Panache Lingerie, was founded nearly 30 years ago, and is still a family owned business, but one that has gone global. It has three core values, FIT, COMFORT and SUPPORT. I think they are selling themselves short they should add DESIGN or even PASSION to that list. I came away from visiting Panache HQ with my mind reeling with information. It was a fantastic day, full of surprises. I learnt so much, and my most lasting memory will be not only that I need Panache Lingerie in my life (as does everyone in my opinion) but how incredibly passionate the employees are. Panache HQ is in Sheffield, I along one other parenting blogger, lingerie, beauty and fashion bloggers met to celebrate our very own Jubilee party, whilst enjoying a tour of Panache, and view the new Autumn/Winter 2012 collection. Our first task was to be measured. We individually went to the fitting room, where were fitted. Not a tape measure in sight it was done purely by the eye, of the experts. I usually wear a 36 C/D and have done for the past 10 years. I have been wearing a seriously wrong sized bra.  I measured up to be a 32 DD, blimey Tall Dad will be impressed 😉 .  They talked to me about the styles and fits which would suit me.  It was a real shock, I can’t wait to take my new-found knowledge and buy a few pretty summer bras….Panache of course.

Next a tour:

Showing the many components that make up each bra.

There are 5 different brands within Panache. To cater for every women’s need! We were introduced by the designers to each of the brands, looking at the process from start to finish. Mood board, colour combination, and choice of fabric.  I found it fascinating.

Superbra:

• Combining core basic lingerie and classic fashion led designs
• A signature look, for the ‘Superbra’ customer
• Designed for the fuller busted women
• D-KK cup 28-44
• Comfort, support and value
• A large range of styles and shape, including multi way and moulded bra

The Panache Superbra as you can see from the mood board take inspiration from Art Deco and Art Decratif. A rich oriental influence too. The palate of colours really appealed to me, as did the luxuriousness and the femininity.

This is the Porcelain Viva (D-G cup) which is a moulded t-shirt bra

Jasmine (D-K cup) a balconett bra, with an oriental design on the fabric. This is the most beautiful design, with what looked liked tiny and colourful birds of paradise on, simply beautiful! It has stretch lace around the top line of the bra, which adds to the luxurious finish.

Masquerade:

• Luxurious, continental inspired
• D – HH cup
• Fabric such and silk, satin and lace
• Shapes used include bandeau, deep plunge, basque and balconnet

Panache Masqurade – Indulgent and sophisticated, were the words I would use to describe this range. Rich earthy and jewel like colours that are used in these pieces to offer support and comfort.

Delphi (D-H cup) This balconnet basque emphasises the body contour, and is teamed with a high leg thong.

Harem (D-H cup) This really appealed to the vintage lover in me. I looked liked it had stepped off the pages of a 1950’s glossy magazine, as did the Deity range. They could have easily been worn by Marilyn Monroe. Beautifully simple, sculpting and supporting, brought bang up to date.

Cleo:

• Introduced Spring/Summer 2009
• Youthful and Playful, but still with the perfect fit
• Vibrant, on trend
• From D-J Cup 28-38 back

Panache Cleo: It surprised me that this was the range that I preferred it its entirety. Flirty, fun, and definitely fashion forward. It still has the retro style that I love, but the detailing makes it just so feminine.  I can see that this is going to be a huge success.

Marcie (D-J cup) a balconnet bra and brief.  This is a new design for the Cleo range, a great pop of colour.

Zia (D-J cup) the monocrome rose lace detailing is really beautiful in this bra, and is in contrast to the spot print in the fabric.

Panache Sport:

• Designed as the ultimate sports bra
• Tested using 3D motion and biomechanical technology (Loughborough Uni)
• It reduces the ‘bounce’ by up to 83%
• B-H cup for any sport

This is the only ‘real life’ example I have of the sports bra, though this is a good example as it is an Olympic creation. It was in actual fact gifted to us, in our newly adjusted size at the end of the event.  I must say even the sports bras ‘feel expensive’ not only in the fabric that they use, but investments that have been made in the technology used to make and test them.

Panache Swimwear:

• Offering D-K with the same amazing fit as the lingerie
• high performance fabrics, with quality of fit
• Core basics and fashionable swimwear and key detailVeronica (D-K cup) There are lots of options up available in this range, which is fantastic, as you really can mix and match to use the style that really suits your body type. This includes a swimsuit with rouching and a control tummy panel for added confidenceLola (D-G cup) This has great embellishment details, that definitely add luxuryStella (D-K cup) This was without doubt my favourite range in the swimwear, I love the nautical theming of it, which is always on trend. I also loved that you can mix and match the pieces. This includes the two navy set being held up and the two sets on the mannequins.

Panache is available to purchase from Bravissimo, John Lewis, House of Frazer, Debenhams, Nordstrom, Figleaves, Very.co.uk, and ASOS, as well as many independant retailers.

What a great day we had, Panache really is a fantastic company and their lingerie is definitely fit for any queen…or princess!

FIT

DESIGN

STYLE

COMFORT

PASSION

Thank you to the Panache team for making me feel so welcome…to all of the other bloggers and to Best British Bloggers for inviting me.

Thank you for reading