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?
Dear readers, it has been a while since I have last posted but never fear, I am back at the most festive time of the year and have some surprises in store for you (stay tuned)!
With the Christmas lights going up, thoughts of roast turkey, mince pies and mulled wine all a tantalising 11 days away, it is time to turn our attention to the excitement of wishlist creating and gift buying! Whether it's a gift for someone else or a treat for yours truly, lingerie always makes for a very special and luxurious gift to unwrap at Christmas time. Whatever your bust size and taste, Christmas time yields a most spectacular array of new lingerie collections to tickle your fancy.. and this year is no exception!
Demonstrating exactly why lingerie is the present to give this Christmas, I bring you my 'Twelve days of Bra-mas' lingerie picks! Delve into these festive delights...
On the 1st day of Bra-mas my true love gave to me...
Sexy, strappy, directional! Classic black lace gets a saucy update with cut-outs and on-trend strap detailing - ideal for lingeristas with a penchant for bondage-inspired lingerie. It's not often that you find edgy, boudoir lingerie that starts at a 30 back, goes up to a G cup and comes in at under £30, so this Pour Moi? bra hits the nail on the head!
What could be more festive than the colour red and sequins? This exclusive colourway features moulded cups with graduated push-up padding for an enviable cleavage! Thanks to its adjustable and removable straps, this versatile bra will be an underwear staple for any outfit and ensure that you sparkle your way through the season!
Nothing oozes luxury like a jewel coloured bra and this rich cobalt blue set by Curvy Kate is guaranteed to seduce. For fans of the Curvy Kate 'Wild' bra, 'Flaunt' delivers the exact same knockout cleavage, all the way up to a J cup! Who can resist the beautiful peacock feather inspired embroidery either? You'll be sure to ruffle some feathers in this!
Fuller busts, rejoice! After much anticipation, the 'Marcie' babydoll (based on the hugely popular 'Marcie' bra) has arrived! The semi-sheer, polka dotted mesh skims and flatters curves, whilst the underwired bra section ensures that you feel supported and comfortable! Going up to a J cup, this babydoll delivers both style and substance to make any fuller busted lady look and feel a million bucks!
This emerald green silk and delicate eyelash lace bra epitomises sophistication and grown-up glamour. The emerald and black make a particularly striking combination and this set would be sure to suit a variety of complexions. The attention to detail and use of quality fabrics add to its boudoir opulence!
Stand out this Christmas in this seductive and striking red number from Boux Avenue. The satin is beautifully complemented by black retro piping and feminine guipure embroidery. Guaranteed to set hearts racing, you will feel like a true glamour puss in this!
(P.S. Please extend your sizing range, Boux, so that I can own it too!)
Who says that seam-free has to be boring? If you're looking for a smooth finish and an uplifted cleavage to boot, the Curvy Kate 'Starlet' will be ideal for under your Christmas party frocks! With its chic petrol blue shade, subtle diamond pattern, purple accents and little star charm, this bra delivers both support and style in abundance. You will certainly feel like starlet!
Flirt your way through Winter with the elegant 'Sophia' balconette bra by Tutti Rouge! Minty green satin iced with cream lace and topped with mesh and a pink accented bow, this bra will be hard for lingeristas to resist!
Channel the 'Winter Florals' trend in this stunning and vibrant floral longline bra by Playful promises. The 'Anastasia' is the longline to be reckoned with - the unique marriage of dramatic black mesh, satin and 'cage' bra straps with vivid vintage rose print on satin is guaranteed to 'wow' anyone lucky enough to catch a glimpse!
If you're looking for exquisite luxury this Christmas and have a fuller bust, new brand on the block, 'All Undone Lingerie', will impress you with their show-stopping 'Lola' bra! Underwired, lightly padded and panelled in sumptuous coral silk with Chantilly leaver's lace and gold detailing, 'Lola' is a gift that any lingerie lover would be delighted to receive!
