EYES WIDE SHUT

Images via fashiongonrogue.com

I love lingerie. I love i-D magazine. And I LOVE Abbey Lee Kershaw (not in a stalker, star-fucker way; in a more oh-my-god-you're-such-an-amazing-model-and-yet-I-am-weirdly-creeped-out-by-the-combination-of-babyface-and-grown-up-body kind of way). So you can imagine how enamored with this spread I was in the 2010 Winter issue of i-D (shot by David Bailey, if you care.)

It also happens to feature one of the most underrated undergarments of life: the open-cup bra. Ladies and gentlemen, if you are still looking for a Christmas, late Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or New Years present for your “sexy-time” friend, I urge you to consider one of these humdingers... I can pretty much guarantee it WILL be a hit. For the naysayers out there, if properly constructed (and properly fit) they are no more uncomfortable than a traditional underwire bra. I would like add the caveat though, that unless you are Abbey Lee Kershaw, shooting for i-D magazine, I recommend avoiding painting eyeballs over your breasts (that can go from sexy to creepy faster than you can say, “Eye see you!”)

Here are a few of my favourite (and not so demure) options:Bordelle, “Open Zip Bra,” £105 (about $164) available from bordelle.co.uk

Andres Sarda, “Macba Image Cut Out Bra,” $245, from nancymeyer.com

Lascivious, “Roxy Black Bra,” £78 (about $122), available from lascivious.co.uk

OFF-KEY

The other day I came across this advert for LaSenza--if you're not familiar with the lingerie brands, think of LaSenza as Victoria Secret's Canadian cousin: moderately priced, average-quality lingerie (eh!)

I can't help but think the concept behind this ad could be clever... musical notes, cup sizes: they're both letters! Cute right? Yet somehow the end product is just a bit disturbing. Maybe its their supine posture and fake orgasm singing faces or maybe its all the serious ho ho ho-ing going on... whatever the reason, I am filing this commercial in the “lingerie advertising fail” category-- at least from the female perspective. If the objective was to weirdly titillate your male audience with an voyeuristic version of deck the halls... then way to go LaSenza marketing team!

HARD TO BE SOFT, TOUGH TO BE TENDER

Video via madebyniki.co.uk

My new favourite lingerie source: Made by Niki-- a UK based intimates designer that specializes in knickers that aren't too girly, and aren't too slutty... and have just the right amount of kink. I am obsessed with the String Bra (£125.00 or about $196) and High-Waisted Thong (£33.99 or about $53) featured in this video. Added bonus: the bra is fait sur mesure.... and really, is there anything more luxurious bespoke unmentionables? Not that I can think of...