In my final dispatch from Curve, I’m sharing Fantasie and Freya. Overall, both brands demonstrated a lot of color-coordination across styles without being too “matchy.” I was impressed with Fantasie’s color choices and attention to detail, and found lots of Freya swimwear to love. Everything here will be released December 2016 – May 2017.


Fantasie Lingerie

Here’s that color coordination I mentioned. Clockwise from top: Rebecca Lace spacer bra in “Cherry” (starting at 30, up to H), Marianna side-support plunge bra in “Raspberry” (starting at 30, up to GG), and Rosanne side-support bra in “Ivory” (starting at 30, up to H).
Here’s that color coordination I mentioned. Clockwise from top: Rebecca Lace spacer bra in “Cherry” (starting at 30, up to H), Marianna side-support plunge bra in “Raspberry” (starting at 30, up to GG), and Rosanne side-support bra in “Ivory” (starting at 30, up to H).
Love that wide lace back on the Rebecca Lace. The rep told us it has a smoothing effect to avoid what I like to call “phantom back fat.”
Love that wide lace back on the Rebecca Lace. The rep told us it has a smoothing effect to avoid what I like to call “phantom back fat.”
I love black and white prints and digital floral prints, and the Abby side-support bra in “Monochrome” combines both! (Starting at 30, up to H)
I love black and white prints and digital floral prints, and the Abby side-support bra in “Monochrome” combines both! (Starting at 30, up to H)
It might look black here, but the Jacqueline Lace body is actually NAVY. The fabric felt super silky and slinky. Also note the adjustable length with the hooks and eyes in the crotch (though going to the restroom might be a serious struggle!). (Starting at 30, up to GG)
It might look black here, but the Jacqueline Lace body is actually NAVY. The fabric felt super silky and slinky. Also note the adjustable length with the hooks and eyes in the crotch (though going to the restroom might be a serious struggle!). (Starting at 30, up to GG)

And the Jacqueline Lace full-cup bra with side-support, in “Slate,” for good measure. Grey lingerie is such a pleasure. (Starting at 30, up to H)
And the Jacqueline Lace full-cup bra with side-support, in “Slate,” for good measure. Grey lingerie is such a pleasure. (Starting at 30, up to H)
I simply adore the print on the Sasha side-support bra in “Zest.” (Starting at 30, up to H)
I simply adore the print on the Sasha side-support bra in “Zest.” (Starting at 30, up to H)
Sasha in “Zest” closeup. It looks like a pencil sketch filled in with highlighter. Love!
Sasha in “Zest” closeup. It looks like a pencil sketch filled in with highlighter. Love!
I don’t usually care about bottoms, but the sheer white lace back of the Sasha briefs was quite appealing and sexy.
I don’t usually care about bottoms, but the sheer white lace back of the Sasha briefs was quite appealing and sexy.
I was really into the gold embroidery over black of last season’s Sofia collection, but this chartreuse-esque “Olive” colorway is equally stunning! This padded half-cup comes in 30-38 D-G, plus C-cups from 32-38 (the side-support version goes up to HH).
I was really into the gold embroidery over black of last season’s Sofia collection, but this chartreuse-esque “Olive” colorway is equally stunning! This padded half-cup comes in 30-38 D-G, plus C-cups from 32-38 (the side-support version goes up to HH).
That embroidery is just to die for. And such an unusual color scheme for lingerie!
That embroidery is just to die for. And such an unusual color scheme for lingerie!
The Angelina chemise is a new shape with lace cupping under the bust instead of trim at the bottom hem. I think this is much more flattering. The fabric was very stretchy and felt nice to the touch. I hope it does well so they’ll release it in a more vibrant color next season. (Comes in XS-XL)
The Angelina chemise is a new shape with lace cupping under the bust instead of trim at the bottom hem. I think this is much more flattering. The fabric was very stretchy and felt nice to the touch. I hope it does well so they’ll release it in a more vibrant color next season. (Comes in XS-XL)
Sea-blue was a big hit at Curve this season, and Fantasie’s iteration just may be the prettiest yet. This is Isabella in “Sea Breeze.” The padded half-cup (top) comes in 30-38 D-G, plus C-cups from 32-38, and the side-support version starts at 30 and goes up to H. One thing I noticed about the padded half-cup was how soft the padding felt. The last padded half-cup I tried was from Freya several years ago, and its foam was decidedly crunchy.
Sea-blue was a big hit at Curve this season, and Fantasie’s iteration just may be the prettiest yet. This is Isabella in “Sea Breeze.” The padded half-cup (top) comes in 30-38 D-G, plus C-cups from 32-38, and the side-support version starts at 30 and goes up to H. One thing I noticed about the padded half-cup was how soft the padding felt. The last padded half-cup I tried was from Freya several years ago, and its foam was decidedly crunchy.
Kimberly features a gorgeous photorealistic floral print. (Starts at 30 and goes up to J-cups)
Kimberly features a gorgeous photorealistic floral print. (Starts at 30 and goes up to J-cups)
Seriously, could this print be more beautiful?
Seriously, could this print be more beautiful?

