The Bra and the Blog
My sources tell me that Karolina’s creations are followed on the JV website by a select group who do, totally, “get it.” These devotees “watch the sky” for each new iteration. And pounce. I have no doubt that they actually wear Karolina’s bras, too, rather than just curating them. Because the final step in this delicious process must be up close and personal.
As I write, I picture Karolina at work in Oslo. It is probably snowing there (in Portland it is drizzling). But her dedication to beautiful materials requires travel to European capitals to rescue unique fabrics that would otherwise be lost. Jane and Emily have told me of the suitcase Karolina carries filled with exquisite laces and silks that, thanks to her artistry, will become something entirely new. She will paint them by hand, embellish them, and, like a sculptor, ask them what they wish to become. Karolina’s travels also allow her to collaborate, both with devotees such as Jane’s Vanity and with fellow lingerie designers.
Such is the latter case for the Nocturne Camisole Set that Karolina made in concert with Merel Zwart of the design house Merle Noir in Amsterdam. First Karolina custom-printed decadent silk twill with a photo of fallen clematis flowers in her mother’s garden in England. Zwart then snipped the resulting black, purple, and white fabric into a bias-cut camisole and cheeky tap pant. The camisole has a scalloped black lace overlay at neckline and lace appliqué at the bust. JV is thrilled to offer it.
I like the lyrical names Karolina gives her creations. They might be from mythology or the natural world. The newest is the Helianthus Bralette Set. It is named after the sunflower, because it is crafted from L’ideale caramel-colored lace and corded trim by the storied French lacemaker Sophie Hallette. This neutral shade would go with every skin color, be wearable day after happy day. Notice the scalloped lace at the cradle underbust and at the legline of the matching boyshort. I notice that a few of these sets have been whisked away from the website already.
I’ve mentioned in earlier blogs that, in 2016, Karolina and a team of lingerie lovers translated their deep knowledge of lingerie history into The Underpinnings Museum, “dedicated to the evolution of underwear through the ages.” Each object on display is accompanied by “extensive technical and historical contextual information.” The project is freely accessible to all, regardless of their location.
The passion and joy that Karolina takes in her work is my inspiration. Merci!