The secret life of mannequins: In the Mood for Love

Miss Mannequin adores fine lingerie…well who doesn’t? My eye was caught then by the recent SHOWstudio collaboration with Lingerie Couturier Carine Gilson. Using only the very the finest fabrics, Carine’s ultra-qualified seamstresses produce the most precious of undergarments from her Brussels workshop.

A graduate in Fine Art, Carine was only 23 when she bought a small sewing workshop which lead to her first lingerie collection, launched in 1994. In addition to her Brussels, Paris, and London stores, her collections are available through discerning retailers in New York to Tokyo.

Design drawing for 'In the Mood for Love' negligee

In early December Carine Gilson took up residency at SHOWstudio creating a full length sheer negligee as part of the ‘Flora’ series of live events put on by this avant-garde studio. Over two days Carine could be watched live in a purpose built studio showing off her artisan skills as she transformed her design into a finished garment.

The studio in which the live stream took place was minimalist in layout, with just a simple desk, stool, sewing machine and vintage style bust form, (supplied from my good friends at proportion london) on which she tailored the negligee. The simplicity of the surroundings ensured that the focus was on Carine and her work. Seeing the garment from the beginning stages to the final delicate piece, embroidered with beautiful lace flower bouquet made for truly fascinating viewing.

Throughout the process viewers emailed in questions which Carine patiently answered. Although the live stream is now over, Miss Mannequins managed to grab a few screen shots as mementos.