Making Magique
Every true Parisienne has certain key items in her wardrobe: at least one beautifully printed scarf, a chic sac à main, a black cocktail dress and classic trench among them. But to most, the lingerie she wears under her carefully crafted ensemble is as central to her wardrobe as her Chanel mini sac.
The French affection for small stretchy pieces of lace — embroidered, embellished and often painfully uncomfortable — is apparent everywhere you go. From the ubiquitous soft lit advertisements featuring headless, amply endowed torsos to the city’s hundreds of boutiques devoted exclusively to under garments, visitors to Paris quickly realize that lingerie here is serious business.
Lunaticarus; Making Magique
Soon after arriving, I discovered my own lingerie drawer was in dire need of an overhaul. Faded cotton panties and functional athletic bras simply would not do in the City of Light.
I ventured out in search of my inner seductress, trying to imagine wearing a garter while keeping a straight face. With so many specialty boutiques to choose from – Aubade, Lise Charmel, Chantelle and many more – I made my first stop at Princess Tam Tam, a mid-range chain that does sexy as well as cute and sassy.
Making Magique
After poking through the racks and selecting some pretty pastels, a saleswoman approached to offer some assistance. I held my stack of panties and said I was ready to pay. “But where were the matching bras?” she asked, clearly horrified that I might buy the underwear alone. Buying a bra and panties that aren’t part of a set? Pas possible.
She skillfully assisted me in completing my ensembles, selecting one matching bra after another. Behind the velvet curtain of la cabine d’essayage, it became clear that these lacy lovelies were meant to provide more than a little support – they seemed created to be seen and admired.
Making Magique
Discussions with French friends, however, proved this assumption to be only partly correct. Parisiennes, it turns out, wear beautiful lingerie for themselves as much as for their amoureux. Wearing something lovely close to the skin is a pleasure, I was told, even if no one else is going to see it. Lovely bras, panties and les sous vetements are the foundation for the overall look. Much like the knowledge of how to skillfully tie a scarf, young French women are taught the art of lingerie at an early age.
The French love of lingerie extends to sleepwear as well. No Parisian worth her Repetto ballet flats would save the good stuff for special occasions (like anniversaries) and sport oversized t-shirts to bed the rest of the year. They don their lacy best every day (and night) and coordinate it all with artistry and care. As I concluded my own lingerie shopping excursion, I plucked an ivory silk nightgown from the rack and headed for la caisse.
Making Magique
With my lingerie purchased and my excitement mounting, I sauntered in to the Paris afternoon feeling as if I carried a delicious secret in my bag. I couldn’t wait to wear (and share!) my lovely acquisitions.
After all, beautiful lingerie is un plaisir and isn’t pleasure what Paris life is all about?
Related Links:
- French lingerie shopping guides here and here
- We love these romantic, boudoir shots by Making Magique
- Psst: Princess Tam Tam is available online from the States here
- For some inspiration, check out the websites of La Perla, Chantelle, Chantal Thomass, Aubade and Lise Charmel
- Girl’s Guide to Paris lists some good lingerie shopping spots in Paris here
Written by Paige Bradley Frost for the HiP Paris Blog. Looking for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, Provence, or Tuscany? Check out Haven in Paris.
WRITTEN BY
Paige Bradley Frost
Paige Bradley Frost spent nearly a decade in Paris after which she relocated to California serving as Executive Director of the nonprofit organization, Women’s Empowerment International. She has written extensively covering culture, parenting, education, travel, food and politics. Her work as been published by The New York Times Motherlode blog, Huffington Post, Forbes Travel Guides and extensively at HIP Paris.
I enjoyed that. I discover Princess Tam Tam in Paris because I forgot to pack certain essentials on one trip. I loved the designs – too bad they have so few stores here in the US … well guess I’ll have to go back to Paris. =) Merci
I only wear matching set . I love the way it looks
I love the feel of wearing a matching set. It makes me feel beautiful… Also, I have found that Etam has a great selection and great prices. During Les Soldes, I spend 50€ and got 3 lovely sets!! Can’t beat that??
I discovered Princess Tam Tam recently and think it is the best rapport qualité/prix. It is pretty, fairly durable, and best of all, not that expensive. Oh, and there is one right around the corner from my apartment on rue des Abbesses. On y va. BUT, I have to admit the matching panties and bras just seems too cutesy for me. I am a mismatched gal!
Thanks for your comments. I haven’t read La Seduction but have heard it’s full of Parisienne secrets, like “la lingerie.” Wearing pretty lingerie is certainly “un plaisir!” Enjoy.
Elaine Sciolino speaks really well to French women’s devotion to lingerie in her book, La Seduction. Moi? I need to take some notes from you ladies!
Very interesting and I suppose it does make sense!
Come and join my new fashion Giveaway from Fresh Produce!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena