By admin 
The international lingerie industry is witnessing a significant shift in the design and marketing of foundation garments, a trend underscored by the recent definitive presentation of the BODIES collection by Simone Pérèle at this year’s Curve trade show. Traditionally, the categories of shapewear and high-end lingerie have existed as distinct entities, with the former prioritizing compression and utility while the latter focused on aesthetics and sensuality. However, the introduction of the BODIES vision signals a structural change in how heritage brands approach the silhouette, moving away from restrictive control and toward a philosophy of "French instinct" where function is inherently beautiful. This strategic pivot comes at a time when the global shapewear market is projected to reach a valuation of approximately $3.7 billion by 2028, driven by consumer demand for garments that offer both technical support and daily comfort.
The Evolution of the BODIES Vision
The BODIES concept was first introduced to industry insiders several months ago, but its full impact was realized during the most recent Curve show, the premier trade event for the intimate apparel industry in North America. The collection represents a comprehensive attempt to merge the technical engineering of shapewear with the delicate craftsmanship of French lingerie. Rather than following the industry standard of high-compression fabrics that can often be bulky or restrictive, Simone Pérèle has utilized its decades of expertise to create foundation wear that smooths, sculpts, and supports through lightweight construction.
The shift in attitude represented by BODIES is a response to a changing consumer landscape. Modern consumers are increasingly seeking "second-skin" solutions that provide a seamless transition between undergarments and outerwear. The BODIES repertoire currently spans four distinct collections—PLUME, SUBTILE, STORY, and ESSENTIEL—with a fifth line, DIVINE, scheduled for a February delivery. This tiered approach allows the brand to address various levels of support and aesthetic preferences while maintaining a cohesive design language across the entire foundation category.
Historical Context and the Legacy of PLUME
Central to the current BODIES rollout is the PLUME collection, which serves as both a new addition and a tribute to the brand’s historical archives. The roots of PLUME can be traced back to a specific 1972 vision from Simone Pérèle, which focused on airy lace, precise support, and the concept of a "secret under clothing." This legacy philosophy has been reinterpreted for the 2020s through the use of more transparent, modern constructions.
The technical design of PLUME utilizes a combination of delicate floral lace and mesh, creating a visual lightness that belies its supportive capabilities. This "archival idea given a distinctly modern expression" was recently highlighted during a high-profile launch event in New York City, where the brand showcased the collection’s ability to function as both a technical foundation and a standalone fashion statement. By looking back to the 1970s—a decade defined by a move toward more natural silhouettes and liberation from heavy corsetry—Simone Pérèle is positioning BODIES as a contemporary evolution of that same spirit of ease.
Technical Specifications and Inclusivity Metrics
A critical component of the BODIES launch is its commitment to an expanded size spectrum, particularly within the PLUME range. In a category where engineering often struggles to scale alongside size, Simone Pérèle has extended its bra-size offerings from 30 to 42 bands and B to H cups. This inclusivity is not merely a marketing directive but a technical achievement, as maintaining the "lingerie look" in an H-cup shapewear garment requires significant internal architecture that remains invisible to the eye.
The broader BODIES landscape, including bottoms and bodywear, ranges from XS through XXL, ensuring that the sculpting benefits are accessible across various body types. This move aligns with broader industry trends toward inclusivity, where brands are no longer rewarded simply for offering "nude" shades, but for providing the same level of structural integrity and aesthetic refinement to all customers regardless of size.
The SUBTILE collection further emphasizes technical prowess by integrating French lace, high-quality European fabrics, and Italian microfiber. The standout feature of SUBTILE is its flat-stretch graphic lace construction. This material is specifically engineered to lie completely smooth against the body, eliminating the "line" issues that often plague traditional lace garments when worn under form-fitting clothing. By using Italian microfiber, the brand ensures a high degree of breathability and a soft hand-feel, addressing the common complaint that shapewear is uncomfortable for long-term wear.
Market Analysis: The "Lingerie Moment" for Shapewear
The emergence of BODIES occurs during what industry analysts call a "lingerie moment" for the shapewear sector. For years, the market was dominated by heavy-duty compression wear designed for special occasions. However, the rise of "athleisure" and the subsequent demand for comfort during the global pandemic have permanently altered consumer expectations. People now expect their everyday underwear to provide some level of "smoothing" without the physical cost of traditional shapewear.
Simone Pérèle’s approach—described as a "couture approach to indelibly comfortable shapewear"—positions the brand to capture the premium segment of this market. While mass-market competitors focus on high-volume, synthetic-heavy garments, the BODIES collection leverages the "Made in Europe" prestige and the heritage of French corsetry. This strategy targets a demographic that views foundation wear as an investment in both their wardrobe and their physical comfort.
The STORY and ESSENTIEL collections anchor the BODIES line by providing the "workhorse" pieces of the repertoire. These collections focus on classic styles, flexibility, and ease of use, translating complex shaping technology into highly wearable, adaptable layers. By offering these alongside the more decorative PLUME and SUBTILE lines, the brand creates a "wardrobe of foundations" that can transition from daily professional wear to evening attire.
Chronology of Development and Future Outlook
The development of the BODIES vision follows a strategic timeline aimed at revitalizing Simone Pérèle’s position in the global market:
- Early Concept Phase: Research into new microfiber technologies and lace constructions that allow for "invisible" support.
- Initial Introduction: Soft launch of the BODIES vision to key retail partners and fashion editors to gauge market interest.
- NYC Launch Event: A high-visibility promotional event in Manhattan to introduce the PLUME collection to a broader North American audience.
- Curve Show Presentation: The definitive industry reveal, showcasing the full four-collection range and the upcoming DIVINE line.
- February Expansion: The scheduled release of DIVINE, which is expected to further refine the intersection of luxury lace and functional sculpting.
The broader implications of this launch suggest a move toward "stealth shapewear." As the distinction between "underwear" and "shapers" continues to blur, other luxury brands are likely to follow Simone Pérèle’s lead in prioritizing aesthetic transparency. The goal is no longer to "dominate the silhouette," as traditional shapewear intended, but to provide "precision without restriction."
Broader Impact on the Intimate Apparel Industry
The success of the BODIES collection reflects a growing sophisticated understanding of ergonomics in fashion. By focusing on "engineering without bulk," Simone Pérèle is addressing a gap in the market for high-end, functional garments that do not look like medical devices or utility wear. This approach is likely to influence retail buying patterns, with boutiques and department stores increasingly looking for "hybrid" products that can be sold in both the lingerie and shapewear departments.
Furthermore, the emphasis on sensuality—"sensuality without compromise"—challenges the long-held belief that shapewear must be utilitarian or unattractive. By proving that a garment can be both an effective sculpting tool and a piece of fine French lingerie, Simone Pérèle is redefining the "secret under clothing" for a new generation. The most successful foundation, according to this new philosophy, is one that the wearer feels through increased confidence and support, but which remains entirely invisible to the outside world, quietly transforming the silhouette from within.
As the industry looks toward the February delivery of the DIVINE collection, the focus remains on how these technical innovations will perform in a competitive retail environment. With its blend of archival inspiration and forward-thinking engineering, the BODIES collection stands as a significant case study in how heritage brands can evolve to meet modern demands without losing their core identity. For Simone Pérèle, the future of foundation wear is not about hiding the body, but about celebrating it through the lens of French craftsmanship and invisible, effortless support.
