Debenhams has broken ranks with the rest of the high street by using un-airbrushed photography in its windows to launch new swimwear lines for the summer.

Debenhams believes that the over use of some digital photography techniques to create unrealistic body shapes and flawless skin can make women feel more insecure about their natural looks and size. The move highlights the retailer's long standing commitment to encouraging positive body-image through minimal digital retouching.



Mark Woods, director of creative & visual, said

As a responsible retailer we want to help customers make the most of their beauty without bombarding them with unattainable body images. Our campaign is all about making women feel good about themselves - not eroding their self belief and esteem by using false comparisons.

Caryn Franklin, fashion commentator and broadcaster, said

Retailers do have the power to take a stance on digital manipulation. Fashion and beauty imagery that is honest is absolutely crucial for all women to see. I'm delighted that Debenhams has taken the lead here and customer feedback will no doubt validate this important step.

Signage in the window will read: 'We've not messed with natural beauty; this image is un-airbrushed. What do you think?' It will also show customers an example of just how much the image could have been altered.

Jo Swinson, Lib Dem MP and co-founder Campaign for Body Confidence MP said,

It's great news that Debenhams will be using images of real women who have not been digitally manipulated to advertise their new swimwear range.

More and more people are realising that airbrushing and other trickery are not necessary in order for women to look beautiful. I am sure that what this will demonstrate is that swimwear modelled by real women who have not been retouched can sell just as well as products advertised with extensive airbrushing, which has become the norm.

This is not the first time Debenhams has shown its commitment to promoting positive body image - in January the store ran a trial with size 16 mannequins in windows, and then in February, Debenhams released images using disabled model Shannon Murray to launch the retailer's new Principles by Ben de Lisi range.

The first window which celebrates natural beauty has been unveiled at the Debenhams Oxford Street store where staff members will be asking shoppers what they think, before the initiative is later rolled out across the country.

Lingerie, Bras, Shapewear and Bridal Lingerie at Debenhams.com

A couple of weeks ago, Bra Selector was lucky enough to catch up with Andrea Littlefair on tour promoting her stunning range of D cup + Cheeky Beach swimwear in Ibiza.

So how did Cheeky Beach come about?

Cheeky Beach was born out of sheer frustration after not being able to find what I wanted anywhere! And believe me I searched!
I had the opportunity to travel quite extensively over the years, and could not find high fashion, embellished, bra sized swimwear above a D cup anywhere. The garments that were on offer did not meet my needs and I always had to settle for something that I was not completely satisfied with. So I decided to do something about it!

According to Andrea, Cheeky Beach is tailored for "classy, sassy, fashion conscious women", who are blessed with more ample curves, and "who demand the best to look their best at all times."

With her team, Cheeky Beach has created a a range of beautifully finished beach wear that incorporates high-octane glamour - and apparently with superb fit.

For the 2010 collection inspiration, the sassy founder has drawn upon the fabulous destinations she has visited on her travels. And so we have the stunning and unique Fiji, New York and Dubai ranges.

Fiji

Wide-open skies, endless horizons and crystal clear waters inspired this simple range. Turquoise fabric with white detailing and simple large silver eyelets and stud detailing reflecting the simple beauty of Mother Nature.

New York

The New Yorkers are renowned for wearing black, so this collection is just that! Elegant, sexy and with contrasting white detailing, large matt silver eyelets and stud embellishments make this a classy, sassy look.

Dubai

One of the most opulent and fastest growing cities in the World inspired this ultra-glamorous range. Sumptuous deep purple fabric with lilac detailing, adorned with decorated silver rings, oozes luxury and demands attention.

Cheeky Beach say that their ‘Beach to Bar’ wear concept means that you can wear Cheeky Beach almost anywhere, especially our fabulous co-ordinating tunic/dress. If you like what you see, the separates collection ranges from a D-G cup and sizes 8-16, so that women can customize their beachwear to suit their individual body shape.

Cheeky Beach swimwear is available directly from www.cheekybeach.com, Honey's Lingerie Boutique and House Of Fraser

According to a recent global COIN survey commissioned by international lingerie brand Triumph, it was revealed that 78% of UK women have concerns with their bust. Sagging breasts was the major issue with 46% of women in the UK concerned about this (and 32% of women globally1). In addition, a second national survey, revealed that half of us (49%) would like to change the size our breasts and many of us, especially in London, are envious of our friends’ breasts.

With 124 years of perfecting the female silhouette, it's no surprise that Triumph is highly accomplished in working wonders with curves. So this summer, Triumph is answering the concerns of women around the world with the launch of the nation’s first ever regime developed solely for the bust, by No.1 Boot Camp, Triumph Boobcamp.

