If we've met, even briefly, you will know that I love a good story. And I have been fascinated by the Greek myth of Persephone since I was a child. Something about its darkness, symbolism, and redemption always caught me up in its rhythm. So at the start of the year, when I was feeling a bit lost and looking to reconnect with my creativity, Persephone made herself felt, and I suddenly had a clear direction.
Saying that I was feeling "a bit" lost is a bit like saying Demeter missed Persephone "a bit". In all honesty, it has been a hard year. But it has had its gifts, and the impetus to design something that dug deep into my darker aesthetic values sparked off some rich ideas. My moodboard was full of Man Ray, pre-raphaelite art, muted jewel tones, and vintage erotica. A jumble of stimuli that felt raw, sensual, and delicious to dive into.
And leaning into the symbolism of the myth, it felt appropriate to launch this collection in Autumn, as Demeter's abandonment of the earth takes hold; Persephone lost to the Underworld and to Hades grasp. I wanted to lean into that, and capture the sort of darkness that you sink into like velvet, that leaves a heady floral aftertaste, that drowns out your reason. I wanted Persephone, innocence stolen, and tasting voluptuous sweetness for the first time in months.
I hope you'll agree that we got there.
"Seeds Of Persephone" is a mini collection comprising a corset dress, two overbusts, a waspie and a neck corset. I've been conscious of the lack of overbusts in the online boutique, and I think these cover our bases nicely for the time being. A solid silk option with 100 custom shades available (check out our new sampling service) and a precious Solstiss lace piece, sheer with extended suspenders in timeless seductive style and a matching neck corset. The waspie is the new version of our Aneira Lace, in rich metallic gold lace, layered over sheer black mesh that can be styled with just about anything. And finally, the corset dress that started it all, Initially seen on Miriam Veil earlier this year, and brought back with vegan silk and silk dupion options, and customisation possibilities upon request. I've really tried to open up the possibilities for putting your own stamp on these pieces. A sort of semi bespoke range, with custom fit options, vegan fabrics alongside silks, and as always, the opportunity to drop me a line and really lean into the embellishment process!
All these pieces feel special to me, but if I had to pick a favourite, it would probably be the Elinor overbust with suspenders in lace. She may be a little quieter than the corset dress, but every aspect is so gloriously balanced. The shape is so divinely sculpting, and the way the suspenders reach down to grasp the thighs really is a thing of beauty. The little point where the silk panels finish on the centre front, leaving the suspenders as sheer lace, the rolling shape of the bustline, finishing with a quirky little peak. She's so full of detail and character, and I'm so glad we got to briefly capture her on a recent shibari photoshoot with Caitlyn our model, Sally Sparrow my favourite photographer, and Vasu, our rigger.
Unusually, for this collection I did not plan my own shoot, but a collaboration opportunity arose that happened to perfectly fit what I wanted. Caitlyn is a model I've known digitally for years, shooting through mutual friends, and I've always admired their emotive, bold work. So when Sally let me know there was an opportunity to join their shibari shoot with rigger Vasu, I fell over myself accepting! For the unitiated, shibari is the Japanese art of rope bondage, where the beauty and intricacy of the knots is ritualistic and intimate. The idea of suspension, of helplesness, and surrender were all the perfect symbolic fit for my theme, and despite there being no conversation around it, Vasu even brought pomegranate red rope for the occasion! Kismet.
We were rather pushed for time and fighting the weather on our shoot day, but with everyone bringing their art to the table, we were able to secure some beautiful shots that were vulnerable, intense, and exquisite. I'm forever grateful to our wonderful team for that funny old day in the woods, feeding crisps to a model suspended in a tree. I wouldn't swap my job for the world.
The Autumn Winter 2025 collection is now live, and ready to bring a little sparkling darkness to your lingerie drawer. I look forward to seeing which pieces become your favourites, and how you make them your own with custom colours and embellishment.
Let's take these darker months and make them bloom.