*Post updated from original article published in 2021*
Bluebella is proud to have many customers within the transgender community and aims to be as inclusive as possible. Over time, we’ve received questions about fitting lingerie as a Trans woman, so we reached out to Bok Goodall and Winn Austin, founders of My Size CIC — the first global sizing standard for Transgender women — to share their advice and help us with a size and fit guide below.
“It can be a daunting experience to shop for lingerie. Depending on how far along you are in your transition, and how comfortable you are with going into a store and being fitted, shopping online is often the easiest option,” says Goodall.
There is currently no standard sizing available for this community, there will be some trial and error involved, so you may need to buy multiple sizes and return the wrong sizes until you find what works for you.
There are many bra size calculators online, and Bluebella has one here
Grab a tape measure and measure the fullest part of your bust by making sure the tape measure is flat and horizontal against your back. This is the over-bust measurement.
Measure around your back, just underneath the bust, making sure the tape lies flat against the skin but not too tight. This is the under-bust measurement.
Compare the two measurements using the chart below. For example, if your under-bust measurement measured 34 inches and your over-bust measured 36 inches, there is a difference of 2 inches, which means your bra size is 34B.
Bra cup size chart
Bra underband
Whilst this is a great place to start as it gives you an indication of size, there are other things to consider. “Buying lingerie online can be a confusing experience. As a transgender woman, and all transfeminine, gender non-conforming, gender non-binary people presenting as female, there is more to consider than just finding an aesthetically pleasing set of lingerie,” says Austin.
Your anatomy is very possibly different to that of a cis woman. Trans women tend to have wider ribcages and less softness in the chest and around the upper torso, so you may be more comfortable in a larger band size than your measurement.
Don’t worry, bra extenders are available online to extend the size of the bra band if you find the bra you want isn’t available in your size, so this could be an option that works for you.
Celebrating women underlies everything we do here at Bluebella. So, this International Women’s Day, we’ve partnered with Equality Now — a women's and girl’s human rights charity — to further our commitment to feminism and spread love and support to our incredible community.
We’ll donate £5 to Equality Now for every order made between 12.01am 8th March - midnight 10th March (GMT).
Place an order via Bluebella.com, Bluebella.us, Bluebella.it, Bluebella.fr, Bluebella.de, Bluebella.au, or Bluebella.eu. The order needs to be placed between 12.01am 8th March - midnight 10th March (GMT) to qualify. One donation will be made per order. Donations from orders made on International Women’s Day are uncapped.
Equality Now comprises a vast network of supporters, activists, lawyers, and feminists who hold lawmakers to account and push toward ending legal inequality and the harmful practices that occur as a result. The organisation has demonstrated that every country in the world has laws that diminish the position of women and girls within society. Its mission is to change that, for good.
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Barbie’s Hot Pink Lingerie Edit
From modern statement-makers to overtly feminine options, our lingerie sets in daring hot pink cater to all wants and needs. The Lilly set showcases delicate lace detailing, while the Trinity boasts a daring strappy design that embraces boldness. For those seeking an elegant touch, Colette's soft fabric and intricate embroidery make it an irresistible choice.
Barbie’s Favourite PJs
Barbie’s love for hot pink doesn’t stop at bedtime. The Saskia set exudes laid-back chic with its silky satin bra and shorts that you can complement with the matching eye mask and scrunchie. Faye captivates with its effortless, flowing look, while the Alma set charms with a classic shirt top and flirty shorts. The hot pink hues evoke a sense of energy and playfulness, reminding you that you deserve to feel beautiful and bold.
So, why not take a cue from Barbie and Bluebella and infuse your life with a bit of hot pink magic? Embrace your inner Barbie, be unapologetically yourself, and let the world bask in the radiance of your confidence. After all, in the Barbie world, there's no such thing as being too bold or too bright.
It’s National Give Something Away Day, so we’ve teamed up with our fellow Shoreditch-based friends at Shoreditch Nails to organise the ultimate giveaway of lingerie sets and nail polishes. We’ve colour matched our cult Marseille styles with Shoreditch Nails’ iconic shades celebrating different London boroughs so you can be ready for any occasion this summer. Because when your nails and lingerie match, life is pretty much perfect. To be in with a chance to win, make sure to follow @bluebella and @shoreditchnails, like and save the giveaway post, and comment tagging a friend and telling us which colour combo is your favourite. For an extra entry, share the post to your story.
