In talks with Scandale brand manager

With many reports recently on the booming state of the luxury lingerie market and new niche takes on it, it seems trade is buzzing on all sides of the globe. FashionUnited caught up with Stephanie Chan, brand manager of newly Hong Kong acquired,

French lingerie line, Scandale, which, having been originally conceived in the 1930's, has been re-launched for A/W12 with a new take on shapewear, chic cosmetic lingerie, which uses new technology to form the perfect equation for women's shapes and sizes.

How

have you seen the Scandale brand evolve over the years and how does the Sirene collection bring it best into the modern day?
Since its auspicious beginnings in 1930’s France, Scandale has been inviting women to create their own silhouette, producing lingerie synonymous with chic femininity. As the fashions evolved from the 1930s to the modern day, Scandale continued to meet the needs and desires of women, for the last 80 years bringing modernity and innovation to each new decade . The Sirène collection captures all the charm of its elegant past, with a new passion to define modern shapewear into chic cosmetic lingerie
 
How do you think the perception of shapewear has changed over the years?
Shapewear has changed a lot over the years, from starting out as the lingerie every woman wore in the 1930s to becoming less desirable in modern times with the increase in fashionable lingerie.  Today shapewear is increasingly becoming a staple in womens wardrobes again and is being bought by women of all shapes, sizes and ages.

How would you define your niche - 'chic cosmetic lingerie'?
Women have lots of ways to maintain their appearance and confidence in every day life, but they also need solutions that will fit into a packed schedule. It’s a two part equation: confidence and being comfortable in your own skin makes you more beautiful, but doing things to help you look great gives you more confidence. We take a cosmetic approach to shapewear - the Scandale woman is effortlessly chic - she knows the art of dressing whilst clever contours perfect the beauty of her curves.

Can you talk me through the fabrics and technology used to put this collection together?
Heritage inspired details and sculpted contour lines made from easy care fabrics that merge the visual and textural, with sleek high shine satin, breathable dot mesh and delicate lace.

We built in pants to The Dress and The Skirt to avoid having to wear pants underneath and creating VPL.  There are adjustable fastenings and soft boning  to provide total versatility for a stay-in-place flawless finish. Double layers of lightweight fabric and targeted medium control panels are cleverly placed to enhance and define curves.  

How did the connection with Hong Kong brand Hop Lun come about?
Hop Lun bought the Scandale brand in 2007.

Which is the key market you are looking to target?
We are planning a worldwide launch.

How are you looking to keep the brand niche at a time when luxury lingerie is booming?
Scandale offers beautiful modern shapewear with the finest of care lavished on the smallest of details providing a flawless fit and unsurpassed comfort. Scandale shapes a woman’s body to perfection, enhancing and embellishing curves, bestowing an invisible but powerful confidence, defining the perfect ‘S’ curve silhouette. Designs inspired by the vintage elegance of the brand, brought up to date with innovative new fabrics and technology. Stylishly elegant pieces that combine French chic, sensuous comfort and effective body shaping. Featuring signature details that will surprise and delight, this is discreet yet alluring shapewear you will want to wear every day.
 
What are your future plans for the label?
Bringing newness and innovation to the shapewear market and bringing the world of Scandale to women all over the world.