Flashbacks to Fashion Week - DARE TO DESIRE

– like a film roll developed after the suitcase has been finally unpacked, or the last glitter in the eye has finally been washed out, we take a look back at a fashion season that served glamour, innovation, sensuality and provocation, all in equal measure.

First in line of our recap is a lingerie brand, whose name is a reminder to push those secretly (or not so secretly) held passions into actions.

What is there left once the enchanting spectacle of London Fashion Week seduction is over? Nothing, but the concrete reality of show-stopping garments, which contain the power of spectacle within.

It’s Thursday the 17th of February and London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2022 is on the cusp of being in full swing. Opening London Fashion Week is Dare to Desire, ‘Timeless High Quality Lingerie’ brought to the private members’ club Christabel’s. Under red lighting in the heart of Fitzrovia, burlesque performers and models bring the statement lingerie to life. Performing to sensual pop music the fashion show is empowering and sexy, while the intimate upstairs space of the red and black private club with its rock and romance theme compliments Dare to Desire’s lingerie collection.

Dare to Desire boasts a range of lingerie items from dainty bustiers and nightdresses to sexy co-ords, there is lingerie to feel good in, for any mood or occasion. Each piece is designed to be ‘timeless’, styled with sleek hair, smoky eyes and classic red lip worn by the performers. From a variety of fabrics such as cotton, polyester satins, sheer fabrics, lace, and floral applique to a mixture of colours including classic black lace, red satins, peacock greens, cerulean blues as well as pinks and embroidered whites, the fashion show displayed something for everyone.

The pieces to look out for include the Bloom and Wild Corset Balcony Bra which comes in black and white embroidered detailing and white under yellow embroidered floral detailing. The floral details in contrast with the sheer fabrics add a light touch to the classically sensual pieces. As a bustier style piece, the Bloom and Wild Corset Balcony Bra would look just as complimenting over clothes as it would under. The bustier is also easy to move in, as well as supportive and sexy.

The nightdresses in the ‘From Bedroom to Ballroom’ collection feature the Satin Dreams Night Dress which comes in staple black and white. Displaying sheer lace side panels, a v-cut front, and a crossed back-strap, it is a fun addition to your night-time wardrobe.

In the same category of flirtatious are The Passion Pink balconette bra matched with sheer bikini panties, the Crystal Blue Sheer Mesh Balconette Bra and the Emerald Green Lace Balcony Bra with matching strapped thong. These sets demand attention in their boldness and unapologetic femininity.

For a rather classic look, the black lace bras, whether the black Onyx, Paradise or Lily Lace bra, can be matched with the black lace suspender to take the game of seduction to an elevated level.

Designed with a broad range of shapes in mind, the collection is not only aesthetically pleasing, the pieces therein also offer support through the underwired bras, removable padding, elastic stretch, and adjustable straps. And of course, a pandemic collection wouldn’t be complete without facemasks! To complement the silk eye masks, Dare to Desire has also released mulberry silk facemasks.

Also, what could be sexier than the brand’s ethos? Dare to Desire seeks to break away from the environmentally damaging cycle of fast fashion trends and instead produce timeless pieces created to last. Affordable but durable, Dare to Desire demonstrated that ‘sustainable’ can also mean fun and flashy. Empowerment comes from both looking good and doing the planet good.

While Dare to Desire do not offer unlimited sizing, the brand is on the right track towards making lingerie empowering for everyone, including the environment.

All image credits reserved to @wearefep & @daretodesirelingerie

Edited by Isabela Palancean