This article is sponsored by Phara d’Or.
Launched earlier this year, Phara d’Or is a lingerie and swimwear brand from The Netherlands that’s centred around the idea of ‘mindful luxury’: high-end pieces which are crafted with integrity, with premium fabrics, and with an eye to becoming cherished pieces in your collection rather than a temporary trend fix.
Phara d’Or designs all begin with strictly European-made materials, sourced from suppliers that share the brand’s commitment to both craftsmanship and supply chain transparency. Satins, meshes and laces come from Italy, embroidery from Switzerland, crystals from Austria, 24k gold-plated hardware from France, and elastics from Portugal. Portugal is also where these components all come together, becoming beautiful garments crafted in small batches at a family-owned atelier that has over four decades’ experience in premium lingerie production.
I think the Phara d’Or aesthetic is best described as contemporary yet timeless. It’s a look that feels refined, but also bold and unique enough to elevate your lingerie (or swimwear) collection. And true to its sustainability-conscious ethos, the majority of pieces are designed to be adjustable for a more comfortable, more perfect fit that can adapt to size fluctuations instead of needing to be replaced as your body changes.
The debut collection includes three lingerie ranges, plus a capsule swim range, Monaco, which is inspired by effortless Riviera chic and sophisticated, always-in-style nautical colour schemes.
Valerie is the most classic of the lingerie stories, crafted from an all-black combination of sheer mesh, Swiss embroidery, and a very fluid and silky satin. Silhouettes include balconette and push-up bras, a choice of brief or thong to coordinate, a suspender belt with optional matching garters, a wired bodysuit, and the collection’s only two lounge pieces: a slinky chemise and a short, embroidery-trimmed robe.
Kate is another all-black range, but more graphic and daring. Made from the satin and mesh only and with prominent gold hardware details, here you’ll find wider, bolder strap lines and garments such as a quarter-cup bra and backless suspender skirt (as well as ‘tamer’ pieces such as a hook-front triangle bra and translucent mesh brief).
Finally, Juliette – my personal favourite – offers a flirtatiously feminine vibe in lipstick red satin and embroidered tulle, accented with little frills and blood-red crystal droplets set onto ribbon bows. There are balconette, push-up and wirefree triangle bra cuts, but the stand-out piece simply has to be the halter bodysuit with its plunging neckline, open back, and curve-enhancing flared hip lines.
I feel like that Juliette bodysuit shown above would make a great outerwear piece layered over the partially-opaque Juliette push-up bra for more modesty, and the combination of horizontal straps would play nicely together at the back. Speaking of which, some of the bras – particularly in the Kate collection – have interesting backs that you could show off with a camisole once the weather warms up a bit.
The Valerie bodysuit (pictured further up the page), which has a V-shaped panel of lace at the front and a glittering crystal detail between the cups, would also look simply gorgeous peeking out from under a blazer.
My go-to pieces for outerwear styling however are typically loungewear items, and I could picture the Valerie chemise worn with solid black tights if you’re petite or tucked into a skirt to resemble a camisole (and definitely with an updo to show off the open back), or the Valerie robe worn as a lightweight jacket with all sorts of outfits from very dressy to more casual. It’s as easy to style as an oversized cardigan, but with added glamour – just look at the way it drapes, and those luscious embroidered cuffs!
Phara d’Or’s debut collection is offered in sizes XS-XL and EU bra sizes equivalent to UK/US 32B to 38DD. However, as mentioned, their bras are often designed to allow for some adjustability and so a 34C with an adjustable back will also fit a 32D for example – see their size guide for more details.
Two-piece bra sets start at 240€ (approximately £211 or $282 at current exchange rates), and prices go up to 450€ (approx. £395 / $528) for the Juliette bodysuit.
I received a lovely gift box of items from Phara d’Or, some of which are pictured throughout this article, so I am planning to review the brand properly next year. But for now, I’d love to know what you think about their designs, and their mission to craft high-end lingerie and swimwear that’s responsibly produced and authentically European-made, right from the materials.
Which is your favourite Phara d’Or collection or style?