Since
it launched in 1994, U.K.-based lingerie line Agent Provocateur has
developed a cult following for its racy, noir-inspired collection of
bras, panties and then some.
Somehow, at a recent reception to herald its first Orange County outpost (at Bloomingdale’s in South Coast Plaza), Agent Provocateur managed to make sequined pasties and tassels look tasteful.
Models styled in ’40s pinup hair and scarlet lips sauntered in barely-there scraps of beautiful French lace and silk bras, corsets and garters. Also on display were embroidered, scalloped-lace bras, saucy suspenders and silky stockings.
And yes, the aforementioned pasties were indeed risqué. But they were preceded by plenty of frou-frou frills and sophisticated, all-black French lace.
“We’re good at balancing tasteful and trashy,” said co-founder Serena Rees. “A few of our garments are very daring, but we’ve tried to glamorize it by using the best quality fabrics.
“And, really, we’re just offering different kinds of sexy to different women.”
The West Coast flagship location, on uber-trendy Melrose Avenue, has drawn 
celebrity
customers like Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera and Dita Von Teese.
Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal is the line’s current celebrity spokesmodel.
Lingerie as fashion is a concept Agent Provocateur has worked to perfect in the past few years, but Rees said lingerie can be the most important part of a woman’s wardrobe.
“It’s the foundation for all of your clothing; it shapes how you wear your clothes,” she said. “It can be empowering as well, regardless of what body hang-ups women may have. Lingerie is about feeling more feminine and womanly.”
Agent Provocateur bras retail for about $100 and up; panties are $65 and up. In case you were wondering, the sequined leather pasties are $65 a pair and come in black, red, gold, pink and aqua.
Contact the writer: 714-796-2298 or [email protected]