 

Freya Lingerie

Love this great ’60s print! The Retro Bloom collection includes a padded longline and a plunge bra with cute embroidery on the upper cup (both starting at 28, up to H).
Love this great ’60s print! The Retro Bloom collection includes a padded longline and a plunge bra with cute embroidery on the upper cup (both starting at 28, up to H).
So cute! It reminds me of artist Takashi Murakami just a bit.
So cute! It reminds me of artist Takashi Murakami just a bit.
“Mode” puts an interesting spin on a classic white bra with white-on-white pinstripes. (padded half-cup only, starts at 28, up to H)
Mode puts an interesting spin on a classic white bra with white-on-white pinstripes. (padded half-cup only, starts at 28, up to H)
Love that monochrome stripe and tiny bit of scalloped trim.
Love that monochrome stripe and tiny bit of scalloped trim.
The new Freya Fancies come in the most amazing candy colors this season! Clockwise from upper right: “Lemon Sorbet,” “Hot Coral,” “Reef Blue,” and “Candy.” Available in a plunge bra (starts at 28, up to G), bralette (XS-XL), longline bra (starts at 28, up to H), and chemise (XS-XL).
The new Freya Fancies come in the most amazing candy colors this season! Clockwise from upper right: “Lemon Sorbet,” “Hot Coral,” “Reef Blue,” and “Candy.” Available in a plunge bra (starts at 28, up to G), bralette (XS-XL), longline bra (starts at 28, up to H), and chemise (XS-XL).
Back to that mention of coordinating colors, check out how perfectly the Deco Vibe in “Candy” fits in (starts at 28, up to GG).
Back to that mention of coordinating colors, check out how perfectly the Deco Vibe in “Candy” fits in (starts at 28, up to GG).
The new Hero color, “Pistachio,” also fits in nicely. (28-38 D-G)
The new Hero color, “Pistachio,” also pairs nicely. (28-38 D-G)
A closeup of that soothing pastel green.
A closeup of that soothing pastel green.
And note how well Hero goes with the Fresco collection’s black and pistachio floral print and mesh.
And note how well Hero goes with the Fresco collection’s black and pistachio floral print and mesh.
The Idol collection features fishnet overlay and split straps (starts at 28, up to HH) and a new strapless bra design (starts at 28, up to GG).
The Idol collection features fishnet overlay and split straps (starts at 28, up to HH) and a new strapless bra design (starts at 28, up to GG).
Check out the cool split straps on Idol’s molded balcony bra.
Check out the cool split straps on Idol’s molded balcony bra.
On the back of Idol, the straps are half adjustable.
On the back of Idol, the straps are half adjustable.
The new Deco Fuse comes in a lovely “Reef Blue” with hot coral trim (matching the Fancies again!). I adore this color combo and the lace band is pretty.
The new Deco Fuse comes in a lovely “Reef Blue” with hot coral trim (matching the Fancies again!). I adore this color combo and the lace band is pretty.
The tiny bit of coral on the strap really ties it all together.
The tiny bit of coral on the strap really ties it all together.
The highlight of the collection is easily the Sassy collection, with a stunning retro-style bustier with optional multiway straps. I. Love. It. (Starts at 28, up to GG)
The highlight of the collection is easily the Sassy collection, with a stunning retro-style bustier with optional multiway straps. I. Love. It. (Starts at 28, up to GG)
Sassy also comes in a cute padded half-cup. (Starts at 28, up to H)
Sassy also comes in a cute padded half-cup. (Starts at 28, up to H)
Finally, we have the latest Freya Active color, “Cherry Glow.” I’m still waiting with baited breath to get my hands on the sea blue and heather grey “Carbon” set, which is out soon and will remaining as a continuity color, much to my pleasure!
Finally, we have the latest Freya Active color, “Cherry Glow.” I’m still waiting with baited breath to get my hands on the sea blue and heather grey “Carbon” set, which is out soon and will remain as a continuity color, much to my pleasure!


