We’ve shown our love for independent lingerie designer Karolina Laskowska before and it’s with great delight we present her new collection ‘Taakeford.’ It is also, however, with a touch of sadness, as Laskowska declared it her final collection as she prepares to close the label this September. What a beautiful way to sign off…

Taakeford is a Norwegian word that translates literally to ‘fog journey’ (as well as being a pretty good Norwegian band I’ve now added to my black metal collection – thanks Karolina!). It’s a beautiful and befitting title for what it probably feels like to be an indie designer right now, coming out the other side of the murky trip that is the current fashion retail industry. Being a one-woman production, even an award-winning one with a cult following, is obviously challenging.

In the often staid industry – for there is a limit to what lingerie designers can create and produce within the realm of functionality – Laskowska has been a design visionary. The Karolina Laskowska label was one of the first to usher in the monochromatic strappy trend (along with fellow indie label Hopeless and British brand Bordelle) that has permeated the market the past few years. But it was Laskowska that created products with the most artisanal touch and innovation of design. As an owner of her pieces, I have always noted how precise and impossibly perfect their construction was – every item sewn by Laskowska herself – how flawless and tiny the stitches, how deliberate the position of each strap was, down to the centimeter. It was these details that set the label apart, as well as her incomparable skill for perfectly placing things like lace and scalloped edges ‘just so,’ making her lingerie both fully functioning garments and wearable art.

As this trend filtered through to mainstream lingerie retailers, as fashion does, styles undoubtedly ‘inspired’ by Karolina Laskowska designs started popping up at high street retail giants. I can’t help but wonder if this frustration, felt undoubtedly by a lot of young, oft-imitated designers, played into the decision to close this label. As consumers want more for less, at a growing rate, larger companies refuse to acknowledge or compensate the young talent from whom they are so frequently pulling ‘inspo.’

Business aside, the ‘Taakeford’ collection itself is filled with the exquisite, darkly romantic aesthetic that defines the Karolina Laskowska label. It is signature KL. Adjustable straps, bespoke corsetry and exquisite French leavers lace abound. Unique and innovative shapes are used in bras, briefs and suspenders alike.

The Freja styles are exceptional – simple yet unconventional, shapes made from an opulent, dreamy lace and satin bands with adjustable gold hardware. The Freja Lace Bandeau Bralette is a like a bandeau x 1930s Kestos hybrid and perfectly pairs with what is one of the most beautiful high waisted briefs I’ve ever seen. The Freja High Neck Bralet is my favorite though. A sort of high apex triangle style, with the addition of a a central insert over the décolleté. This would look incredible beneath outerwear with a plunging neckline, detail exposed.

The Freja Longline is also the first longline quarter (exposed) cup I’ve seen and the result, an exposed bust while the ribcage is encased in gorgeous lace, creates a visual dichotomy that is titillating. Signature Karolina Laskowska shapes such as harness styles, high neck bras, and tap pants round out the collection, as does her iconic Elzbieta Pentagram Playsuit, while ‘Taakeford’s couture pieces – corsets and accessories – are made to order on request.

Karolina Laskowska has stated that in spite of closing her eponymous label, she will continue to create bespoke lingerie on this made-to-order basis, for a select clientele. We will miss the Karolina Laskowska label dearly, as I’m sure will all those inspired by her intoxicating, darkly romantic style, a style that has left an indelible mark on the lingerie industry. Shop Karolina Laskowska’s final collection here.

This collaboration is for late nights and early mornings. It is for the woman who doesn’t mind getting tied up until sunrise (pun intended).  Photographer Hana Haley & indie starlet Kacie Marie capture the exciting work of Hopeless and Creepy Yeha as they introduce a collection of all black pieces, with a perfect balance between delicate and BDSM.

Personally, when I first see a lingerie collection, I imagine all the ways I could wear the pieces outside of the bedroom. As a collector, I justify my ever-growing lingerie closet by incorporating them into my wardrobe. The strappy black bra under a loose tank top and jeans. That mesh crop top, with no bra, and overalls. And my favorite, those incredible black-bondage “I came prepared for this” panties under a dress, on a third date. There is no reason why your favorite lingerie pieces should sit in a drawer waiting for a special occasion. The more you work them into your outfits, the more likely you are to be wearing them in the right place and the right time.