Developed exclusively for Triumph by ex Military instructors at leading fitness camp No.1 Boot Camp and sport music experts AudioFuel, the bustercise regime targets the bust and the back for optimum results. Combining audio instruction with energizing music that has a beat to match, the 30 minute session is designed to tone and firm the muscles that support the bust area. This unique routine, done regularly will help prevent a sagging bust line and avoid back pain.

The audio regime is available free to download to your MP3 player so you can easily do the work out at home, in the park or in the gym. At the same time, enter the exclusive prize draw to win a week at No.1 Boot Camp.

Any sports regime requires specialist underwear and 30 years ago, Triumph engineered the first Triumph Tri-Action bra which offers specialised cushioning, extra flat seaming and binding, combined with high performance fabrics which keep you cool when the going gets hot. After your work out, celebrate your new curves with Triumph’s new Shape Sensation series which is dedicated to celebrating, enhancing and defining natural curves with nine pieces of sculpting lingerie which help shape a gorgeous décolleté, a slim waist, a flat tummy and a perky posterior.

No.1 Boot Camp is the UK’s leading fitness camp for all ages and fitness levels. Set in a unique country house setting, using inspirational military trainers, it’s designed not only to achieve amazing weight loss but also to learn new fitness and nutrition habits to transform your life. At any Fitness Bootcamp you can overcome physical or mental challenges and push yourself way beyond your limitations. It's an unforgettable, life-changing experience.

www.triumph.co.uk

Bra Selector caught up with the busy Laura Ann Smith, who won Star in a Bra 2010 last week for a wee chat. Curvy 28HH Laura stood pipped Kentish contestants Anna Broadley (2nd) and Lauren Sadler (3rd) to become the face and curves of big boob lingerie brand Curvy Kate.

After a head earned break our interviewee will take over from last year's winner Lauren Colfer to represent real women, modelling for competition organisers Curvy Kate and Brastop.

Congratulations Laura Ann Smith! How does it feel to be Star in a Bra 2010?

It feels great thanks. I'm still pinching myself because I didn't think I would win, but I'm really happy to have won and want to say thanks to everyone who voted for me.

How did you find out about the Star in a Bra competition?

I had been on the mailing list for Brastop for sometime as I have bought lots of underwear from there in the past. I had thought about entering last year but chose not to in the end. This year I decided just to go for it and I'm glad I did!

Continue reading "Laura Ann Smith wins big bra cup!"

It seems competitions are the only thing worth writing about right now. In fact Bra Selector's homepage is beginning to look like an ITV TV schedule. However, it is with good reason that we're covering the Triumph Inspiration Award in the UK - time for some uber-fashion lingerie ideas.


Just last week on the 10th June at a dazzling catwalk show hosted by style guru Nicky Hambleton-Jones, supported by a live set by model DJ Ben Grimes, Isabella Newell from Central Saint Martins was named the winner of the UK National Finals of the Triumph Inspiration Award 2010 with her design Circus Freaks. Aisling Farrell of Central Saint Martins took second place with Sacred Geometry and Kate Burreddu of De Montfort University came in third place with her design Podtastic.
Continue reading "Triumph Inspiration Award winner announced"

Congratulations to Laura Ann Smith on winning amateur large bra modelling contest Star in a Bra 2010!



Also congratulations to the gorgeous Anna Broadley (2nd) and Lauren Sadler (3rd). I'm sure Brastop and Curvy Kate have your respective silver and bronze bras at the ready!

"Big up" to the Facebook girls and commiserations to the runners up - but you should be proud to have made it to the top ten so where your lingerie with pride! We hope to hear and se more of the girls over the coming days and weeks.

The time has come girls and boys, today is the last day and the clock is ticking. Take a moment to watch the video below then get online and vote for your favourite natural curvy woman to become the face (and boobs) of Curvy Kate in Star in a Bra 2010.



Vote now at www.starinabra.com. Video deserves credit to sponsors The Sun newspaper and competition organisers Curvy Kate and Brastop

Who do you want to win?

It's 7pm and all is well with the world. The 9-5's are coming home from work and the students are getting ready to go out... again (not that I'm jealous you understand). But before you cook your dinner or slap on some make up take a moment to vote for this year's Star in a Bra - organised by bragain big bra specialist Brastop and large cup bra specialst Curvy Kate.

Good luck girls and I look forward to catching up on Facebook after a week of hiding away in the countryside!

Lauren thinks big boobs are beautiful. Just as well as whilst enjoying the lingeire photoshoot she was fitted and found out that she is not just an ample G cup but a 30GG. And yes Lauren - congratulations on a beautiful shoot.


Ravishing redhead Tora has more elegant undies in the photoshoot than in her raunchy top 30 shots but I'm sure she'll set some pulses racing nevertheless!