Fantasie Swim

I was immediately captivated by the cover of Fantasie’s swim lookbook. Is that a new cut??
I was immediately captivated by the cover of Fantasie’s swim lookbook. Is that a new cut??
Why, yes it is! Masai Mara is a molded soft triangle top! Gimme! Oh wait, it only comes in 32-38 D-FF. Well I guess I could sister size from 30G to 32FF…
Why, yes it is! Masai Mara is a molded soft triangle top! Gimme! Oh wait, it only comes in 32-38 D-FF. Well I guess I could sister size from 30G to 32FF…
The interior of the soft cup.
The interior of the soft cup.
Once again Fantasie is on their game with one-piece suits. Beziers is a strapless straight-neck suit with optional removable straps. Love that graphic pattern! (32-38 D-G)
Once again Fantasie is on their game with one-piece suits. Beziers is a strapless straight-neck suit with optional removable straps. Love that graphic pattern! (32-38 D-G)
Kiruna is another new shape, with a controlling liner and a high neck with keyhole cutout. (32-38 D-G)
Kiruna is another new shape, with a controlling liner and a high neck with keyhole cutout. (32-38 D-G)
Kiruna’s interior.
Kiruna’s interior.

 

Freya Swim

Sundance is back in a fabulous neon orange and royal blue. The collection now includes an all-lace tankini with sheer body below the bust (starts at 30, up to GG).
Sundance is back in a fabulous neon orange and royal blue. The collection now includes an all-lace tankini with sheer body below the bust (starts at 30, up to GG).
Demonstrating the sheerness of the tankini.
Demonstrating the sheerness of the tankini.
Evolve is similar to last season’s Electra halter, but this time in brighter colors Love it! (Starts at 28, up to FF) Also available in a banded halter bikini with sheer mesh at the straps (starts at 30, up to GG), a sweetheart padded bikini (starts at 30, up to HH), and a high-neck padded tankini (30-38 C-FF).
Evolve is similar to last season’s Electra halter, but this time in brighter colors Love it! (Starts at 28, up to FF) Also available in a banded halter bikini with sheer mesh at the straps (starts at 30, up to GG), a sweetheart padded bikini (starts at 30, up to HH), and a high-neck padded tankini (30-38 C-FF).
AMAZING! Venom is based off the Bondi collection, but it comes in an incredible almost metallic gunmetal color. So badass! (Bandeau 30-36 B-G, sweetheart padded bikini starts at 30, up to GG)
AMAZING! Venom is based off the Bondi collection, but it comes in an incredible almost metallic gunmetal color. So badass! (Bandeau 30-36 B-G, sweetheart padded bikini starts at 30, up to GG)
Island Girl has kind of an ugly print, in my opinion, but the triple-string straps are super cool! (Banded halter bikini starts at 28, up to GG).
Island Girl has kind of an ugly print, in my opinion, but the triple-string straps are super cool! (Banded halter bikini starts at 28, up to GG).
Closeup of the straps. They come together in one flat piece toward the neck, so that you can tie a more comfortable knot.
Closeup of the straps. They come together in one flat piece toward the neck, so that you can tie a more comfortable knot.
Soul City’s cut-away crop top is so on trend! I saw tons of crop top-style bikinis this summer. (Starts at 28, up to FF)
Soul City’s cut-away crop top is so on trend! I saw tons of crop top-style bikinis this summer. (Starts at 28, up to FF)
The secret underwire interior and structured cups of Soul City.
The secret underwire interior and structured cups of Soul City.
Soul City also has a J-hook on the straps.
Soul City also has a J-hook on the straps.
Tropicool features a really unusual and fun shape, with a mini high-neck halter. (30-38 C-FF)
Tropicool features a really unusual and fun shape, with a mini high-neck halter. (30-38 C-FF)
Closeup of Tropicool’s print and the neck that I like so much.
Closeup of Tropicool’s print and the neck that I like so much.
Tropicool’s interior structure—perfectly practical, as always!
Tropicool’s interior structure—perfectly practical, as always!
And my favorite set of the season, Storm. This print is slaying it! It looks like waves being churned up. I also love the double-string neck ties and the gold hardware. (Starts at 30, up to FF)
And my favorite set of the season, Storm. This print is slaying it! It looks like waves being churned up. I also love the double-string neck ties and the gold hardware. (Starts at 30, up to FF)
The gold triangles are made of a special plastic that looks like metal, but won’t heat up in the sun and burn your skin.
The gold triangles are made of a special plastic that looks like metal, but won’t heat up in the sun and burn your skin.
The double string wraps behind your neck, threads through the triangles, then ties in a single-string knot behind the neck.
The double string wraps behind your neck, threads through the triangles, then ties in a single-string knot behind the neck.

 

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