Here is a list of the channels through which you can enter:
Bluebella Instagram: www.instagram.com/bluebella
Bluebella Twitter: twitter.com/Bluebella
Bluebella Facebook: www.facebook.com/OfficialBluebella
The competition starts Saturday 15th July 2023 at 6pm GMT, and runs until Saturday 22nd July 2023 at 6pm GMT.
This competition is open to everyone on a global basis excluding employees or agents of Bluebella and/or anyone professionally connected with the promotion and their immediate families.
Entrants must be 18 years and over.
No purchase is necessary and entry is free.
You are over 18 years old.
You are not an employee (and their families) of Bluebella, its partners and agents, the suppliers of the prizes and any other companies associated with the competitions.
Your name may be announced on Bluebella.com, Bluebella social channels and the Bluebella email newsletter, if Bluebella wish to do this.
For your entry to be successful you will need to:
Follow Bluebella on the social media channel you are entering via.
Like the competition post published on Saturday 15th July on the social media channel, you are entering via.
Comment on the competition post on the social media channel you are entering via.
You can enter on all Bluebella social media channels if you wish, including, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Bluebella will select 3 winners at random from the entrants across the Bluebella Instagram and Facebook channels, from one comment on the competition's social media posts.
The winner will be notified by email or by the original method of entry within 30 days of the competition ending, and prizes must be claimed within one week of notification.
The prizes are:
1st Place - Win 3 x Bluebella Marseille sets of your choice with 8 x matching Shoreditch Nails polishes
2nd Place - Win 2 x Bluebella Marseille sets of your choice with 5 x matching Shoreditch Nails polishes
3rd Place - Win 1 x Bluebella Marseille set of your choice with 3 x matching Shoreditch Nails polishes. The vouchers will be supplied digitally. There will be three winners.
Entry is not permitted for employees (and their families) of Bluebella, its partners and agents, the suppliers of the prizes and any other companies associated with the competitions.
Entrant(s) must be aged 18 or over.
Proof of identity and age may be required.
Use of false details or misuse of the intention of the competition will result in disqualification at Bluebella's discretion.
All entries must be made directly by the person entering the competition.
Entries made online using methods generated by a script, macro or the use of automated devices will be void.
No responsibility can be accepted for entries lost, delayed, or corrupted, or due to computer error in transit.
The prizes as stated, are not transferable to another individual and no cash or other alternatives will be offered.
Prizes are subject to availability and the prize suppliers' terms and conditions where applicable.
The promoters reserve the right to amend or alter the terms of competitions and reject entries from entrants not entering into the spirit of the competition.
In the event of a prize being unavailable, the promoter reserves the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value.
The winner(s) agree(s) to the use of their name, photograph and disclosure of county of residence and will co-operate with any other reasonable requests by Bluebella relating to any post-winning publicity.
Unless stated otherwise the winner(s) will be drawn at random from all correct entries received by the closing date stated within the promotional material.
Reasonable efforts will be made to contact the winner(s). If the winner(s) cannot be contacted, or are unable to comply with these terms and conditions, the Promoter reserves the right to offer the prize to the next eligible entrant drawn at random; or in the event that the promotion is being judged the Promoter reserves the right to offer the prize to the runner(s)-up selected by the same judges.
Confirmation of the prize will also be made in writing to the winner(s) where applicable or requested.
Failure to respond and/or provide an address for delivery, or failure to meet the eligibility requirements may result in forfeiture of the prize.
Where applicable, the decision of the judges is final based on the criteria set out in the promotion and no correspondence will be entered into over this decision.
Competitions may be modified or withdrawn at any time.
The provider of the prize is Bluebella unless specified within the promotional material.
The winners’ names are available on request in accordance with the CAP Code.
This competition is governed by English law.
The Promoter is Bluebella Limited, Brickfields, Unit 201, 37 Cremer Street, Hoxton, London, E2 8HD
More details on the Bluebella terms and conditions and data protection can be found here: https://www.bluebella.com/pages/terms-conditions
]]>In celebration of International Women’s Day 2023, we’ve invited our incredible community members to help us amplify this year’s theme: #EmbraceEquity.
