When my friend Moira and I attended Linda’s Care for the Cause event, I couldn’t wait to try the Fauve bras I knew the store carried.  I’ve had my eye on Fauve ever since Cheryl  introduced it to me last May.  What a letdown to discover that they didn’t have my size at the store!

Moira, on the other hand, looked amazing in every Fauve bra they brought to her. I saw the Fauve Lucia on her and became obsessed.  It was simultaneously sleek, sexy and serious.  I loved the sheer top panel and the embroidered bow where the left strap met the cup–just on the left side, which kept it from being too cute.

In December, I idly googled “Fauve Lucia” to see if anyone carried it in my size. I found it in a 34GG at . . . Linda’s Online!  Since I was going to be at their warehouse for a meeting a few days later, I asked if I could try it on while there.

Here’s a picture of Kim, Linda’s head of marketing and social media, posing with my new favorite set in Linda’s warehouse.  I apologize for the blurriness–I was still getting used to my new camera then. By the way, look for a guest post from Kim soon!


I changed in the building’s hall bathroom because their warehouse isn’t set up for customers, which begs the question, “Why NOT????” I’m going to go off on a tangent here, but this space is gorgeous!  It’s big and airy with tons of light and windows.  I thought I’d be getting off the subway in a gritty industrial neighborhood but instead found myself surrounded by condominiums, artist’s lofts and cute little shops.  If Linda’s sold bras to individuals here, they would meet all three of my criteria for best bra fitters because they’d have no shortage of inventory, and they would distinguish themselves from every other brick and mortar bra store in the NY/NJ/CT area.

Check out an example of the artwork on the warehouse walls.  Wouldn’t you love to own one of these paintings?  They should sell them.

Okay, back to the subject at hand.  I am SO glad I could try the Lucia on because, having never worn Fauve before, I didn’t know what to expect.  It turns out the 34GG and 36G were too big, and the 34G fit just right.

Here’s a closeup of my treasure.  The satin is oh so soft.  And I don’t show it here, but there are little bow halves on each end of the band that come together when you hook the bra.  For more Lucia colorways, check out Becky Mount’s review of her own Lucia, and this image from another one of Cheryl’s posts.

So this is currently one of the prettiest bras I own.  It’s right up there with my Aubade Bahia that I bought in 38F (because in January of 2008, I’d never seen anything so pretty before and had to own it for my honeymoon even if it didn’t come in my size), but unlike my Aubade Bahia, I don’t have to save it for special occasions because THIS BRA SUPPORTS AND LIFTS WITH THE BEST OF THEM.  Can you have pretty and function?  Fauve is proof that you can.

For many of you, this is all the information you need.  But if you’re a bra geek like me, keep reading for a little more background.

As I mentioned before, Cheryl piqued my curiosity about Fauve last May, so I made sure to visit the Eveden (parent company of Fantasie, Freya and Elomi) booth at Curve in August and reunited with Frederika Zappe, the Fantasie fit expert who answered some of your questions last February.  She explained that Fauve used to be Stirling Brands, previously owned by Rigby & Peller, which was owned by June Kenton, the bra fitter to the royal family.  Rigby & Peller licensed Eveden to manufacture its lingerie collections, but in 2008 there was a parting of ways.  Eveden retained the designers behind Stirling Brands and launched Fauve.

In launching Fauve, the designers began introducing more modern shapes, such as demi-cups.  However, demis up to a G won’t work in a simple sheer lace because of the need for support.  So they use lined cups (as distinguished from “padding”).  (And for the record, there are no stretchy cups in any Eveden bras.  Interesting, right?)

If Fantasie and Freya are already great bras, what sets Fauve apart?  The materials used and the details.  For instance, take a look at the pearl drops on the Coco set below.


If you’re getting married, you MUST look at the Rosa basque and its matching accessories.  I think the shorts are a work of art.

Here’s another gorgeous bra, just because . . . the Isobel.

Fans of the Freya Deco, you can find the same shape in the Evangeline, which will be available in April.

Interestingly, Frederika told me that white is becoming more popular again, so take a look at the Maya, available in March. How do you feel about white?  Personally, I love white’s clean look and retro effect, but practically, I’m not sure I’d get a lot of wear out it.

The Maya will retail for $98.  Fauve’s highest retail price is $120.  Not bad for how amazing you’ll feel ever time you wear one.

For more gorgeous photos, take a look at Investinyourchest’s Spring/Summer 2012 preview.