.... according to Forbes.com who compiled this list in conjunction with Valentine's Day 2005. Of course those Victoria's Secret diamond bras and knickers are not taken into account. No one ever bought those (yet), anyway.
For more than 40 years, Paris-based Aubade has been turning out luscious, lacy lingerie for women who appreciate sophisticated seduction. A little bit "Boho," a little bit classic and patently pretty, these items come in the finest lace and Swiss, Italian and French embroidery for that just-so look. This stunning embroidered tulle and black tulle voile bra and St. Tropez boy-brief combo from Aubade's top-of-the-line "Tresor Divin" collection of is an eyeful--though for your eyes only, of course. Sleeveless robe, high-heels and wet deck not included.
From the largest French intimate apparel company comes--what else?--lusciously intimate French lingerie. It'd be hard to find something more sophisticated and refined than this bra and panty from the "Satine" collection--the former ($90) with vertical seams for an "uplifting" effect and just enough lace to decorate the neckline; the latter ($45) with the similar and equally lovely lace detailing at the leg. Comes in ice blue for spring, and ivory for any old time of year. 
A graduate of the State School of Decorative Arts in Paris, Guia La Bruna began collaborating with her mother, a lingerie designer in her own right, on ways to express her creative urges through women's most intimate clothing. Inspired by things she wants to wear herself, Guia brings together vintage cuts and contemporary fabrics to create colorful girlish pieces, such as this lovely and altogether flowery "Summer Tale" bra and thong set in 100% silk.
Drop-dead lingerie at blood pressure-raising prices, La Perla is pretty much the gold standard of intimate under things. Founded in Bologna in 1954 by Ada Masotti, La Perla features a wealth of sexy and sophisticated collections--including last year's "Limited Edition" 50th Anniversary line up made from the finest Valenciennes lace and created on Caudry looms from the 18th century. This fetching "Show-Off" body suit is from the spring/summer 2005 collection. Worried she'll be a little chilly? Pair it with a matching "Emotif" robe for $296 or an "Enchante" nightgown for $306--both as pretty as the pennies you'll spend.
It's all about lace at Lise Charmel, a stylish, sophisticated and superbly fitted lingerie line founded in the 1950s in Lyon, France, and now distributed by Milltex. Rather than go the sheer and racy route, the highest-end Lise Charmel by Lise Charmel collection takes it slow and demure, with stylish and elegant French cuts that leave just enough to the imagination--but not too much. You'll have to pay a bit for such modesty, of course, but this Silk and Satin Bustier looks like it's worth the investment.
"Mary Green is to Victoria's Secret what crème brulee is to Reddi Wip," noted Daily Variety of the San Francisco-based lingerie maker who launched her business with men's silk long johns back in the 1970s. Playful, girlish and perhaps a bit garish, Green's lingerie is a favorite of the Hollywood celebrity set, but don't let that put you off. After grabbing the spotlight with customized sleep masks for the gals on Sex In The City, Green now offers 16 collections in a rainbow of colors and counter-culture styles. This long duster with boy shorts (for $18) and fishnets (here, by Wolford) is perfect ensemble for a slinky Valentine's evening.
Sexy things come in small boutiques, and when it comes to lingerie there's nothing sexier, smaller or more expensive than Sabbia Rosa. Founded by its Tunisian namesake on the Left Bank of Paris in 1976, the tiny shop is a regular stop for the rich, famous, celebrity and royalty among us, including Nicole Kidman, Madonna, Naomi Campbell, Catherine Deneuve, Sofia Coppola and even Woody Allen. Rosa designs and hand-makes everything herself in finest silk, satin and lace, changing her collections monthly and happily catering to client suggestions. Collections change monthly, and prices do, too: The most expensive item in store at the moment is a cashmere and silk robe for around $3,230. An extensive line-up includes every under-thing you could imagine, including camisoles and nightgowns that can double as outerwear. Available via phone sales, as well as at Barneys in the U.S.
Just imagine the look on your Valentine's face when she unwraps a pair of these--not to mention the look on yours when she actually tries them on. Founded three years ago in Sussex, England, by artists Lisa Morgan and Melanie Probert, Strumpet & Pink aims for fantasy and delivers with frilly, handmade concoctions in satins, silks and chiffons, embellishments such as pearls, ribbons, flowers and bows, and earthy colors such as lichen, berry and "slutty-pinky-browny" mink. (That's their description, not ours.) Off-the-rack S&P knickers run $330 to $460, while fantasy's the limit on bespoke items.
As pretty as spring flowers--or your Valentine herself--this slinky, French-inspired, stretch lace and mesh "Merrywidow" is a standout among Victoria's Secret notoriously come-hither collection. Fashioned by Chantal Thomass with playful embellishments and a provocative cut, it's fashioned from imported nylon and spandex and available in pink and white. Sure to make her look like a Victoria's Secret supermodel--all for yourself.
And they didn't even include "Lola Luna" whose wisps of fabric sell from at least USD45 and above.
Those who always ask me for discounts should understand that the less fabric a piece of lingerie has, the less coverage it affords, the more expensive it is.
Source: HERE
All images from LNStyle.com
Various Italian brands as sold by LNStyle.com
Matching thong
Criss-cross
