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INTIMATE APPAREL INSPIRED FASHION ON THE CATWALKS

Ever wondered why the are so many underwear inspired elements in Fashion?

Wearing underwear as outerwear is a fashion trend popularized by celebrities in recent years that filtered down to our high streets .
But is that a new trend?
No
It certainly is not ....
Supermodel such as Claudia Schiffer graced already the Chanel runways in the 1990s , wearing bra inspired tops with the signature Chanel boucle wool suits.



Specialist skills such as intimate Apparel Design + Making plays a vital role within the Fashion World.

We took a closer look for you at the recent Fashion Weeks for Fall2025 in New York, Milan, Paris and London .
These are the key cities to set global trends in Fashion Industry.
Not surprisingly most of the runways featured a version of lingerie-as-fashion trends in their collections this season.

From retro chic to structured shapes
MiuMiu looked back at the history of underwear and reintroduced pointy bullet bras for Fall2025 . Originally that type of bras were super popular in the 1950s and were replaced by much softer bra shapes in the 1970s, making way to padded and push upbras in the 80's and 90's.
Sheer garments flashing underwear or featuring elements of underwear were visible on many catwalks again, such as Balenciaga , Tom Ford , Chloe and many more.
With the recent trend of 'power dressing' and extra structured garments , the corset was a key element for many designers.

Looking at the growing popularty of underwear inspired fashion , it is more important then ever to understand the difference between Intimate Apparel Design and manufacturing techniques , compared to traditional garment making and design.
Many of our students here are not sure how to start developing their ideas into their own garments or entire collections.
Our Design Masterclasses are open to all levels and are available Online or in Person here in the London studio.
We show you step by step how to get started.
Knowing the latest trends and technology will help you on your journey.
Therefore we went through 1000 of runway images and selected the main INTIMATE APPAREL INSPIRED FASHION TRENDS FOR FALL 2025 for you HERE





BRA COMPONENTS :



Do you want to start making your own bras ?
Great !
But what will you need to get started?
- Fabric(s)
- Elastic(s)
- Stabilisers
- Sliders and Rings
- Hook and Eye tape
and so much more depending on the style of bra

Did you know that you will need different types of elastics at different parts of your bra?
For example =
An Underband elastic is much firmer then an elastic that you will use on the top cup edge .

A bra might be a tiny garment, but you will be surprised how many components are essential for a good fitting basic bra.

Find out here what is needed in this overview for you:




In our London studio we stock a large range of high-quality components that you can use during the courses or purchase if you need larger quantities for your future sewing projects.
Just get in touch .
Learn what elastic(s) / Fabric(s )work best and how to attach these like a Pro. We guide you step-by-step how to make your own luxury bras.



BRIDAL UNDERWEAR

Have you considered about what goes under your wedding dress?


Finding the right lingerie for your wedding day can be more complicated than you think, so don’t leave it until the last few weeks.

Here are some tips for you to make the right choice:

It is most important to choose a style that reflects your personal style and that you feel comfortable in on your big day.


Your wedding dress should fit your body seamlessly, therefore avoid unwanted bulk or unsightly seams, opt for simple and smooth undergarments.
This is particularly important if your wedding dress is a body-hugging styles .
Seamless underwear or smooth shapewear will be the best option for you.


If you picked a loose-fitting silhouette or voluminous ball gown, you might be able to wear more elaborate underwear such as lace styles, ruffles and bows.


The golden rule for Bridal lingerie shopping is to keep things simple and bring along your extravagant underwear  to change into once you get back to your honeymoon suite.





BIKINIS
Today we could not imagine any swim or beach-wear without Bikinis. 

Did you know that this popular 2 piece garment has a long history ?

Dating back BC with bikini-like garments worn by women athletes that can be found on wall painting and urns from Ancient Greece and Roman times:

ANCIENT BIKINI
In 1946 the modern Bikini was invented - most similar to our Triangle Bikini Styles.
It was announced as the "world's smallest bathing suit."


A rather revealing garment at the time and it was not accepted by a wider audience until much later.
Luckily with the introduction of Lycra in the 1960 , Bikinis became better fitting and more comfortable to wear in water and direct sunlight.
This resulted in more and more styles.

Here are the most popular modern Bikini Variations :


Stringkinis
Consists of two triangular shaped pieces connected at the groin but not at the sides, where a thin "string" wraps around the waist tied together to connect the two parts. It became popular in the 1970s



Bandeaukinis
Is a Bandeau Top , combined with a Bikini Bottom



Skirtkinis
features a bikini top and a small, skirted bottom. A popular choice if more coverage is preferred.



Monokinis
refer to swimsuits in which the top and bottom are connected, but offer less coverage then a swimsuit. This style was introduced in the 1960s



Tankinis
The tankini is a swimsuit that combines a tank top and a bikini bottom, giving more coverage. It originated in the US in 1998

Do you want to start making your own swimwear? Then join our Swimwear Masterclassees HERE




Paris Haute Couture 2024 week



Larger-than-life-Fashion inspirations were unveiled during the latest runway shows in Paris again this month and whilst Haute Couture Fashion is never short of using intimate apparel elements in their glamorous designs, it played an even more important role this season:
Eye-catching embellished bras , corsetry , draped and layered lingerie elements -often worn as outerwear in soft pastels but also vibrant colours for evening wear were highlighted in the latest collections from:

Elie Saab, Jean Paul Gaultier , Gaurav Gupta , Viktor & Rolf etc

PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR 2024
13-1023 TCX // Peach Fuzz
Was a popular color choice on the catwalks and works fantastic with any lingerie related style ideas:
This velvety gentle peach shade brings a new approach to a new softness.


But exactly what is 'Haute Couture' and why is it so expensive?

Haute Couture is french for 'high art of sewing or tailoring' and is regulated by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris.
All Haute Couture garments are handmade by specialist seamstresses , tailors , embroiderers and often one garment can take several months to finish.
The hand selected couturiers use mainly expensive and luxurious materials such as costly silks, cashmeres and intricate embellished fabrics to make the outfits so unique .
All outfits are only made once - unlike 'Ready-to-Wear' Fashion on our high streets that is produced in large quantities.

Here is the list of the official couture houses in 2024: