SWIMWEAR FOR ALL!

Correspondant: Lupe Castro

For a while now, I’ve been looking for someone to collaborate with on an inclusive, body-positive swimwear editorial. However, there just aren’t many models in Tenerife who don’t fit into what society deems beautiful. So, when I met the winner Miss Curvy International Tenerife – Melanie Herrera Reyes – I jumped at the opportunity. And luckily, she was up for it! 

But first we needed a designer. Although there are plenty of swimwear brands in the Canaries to choose from, they don’t always have inclusive sizes. After an initial struggle to find pieces that fit us both, we landed on Bea de la Rosa – a local Canarian designer, who makes each of her fabulous swimwear pieces herself, even designing and printing her own graphics. Bea showed her latest collection at the renowned Tenerife Fashion Beach Costa Adeje swimwear show in February. The collection is called Asintomática and is inspired by the recent Covid19 pandemic, with bold graphic prints and contemporary cuts. The collection is available now, with pieces made to order, and customised to fit all body types and shapes. Indeed, the inclusivity and flexible sizing concept of the brand was evident on the day of the shoot at five-star Hotel Suite Villa María. Both Melanie and I were wearing the same pieces, by the same brand, but two very different styles, ages and body types. And they worked for us both, with each of us bringing our own unique selves to the looks.

Photographer Lucilla Bellini, was amazing to work with, showing patience, kindness and empathy. And Melanie looked incredible in the collection. Of course, the fact that Bea de la Rosa’s swimwear is fabulous helps. It’s great to see a brand that is flexible, modern and on trend, that works for all ages and body shapes.

Photographer: Lucilla Bellini Designer: Bea de La Rosa Shot on location: The Hotel Suite Villa Maria  Models: Lupe Castro  Melanie Herrera Reyes

OndadeMar appoints UK Agent

Luxury Colombian swimwear and resortwear brand, OndadeMar, has appointed UK Fashion Agents to represent them in the UK and Ireland. The brand will be presenting its Cruise 2017 Collection (Miranda) at Mode City Lyon and the Miami Swim Show.

The Miranda Collection is inspired by cultural fusion from all continents and highlights the Latin culture through its feminity, exuberance, colours and art influences which are blended with the Caribbean. More information from irene@ukfashionagents.co.uk or on 0796 2126563.

 

Wacoal celebrates Selfridges’ Body Studio

Wacoal has unveiled a stunning window display in Selfridges Oxford Street in celebration of the department store’s new Body Studio. Featuring some of Wacoal’s best-selling lingerie collections such as Embrace Lace and Vision in a subtly styled and synchronised setting, the display will run until 8th June 2016.

Ann-Marie Manley, Head of Marketing said:  “We’ve really enjoyed supporting Selfridges with the Body Studio so far and now the window display is a great opportunity for us to raise the profile of the Wacoal brand even further.  We think the delicate and feminine look of the window display reflects the premium style of Wacoal’s collections perfectly. We are sure this will entice consumers into the store and encourage them to visit the lingerie area.”

Better made in Britain: Unibu

Unibu, the high quality men’s and women’s underwear brand, launched by independent lingerie shopkeeper, Shirley C in Windermere, is being rolled out for wholesale.

The everyday collection of 5 women’s styles and 2 men’s styles are made with UK-woven jersey cotton and Lycra®. Shirley Crisp who has worked on bringing the brand to market for over 2 years commented: “I have always wanted to create my own underwear brand. Between 5 and 7 years ago, I definitely got the impression that ‘No, underwear manufacturing can’t happen in Britain!’. Between 3 and 5 years ago I was starting to get an inkling from talking to many manufacturers that, yes, manufacturing could come back to Britain and now I have introduced Unibu.”

Shirley has more than 8 years’ experience in retailing and further commented: “I’ve sold Unibu in my own store for the past year and it has gone down incredibly well. The public are just so pleased to see a British product… I believe it’s unique because it is 100% British (even the boxes!). The ‘Made in Britain’ label just says what it is: a mark of quality.”

Unibu has its own website where retailers can easily purchase Unibu products at wholesale prices, with guaranteed one-to-one customer focus or you can contact Shirley on 07548 698873.

UK Fashion Agents take on Banana Moon

Banana Moon have announced their new agent for the UK and Ireland. UK Fashion Agents with Irene Douglas will be on hand at the presentation of the 2017 collections at Mode City Lyon, the London Swimwear Show, the AIS and Dublin trade events.

Inspiration for Banana Moon comes from Cuba and South America – from Tulum to Lima with a stopover at Havana – the collection is inspired by the wealth of colours and diversity of the South American continent and culture. The line has a warm and festive style with both deep and bright colours and a wide range of prints including tropical foliage, plants and flowers. Information from 07962 126563.

Blue Marmalade joins The Lingerie Edit

Launched only one year ago, Blue Marmalade London offers luxury loungewear and nightwear manufactured in beautiful Italian silks, delicate viscose blends, modals and cotton silks. Focusing on designs that make women feel wonderful, the SS17 collection features a palette of chic, calming blues in elegant, timeless cuts.

Lauren nightdress

Coco slip dress

The Lingerie Edit has also released an initial list of brands set to participate in the July trade show. Swimwear, lingerie, loungewear and hosiery will be represented at the exclusive event, with brands including Aima Dora, All Undone, Bluebella, Chambres, Fleur of England, Freolic, ITEM m6, Kriss Soonik, Little White Lies, Longstaff Longstaff, Loveday London, Maidenform Sleepwear, Nikki de Marchi, Only Hearts, Rebecca Torres, Somedays Lovin, Ultimo and more.

Bluebella uncovers wedding night secrets

Bluebella Nova bra and brief set

More than a third of brides switch lingerie on their wedding day, according to a new survey done by Bluebella to promote its new bridal lingerie. The survey involving 1,000 couples found that 37% of brides go to bed with their new husband wearing more risqué lingerie to the set they were married in, and 89% of brides buy special lingerie for their big day.

Bluebella chief executive Emily Bendell said:  “Bridal lingerie has evolved from the traditional to beautifully fashion inspired collections for today’s bride. It is great to see that so many brides are switching lingerie on their wedding day. For some brides that means wearing contour lingerie so they look amazing in their wedding dress and then something a little more provocative later.”

The Bluebella poll also found that 52% of couples fail to make love on the day they tie the knot, mainly because they were too tired or had drunk too much. 84% of couples who do consummate their marriage on the wedding night said it did live up to their expectations, however 16% were disappointed as they were too tired and made love because it was expected of them. Bendell added: “Couples are under so much pressure these days to have a ‘perfect day’ that it is refreshing that so many are defying expected norms and doing exactly what they want. If that means saving the ‘wedding night’ until they can really enjoy it, then why not?”