Under currents

SECOND SKIN: Lingerie designer Sophia Lee Levy.

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Tipping into the new Your Shape: the brick Make the most of your shape What you were wearing Switching looks effortlessly Your shape: summer pants What you are wearing Style rooted in the past What you are wearing A life without patterns

Sophia Lee Levy creates exquisite lingerie. Amy Parsons-King talks to the queen of boudoir attire.

What is your all-time favourite lingerie piece?

I love vintage-inspired designs. For me, the corselet is the one that stands out. The corselet is a stunning garment. It combines the bra and the girdle, it's a contouring slip that goes down over the hips, then there are suspenders for your hosiery. Corselets are often worn under wedding gowns.

Who is your favourite lingerie designer?

Chantal Thomass, Agent Provocateur and Pleasure State all provide some lovely lingerie pieces. These brands combine intricately detailed embellishments with selective fabrics and intelligent cut, providing comfort. John Paul Gaultier would be my idol.

Which era had the most beautiful lingerie?

The corsets of the 1800s fascinate me. I love the cinched waist, hour- glass shape they gave women. I particularly like the tea-stained [ecru] shades of cream and nude fabrics used for the corsets. I am living in the wrong era!

What is the most underrated piece of lingerie?

The brassiere does not get enough credit for its work. It is vital that all women are fitted for a bra, whether they have no boobs or big boobs. If you find a perfectly fitting bra grab it in all the colours, nude, black, white etc. A well-fitted bra can change your whole silhouette, some breasts can weight up to 7kg, however if they are positioned correctly, it can eliminate shoulder pain, slouchy posture and reveal a waist under the bust.

What's your opinion on underwear being worn as outer-wear?

I appreciate a well put-together outfit, regardless of whether it's me or not. Lingerie is stunning and should be seen from time to time as long as it is done in the right way.

Who is the one woman you would love to see in Sophia Lee Lingerie?

There are many: Marilyn Monroe , Dita Von Teese, Sophie Dahl, Sabina Kelly, Kirsten Dunst, Ziyi Zhang, Nicole Kidman . . . We can all have dreams can't we?

Who's your all-time favourite silver screen siren?

Marilyn Monroe. She is very inspiring. She has a compelling life story and worked incredibly hard to get to Hollywood which I often reflect on when I am setting goals.

If you were a screen siren who would play your leading man?

Marilyn Manson. He is modern, eccentric and tattooed. The trailer for the movie would be Marilyn Manson's Heart Shaped Glasses video clip. It's romantic, yet dark and set in the 50s. I would wear red lipstick and nude stockings.

What inspires you?

A lot of things. I collect perfume bottles, vintage teapots and old movies with Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire. I am inspired by chorus girls, 1950s pin-ups, kittens, confectionery, desserts, baked treats, 1960s American cars, Manga and Anime illustrations and all things feminine.

Your perfect romantic evening?

Fresh flowers, confectionery and lingerie. I love running a hot bath, adding milk, honey and rose petals. You can sit opposite each other with a glass of wine and relax.

- © Fairfax NZ News