VPL designer Victoria Bartlett is giving girls one very good reason to keep investing in summer clothes: a new collaborative inner-as-outer wear collection with Anthropologie called UV_UnderVisibles. Inspired by the work of the Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher, Bartlett created an 18-piece collection starring six subtle micro-prints — a definite departure from her own large-scale graphics. “We had never worked with such small patterns for VPL, so it was quite exciting,” says the designer, who, in some cases, downsized and softened her main line’s bigger patterns to make sweeter ones, like the pink and melon repeat on a bra and high-waisted underpant set. “We found this type of print really worked with the sporty energy of the UV line.” Indeed, though cheerful and pretty, the pieces also hit an athletic note with a price point that will please a young shopper’s budget. Bras and underwear start at $68 and $48; chemises and camisoles go for $128 and $98, respectively. As one of Anthropologie’s monthly collaborations with independent designers, the collection will be available online for under 10 weeks after its July 30 unveiling. “It’s based in the roots of VPL, which lie in the desire to bridge the gap between inner and outerwear,” Bartlett says. Given recent temperatures, we might lean toward wearing it like the latter.
©2013 Body Ballet