For each person featured in the campaign and everyone who shares a picture of themselves striking the #EmbraceEquity pose and tagging @Bluebella on social media, we will donate £5 to Equality Now – a human rights organisation fighting gender inequality since 1992. We will also donate £5 for every order made on International Women’s Day.
Your name may be announced on Bluebella.com, Bluebella social channels and the Bluebella email newsletter, if Bluebella wish to do this.
Bluebella founder and huge Self Esteem fan Emily Bendell sat down with Rebecca to discuss all the things that make her the perfect match for the Prioritise Pleasure campaign.
Emily: How does it feel to finally be blowing up? Is it a “pinch me” moment or are you thinking it’s about time everyone realised how fabulous you are?
Self Esteem: I love it, and I'm so happy. I don't feel like “pinch me”, I feel like yeah, hello! I have to rein it in a bit, but it feels like I'm just getting started. There is that part of me that wishes this happened to me when I was 21, but I know it’s because the society’s conditioned us to think that women should only be doing this when they are young. So whenever I think that I just remind myself it’s the patriarchy talking.
E: You’ve been in the industry for the last 15 years, and you came out of the indie scene which can often be the exact opposite of your current vibe which is very sexy and empowering. Did you feel like you were supressing yourself while involved in that genre, or did your attitude change over time?
SE: I think I was definitely suppressing myself. I couldn't be myself and anytime I was there were repercussions. Because I'm horrendously empathetic, I can figure out pretty quickly what I need to be like to survive, fit in, or make people happy. That's a wonderful skill in the right hands, but when it's abused then life can turn into very hard work. That’s what I thought it was and that's the end of it.
Now my life with the girls in the band and the jobs that I'm doing is a bliss. Truly a bliss. Even when it's hard at least it's hard on my terms. I can't believe how long I lived in the way that I was living.
I was just unlucky to be in that indie world that’s very male dominated and everyone wants to pretend that they are really not bothered about what they are doing. It just doesn't suit me, and it made me quite poorly, but it's all part of the journey.
E: It must feel so good that people are really open and receptive to the real you, as shown by the enormous success of your album.
SE: I don't think I've processed it just yet. I keep saying I feel less lonely. And I feel less like I'm the weirdo, and there's something wrong with me, and those were the main feelings for the first 32 years of my life. It is amazing, but there’s also sadness. It's a bit of a redundant thought now that I know that there are all these people who could relate to my feelings. They were all out there, feeling like I was, but I didn't know you, I didn't have access to you, and I couldn't communicate. So I get this grief for this girl in her 20s, that was asking herself “what’s wrong with me?” Well, there's nothing wrong with you, and there were all these people on the corner who were feeling pretty much the same, but I couldn't find them.
E: As a woman in her 20s it’s so hard to have that perspective.
SE: I don't regret any of it, but I do have these big waves of grief for younger me, and I do want to hug her and say: “You're not a weirdo at all. You are processing being alive, like anyone would. It's just you are around people that don't struggle, or the system works better for.” It's complicated but thankfully we got a nice happy ending. If this hadn't happened and I hadn't found all these people, I'd still be going, I'd still be chugging on, but I'm so glad that I got access to a wider part of life, and I want everyone to be able to find that. If you feel it's going to be difficult then there might be another way. There might be something else out there, you've just got to be brave enough to try and find it.
E: One of the hallmarks of your shows is that lots of people cry at the end. That’s such a strange ending! I guess that’s something that comes with the uplifting but emotional message of your music.
SE: It’s an experience!
E: Let’s talk lingerie. I think of you as someone who wears really interesting, fun stuff. You clearly have a love of fashion. So I’m really interested to hear about your relationship with lingerie. Do you love it or do you have those weird patriarchal hang ups about it like many women do?
SE: For a long time, my boobs have been this thing to be ashamed of. I got boobs early and I started looking for a minimiser bra right away. My whole MO in my head was to just hide them. And I see now how sad that is. I was scared of them because it brought me attention that I didn't want and made me frightened, but I didn't have any option but to have them.
So it was one of those moments where the penny's dropped and I realised I deserve for my boobs to exist. All of this is bigger than me just doing a modelling job. This campaign to me is about showing that this is what my body is, I'm enjoying it, I'm proud of it, and it's gorgeous or whatever. But also, I did that and I'm not frightened.
Lingerie before represented danger to me, just by thinking about my body, femininity and the attention that I might get. But now lingerie is coinciding with my music career and my art.
