The most watched fashion show does not need any more baits to prompt people to tune in, as the extravagant display of lingerie and accessories already sound enticing enough to watch. And yet, the brand behind it makes the announcement that it will be partnering with a respected and beloved designer that’s sure to attract more viewers from said fashion icon’s fanbase.
Mary Katrantzou, the so-called Queen of Prints who showcased her latest collection during the recent London Fashion Week, will be teaming up with Victoria’s Secret for the latter’s show in November. The welcome surprise will result in a capsule collection of undergarments courtesy of the London-based Greek fashion designer, and will debut on the runway of the much anticipated Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show nearing the holiday season.
The collaboration follows another high profile partnership for the lingerie brand. Last year, French luxury fashion house Balmain, led by its Creative Director Olivier Rousteing, had a successful show with Victoria’s Secret, memorialized by the hashtag #VSxBALMAIN. It was a display of 22 pieces of undergarments—lingerie, brassieres, underwear—as well as tees and bags. Balmain made VS history by being the latter’s first luxury maison to create some of its lingerie.
Print-filled pieces of confidence and empowerment
Save for the series of teases through Victoria’s Secret’s Instagram account which suggests a collection filled with prints, both parties have remained mum on the particulars of the designs. Katrantzou has spoken about her excitement on the project, however, and said that the collection will be all about fun, boldness and playfulness. Underwear, which is generally the first layer of clothing women have on, should help in making a lady more confident, and that is what the designer wants to achieve by creating the lingerie. Katrantzou shares through an interview with Vogue:
“My work is about perception and perspective and filtering beauty through design to allow women to stand out. I wanted to turn that on its head and look at the ‘foundation’ that we wear as women, underneath the clothes I usually design in my collections. Underwear is the first protective layer that has the ability to reinforce a woman’s confidence.”
For this joint project, Katrantzou has worked closely with Sophia Neophitou and Monica Mitro, the upcoming show’s creative director and executive producer, respectively. The designer has also consulted the Angels who will be wearing her creations, saying that it is important that the women would be in lingerie that they would love to wear. Katrantzou eyes to maximize the pieces as much as she can, wanting to launch designs that can be worn both underneath and otherwise. Different colors and patterns will not be absent from the collection, she pretty much assured, but new silhouettes made especially for Victoria’s Secret will be introduced by November.
It seems that we would all have to wait by then to witness the loud and proud lingerie that feels like second skin in all their glory. The good news however, is that the selection will be available for purchase after the fashion show. Balmain’s pieces were sold the same way after their premiere on the VSFS runway. Victoria’s Secret will be releasing the print-filled Katrantzou creations online as well as on select physical stores.
Image credits: Alex Sainsbury, Getty Images, WWD, Harper’s Bazaar, Victoria’s Secret, Jeff Spicer/BFC/Getty Images
