The cult New York underwear-as-outerwear label finally arrives on our shores.
Sometimes underwear, however impractical it may be, is just far too stylish to keep under wraps. However, thanks to the practical thinking of New York ex-stylist Victoria Bartlett, VPL has no reason to be kept hidden away.
The cult New York label VPL was born from the mindset that underwear should be a visible, stylish part of everyday attire. Forget pretty frills and sheer lace, The sporty athletic-inspired lingerie is thick enough to provide coverage without padding, and the graphic, minimalist designs are begging to be seen – peeking out from a slightly sheer shirt or strappy top.
We are pleased to note that Children of Vision has just acquired the VPL brand to New Zealand for the very first time. The first drop includes two of the most iconic styles; the ‘B’ bra and the ‘Insertion’ bra are a prelude to the main delivery that arrives in August. Get in quickly before we do! thedenizen.co.nz
VPL Store
VPL began with a simple concept of drawing the innerwear out. By bringing underwear out to become a visible, stylish part of our everyday uniform, VPL style begs the question: what mystery really lies beneath?
VPL (Visible Panty Line) launched its first line of undergarment-inspired styles in Fall of 2003, when well-known stylist Victoria Bartlett had a vision to design a capsule collection to fill the niche between lingerie and sportswear. As a stylist, Victoria acknowledged the growing demand for utilitarian yet stylish undergarments that can be mixed, matched, and layered, hence, the building block factor she encourages in her designs. Furthermore, Victoria began to question the assumption of sexiness in undergarments. With the bold assertion that “I don’t do T and A,” she challenged the fashion world with an innovative conception of sexy.
While each season embodies the utilitarian-chic style in new ways, VPL has continued to incorporate elements of functional uniforms with daring shots of color, unexpected accessories, and creative styling pieces. The VPL aesthetic remains rooted in the foundational principles of comfort, functionality, and style. By injecting the everyday uniform with the unexpected panty line, the peeping-out bra strap, or the bold shock of color, each season unveils a new dimension of the standard-issue. The design details and trims such as sliders, elastics, and zigzag stitching, extracted from architectural quality of vintage underwear, have become a recognizable characteristic of the brand. From the militaristic maverick to the institutional ingénue, VPL style attracts the woman who eschews traditional sexy, yet exudes a sensuality all her own.
Since inception, VPL has gradually evolved to include ready-to-wear, accessories, bags, and shoes, partnering with shoe designer Tiffany Tuttle from LD Tuttle and jewelry designers Alyssa Norton, Brian Crumley, Josh Hickey, Lizzie Fortunato and Orly Genger & Jaclyn Mayer. Each season brings new pieces ranging from sea-glass chandeliers to Roman-coin bangles to banded leather armadillo boots, and beyond. As designer Victoria Bartlett and business partner Kikka Hanazawa bring VPL to the frontlines of fashion, the world has taken note. In 2006, VPL received the Ecco Domani award, was a finalist for the Fashion Group International Rising Star Award in 2007, and most recently, was a top ten finalist for the 2007 CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund. Furthermore, celebrities such as Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Aniston, Tilda Swinton, Juliette Lewis, and Victoria Beckham have been seen in VPL designs. From the design studio in New York City, Victoria Bartlett continues to be inspired by the unceasing city pulse, yet remains dedicated to the concept of visibility rather than invisibility (underwear, outerwear, anywhere). store.vplnyc.com
©2013 Body Ballet