I didn't ask to have massive tits that are beautiful, but I have them and I'm not going to be scared of them anymore. If someone takes issue with that it’s their fault, their perception, it's not mine.
I had a weird relationship with lingerie where previously it was a tool I used to help me shrink and disappear, and now it's quite the opposite. I'm having so much fun and I love it. I talk about it online quite a bit, and so many women have said that seeing me in a bra has made them not buy a minimiser.
E: For us, lingerie should be like any other fashion item: clothes, shoes, handbags. We buy things that reflect our style and mood. Lingerie shouldn’t have this whole other layer on it. But sadly, it has all those weird associations because of the way it’s being used to sexualise women from a young age.
SE: I realised I was feeling ashamed of something I haven’t chosen. Fashion helps me have fun with the things that I've previously been embarrassed about or thought weren’t right. And also the idea that some women are scared that they haven't got boobs, and other women are scared that they do. When you actually think about it, that's just mental.
E: Tell me about the first time you went out shopping for actual lingerie.
SE: I had a really nice boyfriend when I was about 19, and thought, right, I'm going to get a bra and pants that look nice. I think I must have just gone to M&S, and I think I got red because it was Valentine's Day. It was probably perfectly lovely.
I've never had much fun with my lingerie journey around relationships. It’s always been about it being for them rather than for me. So it's either just been very structural and functional underwear, or the most "male gaze" friendly thing, certainly in my teens before I came out. I would think “what do the boys want?” Now I'm so in my skin and so myself, and it's what I want. Being comfortable is what makes me sexier than ever, to whoever is looking at me.
E: It's funny that your first experience of shopping for lingerie was on Valentine’s and here you are starring in our Valentine’s Day campaign as a completely different woman. I have a lot of issues with the heteronormative vision of Valentine’s Day of buying something just to please your partner. We’ve been challenging that every year by either celebrating love in its essence, diversity, passions etc. That’s why we wanted to work with you as we really felt the Prioritise Pleasure motto really resonated with our mission. What does it mean to you?
SE: Prioritise Pleasure. I always do this joke where I say it's not as sexy as it sounds. It's prioritising myself and what I want, and that can mean sexually for sure, but also I can mean do I want to go to that thing or to stay at the pub for just one more drink just because you want me to? It's not a fun answer, but that's where I was coming from. I've lived my life in constant service to what everyone else wanted and the knock on effect of that is why I've struggled mentally.
I always say it's Valentine's Day every bloody day of the year in my mind. It seems stupid to me that any date in the calendar is designed to make you feel alone or not like anyone else. That drives me mad, and I include Christmas in that.
I loved doing this Valentine's campaign with Bluebella because I'm going to be wearing this stuff all year round, and I'm going to feel like this all year round. It's all for me and my enjoyment of my own body because it's a gift. I could do a campaign that was all about: “Look how sexy and hot I am, and you can too!” But this photoshoot was about what it means for me and what it represents. The Valentine’s Day aspect is very secondary to me, because for me it’s Valentine’s every day.
E: For us lingerie is like outerwear. We always say: if it’s too beautiful to hide, why hide it? We’ve spotted Bluebella in some of your festival looks and music videos. Is that an everyday look for you, styling lingerie as outerwear?
SE: I'm very Madonna-inspired. The inherent femininity of lingerie combined with more masculine tailoring is something I’m drawn to and I’ll continue to do. I'm not just saying this, but with Bluebella the design is just so good. Everything is beautiful and sexy but also very cool and that's helpful because it's moving away from this idea of lingerie as this uncomfortable thing that you have to wear to arouse somebody else. Wearing it as outerwear is point proven, because it's all for me.
E: Let’s talk about the shoot prep. You had your fitting at the Bluebella HQ, and we’ve had so much fun. There was even someone filming you!
SE: We’re actually currently working on a documentary. So much of what I've been through this year is like this after-shock echo of what I preach. I decided I was going to do a lingerie shoot after a summer of looking in the mirror going “Well, I feel like this, I feel like that” and harbouring insecurities about my body. For everything that I say, I'm still thinking the negative feelings, they are still there. You can progress so much but it doesn't stop, that hard-wiring from being in you. But there I am for the Bluebella fitting, standing in my bra and pants, and that’s going to be interesting for the documentary. But even that, that is art. Truly giving over to somebody else to witness me existing.