Playful, feminine, sexy, directional; this ivory Lascivious bra is the ultimate in racy, boudoir glamour! With sheer tulle frills subtly positioned over open cups and finished with a decorative champagne-coloured central bow, 'Kitty' is a bra that 'wows'. This is certainly a bra that I am happy to share my name with!
No, your eyes do not deceive you - this is indeed a fuller bust friendly bodysuit! This sleek, mesh panelled body features sexy sheer cups, glitter accents and ribbon motifs for added glamour. The 'Ooh la la' body mixes the great support of Freya's unpadded plunge bras with a new design that boasts a seamless finish - perfect for a smoothing look under clothes or worn as a 'boudoir piece' in its own right!
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(Credit: debretts.com)
I hope you enjoyed my 12 lingerie gift picks for this season - will you be putting any of them on your Christmas list?
One of the first brands for larger busts that I fell in love with was Panache and their 'Cleo' range. Cleo made its debut in 2009 and since then, it has attracted a loyal customer base of lingerie-loving fashionistas. Cleo is rather like Panache Superbra's trend-conscious younger sister, providing great support in colourful and pretty designs, from a 28 band and up to a J cup!
As I'm sure many lingeristas will agree, it is always exciting to come across your favourite brands at discounted prices, so I was really happy to find the gorgeous and girly Cleo 'Lucy' bra on sale for £16.95 on notnaked!
I ordered my usual 28FF size and was amazed to receive confirmation that my item had been dispatched the very same day. The package arrived a matter of a day later too!
As you can see from the picture, the Cleo 'Lucy' is a non-padded underwired balconette with a three sectioned cup and fully adjustable shoulder straps. This pink beauty is primarily made of doubled-lined mesh, with single mesh panels along the top of the cups. The benefit of having two layers of mesh on the cups, is the added support and superior shape that it gives. Unlike some mesh bras (which can give a slightly pointy look), the 'Lucy' lends to a lovely rounded, yet natural shape.
Having semi-sheer cups stops you from feeling too exposed, but at the same time, gives a tantalising hint of what is underneath! The sheer mesh panels along the top of the cups feature a white embroidered Picot trim, alongside openwork floral embroidery - detailing which is complimented by small floral motifs, scattered intermittently across the cups. This girly and feminine bra is finished off by a vibrant pink and white bow at the centre gore. Despite the shocking pink colour of this bra, it works well under most tops and the embroidery does not show through either.
(Detail of the 'Lucy', showing intricate embroidery detailing and sheer panels.)
Size-wise, the 'Lucy' fits well and feels very comfortable - the under-band feels very snug, which is something that I love about Panache bras and the centre gore sits flush against the chest without digging in. An unpadded bra that gives a nice rounded and uplifted shape is hard to come by, so I was impressed with the shape that the 'Lucy' gives.
The only issue that I had with the 'Lucy' bra, was the slight wrinkling that I got along the sheer mesh panels at the top, despite the cup size being correct. Ladies who are 'fuller on top' will probably not experience this, but it is worth mentioning for those who find this a common occurrence in unpadded styles.
The Cleo 'Lucy' is a great everyday bra and its vibrant pink shade and floral detailing are sure to make you feel every bit the girly girl! Above all, I am pleased with the firmness of the band and the lovely shape and support that the 'Lucy' provides. Thanks to Panache, this bra will definitely have you feeling pretty in pink!
Since its creation by Anthony Power in 1982, British brand, Panache, has grown from a small business into one of the leading names of the D+ lingerie market. Fit, support, comfort and quality are paramount to Panache's ideals - a philosophy that remains key to its global success.
Panache offer great fit from AA-KK across five different collections, each geared towards a slightly different customer base:
Panache Superbra - The brand's core collection that focuses on providing classic, pretty and well-fitting staples.
Cleo by Panache - Aimed at a younger audience, Cleo is fun and edgy, providing a great fit and fashionable designs.
Masquerade - Panache's higher-end collection that features dramatic and glamorous lingerie and bedroom wear in luxurious designs and fabrics.
