When the effect you want to achieve is a “modest” feeling of being naked under a flowing garment, you have to deal with the question of “what’s underneath?” You can’t attain that feeling if you have to deal with underwires and other materials designed to hold you up and together.
I personally love lace but have shied away from wearing it as underwear because I found it to not always be comfortable. I was also concerned it could not provide me with the support I seem to need. This dress was also very low cut and there was going to be some showing of “what’s underneath”.
I was recently contacted by a lingerie brand called Hanky Panky to explore a possible collaboration. Given that I am now more often in situations at photoshoots where I am being dressed by stylists, the universe of people getting a glimpse of my undergarments has expanded. So for the first time I considered experimenting with wearing and posting about lingerie. First I had to think about how to do this tastefully. Second, I did my research about the company and one selling point for me was that a Wall Street Journal article called their product “lace butter”. I could also identify with the story of the two co-founders; one with a design degree from Parsons and the other with a Ph.D in social psychology.
The brand has been around for a long time (since 1977) and the first prototype, made of embroidered handkerchiefs, was created as a gift by the designer Gale Epstein, the current President and Creative Director. The recipient, Lida Orzeck is now the CEO and the original design explains the company name “Hanky Panky“. The company’s values are: made in the USA, sustainability and philanthropy. What’s not to love and I felt comfortable accepting their gift.
The brand offers a huge selection of styles and cuts in every imaginable color. For this outfit I chose the Signature Lace Crossover Bralette and the Signature Lace Retro V-Kini, both in Chai. What I loved most was I felt some support but not so much that I felt constrained. I could also be photographed in silhouette and felt really comfortable and not too exposed. Of course given the good/bad girl that I am I also really love the name.
Accidental Icon Wears
Silk Floral Kaftan: Yeva Don, Lingerie in Chai: Hanky Panky, Black Kitten Heel Laced Sandals: Hermes, Sunglasses: Karen Walker, Twosome Ring: Efva Attling
I admire and endorse your courage 100%.
They contacted me, I couldn’t do it. Now I almost wish I had. I’ll be 60 in September. Again, I salute you with a big smile and then I applaud.
I admire and endorse your courage 100%.
They contacted me, I couldn’t do it. Now I almost wish I had. I’ll be 60 in September. Again, I salute you with a big smile and then I applaud.
The lace lingerie looks both beautiful and comfortable which is a combination worth pursuing.
I am new to your posts and have been extremely interested in your incredibly fun, sophisticated and edgy fashion style. I have also been captivated by your points of view about fashion and life. I am 65, wear my silver hair long, and graduated from college with a Fashion Merchandising degree and continue to enjoy the business of fashion. Your post regarding under garments brings up a point I would like to address without, hopefully, hurting your feelings. Should women our age wear see-through type garments? I remember when I was younger, and working in a high end clothing store assisting older women in fitting rooms–fat women, thin women, and in-shape women–their skin looked old, crepey and many had brown spots. There were older clients who would dress like old ladies, others with great style, and then there were those who tried to dress like they were back in their twenties. I am a believer in individual style. Just am conflicted about showing too much body after a certain age. Do young people laugh when they see us older women wearing see-through or semi-see-through garments? Some will state a person should do what they want to do, but what is appropriate and how do we know if others are respecting our fashion choice or whether their chuckling behind our backs because we look like we’re trying too hard to look young?
I’m always on the look out for simple lingerie and Hanky Panky looks very chic. Wonder if I can buy it in the UK…
Yes, there are UK stockists. I emailed Hanky Panky (contact details on their website) and received a prompt reply. Not many stockists, but it is possible to buy it in the UK.
Thank you for introducing me to Hanky Panky…the bralettes look fabulous and not constricting.
Thank you for introducing me to Hanky Panky…the bralettes look fabulous and not constricting.
I dig the hanky panky brand. I was introduced to the brand during my internship at W magazine. This bralette style is my type of under garment; looks comfy and with the right amount of support. Wires and fillers always felt so uncomfortable.
Priscilla
http://thestylishflaneuse.com/