NEW YORK — Victoria’s Secret is embarking on a new strategy with high-end French designer brand Chantal Thomass.
The $3.81 billion lingerie retailer began testing Chantal Thomass for Victoria’s Secret lingerie in 2002 at select units, and now plans to expand the saucy brand of highly embellished corsets, bustiers, bras, panties and legwear from 10 to 100 doors in September, said designer Chantal Thomass in a phone interview from her atelier in Paris.
“My Parisienne collection for Victoria’s Secret has been selling extremely well at their top stores, including Herald Square in New York and Washington,” said Thomass. “Now, we’ll be shipping fresh merchandise, styles and colors every two months because of the demand.
“It’s very funny that I am doing this for Victoria’s Secret because I’ve known them a long time, ever since I worked on accessories, nightwear and robes for the Victoria’s Secret fashion shows,” continued Thomass. “I just love the store. For French people, Victoria’s Secret is very strong because we have nothing like that in France. I’m sure if they opened a Victoria’s Secret store in France, people would love it.”
The victoriassecret.com Web site began selling Thomass’ lingerie in mid-August, and the exclusive collection also is featured in a four-page spread in the current Victoria’s Secret catalogue for fall. Retail prices average $68 for a cross-dyed balconette bra, $128 for an embroidered baby doll, $168 for a lace-up Merry Widow with adjustable garters and $228 for a lace-up mesh bodysuit.
from wwd
