How should I start writing about lingerie? Should I spill about the conversation I recently had with my eldest daughter about bras and risk her being totally mortified? Or should I share how a few of my sassy papa friends cheekily commented they were looking forward to reading all about it when they got wind of the subject matter? Instead, I will begin by confessing I am rubbish when it comes to lingerie shopping.
Like the majority of women when I shop for undies, I concentrate on colour and functionality — truth be told, my pretty ones have all been gifted from my husband. I either get intimidated by the huge variety to choose from, or on the flip side, find myself totally uninspired by the lack of choice. With three daughters though, I can no longer hide behind my trepidation, if only to be able to guide them properly when the time comes. So, without further ado, where to go for gorgeous lingerie beyond the usual M&S or venturing to the likes of Agent Provocateur!
Etam
This French retail chain really know what women want and have been creating gorgeous undergarments since 1916 for our European counterparts. Lucky girls! Finally, we can get some of that je ne sais quoi with Etam’s very first Singapore store! What I love about the brand? Well-made, on-trend and reasonably priced!
Wander down to: #01-31/32 Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Road, Singapore 238877
Tel: (+65) 6235 2103
The Lingerie Shop
If only the best-of-the-best will do, you will be in lingerie heaven here! With top-of-the-line imports like Paladini, Andre Sarda and Ritratti you will be spoilt for choice going through the rails. What sets The Lingerie Shop apart from the rest? Their Bespoke Service dealing with commissions – especially handy if you need some support sewn into your dress!
Wander down to:
#02-10 Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Road, Singapore 238871. Tel: (+65) 6732 3091
#02-34 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Road, Singapore 238897. Tel: (+65) 6836 9622
La Perla
One of my favorite brands, I love the fit of this Italian brand and the gorgeous range. For me, it has the right balance of elegance, comfort and va va voom. Though certainly on the high-end with pricing, as per L’Oréal’s famous tagline: “You’re worth it!”
Wander down to:
#02-12 Takashimaya, 391 Orchard Road, Singapore 238872. Tel: (+65) 6738 7531
#01-48/49 The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018972. Tel: (+65) 6688 7072
Simone Pérèle
Another one of my favourites, this French label is elegance personified and the range has a certain savoir-faire – it ticks all the right boxes with elegance, comfort and gorgeous detailing. With an extensive collection to choose from, from sculpt-wear and sporty to more sensual and romantic to take you from day to night – the choice is yours.
Wander down to:
Lingerie Salon @ Takashimaya, 391 Orchard Road, Singapore 238872. Tel: (+65) 6836 5007
#02-/24 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Road, Singapore 238897. Tel: (+65) 6836 5950
Tangs Plaza, 310 Orchard Road, Singapore 238864. Tel (+65) 6836 5477
The Dressing Room
Located on the 2nd floor of Tangs on Orchard Road, the Dressing Room stocks an incredibly wide range to suit all tastes and needs. Calvin Klein, Wacoal, Chantelle, Valisere – the list goes on. I love how they take the pain out of shopping by creating this soothing boudoir-style space with wall-to-wall carpet, chandeliers, gorgeous mirrors and luxurious upholstered chairs. If only they served champagne…
Wander down to: Level 2, Tangs Orchard, 310 Orchard Road, Singapore 238864. Tel: (+65) 6737 5500
Change Lingerie
Two things that are off-putting for me when shopping for lingerie: when the store only carries one or two cup sizes per style OR when you look at the price tag. At Change, not only do they offer cup sizes from A-K, but the prices are very reasonable. They also offer a free bra fitting service and will make sure they help you find the right STYLE for you!
Wander down to: #02-08 Cluny Court, 501 Bukit Timah Road 259760, Singapore Tel: (+65) 9321 1344
Chaloné
Winner of Singapore Tatler’s Best Lingerie Award from 2012-2008, Chaloné has four stores filled with luxury labels like Lejaby, Lou Paris, and Aubade and also stock larger cup sizes. Check out their home brand Miracle Transformation Bra and keep an eye out for their special offers – especially during the annual Singapore Sale!
Wander down to:
#01-75/76 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039596. Tel: (+65) 6337 2647
#02-337 Marina Square, 6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 048580. Tel: (+65) 6336 3679
#03-03/04 Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Road, Singapore 238877. Tel: (+65) 6836 9769
#03-00 Takashimaya Lingerie Dept, 391 Orchard Road, Singapore 238872. Tel: (+65) 6235 1607
As I mentioned earlier, I struggle to find anything online I feel comfortable recommending – except for the following two:
Perk by Kate
I confess I really didn’t expect to find any Singapore-based online companies who sold beautiful lingerie. After scrolling through pages and pages of rubbish, discovering Perk by Kate was like finding gold dust. Perk is the first in Singapore to specialize in bralettes (unpadded and unwired for comfort!) and high tech panties. They are also the first to bring in popular US and UK brands like Honeydew Intimates, Eberjey, MaybeBlu and the like. For those nervous about buying online, Perk do home fittings as well as free returns and exchanges! But wait, that’s not the best part! All purchases come wrapped in Perk’s signature gift box with ribbon. Another Confession: my basket is quickly filling up!
Log on! : www.perkbykate.com
Amaya Lingerie
At first glance, the pluses were quite obvious: nice selection, colorful, VERY reasonably priced. But that wasn’t what caught my eye. When I went into their Facebook page, I noticed they had regular Open House events! Although I have come across lingerie parties in Australia, this is the first I have seen here in Singapore. Will this be a new trend for busy women here? Watch this space…
Log on! : www.amayalingerie.com
Happy shopping!