Lascivious

...inspiring and seductive

Chloe Hamblen graduated in 2003 with a 1st Class Honours in Contour Fashion. Having previously undertaken work experience with brands such as Agent Provocateur, Myla and Alexander McQueen, Chloe was offered a job with the Dutch lingerie designer Marlies Dekkers in Holland. However, after living and working in Rotterdam for 7 months, the dawning realisation that she wanted to create her own label lead to Chloe relocating back to London. Later that year, Lascivious was born. In the years since Chloe began designing and making from her bedroom, the brand has become a leader in directional lingerie design, producing innovative, sophisticated and much coveted collections that inspire and seduce. A favourite amongst celebrities, press and stylists, Lascivious presents a vision of femininity that is strong and provocative. Regular collaborative projects have also kept Lascivious at the forefront of this dynamic industry, despite the label having evolved from its niche, boutique roots. Sold in the most iconic department and fashion stores worldwide, Lascivious still retains its distinct edge and remains an exciting and unique British luxury brand.

Nothing inspires me like…
Collaborating with other creatives. I believe in what I do, but I also realise that I can’t be the best at everything. The excitement and motivation that comes from creating something with a person with a whole different creative skill set really inspires me. For example, I recently undertook a collaboration with Fraulein Kink. She interned with me before she moved to Berlin, and we created a playsuit together that combined her skill with leather and chain with our design style. It was the perfect balance between both the brand’s aesthetics and created something very striking.

I hope…
That everything works out, and most importantly that everyone does what they want to do and is happy.

Cultural influences…
I’m influenced a lot by London and its edgy subcultures… I love people watching in London; just taking in the atmosphere and the clothes, and that there is always something different to do. New York is also one of my favourite cities. I love the vibe of the Lower East Side and the graffiti and hip hop culture – I think the French also do this in a very sexy way. I’m also obsessed with martial arts and Asian culture.

I got where I am...
By working extremely hard, making sacrifices, and believing in what I do.

Fashion can sometimes...
Be a little pretentious, but also wildly creative and inspiring. I can easily argue the case for fashion, but I’m not interested in wasting time looking people up and down.

I scream when…
I'm excited. Although I try to avoid screaming most of the time… I’d rather be quietly respected than a flamboyant diva.

Money makes…
People uptight. Lack of it also makes building the business very challenging in a competitive world.

Did you know…
That goldfish have a better memory than people think. I have trained one of the fish in the studio to come to wherever I point on the glass before she gets fed.

I dance like…
I am completely free, but only when there is some heavy drum and bass. It takes me off to a place where I can jump around and feel totally uninhibited.

Cake makes me…
Very happy, and we all like to indulge at work. We actually encouraged a vegan to fall off the wagon via cake. That’s not necessarily a good thing, but her orgasmic reaction to a bite of chocolate fudge cake, before realising there was a delivery boy in the room, was very funny!

If I could…
Work with monkeys in the rainforest, I’d be seriously tempted.

The earliest memory...
I have is being in Kew gardens surrounded by daffodils, as a baby in a summer bonnet. I just remember the feeling, the sunshine, and the colour of the daffodils. I’m always influenced by yellow in the summer months, as seen in collections such as Nicole & Simone.

My mum...
Has just retired. She worked hard all her life. Her commitment and strength have inspired me to work hard and stay determined.

I get bored easily...
But am also very lazy. I like balance, I believe in trying new things, working hard and having adventures – I’m very curious, but I’m not opposed to kicking back either.

I don't think...
Open knickers (or ouverts as we call them at Lascivious) are dirty or sleazy. Sometimes design can be, but as a woman, I think you should feel empowered by your sexuality, and ouverts allow an indulgence and playfulness whilst also giving you the coverage to feel confident. Things don’t have to be sleazy, they just need to be designed right.

LASCIVIOUS ON NJAL