The latest from Hopeless Lingerie, “GHOSTS,” is inspired by 1980s ghost movies and bad CGI. Gabrielle Adamidis explains: “The curved lines and cutouts are a subtle reference to the beams from the Ghostbusters proton packs, and the trail of spirits from the TV in Poltergeist. Other-wordly layers of sheer mesh, lace, and a few straps of course, in the signature Hopeless style.”

At the tail end of this beast of a year, I find myself turning down any holiday party invite & friendly hangs in favor of staying in with my lover and my pup. But canoodling at home doesn’t have to mean sweat pants and oversized men’s tees – step up your PJ game with this latest collab by Illustrated People and London stylist Violetta Kassapi aka Violetta Fancies You. The campaign images, starring Iris Law in her very first shoot alongside models Evangeline Ling and Charley Munro, are to die for. The shoot was styled by Violetta and shot by the incredible Luke Freeman, currently at Rankin Studio. Wouldn’t you rather be sleeping in these, too? 

Hot and bothered like it’s nobody’s business – except it is business. Reckless Wolf is coming in hot as we move into the new year. The release of their freshest and wildest collection to date, Biker, features twenty-two new pieces. While still maintaining their signature look of peekaboo spaces created by layering straps in geometric patterns, they have given us more of what we already loved with silky smooth lycra and mesh paneling in all the perfect places. Lingerie so hot you don’t even need a counter part to strut around in it. Shot by photographer Stefan Sieler, it’s dark and gritty, and oh so sexy. There is something solid and refreshing in their badassery of femininity with a steel cut edge. Tie me up but don’t hold me down.

It’s always a pride and joy when long time collaborators launch something of their own. Roxanna Dunlop, who worked with us in various capacities over the past few years, has just gone live this week with a personal blog, a place of inspiration for her fans and likeminded creative individuals who love all aspects of femininity – from fashion to lingerie to beauty and so much more. We are excited to release this exclusive editorial we created for Maison Close’s latest collections. Head over to her site to see some unreleased pics and additional selects!

Else Lingerie has released their Spring/Summer 2016 collection and it is turning us all into romantics. Else is designed and hand-crafted in Ela Onur’s own private atelier in Istanbul, Turkey, using only the highest quality materials and practices. The line was called sexy lingerie you can actually wear by Elle and we agree – gotta love designers who are putting out pieces that are comfortable and practical, while not sacrificing an ounce of sexy.

The history and magic of Istanbul must be seeping in the windows while Ela Onur and her team are hard at work, because beautiful seems too weak an adjective. These pieces pay homage to vintage lingerie with carefully chosen lace, perfectly placed plunges, and classic silhouettes. The whole collection make us feel like we are walking around in a vintage French film, subtitles please.

Q&A

LF: This sort of thing, crafting lingerie, it’s in your blood. You grew around this in a way, near the artists and designers who worked for your family’s lingerie accessory business. Tell us about that.

EO:  I believe I always had it in me but I was able to realize that quite late, after college I guess.  When I was a kid I used to sneak around my mom’s lingerie, and used to steal and wear them just because I like the laces and feeling of it. Luckily enough, my family business was involved in the lingerie industry although we were not producing lingerie.

LF: Do you think this at all shaped your business or aesthetic?

EO:  I learned a lot in the family business where we are manufacturing accessories for the lingerie industry, like elastics etc.  I worked in production and other sides of the business for over 2 years, which gained me the most of the techniques and fundamentals.  My family had no influence, but their support to get into a new business.

LF: How have you made this your own “thing”?

EO:  It is not right to call it “my thing” as everybody around me is a serious part of it.  Starting my family, I could not do it without their support.  My husband was and still is a great supporter of my business.  Today, whoever is around ELSE Lingerie is a part of our story.  We created this all together, like a big family.

Starting was expectedly the hardest part as I did not have an atelier and a good team to work with.  I used to ask people to rent out their production places to make our own collection and samples.  Looking back, it was quite funny but also very stressful days.  The first investment that I made was to rent an atelier space and put my own equipment in so that we can start building things in house.  Since then, we design and manufacture every piece in house.  I think this is one of the things that differentiate us from other brands that we compete with.

LF: Can you tell us about the process from conception to creation?

EO: Creating the concept starts mainly in my head where I make a serious of mental notes from my life, travels, which I love a lot, culture and combine it with the industry trends.  I believe lingerie should also run not very far from the fashion trends.

LF: What is your favorite part of Else Lingerie?

