Meet The Oola Team: Introducing Jen our Designer
We asked Jen, our Oola Lingerie designer a few questions about designing specifically for curve and what make her love designing lingerie for the plus size woman (and because we are a nosey... lots of other questions too!!)
What do you love about designing lingerie
I feel in love with lingerie when I was in design school in Paris. I love the complexity and femininity of the product, and that it’s all about the details. I found it very exciting to challenge such a technical product. One aspect I really love also about designing lingerie is thinking about how it can bring comfort, support and joy to the client during their day or night.
What design decisions to you consider when designing specially for curve
Is it comfortable? Will it make the client feel confident? How can I adapt the current trends to a curvy body and make it look stunning.
What underwear should we be wearing in 2023? What are the key trends we should all be buying
Whatever makes you feel good and happy! After the pandemic, we all have been used to comfort which has influenced the make so there will be a lot of easy everyday lingerie but with interesting details. On another level as things are getting back to normal, we see a desire for sexiness and something special rising, therefore embroidery is a maxi trend for 2023.
If you were not a designer what else would you be doing?
It will have to be something creative; I love flowers and cats so maybe florist or move to Africa to take care of big cats. But in really if I have done something else, I will have probably be a hairdresser like my dad and work for the family business. But I will never quit designing, it’s the reason I am thrilling to go to work every day.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Everywhere, I have been working for a very long time for trend agencies and you learn that everything can be an inspiration. I look at the catwalk, go to exhibitions, travel and bring back inspirations, street style… and of course nowadays a lot come from Instagram. I follow magazines, brands, photographers, models… everything that can bring inspirations.
Who is your favourite Lingerie designer/ brand?
It changes with the seasons. I will adore a collection and then prefer another one the next one. This season I love le Petit Trou, For Love and Lemons and Yse Lingerie. I have also always admired Stella McCartney not only for her design but for the way she is driving fashion into sustainability.
What do you love about working at oola?
Oola is a young brand, it’s so exiting to be part of its growth and developing its DNA. I love how we are challenging the plus size codes with Oola, how we make plus size lingerie more modern but accessible. We also have a great time that is lovely to work with.
What other brands have you designed for?
I have designs for numerous brands in Paris such as Passionata (Chantelle), Etam, Sonia Rykiel, John Galliano, Lacroix… and also in the UK for Agent Provocateur, House of Fraser and Dorothy Perkins.
Your favourite item in your own wardrobe.
It’s impossible to pick one, they are all my babies, and I cannot play favourites! But these days I am not going anywhere without my trench coat from Arket, trapped jean from Cos, Vuitton boots and Celine bag. My favourite bra at the moment is an embroidered high apex bra from Maison Lejaby.
Can you tell us what we can expect to see being designed for Oola
in 2023 and beyond!
We have some very exciting new ranges coming in. We will be launching our sustainable microfiber program that we are very proud of. It’s the perfect everyday lingerie with a shape for every occasion and everyone’s favourites, and it comes in multiples skin tones. We will also bring in some very modern and sensual design in mesh. And finally, a studio design edition for you to treat yourself to a beautiful luxury set. We hope you will enjoy!