Atlantis - A collection from AA-E that focuses on creating uplift and the appearance of a bigger bust with cleavage-boosting padded bras.
Panache Swimwear - An extension of Panache Superbra, providing well-fitting, supportive and fashionable swimwear for the bigger busted woman.
I have worn Panache for a while now and am a big fan of Cleo and Masquerade in particular, so I was naturally very excited to be invited to Panache's Spring/Summer 2012 press launch, hosted by Instinct PR. The event was held at the Sanctum Hotel in Soho and took place in one of the suites, giving the launch a glamorous boudoir atmosphere.
On arriving, the Instinct PR team welcomed me with an overview of the brand and invited me to be fitted into their best-selling 'Tango' bra, which currently goes up to a K cup. The 'Tango' is a staple from the Superbra collection and comes in both a plunge and balconette. It is completely unpadded and follows the natural shape of the breasts, whilst the Austrian leaf embroidery design on the cups keeps the bra from looking plain. The fitter was fantastic and fitted me as a 28FF in a matter of a minute!
The exciting news is that this year the 'Tango' celebrates its 10th anniversary and to honour the occasion, Panache has brought out two stunning, limited edition styles...
The gorgeous, peachy-coral toned 'Tutti Frutti', with raspberry, purple and pink tinged leaf embroidery:
This brings me to talk about the Panache Superbra collection as a whole...
PANACHE SUPERBRA
The Panache Superbra Spring/Summer 2012 collection builds on classic Panache shapes, seeing updates to their best selling styles, as well as the introduction of an array of vibrant new colours and patterns. The Superbra collection is awash with rich blues, burnt yellows and oranges, berry, aqua, peach, violet and fuchsia hues, whilst designs range from plain delicate lace to leaf and floral embroidery, through to graphic print feather and mosaic patterning. This collection combines superb fit and ultimate comfort with sophisticated, yet fashionable styling.
The 'Carmel' is a gorgeous new addition to the collection - the rich blue is set off beautifully by the burnt yellow-orange hibiscus detailing, which really gives this piece an exotic feel:
I loved the 'Ariza' - an intense violet hue complimented by pops of aqua and orange floral detailing:
The moulded 'Porcelain Viva' bra comes in bright fuchsia for S/S12 - an eye-catching fashion colour that provides variation to the standard black, white and nude basic shades:
The 'Fern' balconette channels Gaudi-esque geometric mosaic patterning, with a quirky colour palette of pinks, oranges and greys:
The 'Paloma' boasts an eye-catching graphic feather print pattern in burnt orange, black, white and grey:
The lacey 'Andorra' is the epitome of simple sophistication, whilst its berry hue gives it a feel of luxury..
whilst the 'Eden' adds a tropical vibe with flashes of orange and floral motifs against a berry backdrop:
The girly new 'Lorna' bra drew many a gasp when it was revealed that this red, pink, grey and white floral and lace number was a maternity bra!
I also thought that the current 'Sophie' maternity bra was really boudoir and sexy - Good on Panache for providing such lovely maternity bras for yummy mummys!
Panache Superbra new season styles alongside old favourites:
THE NEW PANACHE SPORTS BRA
After much anticipation, the new Panache Sports bra has arrived! The new sports bra is the brainchild of Panache's head designer, Clare Fallon and is the product of 3 years of careful development and extensive testing by Progressive Sports Technologies in Loughborough. During this period, 3D motion and biomechanical tracking techniques were used to measure the effects of the sports bra on breast bounce. Panache are delighted with their new sports bra offering and say that it reduces bounce by 83%, compared to 65% by its competitors. The Panache sports bra works by encapsulating rather than compressing the breasts, providing superior comfort and support to the wearer. Catering to sizes from D-H and at a very reasonable £35, this bra is perfect for larger busted ladies who want to exercise and banish the bounce! I was very excited to finally see the new Panache Sports bra in the flesh:
What is also amazing about this sports bra, is that Panache have even introduced some fashion colours into the range - the purple, pink and grey version looks great, as well as providing the support you need for exercising! The Panache sports bra definitely deserves a blog review in future...
