A little while ago, I was invited to attend an exciting independent lingerie and swimwear show which kicked off at the very beginning of London Fashion Week 2012. The event took place at the fabulous Cirque du Soir club in Soho and the brands on showcase included some of my favourite 'indie' brands: Paolita, Playful Promises, Kiss Me Deadly and Lucile...
The venue was a real feast for the eyes, with its a quirky backdrop of striped and geometric optical illusion walls, antique-style mirrors, bright lights, chairs hanging from the ceiling, plush four poster beds and a 'freak show' themed toilet (check out the kitsch leg and bottom sinks!)
The show began with a fabulous burlesque performance from Aurora Galore, who ramped up the heat with her mesmerising fire breathing and dance act.
Afterwards, DJ Alexia got the crowd pumping for the highly anticipated catwalk show!
Paolita was first to hit the runway and boy was it an entrance! The models strutted confidently down the runway in Anna Paola's stunning S/S12 collection and never seen before 'Resort' collection, which featured paintbox brights, muted feminine shades and monochrome gingham checks. Inspired by European post-war fashion with an emphasis on structured and curve flattering designs, Paolita really commanded the catwalk.
(Mam'zelle Maz in the colourful paisley 'Belladonna' swimsuit)
(The popular Paolita 'Lace' bikini is updated in purple for S/S12 - the ultimate in feminine chic.)
Credit: Iliana Nunn
(Going for gold in the Paolita 'Luxor' cut-out swimsuit. This metallic number will definitely turn heads on the beach!)
Credit: Iliana Nunn
(A model rocks the Paolita Lace dress - a simple way to add a touch of luxe to your beach look)
(This patterned swimsuit from Paolita's 2012 Resort Collection really stood out on the catwalk. I love the combination of the paisley with striking red panels, which contour to the curves of the body!)
(Models before the show flaunt Paolita's Resort collection for the cameras)
Playful promises showcased their stunning new collection entitled 'Anatomy of a heart', which was every bit as seductive and lustful as the name suggests. Cue Playful Promises' knock-out corsets and lingerie with an even racier twist with bondage inspired straps, ribbons and lashings of vintage glamour!
(The knock-out 'Dominique' corset drew many admiring looks)
(The gorgeous new version of the much-loved 'Etti' longline in seductive noir satin)
Credit: Iliana Nunn
Much to my delight, Playful Promises also showcased some of their new swimwear collection, which was awash with bright colours, bold digital prints and embroidery.
(Exotic paradise: the Digital hummingbird print frill bandeau bikini)
(On-trend Aztec print - the Future tribal embroidery bandeau bikini)
(Having a look through the new Playful Promises range backstage...)
Next up was Kiss Me Deadly, a collection inspired by the dark and seductive forces of the super-villainess. The range played on the notion of dark and light; angelic ivories and nude peach contrasted with jet black. The collection was also offset by sumptuous jewel tones of blue and emerald green. Models sashayed down the catwalk in a range of sexy corselettes, bralets, high waisted knickers and longline briefs...
(Feminine charm: the peach 'Amelie' bra set - complete with ivory eyelash lace and satin bows)
(Blushing bride: this stunning shaping ivory girdle is the ultimate in bridal beauty!)
(Definitely one for my wedding wishlist!)
(A model shows off the seductive multiway 'Vargas' corselette dress)
(A touch of opulence in the jewel blue bralet with sheer polka dot longline knickers)
(The eye-catching peacock green 'Fifi' bralet and high waisted knickers decorated with deco-style stitching)
(Kiss Me Deadly corsets and lingerie drawings on display after the show)
Last but certainly not least, Lucile hit the runway. If you haven't heard of Lucile, you're in for a treat. Camilla Blois, the great-great granddaughter of revolutionary 19th century couture designer, Lady Duff Gordon, has breathed new life in to her ancestor's legacy with the new luxury lingerie label: 'Lucile'. Lucile's debut A/W12 range comprises two collections - "The Duchess of Warwick" and "The Queen of Spain", which both had the Cirque du Soir audience enthralled...
(Sophistication and elegance: the 'Duchess of Warwick' silk and lace plunge bra set in champagne gold)
(One of my personal favourites - the exquisite Lucile Long Indiscretions gown in nude blush)
(Seductive señorita: the 'Queen of Spain' ruby red silk balcony bra with floral embroidered high waisted briefs)
(All eyes were on this stunning red 'Queen of Spain' halterneck gown - sumptuously luxurious and regal!)
(A rapturous applause for all of the designers involved in the Cirque du Soir London Fashion Week show!)
Credit: Iliana Nunn
(I couldn't resist getting a snap of Anna Paola from Paolita in her stylish outfit..she's wearing her black 'Carmen Miranda' swimsuit as a body!)
A fantastic evening was definitely had by all and a huge congratulations goes to all of the brands for a brilliant catwalk collection showcase! As if my evening couldn't get any better, the goody bag that I received was the icing on the cake! I got my very own satin-y Kiss Me Deadly suspender belt complete with eyelash lace and the beyond gorgeous Playful Promises peach detail waspie in dusky pink with contrasting black eyelash lace (it is SO flattering on!)
To find out more about each individual designer, click below to discover their new collections:
Love,
Kitty xo
