V&A launches lingerie collection inspired by museum artefacts with Coco de Mer

A perfume bottle, a cushion and a textile are some of the objects that inspired the garments

Signature Long Kimono (Rankin/The Full Service for Coco de Mer)

The Victoria & Albert museum has announced the launch of a new lingerie collection that’s taken inspiration from several different artefacts on display at the 166-year-old institution.

The collection, which consists of four different ranges, has been created in collaboration with luxury British lingerie brand Coco de Mer for the autumn/winter fashion season.

The collection, titled “The Beauty of Nature”, was influenced by certain objects in the museum’s archives such as an 18th-Century English perfume bottle, traditional Korean lacquerware and floral silk cushions from 17th-Century England.

Botanical Beauty Slip and Robe (Rankin/The Full Service for Coco de Mer)

The aim of the collection is to highlight the extraordinary craftsmanship on display at the museum, all the while drawing attention to the delicacy of Coco de Mer’s designs.

Lucy Litwack, CEO of Coco de Mer, explains how the lingerie brand and the museum were able to coalesce in order to achieve a shared vision for the collection.

“It is an honour to collaborate with the V&A. I have always loved the museum and as two British heritage brands with a passion for beauty we were very well matched,” she says.

Signature Long Gown and Long Kimono (Rankin/The Full Service for Coco de Mer)

“We met and felt that we could develop a lingerie collection that would embody key elements from both our brands - luxury, opulence and glamour.”

One of the ranges, titled “Signature”, has been inspired by a textile called Wreathnet designed by William Morris in 1882.

Coco de Mer decided to opt for a rich ruby colour for the range, which includes a long gown and kimono.

Golden Heron Bra and Bikini Brief (Rankin/The Full Service for Coco de Mer)

Another of the ranges, named “Golden Heron”, was designed with an 18th Century glass and gilt scent bottle in mind.

The lingerie combines deep blue satin with golden embroidery, mirroring the colours that can be seen on the perfume bottle.

Lauren Sizeland, head of business development and licensing at the V&A, explains the importance of the thought process that went into the collection.

Midnight Vine Slip and Bodysuit (Rankin/The Full Service for Coco de Mer)

“The V&A and Coco de Mer share a passion for high quality, exquisite design so we were delighted when they approached us about a line of luxury lingerie,” she says.

“From the final details and finishes of each item to the product names, we have collaborated with Coco de Mer to make sure that the collection blends the V&A brand handwriting with Coco de Mer’s aesthetics."

The "Beauty of Nature" collection is available to pre-order online now at Coco de Mer.

The collection will be available to purchase online and in the Coco de Mer boutique from the week of August 13.