Lucy Taylor from Elusive Lingerie. Image supplied.
Lucy Taylor is the designer and founder of Elusive Lingerie which she launched in 2019. Elusive Lingerie was created after Lucy couldn’t find lingerie in New Zealand that was as comfortable and sophisticated as her outerwear. The beautiful online store for the brand offers pieces designed by Lucy and made in Europe alongside labels she has handpicked for their elegance and sensuality. Elusive Lingerie will make it’s New Zealand Fashion Week debut on Tuesday 24th of August with a show called Magical Opulence. Tickets are available for the event on iTicket.
We caught up with Lucy to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
Our latest collection Whimsical Hues is inspired by soft floral tones with gold or silver embellishment. A colour palette of blush pink, red to orange undertones, royal blue and of course incorporated are refined pieces of sheer mesh and soft tulle lace, black chevron styles are also featured across our intimate and bodysuit collection. It’s all about feeling feminine and fabulous. Lingerie should be like any other fashion piece, especially considering you wear it every day. Our collections consist of Luxury, Bridal and Black Label, a range for the more alluring and flirtatious. The Elusive Lingerie collection is made to offer a range that not only delivers comfort and support but is confidence-inspiring and striking enough for any occasion.
What made you become a designer?
Though I studied Fashion/Graphic Design, I hadn’t really pursued the designing world until late 2019. Most of my career has been based around retail management so very operational and customer orientated. I have 25 years of experience in the retail/fashion space and always knew I wanted to start my own business. I have worked for iconic brands internationally and locally across buying, planning, production and mostly operational areas, sales, inventory, creative and customer service, and I was looking for the next step in my career hence Elusive Lingerie was founded. I wanted to offer customers, whether they wore specific styles of lingerie on a regular basis or were on the hunt for the next best piece to fill their negligee collection, something more special and unique. I always encourage women to explore and try new products and categories. Our lingerie is European made and I work with two amazing offshore manufacturers, I do have some input into the designs created internationally but also take inspiration from local designers both in New Zealand and Australia.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by the fact that in life you “create your own luck”, nothing in life ever comes easy however not giving up, no matter how many times we fail, failure is part of being successful, the bigger the failure, the greater the lesson. As a new lingerie brand across Australasia, I take comfort in knowing there are no limits as we strive to be a ‘world class’ lingerie business.
Lingerie from Elusive Lingerie’s current collection.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
My personal style would be quite relaxed with a little sass. Nothing like wearing a beautifully crafted set of lingerie underneath to lift the spirits, giving that extra boost of confidence!
Comfortable undergarments should be as sophisticated as your outerwear. Functionality is key in selecting my favourite pieces to wear no matter what the occasion. We focus on creating a ‘lingerie wardrobe’ for all shapes and sizes. We use luxurious fabrics and unique embellishment to elevate each design making it more exclusive and desirable.
Worth mentioning in recent years, fashion trends are no longer dictated to by seasons. Consumers and retailers are looking for ‘quality’ over ‘quantity’ – year-round versatility, wearability and longevity.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
My Louis Vuitton handbag collection. It took me almost 40 years before I could afford to purchase my first bag! Now I own twenty, all different shapes, colours and sizes, ready to be styled up with any look I choose for the day.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
With so much competition out there today in the lingerie arena, customers can sometimes feel overwhelmed by the choices made available. It would be safe to suggest you get fitted every six to eight months, most women are unsure what their bra size really is, so make sure you speak with a lingerie specialist when or before shopping for lingerie and intimates. Look for pieces that fit well and that will give you the support you need. A basic black bra or detailed black bodysuit would be great staples to have in your wardrobe for a more contemporary look or versatile enough to dress up.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
As lingerie may be the first item you wear at the beginning of the day and the last you remove at the end of the day, ensure that you always feel comfortable and confident.
Lingerie from Elusive Lingerie’s current collection.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Introducing Elusive Lingerie to the world. So grateful to all the great people and businesses I have worked alongside to make this dream come true. Nothing comes without challenges and sacrifice. We will continue to build our online brand presence and look forward to seeing where we go next.
What can’t you live without?
My bra and knickers! Investing in luxurious lingerie makes me feel good and super confident, no matter the mood.
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
No underwear!
Images supplied.