Show Me!

Perhaps, deep down, Eliza would have liked to have been looking less laced-up herself in the London of the early 20th century. She was, after all, George Bernard Shaw’s new woman in Pygmalion (the precursor to My Fair Lady). Interesting that the lacy lingerie of the following decades often harks back to that period, when a suggestion of lace or leg was considered swooningly erotic. Love the behind-closed-doors look, which is abundant this season at JV. 

British design houses Gilda & Pearl and Emma Harris both pay homage to a retro lingerie look. Gilda & Pearl describe it as “Old Hollywood,” and certainly does the movies proud with such scene-stealers as two fringed silk robes: the Lili Long Robe in dragon print, and the High Society Midi Robe in dusky pink. And underneath? Perhaps a little something from Emma Harris, whose atelier is proud to champion the finest traditional haute couture sewing techniques. The Clara Vintage Rose Collection fits the mood with a lacy Lingerie Set, Chemise, Camisole Set, and Bed Jacket in the palest rose pink. Or, for a bit of Edwardian table-turning, choose one of Emma’s smoking jackets. Lust over the Clara Silk Smoking Jacket in deep purple silk, trimmed with sparkling black lace. Or, just in from Gilda & Pearl, the Voyage Smoking Jacket in black crepe de chine patterned in foulard-style tiny pink seashells. Wear it over the matching Voyage Slip Dress, or–nothing!

Speaking of table-turning, perhaps the expression “Show Me,” will turn into a different sort of game when shared with the object of your love. It might be non-verbal. Or could include peals of laughter. We at JV are the sporting sort and like the idea of theatricality in our lingerie. Let the play begin.