Cleo by Panache 'Maddie': Bra review

  Panache is a huge name in the fuller bust lingerie sphere and quite rightly so. It has been Panache's mission for over 30 years to provide women the world-over, with quality lingerie that marries form, fashion, function and affordability. The company prides itself on its desire to innovate; at product level, Panache seeks to provide lingerie for different bodies and fit needs, and on a wider scale, Panache strive to lead in a competitive market through campaigns that hinge upon promoting good bra fit and healthy body image.  

   I have been very fond of Panache for years and its sub-brands (Panache Sport and Swimwear, Masquerade, Cleo and (most recently) Cleo Swimwear and Sculptresse). Each sub-brand boasts a distinct identity, with collections that continuously deliver well-fitting and fashionable lingerie to a variety of tastes. 

   Of all of Panache's sub-brands, I predominantly wax lyrical about Masquerade (I am a sucker for luxurious and elegant lingerie like the 'Capella' bra, 'Anise' and 'Amor') but Cleo is definitely an unsung hero of the Panache family on my blog (aside from my review of the Cleo 'Lucy'!)

   What I particularly enjoy about Cleo lingerie is the trendy and fresh vibe that permeates the collections. The designs are fashion-led, with popping colours, quirky prints and pretty detailing; all of which serve as a reminder that fuller bust lingerie can be fun, young and playful!

   When Panache got in touch with me and asked whether I would like to review some of their lingerie, I jumped at the chance. I was incredibly excited to receive a parcel with not one, but two gorgeous Cleo sets inside! One of the sets that I received was the Cleo 'Maddie' bra and matching briefs in aqua..

   The Cleo 'Maddie' comes in sizes 28-38, D-H and is available in various colourways: continuity shades include black and 'nude', fashion variations consist of animal print and aqua, with 'strawberry' and 'floral' as exclusives to Bravissimo. 

   The set that I received was the 'Aqua' colourway; a zingy electric blue/ turquoise shade with a contrasting pink button detail at the centre gore. The bra is a moulded balconette, featuring subtly textured, striped, seamless cups, which are edged by a picot trim. As a regular wearer of moulded plunge bras (such as the Freya Deco), I was especially interested to try a balconette style moulded bra. 

   Neon brights are big news for Spring/ Summer 14 and the electric blue of the 'Maddie' is even more vibrant in the flesh. I instantly fell in love with the highly-saturated aqua shade and the subtle sheen of the fabric, which makes the set look rather luxurious. The pink button detail adds a pop of clashing colour, lending to the set's playful aesthetic.

   Panache have taken the humble seamless bra and have updated it with a stylish stripe pattern, giving the bra subtle textural and visual interest, without compromising on practicality. Generally, the 'Maddie' gives a smooth look under clothing, however, I do find that the lace trim edging shows through slightly under tighter tops and dresses.

   I originally asked for a 30FF in the 'Maddie', but due to recent weight loss, I found myself needing a 28FF instead. Compared to other Cleo styles that I have tried (e.g. 'Lucy', 'Eleanor' and 'Marcie'), I would say that the 'Maddie' comes up looser in the band and more 'true to size'.

   The band does feel quite stretchy and after a few wears, I have already found the need to move on to a tighter hook. (The back band is also quite thin compared to that of some of my other bras - an feature that may not be to everyone's taste.)

   I am pleased to report that the straps are fully adjustable, allowing for increased longevity of wear and a tailored fit (which is ideal for women of different heights and builds). The straps are also quite thin, at just 1.3cm thick, making them well-suited to a Summer wardrobe. It is worth mentioning that the straps are quite widely spaced and this design feature is equally reflected by the wider underwires.

 

   This brings me to talk about the fit of the 'Maddie', which seems slightly better suited to wider-set breasts. The 28FF is my best fit, although the wider wires and wide strap placement are not the best match for me. As a result, I experience a little bit of 'gapping' at the top of the cups near the armpit, with the straps cutting in slightly at the armpit also (a result of the design being too wide for me). I also find that the 28 back does not completely tack to my sternum, which suggests that this bra is more compatible with shallow breasts.

