indie lingerie designers

Have you ever wondered how designers choose to work with different types of embellishments, or why they choose particular fabrics? Over the last year, we sat down with the designers of four stunning brands to learn more about their use of embroidery in particular.

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.

I have purchased numerous sets from Karolina Laskowska, most recently the Eos re-release in Aubergine which retails at $1,079 for the two-piece set. The Eos designs are available exclusively through Jane’s Vanity, a US-based boutique that curates lingerie and home goods from a variety of luxury designers.

I am once again bringing you some beaded lusciousness by Love & Swans. I’ve been obsessed with this brand from day one, and every time they release something new I find myself saying “I think this is my favourite yet”. And you know what? I really do think this latest bralette design is my favourite yet!

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.

SADA by Sarah is a relatively new brand to come to my attention, but that I hope to see featured a lot more in the years to come. Designer Sarah Dawson creates her signature pieces in Brooklyn, New York, after realising her passion for designing intimate apparel while studying the city’s Fashion Institute of Technology.

Created by Karolina Kobets, JTM Noir Lingerie focusses primarily on satin robes, though they also offer nightgowns and pyjamas and have a small range of linen pieces. Some designs tend towards a fairly minimal look, but it’s the swishy, lace-trimmed garments where the brand’s decadent vision truly shines.

My favourite new lockdown habit has been dress up nights… It’s a new tradition that I hope to continue long after it’s deemed safe to regularly leave our homes again, and one that has given me a wholly new appreciation for Knickerocker’s over-the-top designs.

Looking at Helen Valk Varavin’s designs is like peering into a lush fairytale. There is definitely something magical about these luxe underthings, which are often named after famous mythological women and are designed “with modern goddesses in mind”.