handmade lingerie

Many independent designers and smaller brands are happy to take on custom orders. A rare few however are also willing to work with other brands to create a set that will actually fit your body type. The beauty of such collaborations resides in the fact that not every brand specialises in the same aspect of lingerie.

As I soon as I saw Maison Louve, I just knew I had to share it with you all. What really makes this brand special are the pieces created in collaboration with other designers outside the lingerie sphere, which brings a completely new dimension to the designer’s work.

TKC Design Inc. is a small brand based in Vancouver, Canada, headed by Indian-Canadian designer Taranjit K. Cheema who studied at Parsons New School of Design in New York. Her brand is characterised by bold tones, rich embroideries, and sparkle! She describes TKC as “creators of Indian inspired lingerie”.

As someone who works day-in, day-out in the lingerie industry, I see a lot of underwear that looks very much the same. But part of the reason I stay so interested is that about once a year or so, I’ll stumble across an independent brand that’s just so utterly and refreshingly different. This year, it’s Elyse On Mars.

Handmade in Málaga, Spain by Bohemian Soul Lingerie, these pieces have some of the most fabric I’ve ever seen on a nightwear garment. Just metre upon metre of fluid lace, chiffon or cotton voile that drapes down to the ground and puddles around your feet.

I love that even after almost a decade of blogging about lingerie, I am still discovering new styles to covet. One shape that I’ve been seeing rather often lately is this type of bandeau bra with underwires that are separated from the overlaid fabric, and visible through it.

I am delighted to be delving into my local Barcelona lingerie scene today by introducing you to another fabulous indie lingerie brand: ai!culotte by Paula Botana. This ethically-produced, slow-fashion label creates underwear which comes in vibrant colour schemes and uses fun and unexpected combinations of prints.

Alice Acreman Silks isn’t the type of brand I usually feature on the blog; it’s not a lingerie label, but rather a fashion and furnishings one whose designer just happened to turn one of her signature printed silks into a cami set. And isn’t the result just delightful?

I particularly enjoy the colour scheme here, which feels both playful and luxurious. Ruched lilac satin wraps around the neck and ribcage, connected by a multitude of draped, metallic cords that cover (well, partially cover!) the upper chest and bust.

I have been a Patreon supporter of Maude Nibelungen for 3 months now, as well as for 5 months back in 2019. If you aren’t aware of the brand, Maude Nibelungen is a Canadian-based knitwear designer who creates incredibly unique lingerie designs using knitting techniques and interesting fibres.