Fashfest heats up with lingerie label

Posted on 3 April, 2015

Organisers of this year’s FASHFEST almost needn’t bother with the heating following the announcement French luxury lingerie label Simone Perele will be steaming up the runway. 

The fashion event will feature a segment each night from Simone Perele’s latest collection, stocked by Canberra store Stephanie’s Boutique Lingerie. 

Organisers say the label, known for its elegant and luxurious designs, is the “perfect fit” for FASHFEST. 

“We’ve had underwear on the runway before, but never sexy, feminine, French lingerie like this,” says FASHFEST’s Producer Steve Wright. 

“This is part of us extending our style platform for the first time to include interstate and international fashion designers.”

Fil Barilaro has owned Stephanie’s Boutique Lingerie since 1994 and says she is “ecstatic” about collaborating with Canberra’s biggest fashion event. 

“I’ve been to almost every show since it started,” she says.

“I think it’s the perfect way to showcase Simone Perele to Canberra, as women just love the fit – it feels very luxurious.”

Fil says to expect plenty of lace, pastels and warm oranges and reds.

“We’re also going to showcase what’s coming for Christmas, so there’ll be lots of magenta and greens, and we’ll have some bodysuits which is a bit different,” she says.

“We’ll also have some fantastic every day bras, including the number one selling bra which is the Andora.”

Women with fuller chests won’t miss out, with the collection’s bras now going all the way to a G cup.

“With the world the way it is and a lot of breast augmentation taking place, they’ve addressed that need now, so they seem to be very fashion forward,” Fil says.

Fil will personally fit every model before they step on the catwalk to avoid any fashion faux pas.

”I’m quite pedantic about it,” she admits.

“Each model has a different shape and size which is great, so I want to make sure the absolute best fit for both the look and the model – the fit has to be absolutely schmick.”

An expert bra fitter, Fil often helps find new bras for women who have breast cancer. She believes it’s important for them to leave her boutique “feeling good.”

“I put them in things that make them feel sexy and comfortable, its very important to them because they feel abnormal,” she says.

“After I fit them they often hug me; they’re in tears. Their confidence will just lift. It’s such a nice feeling to know you’ve helped someone in that way.”

The essentials

What: FASHFEST
When: 13 – 16 May 2015
Where: The National Convention Centre, Constitution Avenue, Canberra City
Tickets: www.fashfest.com.au