Victoria Dagger in Evgenia Photographed by Alyxander Ryan

In the intensely competitive world of apparel design, it's kind of amazing to see how indie lingerie operates as its own lovely, supportive bubble. Although you need a thick skin to work in any aspect of fashion, truly, I would hardly say I have one. Though I've gotten tougher over the years, I think a lot of why I'm still in business in an industry that is known for being incredibly catty is that indie lingerie design is an amazingly supportive niche, full of designers who are passionate about not only their work, but others' as well.

I've had the amazing privilege of working alongside some truly amazing indie lingerie rockstars over the past few years. And one of my favorite local designers, Marianne Faulkner of Pop Antique, is not only an incredible corsetiere and lovely friend, but also a drop-dead gorgeous model, also known as Victoria Dagger. Marianne is full of surprises - sweet as pie, but with a photographic presence and glare that can move mountains. As I've told her before, the first time I saw her images I thought "Man, this girl is a badass and probably totally mean" and what a surprise I got when I finally met her: a friendly, talented designer with a penchant for cocktails, cats and strong hugs. Seriously!

What a treat I got when Victoria announced she'd be shooting a stocking review for The Lingerie Addict and wanted to borrow some pieces from the Tempest collection. Her friend Alyxander Ryan shot the incredible images, and as always, Marianne owns it. I love the mix of brands in this editorial, too. The colorful stockings featured are by Gio, the pink robe is by Andres Intimates and cincher is by Sparklewren. A meeting of the minds indeed! This is how lingerie is done, and this is why I love this world so, so much.

Tempest Wave Camisole, Tempest Bralette, Tempest Wave Half Slip and

Deco Garter Belt by Evgenia. Stockings by Gio.

Tempest Deco Camisole, Tempest Wave Half Slip and Deco Garter Belt by Evgenia.

Stockings by Gio.

Tempest Deco Camisole, Tempest Modern Knickers and Deco Garter Belt by Evgenia.

Robe by Andres Intimates. Cincher by Sparklewren. Stockings by Gio.

Bralettes & Bow Ties: A Valentine's Day Party with Zelma Rose and Rue Magazine

Valentine's Day is a lingerie designer's time to amp things up a bit and with the launch of the new collection, I really wanted this year to be a special one. When HCH PR maven Camille and I started brainstorming party ideas way back before the holidays, we had only an inkling of how awesome the final outcome would be. Lucky for me, Lisa of Zelma Rose was totally on board to team up as my co-headliner for Bralettes & Bow Ties! Lisa's handmade bow ties and pocket squares are pretty incredible and undeniably dapper - not to mention she makes bright, beautiful and expertly handcrafted cross-stitch jewelry! Rue Magazine co-hosted Bralettes & Bow Ties and a week after our special night, I'm still delighted with the outcome.

Credit: Portraits to the People

Bralettes & Bow Ties was the perfect opportunity for me to sew up a full size run in all the new pieces from my Deco and Cotillion collections, get a bunch of friends and colleagues together, talk shop, try some lingerie and bow ties and drink some cocktails. Photographers Sarah from Portraits to the People and Cristal Veronica really elevated the whole experience with their gorgeous shots. Thanks a million to the dashing Borden Ornelaz for his expertly crafted cocktails, Rebecca Taff for hair and makeup, Camille Schmidt for her PR know-how, Marianne and Richelle for modeling my lingerie and Morgan for being the evening's go-to girl. For more images, be sure to check out both photographers' galleries here and here.

Credit: Cristal Veronica

Sad you missed it? Not to worry - many more HCH events are in the cards for the year, so stay tuned to Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to be the first to know about them.

Credit: Cristal Veronica

Credit: Portraits to the People

Credit: Cristal Veronica

Credit: Portraits to the People

Credit: Cristal Veronica

Credit: Cristal Veronica

Credit: Portraits to the People

TOMORROW! Honey Cooler Handmade & Pop Antique at Dark Garden!

That's right, the corsetry atelier famous for cinching the ravishing Dita Von Teese among other beauties of burlesque is hosting a Valentine's Day trunk show tomorrow (Saturday Feb. 1st) featuring lingerie by yours truly and the beautiful millinery of Pop Antique. This is the first public event in which I'll have a wide range of sizes and styles from my new Deco and Cotillion Collections available for purchase!

Scope out the full details and RSVP on the Facebook page - we would love to dress you up and make this year's Valentine's Day a truly elegant one!

Join us for champagne punch and prettiness from 4 - 8pm at Dark Garden, 321 Linden Street in Hayes Valley. See you there!