First Look: Julia Roitfeld for Kiki de Montparnasse
In September, Julia Roitfeld mentioned that she’d started working on a lingerie collection. The thirty-one-year old’s worn many hats—graphic designer, model, perfume-maker—but this would mark the first physical product bearing her name so of course, she partnered with the best. Next week, she’ll fete the launch of her collaboration with Kiki de Montparnasse, a capsule collection of vintage-inspired lingerie that wouldn’t look out of place on Elizabeth Taylor circa-Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. We asked Roitfeld a few questions about her first time design gig. The lacy bras and slimming bodysuits go on sale next Wednesday, December 14th, but you can see more images after the jump!
ELLE: How did you hook up with Kiki de Montparnasse?
JR: I have long been a fan and client of Kiki, in fact, I think I have the entire collection in my closet! My relationship with the brand and people who work there naturally led to a conversation about doing something special together, and it was an organic experience that just felt right from the beginning.
ELLE: What do you look for in lingerie?
JR: I look for styles that enhance and flatter my body. I always go for body conscious instead of “trendy.” I remember a little while ago, the downtown trend in New York was to wear a “bandeau” bra that you would see popping our of the side of your shirt. I guess it works for very, very small breasts, but for me, it would just be plain unflattering. So yes, what I look for in lingerie is “femininity” and “body enhancing.” I appreciate lingerie that empowers women and celebrates the female form. The fit and quality is so important, and I like materials that feel very soft against the skin. Lingerie should feel as good to wear as it looks. I buy lingerie for myself, not even for my boyfriend. I think it is really important for a woman to feel good about herself and buying lingerie that makes you feel good is a great way to start. Even if it’s just for yourself—even if no one else sees it—you know it, you feel it, and I believe it gives you that extra confidence.
ELLE: You’ve been wearing a lot of sheer looks lately, do you have specific lingerie you choose for transparent tops and dresses?
JR: Well, sheer look is already a bit daring, so I try to go for an opaque bra, in order to not reveal everything. Yet, the shape of the bra is very important, and needs to enhance what you are revealing through that sheer top or dress.
ELLE: Do you prefer colorful bras or would we find a drawer full of black in your wardrobe?
JR: I actually have a lot of colorful bras, but I wear so much black, and lots of sheer, so it is easier to wear black. But I wear all my colorful ones in the summer, under my flowery print dresses.
ELLE: What was your design process like? Did you sketch?
JR: I had quite a strong idea of what I wanted to achieve but had absolutely no knowledge of lingerie design. Lingerie design is very specific—it’s not just about looking good, it’s really about the fit and every detail counts. I had many meetings with the team at Kiki, submitted my sketches, and then it was about seeing what was doable, the fabrics we could play with, etc. I knew what I wanted, but I couldn’t have done it so well without their expertise.
ELLE: What’s your next project?
JR: I don’t want to reveal too much of my next project. I am very superstitious!
ELLE Dispatch
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