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'Oyster:me'
on the Triangle in Clifton has set out to indulge women
and our men with some of the most stunning underwear sourced
from the world's top designers.
At
£150-a-pop some of the knickers are more aspirational
than every day but this is the sort of shop Bristol has been
in dire need of for some time - and there are plenty of beautiful
but lower priced pieces to indulge in while saving up for
the others.
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| The
shop has a 'slightly deco' feel and is laid out as a boudoir |
"We
don't just sell knickers though," Maria impressed on
me. "We also have swimwear, bags, jewellery, bridal nightwear
and sensual toys."
After
just a few minutes chatting with Gaynor and Maria it's obvious
that both women are passionate about panties.
Liberal
attitude
While
Maria read law at UWE and has no previous retail experience,
she more than makes up for it with an eye for the latest must-have
knickers and bras and an infectious enthusiasm for her chosen
subject.
Gaynor
grew up in a family of Bristol retailers, studying interior
design before deciding it was time to take the plunge and
set up her own business.
The
women decided to team up after realising they were both searching
separately for premises for a lingerie shop in the same area
of Bristol.
"Gaynor
worked at John Anthony and I was one of their best customers
so we've know each other for at least four years," said
Maria.
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| More
women are having boob jobs and they want pretty bras with
larger cups |
And
it seems the women have opened the shop at just the right
time to tap into the zeitgeist of the post-Sex and the City
liberal attitude towards women and sex.
Larger
cups
"We
know there are women in Bristol who want to buy beautiful
lingerie and we get plenty of men in the shop buying gifts
as well," smiled Gaynor.
The
shop has a 'slightly deco' feel and is laid out as a boudoir
with Tocca candles on the mantle shelf.
In
the back room is a glass showcase with crystal-handled leather
whips, glass 'wands' and fabulous Venetian masks with feathers
and sparkles.
The
pieces are displayed in an inviting way which makes you want
to pick them up and try on.
"We'll
soon have a new range from Rigby and Peller and we've decided
to stock Love Kylie knickers but the thing we're asked for
most is for larger cup sizes on our directional fashion labels
so we're looking for new designers to fill that need,"
said Gaynor - a woman who fully sympathizes with this request.
With
more women opting to go under the knife to achieve bigger
boobs than nature intended there is a growing number of slender
women with large breasts who demand pretty underwear instead
of the rather unflattering contraptions you may see on granny's
washing line.
Labels
stocked by Oyster:me include Damaris, Bas Bleu, Verde Veronica,
Eberjey, Verdissima, Gianni Versace and Pistol Panties (currently
featured in Vogue).
There
is also a range of silk bras and panties from internationally
renowned designer Fleur T, who has recently located to Bristol.
So
has anyone actually bought those £150 knickers I inquire...
"We've
sold two pairs already - both to women," said Maria.
Oyster:me
is holding an official launch party on Thursday June 24 at
Three, at the bottom of Park Street. There will be a champagne
reception, oysters and a catwalk show.
Oyster:me
1 Triangle South
Clifton
Bristol
BS8 1EY
Tel: 0117 9292224
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