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SOME LIKE IT HAUTE La Perla


WHEN ADA MASOTTI founded La Perla more than 60 years ago, she can scarcely have imagined that her lingerie atelier would become one of the world’s leading luxury companies. However, her foundations of artisan heritage, a corsetiere’s intimate knowledge of the female body and a timeless mix of innovation and tradition, all combined with a healthy dose of Italian style, have ensured that today La Perla is as desirable for women the world over as it was back in 1954 in Bologna. “The company’s core values are elegance,


sensuality and preciousness. Oh, and a touch of surprise,” says Nick Tacchi, La Perla’s Global Marketing Director. Even its name was inspired by precious gems, with Ada Masotti’s first creations presented in boxes lined with red velvet as if they were works of jewellery. Six decades on, trends have come and gone, and


La Perla has added bags, shoes, nightwear, beachwear, menswear and fragrances to its main collections. Intricate embroidery and Leavers lace combine with silk, satin, chiffon, organza and georgette, and new-generation fabrics such as neoprene. However, craftsmanship and heritage remain


at the heart of the company’s creations, even if the way they’re worn has changed dramatically. “Collections are created as lifestyle propositions with looks and accessories that come together to create a comprehensive style,” says Nick. “Lingerie and sleepwear are the starting points for new evening looks. A bikini or swimsuit might serve as the central piece for a variety of outfits that can be worn in all different stages of a vacation.” Some of the brand’s most exclusive bras even feature a small sheath to cover the hooks and allow the back to be displayed.


146 A LEGACY OF LUXURY In recent years, La Perla collections have


drawn on the company’s tradition of craftsmanship and luxury. The first atelier collection was presented in January 2015 during the Haute Couture Week in Paris. It also now provides a made-to-measure service in its flagship stores, which enables clients to customise a number of the brand’s most exclusive creations. Sewn entirely by hand, using gold thread and


Swarovski crystals, each of these items is a one-off. “The service is aimed at couture customers who appreciate the height of luxury and exclusivity, the privilege of being unique,” says Nick. Less overtly eye-catching, but just as luxurious


in its own way is the “impossible lace” that is used in many of La Perla’s creations. When a scrap of fabric dating back to the early 1900s was discovered at a vintage market in Paris, a maître dentellier (master lacemaker) in Calais tackled the seemingly impossible task of reproducing its elaborate design. A traditional loom had to be specially modified to create the complex patterns of this antique lace without compromising its softness and lightness, resulting in a spectacular, ethereal fabric that now features in the brand’s ready-to-wear garments. Combining timeless elegance and innovation, the


sensuality and luxury of this modern classic material is perhaps the best illustration of La Perla’s signature mix of heritage and contemporary. “Italian heritage, the spirit of the atelier, the mix of innovation and tradition: these are the chromosomes of La Perla’s DNA, reflecting the experiences of the founder,” says Nick. “This heritage enables us to express the true sense of the word ‘luxury’ in our modern age.” — www.laperla.com


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