Designer Interviews: Myriam Girard of Myriam Girard Lingerie

November 15, 2011 by admin
Filed under Latest Lingerie News

‘Charmante’This month’s designer interview is with Myriam Girard of the eponymous luxury brand, Myriam Girard Lingerie. Working exclusively in fine silk and Chantilly Lace, Myriam Girard brings a modern French perspective to the world of lingerie. In our interview, Myriam discusses her inspiration, what it means to be a French woman designing lingerie, and shares her favorite piece from her own collections.

1) You were one of my Top Lingerie Designers of 2010, and I unashamedly adore your range. What made you get into the lingerie industry and what was your background before then?

I have always loved lingerie, it’s such a personal and emotional garment. I always knew that one day I would have my own lingerie brand, but it took me many years and experiences to get to where I am now. I have worked in many fields, including the entertainment industry (where I organized fashion shows for luxury brands) and finance. These experiences enriched me immensely and gave me the opportunity to gather enough money to start my own venture.

‘Mysteriuse’2) I believe you’re the first French lingerie designer I’ve interviewed, even though you’re currently based in London.. How does being a Frenchwoman influence your designs?

I learned couture from my mother at a very early age and that taught me to make lingerie and nightwear pieces that fit and flatter the feminine frame. My culture influences me at every stage of the design process, from the first drawings to the choice of materials. I cut my nightdresses on the bias like French couture dresses so women can feel comfortable as well as beautiful wearing them.

I am from Lyon in France, which is the silk capital of Europe. Lyon silk weavers created the beautiful outfits of the kings and queens of Europe. Marie-Antoinette, with her extravagant wardrobe, was a big customer of Lyon silks.

I love silk, it’s such an exquisite material to work with and it’s natural so it lets the skin breathe–soft in summer and warm in winter. I also work with delicate French Chantilly lace which is fragile and rare in beauty…an amazing piece of French craftsmanship.

3) What’s the inspiration behind Myriam Girard Lingerie?

Art portraying women in all their splendor and their natural beauty. I love painters such as Fragonard, Boucher, Ingres, Degas or Klimt, they painted women beautifully with all their natural curves. There was no concept of retouching back then! My lingerie is designed for women of all shapes and sizes and to make them look beautiful just the way they are.

Boucher4) There are so many lingerie brands out there…what makes Myriam Girard different?

My lingerie is timeless, elegant and luxurious. I’d like to think that you will cherish it for years to come and that your daughter or granddaughter will find it in your wardrobe one day and will want to wear it too.

5) When you’re envisioning the Myriam Girard woman, what’s the like?

She’s confident and elegant. She knows what suits her and loves understated luxury. And most of all she’s a “bon vivant” (she enjoys the good things in life!).

‘Envoutante’6) Out of all the pieces you’ve designed, which one is your favorite?

I love the Envoutante slip for its bold “crushed berries” color and beautiful Chantilly lace. I custom made that color myself, I wanted a deep sensual color that wouldn’t be the obvious red. It’s sexy and very flattering and the color looks great on all skin types even without make up. Perfect piece to take on a romantic weekend. Envoutante means to bewitch in French!

‘Reveuse’7) As a designer, where do you see the future of lingerie going?

Like the rest of the fashion industry, lingerie should become more ethical and sustainable. I don’t believe in fast produced fashion/lingerie that uses so much water and chemicals to produce cheap pieces. It’s important to control what you make and respect the countries and the people who work for you.

8) And last, but not least, where can we buy your pieces?

You can buy my lingerie online on http://www.myriamgirard.com/, it will come gift-wrapped and with my nice handmade satin lingerie bag.

For all the lingerie addicts, I would like to offer a special 20% Christmas Discount with the code ADDICT20 at checkout. All prices are available in USD, EUR GBP and Tax/VAT will be deducted when shipping outside Europe.