Naughties for the noughties
Sydney's lingerie hot spots are all laid out for you
Le Mistress is never pantyless
1 Le Mistress
This place specialises in bringing a little cheeky 50s flair back into the bedroom. Husband and wife rockabillies Tony and Lou Vacher come from hairdressing and fashion backgrounds respectively. Their penchant for all things wickedly vintage is strongly conveyed in this Crown Street store in both the European and local boutique designers adorning the slinky racks. From the black, white and red polka dot and lace under-bust corset sets to the ostrich feathers, or riding crops for the more committed clientele.
Le Mistress, 321 Crown St, Surry Hills 2010 (02 9356 2066).
2 White Ivy
One of Sydney's most exclusive lingerie stores with a clientele list that in the past has boasted Vivien Leigh and even Queen Elizabeth II, this Double Bay diamond is still a fairly well kept secret. It has been since it first opened its doors during the late 40s. Dolce & Gabbana, Hanro, Malizia and the much-desired La Perla all take pride of place here. The store's own White Ivy label is also a favourite of many of its Eastern Suburbs lady visitors. The name of the game here is elegant, classic sophistication. Where is the wicked? It can be found in the total at the end of the receipt tucked discretely in your bag.
White Ivy, Shop 2, 365 New South Head Road, Double Bay 2028 (02 9326 1830).
3 Dirty Pretty Things
Fear not lovers of all things cheekily French - Dirty Pretty Things is putting je ne sais quoi back into the naughty little fingers of Sydney's saucy minxes and their masters. This Paris-inspired boutique prides itself on its unique selection. The proof is in the stocking of billet-doux labels like the artistic Nick Cave-inspired Bella's Dead and the mischievously-monikered Burlesque-esque Buttress & Snatch. The service is personal and the stores own ‘proprietress' - lingerie vixen Melissa Gallagher - is locally revered for her knowledge of all things boudoir.
Dirty Pretty Things, 225 Glenmore Road, Paddington 2021 (02 9331 2166).
4 Gallery Serpentine
For those wanting to pull out all stops in their search for sinful attire, you really can't go past a corset. A tightly-bound combination of fabric and lacing, corsets have been making men pant and ladies swoon (literally) since the 16th century. These days dabbling in corsetry does not necessarily mean uncomfortable restriction. As the experts at Gallery Serpentine are more than happy to illustrate, there is a corset to suit almost all your wicked needs and desires. Almost all of which can be found at this Victorian-cum-80s inspired store.
Gallery Serpentine, Shop 2, 112-116 Enmore Road, Enmore (next to the Enmore Theatre) 2042 (02 9557 5821).
5 Madam Rouge
There is something so delightfully 1950s about a lingerie party. They evoke images of attractive housewives in perfectly pressed sundresses ‘oooing' and ‘ahhhing' over French garters and camisoles. Madam Rouge takes this concept into the naughties and into your own abode, surrounded by your closest friends at a lingerie party. Madam Rouge parties are aimed at the more sophisticated 30-plus femme fatales and are as educational in nature as they are enjoyable. There's no giggling behind hands here, just a selection of lingerie by Playful Promises and the exclusive French-lace designs of Sally Jones. Oh, and a range of toys designed to cater for the needs of both the beginners in the group and the more advanced. Meow!
Madam Rouge (1300 797 684).
Kat Hartman