E: Tell me about the actual shoot day. How did you feel?
SE: It was great, but I struggled in the way I knew I would. I was in fight or flight mode, thinking “What am I doing?” Honestly afterwards I was so proud of myself, and it feels like a real turning point. The part of me that thought a couple of times on the shoot “Oh no, I'm not happy”, that's the part of me conditioned by the patriarchy and the system. They’re saying I should have lost more weight for this. I know those feelings are warning signs that I'm giving in to the system.
E: During the shoot I was really worried about you but your team assured me that you’re doing fine and you just need some time to process everything. You also didn’t want to see the images on the day and asked us to show you them later. Can you tell me why?
SE: This is a thing that happens with me. My eyes will see something completely different, and if I see something that I don't think is alright then it all seeps in like a poison. If I see the same image two weeks later, I’ll probably see something good. It's just something I've learned about myself. I'm choosing to be on camera, and there's a separation that I need to have because of the years of my self-esteem issues. There is no image that will ever be perfect. Somewhere in my mind I'll find something wrong with it. It's kind of an artistic choice to say: “I'm here to be photographed, but it's not really my job to decide if that's a good photograph.” It's just another process in which I've got to accept my body and what I look like.
E: How do you think the world will react to the campaign?
SE: I just want to people to enjoy it as much as I have. I could starve myself, and I could work out all the time, I could do some much more to be so much slimmer, and that's what it feels like the industry wants from me, but that feels like the anti-thesis of what I'm talking about. To really proudly have my body in underwear and it's the shape that it is feels political almost. It’s like a protest. When I was a 28-year-old and I knew I had that coming up, I would have done really disordered eating and all of that bullshit, but I'm proud of myself that I didn't do that. I want people to look at it and see a reflection of themselves.
E: What’s next for Self Esteem?
SE: I’m doing a couple of TV shows and then I will probably start my next album. I’m going on a tour next year and will spend some time in the US too. I’ve got a lot to do and a lot of doors have opened for me. I want to do it all, and there’s no reason why I can’t.
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What do Bluebella and ALYA have in common? We’re both obsessed with making you feel and look your best!
That’s why we’re giving away 2 x £50 vouchers to 3 lucky winners – one for some gorgeous Bluebella lingerie and the other for ALYA’s revolutionary skincare. To be in with a chance to win, make sure to follow @bluebella & @alyaskinaus, like this post, and comment below telling us what you’re going to treat yourself to.
Here is a list of the channels you can enter
Bluebella Instagram: www.instagram.com/bluebella
Bluebella Twitter: twitter.com/Bluebella
Bluebella Facebook: www.facebook.com/OfficialBluebella
The competition starts Friday 18th November 8pm GMT, and runs until Friday 25th November 8pm GMT, with a new prize winner being selected on Monday 28th November 2022.
This competition is open to everyone on a global basis excluding employees or agents of Bluebella and Alya Skin and/or anyone professionally connected with the promotion and their immediate families.
Entrants must be 18 years and over.
No purchase necessary and entry is free.
You are over 18 years old.
You are not an employee (and their families) of Bluebella or Alya Skin, its partners and agents, the suppliers of the prizes and any other companies associated with the competitions.
Your name may be announced on Bluebella.com, Bluebella social channels and the Bluebella email newsletter, if Bluebella wish to do this.
For your entry to be successfully you will need to:
Follow Bluebella on the social media channel you are entering via.
Follow Alya Skin on the social media channel you are entering via.
Like the competition post published on [TBC] 2022 on the social media channel you are entering via.
Comment on the competition post on the social media channel you are entering via.
You can enter on all Bluebella social media channels if you wish, including, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Bluebella will select 3 (three) winners at random from the entrants across the Bluebella Instagram, Facebook and Twitter channels, from one comment on the competition social media posts.
Winners will be notified by email or by original method of entry within 30 days of the competition ending, and prizes must be claimed within 14 days of notification.
The prize is one £50 Bluebella voucher and one £50 Alya Skin voucher per person.
The vouchers will be supplied digitally.
There will be three winners, all receiving the same prize.
Entry is not permitted for employees (and their families) of Bluebella and Alya Skin, its partners and agents, the suppliers of the prizes and any other companies associated with the competitions.
Entrant(s) must be aged 18 or over.
Proof of identity and age may be required.