EO:  Difficult question, but I think the idea of giving a sort of life to the rolls of beautiful but lifeless laces and fabrics, and creating a beautiful, fundamental shape out of it, which is an essential need for every woman out there.

LF:What is most important to you in creating a new piece or a new collection?

EO:  Matching the right design together with the proper fit and shape would be the most important and maybe most challenging part of the job.  I always believe that fit and design needs to be complemented very carefully together. Adapting your shapes to the evolving and changing women is one of the crucial aspects of our business because our forms and bodies are changing.  Today, women are not like how they used to be 10 years ago.  Our bodies are changing; our likes and dislikes are changing. We need to take all of these into consideration when developing our collection.

LF:How FAST do you live?

EO:  I live pretty fast these days as we are preparing for our shows in Paris. My typical work day ends pretty late as well because of the time difference between New York and Istanbul. try to take fast paced walks in the morning on the beautiful coast of Bosphorus followed a nice latte. Day time is pretty fast paced, where I try to limit my time on my computer and try to stay on my feet. Weekends are pretty filled up work these days but I’ll balance it after the Paris show (hopefully!).  I try to spend as much time as possible with my dog over the weekends.

Aesthetically focused, detail-oriented and innovative are three initial qualities that come to mind when thinking of Los Angeles-native, model and creative Danielle Alcaraz. Now I’m not saying “aesthetically focused” as in image-centered – though she can admit that is essentially the basis of modeling – but merely to say that she is always on the lookout for eye-catching views, inspiring artwork, and thoughtfully curated content.

Maison Close Nuit Infinie Thong Body Long Sleeve

Danielle is an absolute joy to photograph, not only because she works in front of the camera for a living, but for her imaginative mind and eagerness to create beautiful images. As a model, she enables the photographer to take the role of an artist, painting a picture of a moment or a mood. She has complete control of her petite figure and the gift of being able to convince you that she’s sweet and innocent one moment, and up to no good the next, all just with a slight shift in the look of her eye.

HAH Geisha Girl Micro Mini & Butterfly Caftan

As Danielle is part of the marketing team for Live FAST, I’ve had the pleasure of working with and getting to know her through the production of this enterprise, and I genuinely believe that having her on set for every single shoot has been vital to our success. Her keen eye, attention to detail, awareness of trends, and years of experience working in fashion add a distinctive element to our team, and we’re better for it. As an outsider I’ve always been curious about the real expectations placed on models and their potential side effects, and to my delight, Danielle very thoughtfully answered some of my inquiries.

HAH Geisha Girl Micro Mini

Q&A

LF: Describe your perfect lingerie set. What does it look like and how does it make you feel when you wear it?

DA: My perfect lingerie set hugs me in all of the right places. I usually gravitate towards lace, satin, and mesh sets. There’s always something special about the little details, like an embroidered bra or the characteristic of a garter belt. I can transition from simple and elegant to bold statement pieces, it really depends on my mood. As a huge Helmut Newton fan, sheer pantyhose are a necessity in my lingerie drawer. It makes me feel powerful and seductive.

LF: As an agency-represented, working model, much of your career deals with image and physical appearance, and of course there is a certain mold to fill. What kind of impact do you see these pressures having on models?

DA: Self-love, ego, and self-consciousness play such a huge role in the industry. We are constantly thinking about our identity and how we are perceived, but I have come to realize that there is no such thing as perfect. Keeping up with your image and physical appearance is a constant job. Models have to be very consistent with their work-out routines and maintain healthy eating habits. It all really reflects from the inside out. It’s really important to know “your look, your style, your vibe.” Be authentic. Be you.

HAH Chi Bralittle & T String in White

LF: What makes you feel sexy?

DA: A glass of wine, a hot outfit, the beach.

LF: Though you definitely don’t need it, I’m sure photos of you are often retouched. Have you ever seen an edited photo of yourself that was so Photoshopped that you didn’t recognize yourself, or immediately noticed what they had changed? If so, what did that feel like?

DA: Photoshop can be amazing or a disaster if not used correctly. Most of the retouching I’ve seen are usually very minor changes, although some brands tend to over-do it. I have dealt with skin issues my whole life and it has made me insecure at times. Fortunately, everyone I work with is super supportive and understanding. You have to learn to accept yourself, flaws and all.

Maison Close Villa Satine Triangle Bra & Mini Thong

LF: Turn ons? Turn offs?

DA: Turn ons: Intelligent, well cultured, spiritual. Turn offs: Immature, egotistical.

