the luxury of lace Archives

Lingerie for your Boudoir Photoshoot should be classic, flattering and make you feel special.

Shopping for your Boudoir Photoshoot

So you have found your Boudoir Photographer! They will guide you on this adventure, creating photos to treasure and look back on for years.

Having a well-planned lingerie wardrobe for your photo shoot will give you stunning results.

Write a list

Lingerie for Boudoir photography needs planning to achieve different looks. This is the time to glam it up!

Your photographer will have a hair and make-up artist they use, which, if you like their photo gallery, you already like the styling of the hair and make-up artist.

Now for the fun part… The Lingerie shopping list.

To create a “look” you will need sets.

A few key items to create your sets are:

A bodysuit.

Bodysuits look good on any body shape or size. If you are larger-breasted, a bodysuit with underwires/a built-in bra will be more flattering and comfortable. Bodysuits can be sheer with lots of lace or opaque. Myla of London makes a bodysuit that has the most flattering lace design over the sheer black fabric. The illusion created by the shaping of the lace is magic.

Stockings are a must. Legs look lovely in stockings. I would suggest a black pair and a pair in a nude colour. This will give you at least two different looks. Stockings can be added to just about any lingerie you take to your photo shoot. Pro tip – take two pairs of each colour in case disaster strikes and you ladder one!

For a classic yet dramatic look, wear a strapless bra, high-waist undies and stockings. This is full glam!

Absolute bespoke bra and undies for this set. Some delicate bling would be fabulous.

I would suggest this set in a classic colour like black or blush pink. This set can be more opaque, the next set suggestion is for lots of lace.

The allure of lace

The next set to plan is a lace set. The Colour is up to you, but I would still keep it more classic or a colour you know you look good in. Don’t forget, the hint of flesh showing through the lace is the key. The lace will be the wow factor.

This set consists of a bra, undies, suspender belt and stockings.

With this one, you and the lace, are the heroes. The bra can be any style that you feel comfortable in. A balconette bra is a great choice. It will show the lovely lace and cleavage for a more smouldering look. This look is also a good opportunity for a lovely lace bralette. It’s another design option for your unique style.

The undies need to be bikini-style to enable the suspender belt to show its beauty. And yes, you put the suspenders on first, then your undies.

Don’t forget your silky stockings to complete the set.

Gorgeous!

The cheeky photo

A Boudoir Photoshoot is not complete without a cheeky photo of your cheeks. Not the ones on your face.

The set you need for this would be a bra or bralette and a well-fitting thong. This is another opportunity for some soft stretch lace. Either high waist or mid waist. But most importantly, you need a good fit. You don’t want any bagging or sagging. it’s not flattering. If you just can’t bring yourself to wear a thong, my ruched bottom undies will give a similar effect. It will be fabric, not skin, but the gorgeous round shape will be the result. I would recommend my soft, sheer fabric. With the ruching, it will “hug” perfectly.

The cheeky photo is also perfect for the “something your partner wears”. A shirt or jeans are great options for this. Over the cheeky thong for the shirt or the cheeky thong just peeking out from the jeans.

A ‘Gidget” set

Have a fun set to show your fun/playful side.

I recommend a bra, suspender, and bikini undies. Make this one fun. Lots of colours, frills, flowers, whatever you love.

Carry your list with you

Plan your Lingerie Wardrobe for your Boudoir Photoshoot as soon as you even consider booking your photographer.

Carry your list with you so if you happen to see, either in a store or online, the lingerie you love or an item that needs to be ticked off your list.

Also, have a list of other items to take with you. Some fabulous stilettos, jewellery, and your favourite perfume. These items add to the glamour you’re creating.

Pro tip! When planning your lingerie wardrobe for a special event like a Boudoir Photoshoot, ensure you “bespoke” your lingerie. Those “one-off” details, bespoke details, make it even more precious. Share your vision with your lingerie designer. And let their imagination run wild. 🤩

Lace, history and Role in Lingerie

The long history of lace has played a role in our modern lace lingerie.

