Scarlett Gasque’s New Collection Is The Ultimate Self-Expression

Lingerie is something of a sartorial double-edged sword. On the one hand there's wanting to keep it hidden away from view, while on the other, it's often designed to garner appreciation from your partner.

Thankfully, there also exists a third, more empowering story: self-expression. It’s in this narrative that pioneering lingerie brand Scarlett Gasque has carved its unique vision. Here’s how it’s changing the game and championing self-expression for women everywhere.

It has a unique founder’s story

Forget so-called shapewear designed solely to flatten curves and manipulate your body into one uniform shape; Scarlett Gasque was created by founder Chloé Rogers in 2020 with one clear vision.

‘Lingerie, a secret haven of self-assurance, holds the power to make you feel confident even when the world remains unaware of the beauty concealed beneath your attire,’ she explains. ‘It's a subtle rebellion, an inner strength that radiates regardless of whether it meets the eyes of others.’

Scarlett Gasque, she adds, is inspired by the glamour girls of the 1940s and 1950s and intended to encourage women to live their authentic lives and celebrate all the many forms, personalities and styles they come in.

Scarlett Gasque

Rogers wanted to be part of the sexual liberation movement, she says, drawing inspiration from the art of burlesque. Whilst studying at Central Saint Martins, she became fascinated by the world of traditional corsetry, even writing her dissertation on feminine politics within burlesque.

‘For me, a corset is more than just an article of clothing,’ elaborates Rogers, who was determined to bring traditional corsetry back to the fashion mainstream. ‘It’s an outer manifestation of the emotions evoked when adorned in a matching set. It transforms the mundane act of dressing into a ritual of self-expression, a celebration of personal style and sensuality that resonates with how I truly feel within.’

The quality is unmatched

Lingerie should be treated with the same respect as investment fashion pieces. Often there’s a sense that the quality of underwear is less important and the pieces are more disposable, when in fact good lingerie transcends trends and can last for years.

At Scarlett Gasque for example, there's a focus on pieces made only from the highest quality materials, ensuring they’re worthy investment items – a considered combination of luxury and ethical consciousness.

Scarlett Gasque

All of the brand’s products are designed in London and brought to life with expert corsetry techniques, using textiles sourced mainly in the UK and continental Europe.

The brand prioritises high-quality material which contours the natural curves of the body without aggravating it. The real beauty is in the detail, such as the choice to use light and flexible steel boning as opposed to plastic, which works with the wearer's shape as well as allowing more mobility and making sure the corset doesn't feel too restrictive.

It has personality as well as style

The Forbidden Fantasies: The Showgirl Collection is far from a standard, unimaginative lingerie line using regulation black and white lace that encourages everybody to follow the same mould.

Rather, the creative hero colours of lilac, emerald and aubergine encourage the wearer to be brave and embrace their individuality through self-expression. With statement pieces like the Emerald Corset, the collection is equally intended to be worn on the outside should occasion call for something extra eye-catching.

Scarlett Gasque

Scarlett Gasque has also increased its sizing options in its ongoing mission to make sure every woman feels confident, with bras now including band sizes up to 38.

‘The Showgirl Collection isn’t just intended to be worn under your clothes and forgotten about,’ says Rogers. ‘It’s a wink and a nudge to embrace your uniqueness and pursue what makes you feel your most confident self.’