   Aside from a few fit issues (which are predominantly due to shape incompatibility), the 'Maddie' does feel comfortable to wear. The fabric is soft against the skin and the bra gives a lovely rounded and uplifted shape, resulting in a natural-looking 'Marie Antoinette' cleavage that is ideal for everyday! I also really like the balconette cut, which lends itself well to square necklines.

   I received the matching 'Maddie' briefs in a size 12 (my usual Panache brief size) and they fit perfectly. The shorts feature an all-over seamless stripe pattern, complemented by two diagonal stripes of picot trim and a central pink button detail. The briefs are made of a polyamide, elastane and cotton blend and the material feels buttery soft and smooth against the skin.

   The cut is also very flattering and the briefs have a good amount of stretch, meaning that there is no uncomfortable digging in. My only criticism is that the button prevents the briefs from being 100% seamless, but on the whole, these briefs really deliver on practicality, flattering fit and fashionable design! (Plus, hooray that they are machine washable!)

   The Cleo 'Maddie' set is a great 'fashion staple' and an excellent option for fuller busted ladies who are in search of an eye-catching and trendy moulded balconette bra that serves up comfort, support and style in equal abundance! This set would definitely have appealed to my teenage self too and I am glad that Cleo by Panache is catering fun and practical lingerie solutions to a younger market. The 'Maddie' looks set to remain a continuity style in the Cleo range for seasons to come, with a scrumptious raspberry version coming out this A/W14. 

Cleo 'Maddie' in Raspberry (Coming this A/W14)

   Cleo lingerie is very reasonably priced and the 'Maddie' set comes in at £25 for the bra and £12 for the briefs, available at a range of retailers, such as Figleaves, Bravissimo and Brastop.

   Keep your eyes peeled for another Cleo by Panache review coming soon and in the meantime, check out the rest of Cleo's gorgeous new Lingerie and Swimwear collections.

What are your favourite pieces from Cleo's latest range?

Love,

Panache Autumn/Winter 2012 Press Event

   A while back I attended the Panache Autumn/Winter 2012 press launch, where the new collections from Panache Superbra, Panache Swimwear, Panache Sport, Cleo and Masquerade were put on display for lucky press attendees. Press days normally come about a few months before the launch of new collections in stores, so I am actually very excited to be reviewing the collections now as some of the products are just coming out in shops and online and will continue to do so in the upcoming months! Now there's no need to feel pangs of bra-lust and not be able to buy for months on end...

   The actual press day was held at The House of St Barnabas, a stunning Georgian building situated in Soho.

  After ascending an intricate staircase of wrought-iron balustrades, I reached 'The Drawing Room' which was a spacious room boasting impressive plasterwork, an ornate fireplace, hanging chandelier..and bed! The room was decked out with beautiful lingerie from Panache, which was hung from display rails and draped across the bed. The lingerie was also displayed on the lovely Panache models and was even mounted in picture frames..!

   After a delicious cupcake, I took a look at the Panache Superbra A/W12 collection...

   Panache Superbra A/W12 takes its inspiration from Art Deco and Art Decoratif patterns and prints. The collection is suffused with rich Oriental-inspired tones of ruby, orchid pink, opulent teal, purple and gold. Panache Superbra is all about functional sophistication and the A/W12 collection serves up nothing less...

A new introduction for this season, the Panache 'Jasmine' presents a delicate oriental-inspired bird and branch print. Its black base colour is complimented by flashes of colour in the bird print whilst the stretch lace and bow detail at the centre give this set a feminine finish.

The Panache 'Eden' comes in a lovely midnight blue tone and features mesh panels on the cups, which are decorated with blue, white and aqua floral embroidery.

The 'Andorra' is one of Panache's bestsellers, going up to a J cup in its full cup style and an H cup in its plunge. The new season 'lagoon' blue colour is a great fashion colour that will suit a variety of skin tones.