Use of a false details or misuse of the intention of the competition will result in disqualification at Bluebella's discretion.
All entries must be made directly by the person entering the competition.
Entries made online using methods generated by a script, macro or the use of automated devices will be void.
No responsibility can be accepted for entries lost, delayed, or corrupted, or due to computer error in transit.
The prizes are as stated, are not transferable to another individual and no cash or other alternatives will be offered.
Prizes are subject to availability and the prize suppliers' terms and conditions where applicable.
The promoters reserve the right to amend or alter the terms of competitions and reject entries from entrants not entering into the spirit of the competition.
In the event of a prize being unavailable, the promoter reserves the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value.
The winner(s) agree(s) to the use of their name, photograph and disclosure of county of residence and will co-operate with any other reasonable requests by Bluebella relating to any post-winning publicity.
Unless stated otherwise the winner(s) will be drawn at random from all correct entries received by the closing date stated within the promotional material.
Reasonable efforts will be made to contact the winner(s). If the winner(s) cannot be contacted, or are unable to comply with these terms and conditions, the Promoter reserves the right to offer the prize to the next eligible entrant drawn at random; or in the event that the promotion is being judged the Promoter reserves the right to offer the prize to the runner(s)-up selected by the same judges.
Confirmation of the prize will also be made in writing to the winner(s) where applicable or requested.
Failure to respond and/or provide an address for delivery, or failure to meet the eligibility requirements may result in forfeiture of the prize.
Where applicable, the decision of the judges is final based on the criteria set out in the promotion and no correspondence will be entered into over this decision.
Competitions may be modified or withdrawn at any time.
The provider of the prize is Bluebella and Alya Skin unless specified within the promotional material.
The winner’s names are available on request in accordance with the CAP Code.
This competition is governed by English law.
The Promoter is Bluebella Limited, Brickfields, Unit 201, 37 Cremer Street, Hoxton, London, E2 8HD
More details on the Bluebella terms and conditions and data protection can be found here: https://www.bluebella.com/pages/terms-conditions
Our selection of lingerie and nightwear gifts for her is brimming with showstopping styles, so to narrow it down, consider what you already know about their personal style. Look over the suggestions below and see if any sound like the woman you're planning to treat.
Loving all things feminine and opting for delicate accents over bold statements, the romantic girl will fall in love with our stylish lace and embroidered sets.
If she enjoys the provocative and playful, our Ouvert lingerie sets or daring accessories will make for the perfect sexy gift – why not take the failsafe route and get her both?
For this woman, things are rarely black and white. Add another colour to her lingerie palette with these beautifully hued sets.
Some styles never go out of fashion, and she knows it. Getting her one of our absolute bestsellers is a surefire Christmas gifting success.
She understands that often the simplest solutions ensure the most striking results, and she’s mastered styling them. One of these strappy icons is guaranteed to make her smile this Christmas.
The woman who values comfort over anything else will be more than satisfied with our stylish and versatile Everyday underwear.
She takes beauty sleep very seriously, and she likes to look fashionable when she does it. Getting her one of our opulent but comfy pyjama sets is a no-brainer.
Check out our Guide To Christmas Gifting which will take you through Bluebella’s best-selling styles, including playful stocking filler options and thoughtful, carefully selected presents.
When did you first get your idea to start the business?
Have you always been a fan of lingerie? Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I actually used to hate bras because I found them so uncomfortable. Once I started learning more about bras, I had my first proper fitting, and I realised the reason I didn't like bras and found them uncomfortable was because I was wearing the wrong size! Once I got put into a bra that was the right size, it was a complete transformation. I loved the way I felt supported and I actually felt comfortable in my bras. With regards to inspiration, a lot of what I've created are simple, classic pieces that I've always wanted but couldn't find. As the business develops and we start to look at more design-led collections, it's really all about the Nubian Skin woman. What does she love? Where does she travel? What is her lifestyle?
Who were your role models growing up?
Definitely my parents, and especially my mum. They're both entrepreneurs, and I've always admired their vision, success and grit.
Running a business must take its toll, what keeps you motivated in your everyday life?
I have a picture of my husband and a picture of my grinning baby on my desk. When things feel a bit bleak or overwhelming, I can't help but smile when I see my baby's face beaming up at me. It helps give me a bit of perspective.
What advice do you have for budding female entrepreneurs?