Rebecca want to joins movement for positive body image:

I think it’s a really positive thing to promote natural, healthy, curvaceous women. This competition shows how sexy these women are with well fitting underwear. I want to be a part of it!

Kirsty has curves in all the right places. Vote for her and support real women with gorgeous curves.


Move over Kelly Brook! Helen is Barnsley's busty beauty!


GG Gemma thinks big boobs are grrreat!


Hurry and vote now at www.starinabra.com. Spread the word tonight!

If you have not voted already then it's time to vote for the real curvy woman who you think should win Star in a Bra 2010, brought to you by Brastop and lingerie brand Curvy Kate. Thanks to your votes, the competition is hotting up and you now have just 2 days to vote for one of the ten gorgeous girls that made it through.

Laura from Scotland believes ample bosom-ed ladies should celebrate their curves, after her equally endowed sister sought breast reduction.


Curvy Glaswegian Carrie is proud of her assets.


Amorous actress Anna swept The Sun readers off their feet when she braced the pages of the newspaper looking very saucy with heaving bosoms in a white bra. It must be terrible getting all that attention Anna, I wonder why they chose that shot!


Beauty therapist Jessica is all made up after making it through to the finals.


That's all we have time for now but we'll be back with more contestants later on - see you on Facebook. Visit www.starinabra.com to choose a winner!

In a whoosh of big bra PR this week Debenhams says it is rapidly selling out of what they claim is the largest bra available in - the 20-inch-wide KK cup. The Telegraph website reported that Bravissimo and Debenhams have begun stocking the KK cup because some women found the K cup was still not large enough for their breasts, The Sun reported.

Continue reading "Britain's biggest bra is already here!"

A new type of bra was recently launched by Breeze Comfort and the company claims that they are the most breathable padded bras and sports bras in the market today.

So just how do these bras work?

Conventional bra pads found in padded bras are typically made from man-made materials that prevent the evaporation of perspiration. The result is the accumulation of moisture in the breast cup area, which causes discomfort to the wearer.


The Breeze Comfort bra uses a new technology called Ventipad designed to provide ultimate breathability. Unlike traditional bra pads, this new invention has perforations throughout the padding that allow air and moisture to circulate around the chest area.

The company says that the moisture wicking fabric used in conventional padded bras alone is not enough to create a truly breathable, high performance garment. They believe so strongly in this new design with ventilation channels that they have patented the Ventipad.

The idea is simple: keeping cool and dry keeps the wearer more comfortable.
Continue reading "Breathable bra banishes discomfort"

This summer's fabulous swimwear collection has been launched on sassy online lingerie shop BeCheeky.com - with something new for all shapes and sizes. What a great reminder of sunnier, warmer times in this cold British spring!

The new BeCheeky.com collection includes 53 new stlyes from curvy lingerie brands Panache and Freya Swimwear, sassy Italian bikinis from Sielei and bold bright styles from lesser known brands such as Ginga, Bond Eye and Jungla (well worth a a look!).

Following all the recent large cup bra tips and fun on Bra Selector we thought it only fair to introduce some new ideas for those less with curves to work that surf The Surf Floral Sequinned Bikini by Italian lingerie brand Sielei shown above is a favourite of ours. Its intricate sequin band may not be the most practical swimwear but the minimal black edges and chocolate, ivory and black print gives a chic and elegant look for posing by the pool!


Size guide: UK dress size 8,10 and 12
Continue reading "Sassy swimwear launched at BeCheeky"

Had enough of hung Parliaments, drained politicians and old men squabbling?

Well - this time you really can make a difference. Get online now and vote for your favourite from the 30 girls shortlisted so far to win Star in a Bra 2010. All you need to do is go to the website and choose the 3 real women that you'd most like to see modelling Curvy Kate lingerie. This stage of the competition will run until Midnight Sunday (16th May), after which point the 10 girls with the most votes will be chosen to take part in a lingerie photoshoot with with The Sun's photographer Alison Webster, the Make up team from Helen-e and Hair Professionals Headmasters Hair.

For anyone that doesn't know Alison Webster is one of the top Fleet Street photo journalists - she has covered every aspect of photo journalism with the Daily Mail, Daily Mirror, London Evening Standard and now Britain's best selling newspaper The Sun where she's better known as the top Page 3 photographer and therefore very skilled it making big boobed women look their best as shown in this incredible lingerie shoot with Glamour queen and green champion Keeley Hazell.

This is when the real party begins - and no politics!

This years entrants are very varied with many ages, shapes and styles. From ravishing Redhead Tora and J-Lo fan Selena M.

