Stella McCartney believes lingerie should be the foundation of every woman’s wardrobe.
“Lingerie really is an important standpoint of a wardrobe and it has a big impact on how you wear your clothes and what you wear on top of lingerie,” said McCartney, who previewed her fall 2012 intimates collection with WWD.
McCartney said she gleans inspiration from ready-to-wear and lingerie.
“There aren’t many rtw designers who take lingerie seriously, but it really complements my rtw collection.…Lingerie is more than an interest to me — I’m slightly obsessed with it,” she said. “We are working closely with our rtw in color ranges and we always bring in prints. Sometimes it crosses out the other way with hardware and gold ring details that adorn straps, which I think is beautiful,” said McCartney. “Lingerie is almost like sportswear in a sense. It can bridge the gap and can be something very luxurious and feminine, but at the same time can be highly technical, and I find that really interesting.”
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For fall 2012, McCartney will be offering what she describes as a “nearly nude wearing experience.”
“I’m building on classics but also introducing new stories with lingerie you can wear every day. I’m really producing a lingerie collection that expresses all the different sides of women today. It’s invisible lingerie,” explained McCartney.
The “invisible” factor is comprised of:
• Bonded edges that create a seamless look.
• Ultralight matte and satin-finish microfibers.
• Superthin, one-piece bonded bra wings and straps.
• Bonded floral lace with lace trim.
• Bra cups that feature the “thinnest and lightest foam” — 8 mm. versus 12 mm. — which makes the bras approximately 25 percent lighter than the industry standard, said McCartney.
In addition to high-tech seamless styles and feminine laces, the collection also has a modern-looking mesh group.
“I really love the mesh story because it’s not sheer and has fantastic fit, structure and support,” she said.
McCartney also is a fan of sexy lace looks.
“I’m very fond of Bonnie Sizzling.…It’s really feminine with a lot of detail in the straps.…I’m a big believer of you don’t have to hide your lingerie and I love the effortlessness of all-in-one lingerie,” she said.
Bonnie Sizzling is among the collection’s styles named after women in amusing situations such as Marguerite Riding, Emily Peeking and Jodie Rocking.
She added that shapewear is a classification she will be focusing on in the future.
Asked if women should look at lingerie as a necessity or a luxury, McCartney replied, “First of all, lingerie is for you and you wear it to feel beautiful, beautiful when you strip down.…It’s like you want to feel as if lingerie is someone who cares for you.”