Believe in yourself, and don't be afraid to do something different or make a move that feels scary, exciting or uncomfortable.
The limited edition Bluebella x Ashish capsule brings together two fashion powerhouses from East London, delivering a unique fusion of innovation, attitude, expression, and – naturally – unapologetic sparkle.
Women have always been at the heart of Bluebella. How do you empower women through your designs?
Glamour is empowering. The word glamour itself derives from witchcraft and originally came from the Scottish term for "magic spell”, so being glamorous very much comes from the idea of being able to cast a spell!
We know you love the whole collection (who doesn’t), but do you have a favourite piece?
I love the rhinestone slogans on the slip dresses. It’s not often that you see a garment like the slip dress used as a canvas for (political) messaging, and that’s what made this concept stand out to me.
You and Bluebella seem like a match made in heaven. What made you want to create a collection with us?
I wanted to explore the intersection of lingerie and sparkle, so I found the opportunity to team up with Bluebella a very exciting one.
The thought-provoking slogans are some of the most memorable elements of the collection. Can you tell us more about the meaning behind them?
I designed this collection in 2021. “This Is A Protest" slip feels like a response to just about everything happening in the world right now. "Ban Space Travel" came about because we only have one planet, and the idea of space tourism for the super-rich is really just outrageous when we are on the brink of environmental catastrophe. “World Peace” – I think one really speaks for itself.
Where does your affinity for sparkle comes from, and what are your best tips for people trying to add some dazzle into their wardrobe?
The attraction to shiny things is an evolutionary behaviour, because it comes from our innate and primal need to search for and be near water. But sparkle for me is also an act of resistance, a way to evoke a feeling of joy in difficult times. I think everyone needs a sequin dress because it's an instant dress-up. It’s effortless.
Black Friday Shopping 101 – our guide to top lingerie styles
Black Friday Shopping 101 – our guide to top lingerie styles
Black Friday Shopping 101 – our guide to top lingerie styles
Oriana, Estella, Zuri & Hosiery
Adding style – and spice – to their Christmas stocking has never been easier. Our mini gifts are guaranteed to make a big impression on Christmas morning, whether you choose a piece of lingerie or a playful accessory. Quietly seductive options like the Estella blindfold introduce a touch of mystery, while more daring designs like the Oriana thong or the Zuri cuffs are perfect for those not averse to a bit of provocation. Why not keep things tongue-in-cheek and fill their stocking with a pair of stockings? Bluebella’s lace top stockings with a flattering back seam are a failsafe option.
Seasonal gifting is the perfect occasion to get them something that they might not buy for themselves. Cue Bluebella’s provocative pieces that fire up the imagination with a mixture of conceal-and-reveal elements. The Zuri and Ina collections might provide minimal coverage, but their impact is nothing short of unforgettable. If you think an embellished duo is the way to go, give the Avery or Cromer a chance – we guarantee they won’t let you down.
There are few better ways to add a little luxury to their life than with a sleek pyjama set, and at Bluebella there’s plenty to choose from. If something sultry is what you had in mind, be sure to check out the delicate Kelsa cami and shorts set, expertly framed with beautiful Art Deco-inspired lace. You can also never go wrong with a fashion-forward take on the classics – our bestselling Leon and Abigail sets lend a modern touch to loungewear edits while remaining perfectly comfortable options to slip into on Christmas morning.
Black Friday Shopping 101 – our guide to top lingerie styles
Fancy knowing what lingerie styles are at the top of our list for the season? We talked to our instagram followers to find out their AW21 must haves...
Lumi Black
“Everything in your new extended sizing range" - @breeeeesspam
@taylor.brumann wears the Nova Black Bra and matching thong on Instagram. Shop the look here
Vienna Thongs
@germselsilva wears the Lace Irena Brief and Bra in white Shop the full look here
@mlouisee__ wears the Marseille Black Bra & matching brief. Shop the full look here
“I love Marseille in every colour way!” - @nataliakonopski
@romicalypso wears the Colette Bra, Suspender and matching Thong Shop the full look here
@ miav.me wears the Marseille Bra and Thong in yellow. Shop the full look here
Cardi B and Megan The Stallion serving bright coloured lingerie looks in WAP
Credit: Seventeen Magazine
Caption: Rosalia, Normani and Megan The Stallion serving sexy in WAP