We had such fun with the Lover's Gift Guide earlier this year that I wanted to revisit it this festive season. A perfect excuse to introduce you to some of this year's most delicious additions at Orchid, and the independent brands I would style them with. After something of a hiatus in my own deeper passion for lingerie outside corsetry, it's been wonderful to find that hook in my soul again with some of the designers you'll see here and more. There have been so many exceptional collections this year, and I was delighted to discover new artists to admire as well.
Also, while I have your undivided attention, remember that last International shipping dates for regular post (as opposed to couriers) start in early December depending on your location, so made-to-order items will need to be purchased soon if you want them wrapped up under a tree! Always message before ordering if you'd like an honest assessment of whether we can meet your deadlines.
Anyway, without further ado, here are four themes to explore your Winter divinity in. Whether it's gift inspiration or wish list additions, I hope something here speaks to you.
Candlelight
Mood: Tender, sentimental, dreamy. Naïveté with just the right amount of spice.
- Corset - Aneira waspie by Orchid
- Bra- Serpahina Pearl by Seelanii
- Garter belt- mesh girdle skirt by NUBELightwear
- Harness- Aiko harness in oyster by Tatu Couture
A romantic pairing of sheers, lace, and gleaming pearls, given a pleasing edge with silken shibari inspired knotwork. The Aneira Lace waspie was one of my best selling new corset releases over the Summer, it has a distinctive, lace illusion effect while still being quite versatile for styling. As seen on the impeccable Marie Sauvage at her shibari salons!
The moment I saw this mesh girdle skirt, I knew this was a dream pairing with our Aneira Lace waspie. The vintage inspired sweetness of it, the simplicity of colour that would be so flattering with the busier lace of the waspie. It had to happen! Nube Lightwear are based in Spain and make all pieces to order at very reasonable prices for their quality. This skirt also comes in black, and I think we all need it in our collections!
For completing this look I could not resist Seelanii's Seraphina. If my life depended on it, I could not pick a favourite style from Seelanii, each style captures something precious and evocative, but I simply adore this sophisticated colourway. Accessorising with Tatu Couture's Aiko harness is effortless, another UK creator who epitomises cool-girl hauteur with their luxurious and distinctive designs. Look at their bodysuit blouses for elevated seductive style!
Velvet Bow
Mood: Irresistable, provacative, powerful. Submission with conditions.
- Corset - Manon waspie by Orchid
- Wrist cuffs- Morgan locking cuffs by Orchid
- Robe- Rosalia silk robe by Tatu Couture
- Collar- Isolde neck corset by Orchid
The vibes are immaculate with this look. Empowered, bold and radiant, but with an offering of supplication with the addition of the locking wrist cuffs, an invitation that brooks no refusals. The Manon waspie has been more commonly seen in it's vibrant red iteration, but I have such a soft spot for a classic black mesh waspie. When paired with the Manon's distinctive shape and flawless curves, it truly is a staple piece for styling! Our Isolde Neck corset is intentionally designed to be worn with the Manon, with it's elongated V shape and statement large O ring, it offers a Mugler inspired upgrade to your ensemble.
It's almost been a year since I released our Morgan silk satin locking wrist cuffs, and I'm still overjoyed to see people discover them! Uniquely indulgent and painstakingly designed for the ultimate in luxury and ritualistic submission. What else to complete this look but the Rosalia robe from Tatu Couture? This exceptional piece also comes in black, it's combination of sheer silk and lace is timelessly seductive, and this precise berry shade is just the thing to lift and deepen a black lingerie look. Layering a waspie over this robe as a belt would be my top tip for swishing through a doorway, ready to leave the subject of your entrance breathless.
Holly And The Ivy
Mood: Sensuous, dramatic, divine. An ensemble to inspire worship.
- Corset - Perle Luxe Underbust by Orchid
- Skirt- Elly Ruched skirt by Edge O' Beyond
- Choker- Kora by Matorosari
- Lingerie- Clara by Emma Harris Lingerie
Green is one of those colours that I feel can be overlooked as a powerful shade in lingerie. The deep Viridian green I carefully chose for the Autumn release of our Perle Luxe style is one that suits almost every skintone and colouring in my humble opinion! It holds a little mystery, a little intrigue, and teamed with the classic shape of our Perle Luxe corset, with updated pattern and even more wearable curves, I feel confident that it will be a perennial in your style rotation. Adding in the Elly Ruched skirt, because this was one of my standout favourites from this collection. The shaping is exceptional on that body, and the high waisted, draped style lends a statuesque appeal to whatever corset you pair with it! Edge O' Beyond have been in my own lingerie drawer for many years now, so adding my top picks of their range to our shop was a completely natural transition. Especially after seeing your reaction to our recent collaboration! Their beautiful pieces are made in Wales by an incredible team that I have felt privileged to work alongside in recent years.
I'm forever swooning over Matorosari's latest releases, and their recent work with extensive beading and drapery have been nothing short of breathtaking, particularly if you understand how much work goes into a single beaded bow on this choker! Matorosari is the dictionary definition of conscious design for me, and slow, artisan creation over chasing a profit margin. Their work is always presented with such joy, and I know that wearing Kora would leave you feeling the full effect of that.
A special mention for the Clara lingerie set by Emma Harris, another stand-out British designer recently added to our shop, with this set that was especially updated to team with our Perle Luxe Viridian! I can't say enough about this set. The colour, the meticulous detailing of Solstiss lace, the sheer panels plotting windows on the body, adorned with flourishes of lace. Again, Emma Harris is a British designer with everything made by one artist from start to finish, true luxury and craftsmanship from an uncompromising maker. This set was made to be seen, admired and pored over.
Silk Stocking
Mood: Femme Fatale, untouchable, polished. Dressed to Thrill.
- Corset - Charlotte Silk by Edge O' Beyond X Orchid
- Lingerie- Charlotte Silk by Edge O' Beyond
- Mask- Rosalia lace blindfold by Tatu Couture
- Gloves- Noir opera gloves by Edge O' Beyond
- Skirt- Charlotte by Edge O' Beyond