LF: How does modeling for e-commerce differ from modeling for editorials or print?

DA: E-commerce can be much less inspiring than editorials. Your job is to make the product look good, make it come to life, and give it purpose, which can be enjoyable. It’s all what you make of it. However, with editorials there is much more creative freedom to make art. It gives you a chance to explore different characters, attitudes, and emotions. It can be a great expressive exercise.

LF: What is your guilty pleasure?

DA: My guilty pleasure is dancing on the stripper pole my roommate installed in our living room.

Maison Close La Cavaliere Triangle Bra & Demi Naked Panty

LF: How do you see the rise of trends like body positivity and self-love changing the beauty and fashion industries, if not yet, in the coming years?

DA: We are constantly reminded by the media that who we are isn’t enough. Not pretty enough, rich enough, or skinny enough. The list is never ending. There is no such thing as perfect. Women are honoring who they are by breaking the cycle of conditioning. Fortunately, the trends are encouraging the rest of the world to be your true authentic self and to value sisterhood. It’s a greater vision to create peace on our journey in this life.

LF: What was your relationship with your body like as a teenager, and how has it changed since then?

DA: I would like to think my relationship with my teenage body was healthy. Sports were always a big part of my life growing up. Whether it was dancing, basketball or skateboarding, I was constantly active. However, I ate whatever I wanted: sweets, carbs, dairy etc., which is a hard habit to break as I get older.

LF: What is your favorite aspect of being a model, or muse?

DA: Collaborating with talented artists in the industry has been extremely inspiring. Being a model and a creative person has opened up doors to learn all aspects of the business. I have found a new appreciation for photography, marketing, and production. It has been an amazing opportunity that I am grateful for.

Maison Close Villa Bel Ami Tanga Body

LF: What is one thing you love about yourself – physically, mentally, or both?

DA: One thing I physically love about myself is my diversity. Being a mix of Spanish/Mexican and Dutch/Indonesian has broadened my cultural knowledge. It has also been a great look for commercial and print jobs – “Ethnically Ambiguous.” As far as mentally, being raised as an only child by my Dad, I have learned the importance of independence and maturity. Being born and raised in the heart of LA helped build a strong character. Through all the craziness this city has to offer, I have been able to remain down to earth.

LF: If you could design a shoot to model for, what designer or brand would you choose, who would the photographer be, and where would it be shot?

DA: Lingerie by Agent Provocateur mixed with vintage pieces shot by Ellen Von Unwerth in a castle with a beautiful garden; sensual and mysterious.

HAH Groupie Bralette & Getting Cheeky Panty

LF: What advice would you give to women and girls learning to love themselves?

DA: Allow yourself to let love in. You are perfect. You are worthy. You only have one life to live. One of the keys is to make a decision that allows you to receive love and be more open. Let go of what people think of you. Live your life.

LF: How FAST do you live?

DA: Steadfast.

With summer waning and the onset of fall lingering on the horizon comes the beauty of AW17 lingerie collections. Leather and lace, dark yet soft, in a word, sultry. The most lustworthy of all comes from Loveday London. The Atala collection is one of their sexiest yet, playing upon shape and construction to highlight a woman’s most favored assets. Cupless bras, lace blindfolds, and leather belts call upon a darker type of love while silk rompers and robes call upon a sweeter sort of lust.

Which piece are you dying to add to your lingerie drawer? Sound off in the comments and shop your favorite looks here.

We knew we were going to vibe with Hot as Hell’s latest lookbook upon reading the closing from project photographer Michael Donovan’s artist statement: “Please remember YOU ARE NOT A CONSUMER!!! You are a human being! You were born naked so cover your body how you want. YOU ARE SEXY AS FUCK WHEN YOU ARE YOU!!!”

Traditional lingerie lookbooks have a special place in our heart. We love the glam, the sensual, the sexy, the vixen. However, we also love the natural, the untouched, the raw, the caught-in-the-moment. There’s something about real life authenticity that will always reign champion of our hearts.

Shot during a Michigan road trip, Michael Donovan opted out of staged moments and instead invited models to be and do as they please. In his own words, “You may notice a wrinkle in the clothes, a bruise on the thigh, goosebumps or the occasional cellulite. I didn’t photoshop any of the people to look thinner or ‘more perfect.'”

Take a peek at our favorite moments from Hot as Hell’s lookbook below and shop the collection here.

Bailee Mykell is a rising star who has the presence of an established great. She serves delicate grace with her kind and warm demeanor while somehow dripping with sex appeal. The Utah-raised, Los Angeles-based actress hit the ground running upon her arrival in the city of angels and hasn’t stopped hustling ever since. Captured by Chris Swainston, she is equal parts girl-next-door and seductress. The best part of all? She’s sweet as can be. Don’t believe me? Have a read for yourself.

Lace Top by AMT and Panty by KISSKILL

Q&A

Lace Top by AMT and Panty by KISSKILL

LF: Why acting? At what point in your life did you realize this was your passion?

BM: I don’t think there was a certain point or exact moment. I’ve always felt passionate about transforming into different characters through modeling. Eventually, I was lucky enough to be given the chance to translate that passion into work on screen and from there my love for it just continued to grow. It’s given me a chance to tap into emotions that I wouldn’t necessarily get to explore through modeling. It’s a whole new animal and I’m really just grateful to have the chance to pursue it.

LF: Do you crave freedom or order? Do you think these two things can co-exist?

BM: I never want to limit myself or become too structured. A lot of aspects of my life, career or personal, rely on the fact there is a fluidity to my life, that I have the ultimate say in what I do and how I do it and that I’m free to express myself in my craft. However, without a little order, I tend to run in circles. I am definitely someone that gets excited and wants to make sure I’m using every opportunity to its fullest extent but sometimes that can be distracting. So yes, it’s absolutely necessary that they co-exist. At least for me.

Lingerie by KISSKILL

LF: Has a role you’ve ever had to play or study affected you personally? If so, how?

BM: Absolutely. I think each of them do. Jumping into any role is jumping into another person. Leaving yourself behind and embracing a completely different set of emotions and values. I think that will always affect me personally at least a little. It’s hard not to become more aware of empathy or lack-there-of when you constantly step into someone else’s head. I am about to jump into two new roles that will be shooting throughout the fall. One of which is a character that very much has the same fears and insecurities that I sometimes find in myself. It will definitely be my most difficult role, but this time because I have to learn how to harness so much of what is already there.

LF: Where do you see yourself in five years?

BM: I never know how to answer this question. So much of the progress and joy in my life in the last year can be credited to chance. Even though it is literally one of the hardest things to do, I’ve found myself taking things day by day. I’ve found that if I’m spending as much of my time as I can focusing on the task at hand and giving it everything that I have, then pursuing the next one comes with a little more ease. Five years? I want to be happy and hardworking. That’s all I can really hope for.

Bodysuit by KISSKILL

LF: How do you define love?

BM: Can you? I know that I consider myself to be a very loving person… Maybe too loving at times. I try to love unconditionally and selflessly and I think that is a big part of it. Love, I mean. Its being true to you and knowing the other person wants nothing but that and knowing that even if it’s in a hut on the edge of the world somewhere, you’ll survive with nothing but them. And water, obviously you need water, too.

Lingerie Set by KISSKILL, Robe is stylist’s own

LF: Who are your top five muses?

BM: I don’t have a list. But, a lot of what I grab inspiration from is the way I choose to live each day. Whether it’s the places that I’ve traveled or who I surround myself with. I’m really lucky that I have such an incredible support system surrounding me and friends who push themselves harder than almost anyone I’ve ever known. It’s easy to consider any one of my friends a muse/inspiration because they truly do inspire and push me without even meaning to.

Top by The Line by K, Panty by KISSKILL, Socks are vintage

Top by Aeneas Erkling

LF: What is at the top of your bucket list?

BM: I think everything on my bucket list is honestly at the top. On one hand, I feel as though I have accomplished so much. But most days, I feel like I’ve just barely gotten started. As far as career challenges are concerned, it changes daily, which I honestly love. There are a lot lists that you’d find anywhere that say “travel” or “buy a house.” But I think I have decided that I want to be the best I can be at what I do, I want to be a great mama some day – have a kid or two and give them a beautiful life, and honestly just to spend my own life with my friends and my family making new things.

White Turtleneck by Israel Valencia, Panty is vintage, Hat by Kin the Label

LF: How fast do you live?
BM: I’d like to say fast, but I’m the queen of finding the snooze button in the morning.

Versatility and luxury are both essential when it comes to choosing your key staples for your lingerie drawer. Angela Friedman understands this fact, likely due to her time spent designing delicate ballet costumes. Her self-titled line ethically produces pieces that feel like a soft secret wrapped around your naked body.

