Vancouver undercover

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      You don't have to go to Paris to find sexy, sophisticated undies.

      "It's time to pack up your nude seamless bras and try on something sexy," Atsuko Ohara, owner of Scarlet, declares. And who could resist the invitation? Standing in her sumptuous Granville Street boutique, it's easy to forget about the large construction pit just steps outside her store when you enter this glorious world filled with lace, silk and, colours. Lots of colours.

      There's never been a better time to browse the vast, cosmopolitan offerings in Vancouver lingerie stores and proudly see that many of them have Canadian roots. Boasting La Perla, Canada's largest independent collection of ultra-sexy underwear, Ohara also carries lesser-known brands that offer equally stunning pieces. Elle Macpherson, while still a young company, has made a quick impact in the industry by offering exquisite, comfortable pieces at affordable prices (bras starting at $49.95).

      On the other hand, Vollers, a family-run business from England, dates back to Edwardian times and still makes some of the world's most beautiful corsets (starting at $225). They are stunningly artistic and alone worth a visit to the store. For a less formal garment, bustiers by Tesa ($68) are a fun option to show off the figure. With colours such as peacock teal, royal blue, and ruby red, these garments are definitely meant to be seen and admired.

      Another lingerie designer known worldwide for her colours and understated elegance is Vancouverite Patricia Fieldwalker. With feminine, flowing pieces and rich, luxurious colours, Patricia Fieldwalker lingerie is worn by such celebrities as Julia Roberts, Demi Moore, Linda Evangelista, and Claudia Schiffer. While many of Fieldwalker's pieces are used as outerwear, she cautiously considers how colour affects the more intimate side of her garments. "I'm careful to avoid colours that work for outerwear, but are not skin-flattering for lingerie," Fieldwalker muses. "I would say that my eye for colours and prints is one of the strengths of my collections."

      Regularly featured in fashion magazines, including Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, and Vanity Fair, Fieldwalker is asserting a Canadian design presence on international catwalks. "The old notion that Canadian women are not very sophisticated and fashionable is just that—an old notion," Fieldwalker declares. "Window shopping on South Granville is proof positive that you can find the best of the best in Vancouver, and women here are as varied in their tastes as women everywhere, from casual to glamorous. It's no different from walking down a street in Paris."

      Other Canadian brands making an impact in the lingerie industry include Montreal-based Blush and Toronto-based independent designer Billy Rose, both available at Scarlet. Billy Rose caters to the boutique market, providing handmade sumptuous pieces of exquisite original fabrics and whimsical touches such as hand-sewn flowers. "This is something mass production just can't reproduce," Atsuko sighs. Camis and panties range from $39 to $59.

      Atsuko is equally excited to be carrying Blush, but for different reasons. Not only does this line provide very feminine, sexy, and comfortable pieces, but their prices are extremely reasonable. Bras cost between $29 and $32, panties about $15.

      New innovations over the past few decades have meant lingerie has become more comfortable while retaining its functionality and creativity. Underwire is more flexible; lace is stretchier; cotton is softer; synthetics are breathable. "90 percent of polyester [in our store] is breathable," boasts Diane Thomson, owner of Diane's Lingerie in the South Granville area, which carries a line of nightwear specifically designed to reduce moisture and regulate body temperature. Diane's also offers a small selection of sleepwear made from environmentally friendly bamboo.

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