Stella McCartney's sexy new lingerie collection has a green twist.
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As one might expect from a designer famed for her ethical approach to fashion, there are no diamanté thongs or red-nylon baby dolls in Stella McCartney's new eco-chic lingerie line. Instead, the collection -- which launches at Holt Renfrew this month -- features organic cotton boy-cut briefs, champagne-coloured satin bras and silk-georgette slips. "The thing I hate about lingerie is the stereotype that it's always based on kinky sex," says McCartney. "The day has come for women to embrace lingerie for themselves! It's not just about pleasing men."
McCartney's lingerie has the same wholesome sensuality as the meadow-print silk-voile slip dresses and white cotton shirt dresses she showed on spring runways. "A wonderful piece of underwear involves just as much work as a beautiful dress -- the inside should be as lovely as the outside."
McCartney brought the same problem solving determination she showed in developing Care -- her organic skin-care brand -- to her lingerie line. "I hate ugly bra straps that are alien to anything you wear on top." Her solution? Oyster-coloured satin straps outlined with delicate, vintage-looking crystal. Problem number two: Visible panty lines! "Knickers need some give to avoid panty lines. The tension has to be correct." McCartney's silk shorts are edged in lace, and her gently figure-hugging boy-cut briefs hold but don't grip. Style is as important as comfort. Some of her underwear features scalloped trims inspired by 1930s gowns and strapless bras edged in glamorous lace for a pin-up girl vibe. "For me, lingerie shouldn't be just for day or evening," says McCartney. "So much lingerie is split into everyday stuff -- which is equated with not being precious or sexy -- or weird, uncomfortable, saucy stuff for night. I wanted everything to be beautiful."
That beauty is enhanced by a dash of McCartney's trademark wit: Names for the pieces include Eve Giggling, Sandy Stripping and Dolly Snogging. "You don't get that with a three-pack from the supermarket, do you?"