Fun fact about lace: The Latin word from which lace is derived, means “noose”. Noose describes an open space outlined with rope or thread.

The Origins of Lace in History

The origins of lace and lace-making are strongly disputed by many historians. This therefore makes it truly impossible to know exactly when and where lace-making began. So this is what we do know.

An Italian claim is a will from 1493 by the Milanese Sforza family.

A Flemish claim is in a painting from around 1485 by Hans Memling.

The making of lace evolved from other techniques, making it impossible to say that it originated in any one place. The fragility of lace means that few exceedingly old specimens are in existence today.

Bobbin and Needle Lace: history and Role in Lingerie

Needle lace is made with a single needle and thread, where as bobbin lace entails the plaiting of many threads.

Bobbin and needle lace were both made in Italy in the 1400s. We know this for sure, because documenting lace in Italy in the 15th century is a list of fine laces from the inventory of Beatrice d’Este, Duchess of Milan, from 1493.

In Venice, lace making was originally the province of the leisured noblewomen, using it as a pastime.

Brussels were making Lace in the 1400s, as samples of such lace survive! Belgium and Flanders were also major centres for the creation of primary bobbin lace starting in the 1500s. Handmade lace is being produced there even today.

According to the history books, lace arrived in France with Catherine de Medici. Newly married at the time to King Henry II in 1533. She brought Venetian lace-makers to her new homeland. Fashions popularised by the French Royal Court influenced the lace which was then starting to be made in France. It was so delicate and graceful, compared to the heavier needle or point laces of Venice. Examples of French lace are Alencon, Argentan and Chantilly.

Lace became high fashion from the early 17th century onwards. Marie Antoinette had some influence on the popularity of lace, and everything luxurious and extravagant.

Lace, worn as a status symbol

We know Lace fabric was originally made from silk and linen. Some textile artisans even made this fabric using gold or silver thread. Both cotton thread and synthetic fibres are used in lace-making today.

Lace is considered a luxury textile, traditionally and today, as it takes a lot of time and expertise to make.

Lace-making is a time-consuming process, requiring skill and dedication. The results are worth it!

Lace popularity

Throughout the Renaissance, lacework was used extensively. In the 17th century, France became the first world power in fashion, where lace was used in all kinds of clothing.

France has come to be the most diligent and versatile lace manufacturer. There is a beautiful constellation of lace weavers in France that the top fashion designers turn to.

The most expensive lace is Leavers Lace. Only a few manufacturers of the type of lace remain in Northern France. The machinery has changed little since its creation by Englishman John Leavers, which occurred in Nottingham, England in 1831.

The Softest Lace and Its Role in Modern Lingerie

The lace that is ideal for some lingerie designs is elastic because it is very soft and should never be scratchy.

We have Lady Duff-Gordon to thank for starting the 20th-century evolution of Lingerie ( French translation of undergarments).

Lady Duff-Gordon pioneered the usage of soft fabrics that mirrored the feel of idealized flesh, deliberately appealing to the sense of touch. The “mannequin parade”, was a precursor to the modern fashion show, she originated this! She was key to popularising less restrictive corsets. She promoted alluring and pared-down lingerie. Lady Duff-Gordon survived the sinking of the Titanic. What a woman!

Lady Duff-Gordon paved the way for other high-fashion design concepts. Redefining lingerie as a luxury item with a strong appeal to the fashion-oriented consumer.

Ada Masotti, the founder of La Perla in 1954, embodies the luxury of lace in lingerie in her legendary silk and lace slips. She is a pioneer in luxury lingerie.

How to care for lace garments

I recommend checking the type of textile your lace is made from and then following the care instructions carefully. This is the best way to ensure you get lasting results from your fabric or garment because lace can be made from a variety of fibres.

Lace therefore should be treated very delicately because the basic design of lace is open, unlike a solid fabric,

Most laces should be hand-washed.

Always use cold water and mild detergent. Eucalan is ideal.

Make sure not to wring the lace. You risk distorting the fibres.

Lay flat to dry, away from direct sunlight.

Sunbird Lingerie