Her AW17 offerings, aptly titled “The Classics Collection,” asks lingerie novices and experts alike to reimagine what classic underpinnings look like. With a keen attention to structure, each piece is reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. Designed to be easily integrated into your pre-existing wardrobe as well as Angela Friedman’s previous releases, “The Classics Collection” is an ode to simple pleasures. Explore the latest offerings here.

Hopeless Lingerie has always captured our hearts for their gorgeous and intimate designs, their ultra soft and delicate fabrics, and their inclusive sizing for every made-to-order piece. It feels like an ideal alignment of stars to see La’Tecia Thomas rocking their pieces. A babe of all babes, La’Tecia is known for her massive Instagram following, fearless aura, and body positive ethos. She is captured by photographer Stephanie Cammarano and is wearing two new Hopeless sets. The result is a whirlwind of beauty and sex appeal.

Hopeless Lingerie’s bold proclamation that, “lingerie is for everybody and every body,” just adds to the list of reasons as to why we love them. Purchase your favorite looks from this editorial here.

There’s something so perfect about luxurious lingerie. The feeling of embroidered lace taut against your body, ribbed cotton contrasted with mesh, making a basic staple lavish. Angie Bauer, a new lingerie line we can’t get enough of, has mastered the art of beautiful lingerie. Each piece is opulent, the sort of lingerie that feels more like a second skin, perfect for the art of seduction or the wonders of a lazy Sunday spent lounging.

Jessie Andrews photographed Angie Bauer’s FW17 line, casting each frame in her signature hazy film focus. We lust for every single one of these pieces. Shop your favorite looks here.

You may be familiar with BB Dakota for their plush winter coats and oh-so-cute party dresses. Their #BabesInBBD hashtag boasts plenty of our favorite faces in the game – from Danielle Alcaraz to Kari Michelle to Brook Power, they wrangle some of the most interesting and dynamic influencers. When they announced they were releasing a loungewear line, we could hardly contain our excitement.

The dream is to feel like you’re wrapped in the comfort of pajamas all damn day but also look presentable and put together. It feels like BB Dakota has indeed made our wildest of dreams come true. The Catalina Jumpsuit feels like silky cotton heaven but looks like I’ve just happened to wander in from a lunch meeting on the West Side. I plan on packing the Higgins Snap Pant for when I stay over with my boyfriend’s family over the holidays – I will want to look comfortable and casual but never frumpy. Below is some snapshots of our most adored friends and allies donning their beloved pieces from the BB Dakota loungewear line. Shop your favorite looks here!

There is nothing more refreshing than viewing a recent campaign from a lingerie brand who matches what we define as the ideal aesthetic. Body positive, celebrating the slopes and curves of the womanly form. Ethereal, giving a nod to organic details through rich spun silk, warm chestnut wood, and fresh fruit galore. Diverse casting that makes the visuals feel like a modern take on a classic renaissance painting. The debut campaign from Figs Underwear has truly captured our hearts.

In case you’re feeling what we’re feeling and are currently caught in the I-gotta-have-it mindset, feel free to peruse their online shop here. Give them a follow on Instagram too, while you’re at it.

Revered luxury bondage brand Bordelle does not fall short of our great expectations this season with the release of their Autumn/Winter 2014 collection. The cutouts alone are enough to leave us swooning, with every satin elastic band placed perfectly, accentuated with decorative lace and brightened with a never before seen ultra–sophisticated color scheme.

The line showcases everything from bold outerwear statement pieces like this Bondage Waspie, to classic pushup bras, and in true Bordelle fashion, a few fresh swimwear designs to keep us on our toes. Deluxe fabrics frame perfect silhouettes while pearl and gold embellishments culminate what might just be our favorite release of the season. Enjoy…

Delicate lace adorns strong collarbones, thick lips speak of beautiful femininity. Golden light washes over her as she reclines into magic hour – refined, natural, simple. Allow us to introduce you to Valentine NYC, a lingerie label founded by former models Whitney Brown and Paloma Jones. Working from their respective coasts – Whitney in New York and Paloma in Los Angeles, the two women have created a lingerie brand that celebrates a lifestyle of romance and ambition, marrying the two seamlessly within each piece they create. Feast your eyes on our latest original lingerie guide shot by Chris Steinbach as you get to know the ladies from Valentine NYC.

