Interview with the lingerie brand Isosceles
UMBRA SUSPENDER BELT
I'm always on the look out for new designers especially those who push boundaries with colours and shapes. So upon finding Isosceles lingerie - I had struck gold, and what's more each piece is lovingly made in London or Paris. Winner, I needed to find out more; so I contacted Cicely Travers the woman behind this amazing brand to discover the story and ethos behind Isosceles.
What year did your start Isosceles?
The brand launched in February 2015 during London Fashion week.
Cicely Travers founder of Isosceles Lingerie
Can you give a brief description of Isosceles?
Comfortable, flattering lingerie for people who understand that underwear should not be overlooked when creating an ensemble. It’s lingerie for dressing up and undressing.
Do you have formal lingerie design?
My mother was a seamstress and worked as the wardrobe mistress at the Royal Ballet School which was a great source of inspiration, my first job was as a fitter at Rigby and Peller where I found out about and went on to complete the Contour Fashion BA at De Montfort. I then worked at the Jean Yu Atelier in NYC. It inspired me to start my own label.
What are your favourite fabrics to work with and why?
My current collection is made from a stretchy tulle I love it because it’s comfortable and supportive, easy to wash and thus practical. I’ve always had a thing about Silk crepe de chine. Silk feels so luxurious next to the skin and as the body warms up it sort of moulds to your shape it’s very sexy, I will probably use it in my next collection. I also love the techno fabrics that are coming out these days there are just amazing materials out there that are ultra fine and stretchy. The knit is almost invisible to the eye. I would love to get my hands on some for future collections. Having said that, I also think theres nothing wrong with classic white cotton knickers!
What three things define beauty to you in a woman?
I find it quite limiting to try to define beauty in three things as I believe that beauty can be found in so many ways. Often opposites can be beautiful like shyness and confidence. I’m not sure it’s helpful to women to be told what my definition of beauty is, the message being that if you don't conform you’re not beautiful to me. I think women are tired of being told what’s beautiful.
How do you keep your studio organised?
It’s not very organised in that way. It can be quite hard to manage all the patterns, toilles, samples and fabrics. I have a big rail that has all my samples on and patterns I have a lot of vintage pieces hanging there too that I use for inspiration. I definitely need more rails and hangers. I keep old designs and ideas in some Muji drawers and I have some wooden shelves with all my files, books, garment labels ect. I have a large desk that I use for pattern cutting which is normally overflowing with stuff.
What motivates you?
I motivate myself by setting goals and giving myself time to fulfil certain obligations. If I don’t have a dead line in mind I can start to flail. The thing that motivates get on with it when I’m suffering from self doubt is the positive feedback I get from my clients. It’s a great feeling when someone loves what you do!
What words of advice would you give aspiring designers?
I would say give it a go, don’t be scared, try to identify a gap in the market when you’re creating your brand. I’m seeing a lot of the same strappy, bondage inspired lingerie at the moment which is fun but it’s hard to identify them from other brands that do that too. I think it’s important to stand out and have a clear message.
IRIDIS BRIEF
Read more interviews: How to be a Lingerie Designer