PANACHE SWIMWEAR
Panache also offer cup-sized swimwear up to a K cup, for ultimate support and comfort by the pool and on the beach. Panache's Spring/Summer 2012 swimwear collection takes its inspiration from Africa and Tahiti and boasts a fabulous mix of eye-catching shades (from purple to orange to scarlet to turquoise), alongside fabulous geometric, tribal, nautical and vintage patterning.
One of my swimwear favourites was the Panache 'Sophia' - an innovative one shouldered vivid purple bandeau bikini. The knot details give this bikini a real sense of glamour and sophistication!
The Panache 'Veronica' comes in a sexy bandeau bikini and in an elegant strappy swimsuit, which has lovely ruching detail at the sides to flatter your curves. The scarlet red of the 'Veronica' just screams vintage pin-up!
Moving away from block colour, the Panache 'Suzette' has an eye-catching tribal leaf print that mixes rich purples with striking violet and coral-orange:
The Panache 'Natalie' bikini continues the use of geometric tribal print, but adds a quirky colour combination of turquoise, purple, aqua and scarlet:
The Panache 'Claudette' features a tropical flower and palm print, with two-toned combinations of black and white or red and white. This simple but dramatic graphic look will work for just about anyone:
Because no swimwear collection would be complete without a bit of nautical print, the 'Lucille' makes a come-back for S/S12 in navy and white with red detailing..fabulous!
Last but not least, one of the stand-out pieces of the collection was the Panache 'Page' halterneck bikini and retro swimsuit. The quirky nautical wave print, scarlet panels and white buttons give a real nod to 50s pin-up style!
CLEO BY PANACHE
'Cleo' by Panache is a range that I am very familiar with, owning quite a few styles myself! I really liked the Spring/Summer collection, which delivers young, colourful and fashionable lingerie in eye-catching prints and bold colours. Cleo S/S12 is a real burst of paintbox brights - with hot pink, turquoise, orange, inky blue, violet, canary yellow, lime, red and baby blue. Along with the graphic prints, paisley patterning, zig-zag embroidery and lace trims, this range has something for a diverse range of tastes!
Continuing with Cleo's long-standing love for poppy print, the Cleo 'Chloe' bra is very feminine and pretty with its ditsy floral poppy and lavender print:
A modern twist on paisley print, the turquoise Cleo 'Alexa' bra is a real 'look at me' bra. The flashes of orange, lime, white and purple against the vivid turquoise base make it a knock-out piece. The delicate pink lace trim and bow at the centre of the cups add to its girly charm!
I love the Cleo 'Ellie' bra, which is a really playful and fun balconette that looks rather like a piece of abstract art! The multi-coloured watercolour pattern of inky blue, aqua and purple splotches looks fantastic with the hot pink lace trim. This beauty is bound to add some life to your underwear drawer!
The Cleo 'Rihanna' abstract design again has a very painterly quality to its print. The combination of white, red, black, peach and turquoise is very unusual, yet striking:
A new take on Cleo's popular 'Lucy' bra, this vibrant canary yellow version with pink ribbon motif just screams summer fun and would put a smile on anyone's face no matter what the weather!
The Cleo 'Ariana' bra in 'samba' has a really exotic carnival feel, with its rainbow-coloured zig-zag embroidery:
Cleo's popular 'Jude' bra is updated in hot red with baby blue detailing for S/S12.. a great alternative to moulded t-shirt bras in basic colours:
As a fan of the Cleo 'Poppy' bra from last season, I was pleased to see that the Cleo 'Juna' bra is identical in design. Coming out in useful basic colours of black, nude and ivory, the 'Juna' will be great as an everyday bra, but will keep you feeling pretty with its decorative broderie anglaise trims!
