twitter and Facebook for details on how to win a Kristel Turtle neck suspender top!

Love Bomb: Miss Mandalay

Miss Mandalay, Velda Lauder, Playful Promises and Pearls and Swine. Photo by Anna Swiczeniuk, MUA by Cheyenne Raymond.

One of the biggest heart-aches among lingerie lovers of the world is the inability for each and every brand to cater to all sizes. Contrary to popular opinion, this isn’t because we favour one size over another, but purely because, as independent lingerie brands, we just can’t afford it! Catherine from Kiss Me Deadly wrote an incredibly in depth, mathematical blog post on this subject, for those that are interested. 

When most of us cater to “standard” sizing, this leaves more of a niche for brands such as Miss Mandalay to produce gorgeous lingerie for harder-to-buy-for sizes. It was exactly this problem that led Lorraine Morton to create Miss Mandalay, launching the brand in 2005.

There are a growing number of lingerie brands focusing on larger cup and smaller band sizing; however it wasn’t long ago when these ranges were designed for comfort and support, with no thought about how glamorous they made women feel. In the words of Lorraine, “Miss Mandalay is every fashion conscious woman with big boobs who’s always wanted to wear sexy & luxurious lingerie that actually fits!” They offer directional, attractive styles in 28” D – G and 30” – 38” B – GG.

Gigi

Imagine my despair when I realised this wasn’t available in my size! See, it works both ways :P Despite not fitting me, I still lust over the Gigi flame red balcony bra. The shape and colour screams Bettie Page!

Mia

Another sultry little gem that sadly isn’t available in my size – I love the sheer lace and velvet trim. 

To win the beautiful Vava set in Miss Mandalay's giveaway, answer this easy-peasy question to be instantly entered (in doing so you will also be signing up to their mailing list). 5 runners up will also receive a pair of Mia briefs! Keep an eye on their facebook, Twitter and News Page for further details.

Burlesque and Beating Hearts at Boxpark!

To RSVP and for more details, check out our facebook event page!

And here is a little look at Roxy Velvet's performance for our press event at The Box! 

Love Bomb: Candy Baker

Candy Baker hosiery and Natacha Marro shoes modelled by Jessica Louise Abidde. Photo by Anna Swiczeniuk

Being a lingerie designer often creates the assumption that I sit around in girdles and fully fashioned stockings all day. If only this was the norm, but in my busy lifestyle I often have to make sacrifices, and dare I say it, jeans are sometimes put into play.

This is where Candy Baker and her glittering hosiery promises to be the salvation of the working woman!  The perfect accompaniment to throw on with a little black dress, these hosiery designs are great for a range of situations when you just can’t be bothered fiddling with straps, without compromising on sexiness.

Inspired by the lost glamour of the 1920s and 30s, each pair features a little sparkle to ensure you stand out from the crowd, a perfect gift or tempting indulgence!

Gallium

True to their inspiration, the newest Candy Baker collection for 2012/13 is the Art Deco Collection, which features some beautiful deco patterns. I can just see this gorgeous Gallium print teamed with a fringe flapper dress for a night on the town!

The Back Seam

One of my favourite picks from the Classic Crystal Collection (which is available now, full of designs inspired by the glitz and glamour of broadway), is the stunning Back Seam. I love seamed stockings and these just add a new level of sparkle to a retro staple.

Keep your eyes peeled on Candy Baker's site and their facebook page for their Lovebomb giveaway, where they will be giving away one S/M and one M/L Classic Crystal Backseam!

Love Bomb: What Katie Did

Playful Promises and What Katie Did modelled by Tessa Kuragi and Jessica Louise Abidde. Photo by Anna Swiczeniuk, MUA by Cheyenne Raymond.

First on the bill for the Big Love-in is vintage-style brand What Katie Did, specialising in 1940s and 50s style lingerie and corsetry, leading the way in the recent retro trend.

Founded by Katie Halford in 1999, What Katie Did initially began by selling just stockings, particularly the fully-fashioned stockings that have remained popular to this day. Katie’s love affair with 1940s and 50s fashion started in her mid-teens and led her on a hunt for the perfect vintage wardrobe. She soon found that while vintage clothing was easy to come by, underwear was deeming tricky.

Sticking as close to authenticity as possible, What Katie Did’s glamorous bullet bras, delicious shape wear and beautiful stockings are all designed based on vintage patterns, only slightly adapted for the modern woman. Authentic fabrics and old-fashioned production methods are employed to ensure retrophiles are not left disappointed.

Choosing a favourite item from the vast collection is far, far too difficult, but I have to say, I am a sucker for her corsets!

Cabaret Lace Morticia Corset

This addition to the Morticia corset range is perfect for a romantic, sophisticated look. I love the use of lace contrasted against the pink, and the (even more!) slimming effect of the black waistband detail.

Leather Gina Corset

For the times when I’m feeling a little less sophisticated, this leather corset is perfect for a naughty Bettie Page look!

Keep your eyes peeled on the What Katie Did blog for their Lovebomb giveaway of a Cabaret Torsolette (featured above) and Kate knickers, available in black or vintage peach, plus a pair of retro seamed stockings in the winners choice of colour! If that's not enough they are offering 10 runners up prizes of their new 80 denier black hosiery with contrasting red seam (tights or stockings, your choice!), to add a bit of sauce to february. Make sure you sign up to the What Katie Did mailing list to be entered.