Here are a few photos of this year's contestants. Luscious Lucy has fun modelling, Alex shows us that curvy girls can be confident and beautiful and Kylie shows that we should be proud of our big boobs! Remember Curvy Kate is all about real women embracing their natural curves and making the most of them.


Continue reading "Vote for your Star in a Bra 2010!"

Blogleaves, the official blog of Figleaves has introduced me to a refreshing new range of lingerie by DimitySo.

Why describe it as refreshing? Well, take a look. It's a fusion of 1950s retro and all modern shape, comfort with a splash of sultry 2010 style sure to satisfy the style conscious.

What's even better is that it is designed exclusively for larger busts of D-J cup with a look that's feminine, vintage and ultra modern look all at the same time.

DimitySo has curvy fans around the world that appreciate its large bras. Nat in Australia said

OMG I got my DimitySo shipment of Bras today!!! They are amazing!!

So does Australian pin-up queen Drea

But then they are the models in DimitySo's first ever video.



Check out the Bra Selector disocunts hub for DimitySo special offers.

Fashion guru and How to look good naked host Gok Wan has designed a new range of lingerie for shapely women specially for Internet lingerie retailer Simply Yours. As you would expect for the Gok, he's come up with styles that will make you look fabulous with both styling shaping to accentuate your natural curves - or should I say "bangers"!

Gok’s previous Simply Gok Wan range range has been such a hit with woman across the country that he has added three new colours. Lagoon is a sassy bright turquoise, Vintage is a classic nude with light cream piping and there are two leopard print designs – Pinkadelic and Mint Mocha. Deep (black) has also been rejuvenated with the addition of cream piping.

As well as old favourites the Super Slicker Knickers and Sassy Slip, the new range also includes a Curvalicious Corset. This curve defining piece has metal boning for shape and control and is finished with a ribbon – an item not to be hidden under clothes!


Also new are Paparazzi Pants – the ultimate secret weapon against lumps and bumps in the wrong places! Full boning to the front and an internal powermesh panel means they hold you in without rolling down, while mink powermesh legs mean no digging in.

Gok Wan's collection is just part of the recently launched Simply Yours Spring/Summer 2010 catalogue, which is bursting with plus size lingerie, large cup swimwear and curvy nightwear designs.
Continue reading "Gok Wan designs lingerie for Simply Yours"

It looks like we're in for a rainy Bank Holiday Weekend so what could be better than having some fun and snapping a few photos for the Star in a Bra competition. There are just five days to go before Star in a Bra 2010 comes to an end - so upload your photos quick to win! If you're not sure what to wear then order a new bra, our Brastop voucher code will give you another 10% off!

Speaking to The Sun newspaper Brastop 's Marketing Manager Hannah Houston commented

Although the UK's average boob size is now above a DD and the average dress size a 16, many fashion brands still lack in choosing models that relate to these statistics.

The large cup bra specialist is going against the grain by championing the UK's cuvy figures and their average 34G customer by searching for a DD+ girl who is has the (natural) curves, charisma and confidence to show its customers just how their lingerie looks on real big boobed women.
Continue reading "Win free bras for a year... and a modelling contract!"

Last year plus size lingerie specialist Simply Yours decided to give the women who wear its lingerie the chance to decide what they want to wear. Its customers, fashion students and all round lingerie lovers were invited to enter the lingerie design competition called From Brief to Bra to get their design made and sold in the Simply Yours 2011 Spring Summer collection.


It was a big success. Over 100 women entered the competition with inspiration for their dream lingerie sets ranging from Hollywood Glamour to birds and flowers. Three finalists were then chosen by a panel of judges at the Simply Yours headquarters before the final decision was handed over to the Great British public on Facebook.

Nearly 400 people voted on their favourite design and the lucky winner is 38 year old Christine Pipes, from Consett, County Durham, a teacher at Newcastle Royal Grammar School in Jesmond, Newcastle. Christine’s cupcake design was inspired by a set of retro mugs she had recently purchased and cupcakes a student had baked for her school’s charity week.
Continue reading "Lingerie design competition has a winner"

If you live near Worcester, get your good self down to the Worcester Racecourse on May 9th and help choose Miss Worcester 2010. Aside from joining in the fun there's a chance to donate your old bras to donate your unwanted bras on the day in aid of the Worcestershire Breast Unit Campaign. There will be a fair, face- painting and even a small zoo at the course.

Your Worcester News reported

All unwanted bras, which can be placed in the bins provided, will go towards the 2nd Skin Lingere’s world record attempt of having 200,000 bras in a chain at Worcester racecourse later in the year.

The newspaper will be donating 25p from all calls/texts voting for Miss Worcester 2010 to the campaign

2nd Skin is a family run business in Worcester that specialises in large cup bras. Karen Tomalin and her team are behind the Bra recycling campaign.

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