French Knickers - Underwear Online

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So many good things have come out of France. Among them are Champagne, steak frites, kissing, letters and Johnny Depp (well, he lives there). And lingerie. France is the home of lingerie, and what could be more French than French knickers?

Strangely enough, the name actually derives from the Edwardian opinion that anything vaguely risqué must come from France (the obvious flip side being, of course, that the only thing stiff about Englishmen was their upper lips). In French they’re called ‘culotte flottante’ - floating knickers - or ‘boxers’. This elaborate style which came into vogue in Britain the 1920s remained current through the 1930s and 1940s. Although after World War II it was taken over in popularity by simpler briefs in new artificial materials it experienced a resurgence in the 1970s when silk, satin and lace came back to add a frothy finish to revamped cami-knickers, French knickers and other finery.

And, as the thong ebbs in popularity, they are back now. For delicate camiknickers try the FrostFrench range at Debenhams. You can also find the brand, which has been featured in Harpers Bazaar and Vogue among other magazines, in London’s Selfridges and Harrods, and Boston’s Kirna Zabete and Louis. Coco Ribbon, on London’s Kensington Park road, is a very good place to find pretty French knickers – possible draped nonchalantly over an antique French dresser. The boutique, which was founded in 2002 by Sophie Threapleton and Alison Hample, won 2003’s Livewire Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. Featured labels including Colette Dinnigan, a favourite with Nicole Kidman, and their own Coco Ribbon Couture. They also have talented new designers from Australian Hample’s home hemisphere. And then there’s Aloe, a label of lingerie and loungewear whose vintage lines were inspired in part by designer Claire Judge’s family heirlooms. Aloe is available in the UK from Gash, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols.

In France itself, there are loads of places to look, particularly in Paris, by tradition the lingerie capital of the world. Start, perhaps, with Les Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Hausman. This seven-storey department store has one of the biggest collections of lingerie in Paris and, if you ask them nicely, they should be able to direct you to some of the smaller boutiques.

 

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