Date: 2017
Origin: China
Fabric: Silk satin
Brand: Pillowbook
The ‘Sirens’ collection showcases fine couture sewing techniques, with intricate ‘waves’ of silk rouleau appliqué applied to a base of fine tulle and silk satin. The range was never officially released by the Pillowbook brand, with only a handful of sample designs created due to its perceived commercial unviability. The sewing techniques required to create these designs require phenomenal skill, time and patience. These sample pieces were stitched by couturier Hu Cui Nian.
Showcased here are a bralet and full cut brief, in a sea green silk and a beige tulle. The silk appliqué work is stitched with a contrasting metallic gold thread, and the shoulder and hip straps are all adjustable with gold metal hardware. The garments both fasten at the rear with intricate metal clasps in the shape of the brand’s logo.
Pillowbook was founded in 2013 by designer Irene Lu, wanting to promote traditional Chinese lingerie and championing couture hand crafting. The brand name is taken from the illustrated erotic guides that were traditionally gifted to Chinese newlyweds, giving the brand’s roots of a design aesthetic that aims to ‘inspire [their] lovers to seduce, pleasure and empower’.
Kindly loaned to The Underpinnings Museum by Pillowbook
