And All That Jazz
San Francisco designer Mary Green gives her elegant lingerie line a little jazz
Delectable unmentionables are usually the last things on the worried mind of a young single mother. But 28 years ago, that didn’t stop Mary Green from founding her line and raising a child at the same time. Today, Green is known for having been the preferred provider of lingerie for the characters in “Sex and the City,” and Italian Vanity Fair recently said she is a character herself, one of those glamorous, assertive women who populate the pages of Judith Krantz.
Headquartered in San Francisco, Mary Green is a wellestablished, elegant lingerie line made of the finest Chinese silk. It is sold in 3,500 locations across the United States, mostly high-end specialty boutiques, and in 7,000 worldwide locations, primarily in the United Kingdom and Japan.
The Mary Green women’s line offers virtually everything but structured bras. Bottoms typically come with matching camisoles or bralettes. The company also offers shawls, including one in satin with marabou for $275; scarves; sleep masks; a bridal collection; and a plus-size collection.
In addition to basic groups, Mary Green presents new thematic collections in its quarterly catalog. The latest collection, “Jazz Age,” is inspired by the ’20s without looking “costumey” or overly retro.
“I thought the country needed some zing,” Green said. “I remembered a time when I was young—a dress that I had that made me feel alive and inspired and beautiful. It was a restatement of the jazz age, the Roaring ’20s, when the country needed a lift.”
The collection is primarily black and comes in silk georgette and silk tulle. Ruffles, fringe and beads are pervasive. Price points range from $11 for a thong to $71 for a printed chemise.
“I decided to combine shimmering fringes with great lines, beautiful color and sparkle because the times are tough,” Green said. “When I put on the first prototype, it had the desired effect. I felt young, alive and hopeful.”
Another thematic collection is the seductive silk/rayon “Velvet Underground,” which consists of dramatic black special-occasion ensembles, many with rhinestone beads. The line starts at $30 for a hip-hugger thong and tops out at $220 for a fringed bustier.
The new “Nylon” collection is colorful and casual with an emphasis on camisoles.
Green has long been known for her distinctive color combinations. In addition to black, white and gray, the current color palette is heavy on yellows, greens, reds, pinks and oranges.
The company also offers a men’s line called Mansilk, which consists of robes, pajamas, long johns, boxers, briefs and G-strings. Briefs start at $11 wholesale, robes embroidered with dragons and eagles run $98, and paisley jacquard pajamas can go as high as $138.
For more information about Mary Green and Mansilk, call (415) 928-7455. —Christian M. Chensvold