The Panache 'Fern' is a real stand-out piece from this collection, oozing Art Deco appeal with its midnight blue base and exquisite 'arabesque inspired' floral pattern. 

The 'Ariza' is made over for A/W12 with an eye-catching palette of black, pink and purple. It features beautiful Swiss embroidery in a floral pattern along the cups, for a look that is both elegant and bold.  

If you're looking for glamour, the 'Sienna' in 'lagoon' is perfect with its rich blue colour and ornate black lace overlay. (This bra is one of my collection favourites!)

The Panache 'Melody' comes in a lovely ruby tone and boasts a slightly scalloped edge to the cups with leaf-style embroidery.

Panache's 'Porcelain Viva' in Ruby - a basic that packs a colour punch!

Panache 'Tango' has reached its 10 year anniversary and to celebrate, the 'Tango Luxe' returns in this stunning orchid hue for the new season. I love the contrasting satin, which adds decadence to an everyday 'basic'.

 (Panache 'Tango' available in purple)

Next up, was Panache Swimwear:

   Panache's A/W12 Swimwear collection takes a dive into the popular nautical trend with red, white and blue striped prints and braided rope-style detailing. The collection also includes bold floral patterns and subtle animal prints with tribal inspired motifs in edgy colours. A great feature of this collection is the wide variety of swimwear styles; from swimsuits to bikinis to tankinis, alongside standard coordinates to retro style high waisted briefs with flattering panel details..ideal for stylish mixing and matching!

Panache 'Stella' range:

Panache's underwired bandeau bikinis have proved popular from season to season and the 'Stella' bandeau is equally chic with its red, white and blue colour block stripes. The navy blue rope detail motif at the centre adds a great nautical finish!

For those of you that like a little extra coverage on the beach, the 'Stella' plunge tankini is ideal for showing off your best assets in style. If you prefer a bikini on the beach, this balconette bikini is a great alternative. The matching 'fold down' briefs mean that you can vary your coverage depending on your mood!

How gorgeous does Charlotte look in this navy and white nautical plunge bikini? The plunge top lends to an amazing cleavage and the bottoms are perfect for lengthening legs!

Panache 'Lola' range:

If you want to wear animal print in an unconventional way, the 'Lola' is the epitome of edgy glamour. This new style comes in vivid pink with a faint animal stripe print and contrasting gold embellishments.

The 'Lola' also comes in utterly sophisticated black with stunning silver and turquoise stone embellishments. This is definitely one for my lust list!

Panache 'Veronica':

Best-seller 'Veronica' is updated for A/W12 in this rich 'lagoon' blue tone. The soft sheen fabric makes this set very luxurious and feminine and the ruching on the swimsuit looks ideal for hiding any lumps and bumps.

Panache 'Tallulah' range:

If you like a touch of retro styling, you will love the new 'Tallulah' range. Choose from a tankini, swimsuit or bikini in this stylish painterly floral print. 'Tallulah' also boasts a high waisted bikini pant with panels to flatter your curves, drawing attention up to your waist to give you an hourglass look!

(Heather models the high waisted briefs to perfection here!)

Panache Sport:

   As many of you know from my recent glowing review of this Panache sports bra, Panache are champions of great fit and superior support whilst exercising! Panache's sports bra (available from B-H cup) 'banishes the bounce' with cups that encapsulate the breasts, rather than compressing them. Panache have brought out a 'British coloured' version of their classic sports bra in blue, white and red and have also announced a collaboration with CoppaFeel! in aid of promoting breast care. Panache will be launching a pink colourway of their sports bra this October and will donate a percentage of the sales to the CoppaFeel! charity...

Cleo by Panache:

The Cleo by Panache A/W12 collection is certainly sugar and spice and everything nice! With its 'sweet treats' theme and gorgeous campaign imagery, the collection presents quirky abstract prints, bold colours and bows galore. Cleo has definitely cooked up some lingerie delights for Cleo fans.. 

