In The Trim

If you were lucky enough to be in NYC this spring, you might have visited the Frick Collection to see Gainsborough: The Fashion of Portraiture. And with it, a collection of engravings titled Ruffles & Ribbons: Fashion Plates from the Time of Marie-Antoinette. These exhibitions had us wondering about the state of lingerie embellishment today. Jane’s Vanity has the answers.

JV’s Karolina Laskowska is always inspired by the possibilities of lingerie decoration. In fact, she is the founder of the online “Underpinnings Museum.” We know her best for her couture lingerie designs that are often inspired by one-of-a-kind lace remnants that she discovers in England and Europe. Her embellishments might include dyeing, hand painting, beading and re-beading. The results are so awesome that one must be alert to their arrival at JV. Her latest, the cheeky Ephyra High-Waisted Knicker in seafoam lace, sold out in a matter of days.

But, fear not. You may still acquire, among other things, her Ephyra Lingerie Set or the black and gold Aurelia Sequined Lingerie Set, a glorious (and versatile) bandeau. All of Laskowska’s bras are enhanced by their incredible adjustability. Which might allow you to wear the single remaining Nereid Lingerie Set with its landscape of navy lace, flattering mono-wire lift, and cheery blue bow.

Even if you can’t acquire Laskowska’s sold-out High-Waisted Knicker, you could emulate its use of sexy buttons. Temperley London features silk-covered buttons at the bodice of the lime-green Thalia Silk Gown, which gives its plunging lace-trimmed neckline a certain majesty. A criss-cross back above a high slit keeps the gown contemporary. Tiny gold buttons down the front of D2Line’s Draped Blouses add charm (in choice of Chartreuse or Navy). FrancesKa of Ibiza uses a string of gold buttons to decorate the closure of her sensational Simone Silk Skirt in tiers of sheer black tulle with tiny polka dots.

The clever use of contrasting lace gives silk lingerie a special pop. Couture designer Merle Noir adds smolder to the Rustique Pink Chemise with a lick of grey lace, while her Passion Violet Slip is subtly enhanced with black floral lace appliqués at neckline and hem. Burnished gold Leavers lace amplifies the richness of Emma Harris’s Elsa Chestnut Silk Slip and Elsa Chestnut Silk Kimono Robe. Layalina’s joyful mix of bold colors gives spirit to her Arielle collection of chemise and robe. Choose the Lime and Ivory or Fuchsia and Red!  

Hardly historical, embellishment is alive and well, especially at Jane’s Vanity. It adds that special touch of “lightly frosted elegance.” *

(With lightly frosted thanks for this short quote by art historian Alvar Gonzalez-Palacios from his The Age of Louis XV, Cassell London, 1984)

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