From fashion to performance and even exercise classes, burlesque is back in style. Retro lingerie company, Secrets in Lace, celebrated the 75th anniversary of the invention of nylon–the fiber responsible for the revolution of pin-up style–during Lingerie Fashion Week in New York City. Burlesque performer, Angie Pontani joined several full-figured models as they donned the Secrets in Lace pin-up inspired lingerie and strutted down the runway to live jazz music by Brian Newman.
Secrets in Lace creative director, Daniel Whitsett, told the Observer, “Booking curvy models… was a no-brainer. We continue to showcase Secrets in Lace collections in a range of sizes both on the runway as well as in ongoing campaign shoots to closely mirror our own diverse range of sizing, from 0 – 4X.”
Calvin Klein may be new to the size ten debate, but Secrets in Lace wants women of all sizes to dress and feel alluring. Mr. Whitsett said, “Unfortunately, curvy models rarely seem to be adequately represented in fashion–on the runway or in point of purchase,The fashion industry seems way off the mark when they refer to sizes six, eight, and ten as “Plus Models.””
The new spring collection was displayed, including selections from Dita Von Teese’s collaboration collection Glamour Fully Fashioned Stockings which was originally designed in 2000. Mr. Whitsett explains that the new range is “marked by pastel color-ways with bold accents in [the] signature Bullet Bras & Garter Belts as well as an elegant Champagne seen in further styles including the Full Cut Retro Panties and Girdles.”
Though the brand is dedicated to regular women and every day elegance, they do not take short cuts. It takes the Secrets in Lace company four hours and four spools of 15 denier nylon yarn to make one leg out of a set of Full Fashioned Stockings on the 1950s era machines.
Mr. Whitsett explains, “Secrets in Lace was been founded on the glamorous style of the 1950’s, in particular, vintage style Full Fashioned Stockings made of Ultra Sheer 100% Nylon. [We are] not only preserving a lost art, but representing a part of history stemming back to pre-World War II.”
Secrets in Lace currently crafts nylons in the United States and Europe. There are over 40 colors and designs available in a wide range of sizes, retailing from $14.99 to $89.00. The beautiful burlesque inspired pieces are sold exclusively through their website.