Pas de Deux Editorial Shot by Shelbie Dimond

I've admired Shelbie Dimond's photography for what seems like ages. As an analog photographer with a distinct artistic voice and penchant for all things vintage, romantic and beautiful, Shelbie has an innate ability to capture measured moodiness in quiet moments. I first learned of Shelbie's work when I began Honey Cooler Handmade back in 2011 and we had gone back and forth casually discussing doing a shoot for a while. When I found out that Shelbie was moving to Los Angeles, I just knew I had to finally book a shoot with her before she became too famous to work with me.

As a former dancer, I have long wanted to do a ballet-themed shoot with my lingerie. Lingerie and ballet seem like a sensible combination - both epitomize femininity and precision. Lucky for me, Shelbie was also itching to do a ballet themed shoot and was able to connect with Ryan Lee and her dance partner Raul Orozco, both ballet dancers in Colorado. Before we knew it, Ryan and Raul had their tickets booked and came out to shoot with us in San Francisco's beautiful Firehouse 8.

Ryan wears pieces from the Spring/Summer 2016 Janus collection, which is slowly being released and is available here. Rebecca Taff is responsible for Ryan's beautifully ethereal hair and makeup. I was delighted to see a few shots front this series posted on The Lingerie Briefs last month.

I hope you enjoy this photo series as much as I do, and be sure to check out more of Shelbie Dimond's incredible work on her site.

Janus Collection Editorial Shot by Kelly Puleio

Just before the holidays, photog extraordinaire Kelly Puleio came out to my new house in West Marin and shot an incredible editorial for me with mega vamp Jeannette. I met Jeannette in Portland and instantly fell in love with her look - she's confident, playful and not to mention drop-dead gorgeous.

Lookbooks usually demand a focus on product photography (and consequently, have less room for a ton of imagination), but editorials allow for some fun and are more about the experience than the product, so needless to say I was really excited to see how things turned out with this project. Sarah Lashelle of Pretty Parlor dreamed up and executed Jeannette's mega-babe hair and makeup, rounding out the look in a completely otherworldly way. 

We went in to the day with a really loose plan and just let the magic happen. Kelly took half the shots in my house and the other half at Five Brooks Ranch in Olema, where Jeannette turned more than a few farmhands' heads. All in all, a wonderful day. In these shots, Jeannette is wearing the Evgenia Janus collection, some of which is already available for purchase online, with more pieces landing soon. She also wears jewelry by Marrin Costello, who is an incredible artist in her own right. Check out all the shots below!

EVGENIA Spring/Summer 2016 Teaser Video by Tim Prestoza

I'm slowly releasing pieces from my upcoming Janus collection for Spring/Summer 2016 and I'm so excited to share this amazing teaser video by Tim Prestoza of Low Tek Studios which features model Deavon Coleman. Tim joined us once again for shoot day, capturing the Janus collection in all its glory. This new collection boasts an exquisite bridal color way which includes luxurious silk charmeuse pieces including brand new Short Gown, Bed Jacket and Thong styles and a limited-edition Ribbon Corset made with vintage organza. The Janus collection is named after the Roman god of beginnings and transitions, and the collection's inception coincides with my physical transition from San Francisco to pastoral West Marin. I hope you enjoy the video! To see more of the Janus collection, visit my site, and be sure to follow Evgenia on Instagram.

Gifted Betty Blue's Loungerie in the Lingerie Secret Santa

This post is a long time coming, but better late than never, right?

As in 2014, I participated in the Lingerie Secret Santa again at the end of last year and once again hit the jackpot with UK based Betty Blue's Loungerie! I've been admiring them from afar for a while, but what a treat to finally have their amazing work in my collection.

Photos of the Nell Dress Slip via Betty Blue's Loungerie

Betty Blue's Loungerie is retro glam at its finest, using soft, luxe fabrics to create sumptuous, vampy silhouettes, reminiscent of the screen sirens of the past. Betty Hobcraft, the brains behind the gorgeous brand, sent me a piece I was elated to finally try, the Nell Dress Slip, one of the line's classics. It's totally iconic and just as gorgeous on as it is in the photos. The refined slip silhouette in stretch satin and uber soft lace boasts a high natural waistline and sheer panels at center front and center back, a cheeky, sexy detail you don't often see in traditional loungewear.

I'm not an easy fit, with a large bust, large hips and comparatively narrow waist. What's great about this piece is that it stretches in the right spots and fits me marvelously.

Photo of the Agatha Eyemask via Betty Blue's Loungerie

As if the Nell Dress Slip wasn't enough, Betty Blue's also sent me their lingerie bag and their Agatha Eyemask, a sweet touch and extra cherry on top that just made this gift even more lovely. This whole collection came beautifully packaged and perfectly constructed. I really couldn't have asked for a more lovely treat. Thank you, Betty Blue's!

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.

A Night to Care Giveaway

I'm so excited to announce that Evgenia was asked to participate in A Night to Care, a fundraiser fashion event benefiting the DripDrop Foundation.

The November 5th event features four local female fashion designers' lines: Evgenia, Kajan Cake, Kaperett and Tokyo Gamine. The DripDrop Foundation's mission is to raise awareness and money to save lives and alleviate suffering from dehydration worldwide. A Night to Care will include a cocktail reception with a hosted bar, a fashion show and a silent auction, all in the glorious St. Regis Hotel's exquisite penthouse.

Each ticket purchase benefits the Foundation and all the good work they do worldwide. From now until October 25th, Evgenia fans and followers have an exclusive opportunity to win two (2) tickets to the event, a $500 value. Here's how:

• Join the Evgenia mailing list
• Comment below with just why you want to attend this event. Be sure to leave your email address!
• Follow @evgenialingerie on Instagram and repost this image. Tell us why you want to attend the event and be sure to include the hashtags #evgeniacares and #dripdropfoundation. (Your profile must be public in order for your entry to be considered)
• Follow Evgenia Lingerie on Facebook and repost this image. Tell us why you want to attend the event and be sure to include the hashtags #evgeniacares and #dripdropfoundation.
• Pick your favorite piece of Evgenia lingerie from the online boutique and post a picture of it on Instagram - be sure to tag @evgenialingerie and hashtag #evgeniacares

You may enter one time per method. The winner will be selected at random on October 26th. Best of luck and can't wait to see you there!

EVGENIA Fall/Winter 2015/16 Behind the Scenes

Ever wonder how a photo shoot comes together? Once again, videographer Tim Prestoza of Low Tek Studios was on hand back in December to capture all the magic that went into the Fall/Winter 2015/16 Tempest shoot. Photographer Kelly Puleio, model Frances Tomei, hair stylist Lauren Rynders and makeup artist Risa Robins Moloney braved what was called the Bay Area's "storm of the decade" for this magnificent project which was inspired by the Octavio Paz short story My Life with the Wave.

Kelly Puleio Photography

Kelly Puleio Photography

Even though both my inspiration and the weather were moody, it's easy to tell we still managed to have a wonderful time. Check out the video and outtakes, and shop first pieces from the Tempest collection now!