One of my favourite pieces was the trendy and girly 'Leila' bra, which comes in a pinky/purple tone, complete with black mesh overlay, ribbon embroidery and pink bow motifs. The high waisted briefs are a great 'high fashion' alternative to classic briefs and look very curve-flattering thanks to the mesh panels down the sides.

Cleo's popular 'Lucy' bra gets a makeover in navy and pink for A/W12 - you can see my review of the pink version here.

The 'Marcie' balconette is a new addition for A/W12 and its vivid red hue makes it a great bra for flirting your way through the Christmas months. The delicate trellis embroidery, polkadots and bow and button motifs give this set a quirky and fun edge.

The new Cleo 'Meg' bra is a real stand-out piece with its striking blue and silver swallow print on a navy base. The scalloped edging and red ribbon and bow trims add to this set's trendy appeal.

Another new design to the collection, 'Natasha' mixes an animal/camouflage-esque print in a quirky purple colour palette with graphic style embroidery.

Upscaled polka dots are married with floral rose embroidery in the 'Zia' bra - the unusual grey, white and yellow colour scheme keeps this bra looking fresh.

 With its quirky charcoal coloured animal print and delicate floral embroidery, the Cleo 'Hazel' is perfect for making an statement. 

Based on the best-selling 'Juna' design, the 'Darcy' adds a fashion twist with its graphic heart print design and bold contrasting red trimmings.

The Cleo 'Jude' launches in feminine purple with fashionable navy lace trim and bows for A/W12.

(Also available in black)

Last but not least, this brings me to talk about Masquerade, whose collections were set up in the adjacent 'Silk Room' (which had a lovely vintage print wallpaper and Chanel illustrations on the walls!)

Masquerade A/W12 is nothing short of sumptuous and indulgent, taking its inspiration from 'unearthed treasures'. The collection is replete with glamorous and seductive lingerie styles made from Italian satins, complemented by lace, embroidery and rich jewel colours and earthy hues.. 

The Masquerade 'Harem' is an alluring vintage-inspired plunge available in black, nude and fig, featuring elegant satin coupled with panels of lace.

New style 'Amor' is a beautiful sapphire blue set that exudes opulence and glamour. Its sweetheart plunge bra looks ideal for creating a lovely cleavage!

The highly anticipated 'Deity' bridal range looks set to impress with its luxurious soft Italian satin and Art Deco style stitching.

The 'Rosetti' bra is sure to set hearts a-flutter with its racy scarlet hue, ornate lace detailing and beautiful satin cuff edges..perfect for the Christmas season and all year round seduction!

Popular style, 'Delphi' comes back this A/W12 in this gorgeous boudoir black and ivory colourway. This bra also comes with the option of stylish high waisted briefs for a flattering feminine silhouette. 

(Also comes as a stunning basque!)

 If you remember 'Persia' from last season, you will be delighted to see that it has been brought back for this A/W in a beautiful sapphire blue hue, complete with Italian satin and tassle trims. With its nude base and jewel blue lace overlay, this sumptuous set is sure to be a hit!

***

   Panache's Autumn/Winter 2012 collections are very strong and boast a really diverse array of lingerie and swimwear to suit different age ranges and tastes. It is always difficult to pick out collection favourites, but I really love Panache's swimwear range (which is particularly stunning this season), Cleo (for its fun prints) and Masquerade (because I can't get enough of these glamorous and luxurious lingerie sets!). 

   

   I am also already excited to see Panache's Spring/Summer 2013 collections as there are some new lines being added, including 'Sculptresse', Panache's new fuller figure range (sizes: 36-46 back, D-J cups and sizes 14-26 in co-ordinates):

(Sculptresse by Panache S/S13)

   Most of all, however, I am excited about the launch of Cleo Swimwear for Spring/Summer 2013! One of my long-standing wishes is that Panache Swimwear started at a 28 rather than 30 back, so I can't wait to try Cleo swimwear, which all starts at a 28 back!

(Cleo Swimwear S/S13)

Love,

Kitty xo