On Trend: Bodysuits

Lascivious

Clare Bare

Ell & Cee

Bordelle

Damaris

Araks

Hopeless

Mimi Holliday

Stella McCartney

Sugarlesque

The Lake and Stars

One trend in lingerie that I'm very glad is not going away any time soon is the bodysuit. Not the severe and boring 80s kind that was meant to look inconspicous with your power dressing, but the modern, glamorous kind that you can build an entire look around. The difference with the modern bodysuit is that it's all about the details: interesting prints, vibrant colours, suggestive cutouts and unexpected combinations of textures.

The result is a great wardrobe staple that's sexy and chic, but not so try-hard that you'll feel too trussed up when you wear it. Whatever your style or budget, there is a full spectrum of labels catering for your needs if you'd like to take your wardrobe there. Take your pick!

Hopeless Goes Frou Frou

Images (c) Hopeless Lingerie (full credits below)

Ever since Gaby of Hopeless Lingerie first started showing sneaky peeks of her latest collection on her blog, I started monitoring the situation with bated breath. When the full collection and images finally launched, I realised that my anticipation had been justified.

'The Hunted' is surely the strongest Hopeless collection yet. It's still the same almost vintage feel and attention to detail we've come to expect from the Australian label, but this time with the luxe and couture detail turned up. Stand out pieces include the Ashley cropped camisole, featuring layer upon layer of hand-cut silk chiffon petals, which is something you'd never find from a run of the mill mass-produced lingerie label. The wispy Linda peter pan collar is another piece that requires hours of hand sewing to create, featuring bundles of hundreds of strips of tightly wound silk chiffon. What's the point in having a handmade label if it doesn't involve a lot of fuss?

Even the more basic lingerie pieces all have interesting details. Jersey modal bodysuits and cropped tops feature strategically placed mesh panels, and high waisted knickers are finished with rows of silk dupion triangle 'teeth'. That might seem like a weird reference to use to describe lingerie, but if you are familiar with Hopeless, then you will know how much horror and B movies influence each of the recent collections.

This particular range was based on Sam Raimi's 'Evil Dead' and 'Evil Dead 2' and "the evil force that races through the forest, the wood grain of the haunted log cabin and of buckets of blood featured in the films. These ideas were subtly woven into every piece - to create a collection that was both haunting and beautiful."

The result is a gorgeous collection, presented in a shoot that's a million miles away from traditional, often very 'samey' lingerie shoots. Like The Lake And Stars, the Hopeless lingerie campaign is a mesmerising mix of spookiness, drama and glamour.

It's no wonder this collection has attracted attention. As of this week the range is now available to buy at the home of luxurious lingerie, Faire Frou Frou, where you can either make the pilgrimage to the Los Angeles boutique or shop the collection online.

Photos: Jo Duck
Model: Lulu Wagstaffe
MUAH: Sarah Lea Cross
Assistant: Dominique Adamidis