Slip into something glamorous

Press, 15 February 1986, Page 14

Slip into something glamorous

Glamour has re-em-erged as the dominant force in women’s underfashions, according to a New Zealand manufacturer of women’s underwear.

George Anscombe, of Intrigue Fashions, believes this Sis because of the interesting affluence of women, particularly working women, who are in a position to spend their own money on attractive underwear.

There is also, he believes, an international swing back to, underwear which is pretty, romantic and sexy. George An-

scombe bases these observations on regular visits to Europe, Britain and the United States where he monitors fashion trends. . Europe tends to set the fashion, he says, and by the time they reach the United States, many of the changes have already occured in the New Zealand market, proof that the domestic market- is up with the fashion play.

“The most significant trend in recent years has been the market movement towards a greater degree of glamour in lingerie.” He also notes a touch of nostalgia for the

undergarment moods of the twenties, thirties and early forties. Attractive, lacy, femin-ine-looking underwear is enjoying enormous success among all age groups, not only the young. Men, as well as women, are avid buyers of appealing lingerie, and the purchase of attractive underfashions for special gifts, is as popular as ever. Cost is not necessarily a critical factor, Mr Anscombe says.

“People are prepared to spend'a greater amount on higher-priced, higherquality underwear. If it

has the appeal they want, they will buy it.” He puts the trend down to “The. psychological uplift that buying and wearing attractive underwear gives.” While all underwear garments are selling well, individual items such as camisoles, often teamed with half slips, and one piece “teddies,” are especially popular.

While materials used in the manufacture .of garments have remained essentially the same over the years, fashion trends have been more apparent in colours.

The new soft pastel shades and richer colours are easy to blend and give emphasis to the importance of co-ordinating rather than strictly matching under and upper wardrobes, he says. George Anscombe says New Zealand lingerie manufacturers are well versed in international trends, and are offering New Zealand buyers a selection equal to the best overseas.