Q&A

LF: First off, how did the two of you meet ?

V: We met on a modeling job in Sydney when we were both 19 years old. Convinced Paloma to move to America at the shoot then 3 months later bumped into her at a casting in Miami. The rest is history!

LF: What inspired you to start a lingerie label ?

V: We both love lingerie and just felt it should look cooler and not be so damn expensive. So we took matters into our own hands.

LF: When did you launch your debut collection ? 

V: We launched last December during Art Basel in Miami. We transformed a suite at The Freehand Hotel into a Valentine sanctuary for 3 days. A bunch of friends stayed at the Freehand with us and every night was a lingerie party by the pool. Felt like being on adult Spring Break!

LF: You started off with the Valentine Blog, correct?

V: Yes.

LF: How would you describe the blog to someone who hasn’t checked it out yet? 

V: The blog reveals and intimate and romantic side to some of the coolest guys and girls around the world. It captures people when their guard is down in the most passionate, fun and genuine way.

LF: What role do you each play in the company?

V: Paloma sways more towards design, production and financial. Whitney is geared more towards marketing, strategy, social media and graphics.

LF: What are each of your strengths?

V: Design is definitely Paloma’s strength and Marketing is Whitney’s. But to be honest, we both swap roles all the time. Our hands are in every pot all the time!

LF: A few words that describe the essence of the label…

V: Sexy, everyday lingerie with a fresh, playful and cool approach.

LF: What’s it like running a business together and maintaining your friendship at the same time? 

V: We kind of have 2 versions of ourselves. When we work on Valentine we’re both in business mode. Then when we’re out doing something for fun, we try to switch off Valentine mode. Sometimes we’re better at it than others. But working together is nice. We both get to catch up and we enjoy our successes together which has been amazing. Overall it made the friendship stronger.

LF: Future plans for Valentine Lingerie ? Have you started plotting your next collection ? 

V: We are going to keep designing for our Valentine girl. We will do some wholesale but hope to focus more on special projects and mainly sell from our site. Our next collection will be out in a month and were so excited. Our new bra style is every girl’s solution to comfort with just the right amount of support. And it’s still sexy!

LF: How fast do you ladies live? 

V: We’ve been lucky to have such amazing lives. Our modeling careers let us travel for about a decade and we still continue to broaden our cultural spectrum. Neither one of us can turn down a good music or film festival, exotic getaway or research trip. And all the while we work on Valentine from opposite coasts! Always Skyping, texting, conference calling, shipping, and meeting people. You gotta stay inspired when you have a brand. We plan to go where no lingerie brand has gone before.

It’s happy hour after work and you’re at the bar, drink in hand, surrounded by like-minded professionals, go-getters and innovators. You look over and see a woman talking to some people by the bar. There is nothing overtly sexy about her, she’s well dressed and tailored. But there is something about the way she carries herself, the way she clutches her drink and crosses her legs and smiles daringly to her cohorts makes it very difficult to look away. You want to talk to her, ask her what she does and find out how she does it. You notice something on her neck, hidden by her collar. A hint of ink coiling up behind her ear exposed momentarily by the movement of her hair. A tattoo? If only you could get just a little closer….

Allow us to introduce to you the woman who wears Tatu Couture. She need not ask for attention, she commands it. Bold, graceful, sophisticated, she strikes while the iron is hot and believes that nothing is beyond her grasp. Designed by Luisa Sidoli, this line is for no ordinary female. A luxury lingerie and bodywear line that sets itself apart as a channel to express our creativity, allowing us to be different,  just like the artwork of a tattoo on our skin. The pieces are fashion forward and utilize delicate gold chains, collars and harnesses, blending the line between underwear and outerwear.

When the morning light dresses your body, it dances atop hipbones and between legs, lightly kissing vertebrae and stretching over collarbones. When the light becomes your skin, your skin becomes luminous. Gently clothed in silk, cotton, chiffon – these fabrics are drenched in sensuality. Noe Undergarments‘ latest AW14 line, photographed by Embry Rucker, is reminiscent of the last breath of autumn, a bittersweet celebration of the rich golden afternoons and subdued textures.

Using a palette of fallen leaves, mulled wine, and creme velvet, Noe has created a collection that radiates hot heat to even the most chilled of bones. Your lingerie should be your second skin, as sweet as the morning sun, as soft as the gradual change of seasons. Be sure to shop the collection when it drops August 1st.