New Book Highlights Who's Who of Lingerie Design
In the new picture-rich book Contemporary Lingerie Design, author Katie Dominy leads a photographic peek inside the creative processes of lingerie designers from around the world.
The table of contents is a who’s who of 30 lingerie designers today, ranging from promising newcomers to respected veterans in the field.
“I wanted designers who were very ’hands-on’ and where the brand/label is very much a reflection of the ideas/inspiration of the designer herself,” said Dominy, who is a trend consultant and journalist for WGSN and other international publications and clients. Some of the brands that made the cut include Los Angeles–based Carol Malony and Claire Pettibone; New York–based The Lake & Stars and Jean Yu; and international brands Chantal Thomass, Fifi Chachnil, Made by Niki, Fleur of England, Guia La Bruna, Marlies Dekkers and Kyuis.
Dominy interviews each designer, who reveals her muses, styling and photographic direction, and favorite fabrics and collections. The story is supplemented with ample sketches, inspirational tear sheets and photos to see how the whole package comes together. For Pettibone, themes of fairies, goddesses and angels stem partly from her childhood studying ballet and the costumes, history and romantic ideals.
“I think that, overall, what struck me was that if you have this very clear idea of what your label is about and its influences, then it’s not difficult to come up with inspiration every season. I would say the designers put a lot of themselves into their inspirations,” Dominy said.
She cited the example of Fine Rees, designer of Miss Lala Presents, who was influenced by her “stylish Danish grandparents,” and Eva Rachline, who “drew on her parents’ work in French cinema and interior design.” The book is available through Laurence King Publishing at www.laurenceking.com.—Rhea Cortado