MASQUERADE
If you are looking for luxury, Masquerade simply oozes glamour and sophistication, with its sumptuous fabrics, rich colours and exquisite detailing. Masquerade looks to combine a beautiful fit with a high-end feel, without the designer price tag! Masquerade Spring/Summer 2012 is heavily influenced by the arabian antiquities of Persia, Morocco and Egypt. The collection features ornate embroidery, floral lace overlay, satin jacquard, tassel and jewel motifs, alongside a colour palette of ivory, nude, antique golds, powder green, dusky lilac, raspberry and black.
The 'Rhea' bra in 'powder' was one of the first Masquerade bras that I ever tried on and I remain a fan to this day. The 'Rhea' has proved very popular with Masquerade fans, due to its vintage look and 'Marie-Antoinette' balconette design, which gives fantastic shape and uplift to a larger bust. For Spring/Summer, the 'Rhea' comes in an elegant dusky pink tone:
and classic black (guaranteed to look fantastic on everyone!):
The 'Rhea' features intricate lace embroidery and a ribbon and heart-shaped jewel at the centre of the cups, for added elegance!
One of my favourite styles was the stunning 'Amira' in 'Elderberry' - a dusky lilac-toned Boselli satin plunge bra, adorned with delicate ivory Guipure lace at the cups, centre gore and along the straps:
The 'Medina' continues the dusky lilac theme, but instead is contrasted with a rose print pattern of red, pink and green - truly exotic!
The other plunge style from the collection is the powder green 'Illsa' in 'Waterlilly', which boasts an embroidered mosaic tile pattern on the cups:
For S/S12, the 'Delphi' is updated in champagne nude satin, with white embroidered floral overlay and raspberry notes. Check out the gorgeous mesh-embroidered panels on the knickers too!
Another of my favourites has to be the 'Persia' in 'Damson'. Nude with lace overlay is a big trend for the coming seasons, so the 'Persia' is really on the mark.The 'Persia' bra has a Moroccan influence, with its nude base, overlaid with rich maroon lace. The combination of the satin band and straps with the intricate floral mosaic patterned lace is exquisite and the little tassel motif shows real attention to detail. This is one set that I absolutely must try!
Another favourite is the satin, champagne coloured 'Capella' with black jacquard lace effect. Not only does this sweetheart moulded bra look divine, but the fit is also spot on! I recently tried this bra on in Bravissimo and fell in love with its beautiful fit and support. This set is sure to make you feel a million dollars!
The gold-nude 'Harem' is a really luxurious twist on the nude trend. With satin and lace panels, this set would be perfect for special occasion wear, as well as for every day luxury. The high-waisted lace panelled knickers are also a nod to the vintage style that is making a come back:
As a bride-to-be, I was immensely excited by the luxurious ivory satin 'Deity' range (the body and plunge bra are pictured below). It is so hard to come by beautiful bridal lingerie that is available in a 28 back, so I really struck gold with the 'Deity'. The body and high-waisted knickers look very vintage-inspired and the art-deco esque embroidery and zig zag stitching make the 'Deity' very classic and understated, yet still very seductive:
All in all, I thought that the Panache Spring/Summer 2012 collections were incredibly strong and there really is something for everyone. Customers love to see their favourite bra styles reinvented in different colours and prints, so Panache really deliver from season to season, updating classics, whilst equally introducing exciting new styles.
My absolute favourite collection was Masquerade. There was not a single piece that I did not adore and with its indulgent fabrics and exotic colours, its lingerie seems too good to save for a special occasion! The difficulty will be choosing which to buy, as everything is so stunning!
I also think that Panache should be commended for really pushing the boat out with the quirky colour combinations and prints of their Cleo range, which presents variation to typically floral-driven summer collections.
Panache definitely spoil ladies with a larger bust for Spring/Summer 2012 and every collection embodies the chic style that their brand name suggests. Above all, what remains a constant, is Panache's flair for providing lingerie and swimwear that is pretty, supportive, well-fitting and comfortable.
