Fashion: Feminine yet quirky made-in-Montreal lingerie

Fashion: Feminine yet quirky made-in-Montreal lingerie

Déborah Ghisu is the owner and designer of Barbe Rose, a young Montreal-based company that specializes in feminine yet quirky lingerie and nightwear.

The foundation of Barbe Rose is the bloomer, a fancy take on traditional boxers for women and the first piece created by Ghisu for the brand. After the conception of this garment she dove into the area of lingerie and nightwear.

Her first complete collection is the recent fall/winter line, which includes bras and high-waisted panties that have black mesh and floral prints, as well as a green nightie with a black bow in the back.

“I think that intuitively I go toward vintage. I watch a lot of old movies where I see lingerie, but I also look a lot at what is made today. I try to have a vintage version that is more updated with prints and colours that are more contemporary,” Ghisu says.

Ghisu creates items that are flattering and comfortable based on her own preferences and what she believes women want. For example, she creates high-waisted panties because she believes they are suitable for different shapes and sizes.

Photo: special occasion dresses

“I always go toward creating something that is going to flatter, be sexy and hide whatever imperfections we may have. Highlight what should be highlighted.”

This summer, the new designer ventured into swimwear with two-piece swimsuits with floral bows and high-waisted features.

The 30-year-old came to Montreal from France just over a year ago. With a background in fine arts and women’s studies, she previously worked as an artist in France. When she arrived in Montreal she had the idea of transitioning into design, but wasn’t ready to jump into anything right away. Despite her intentions, two weeks after moving to Montreal she was interning with Montreal brand Betina Lou. A few months later, she launched Barbe Rose.

Ghisu has created a limited edition collection for this weekend’s winter Puces POPholiday fair at Église St-Denis on Rivard St. (Dec. 12 to 14), including panties with velour details in light pink and brown. She will also be selling items from her fall/winter collection.

“Barbe Rose is still so young … I’m still in a phase where I’m testing certain products and I don’t want to block my creativity. I make things and I wait for the reception.”

Since Ghisu is in Canada on a work visa and can’t hire anyone to help her produce, she designs, cuts and sews every item by hand.

The fall/winter collection is available at La Gaillarde and Fripe F

abrique in Montreal and at Jupon Pressé in Quebec City. Orders can also be placed throughEtsy. Items range from $27 to $95.

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