In my eyes Valentine’s Day really is the blurst. A day that depending on which side of the relationship fence you’re on, you’re either made to feel alone and bitter, or pressured into spending a lot of money on clichéd items to show ‘you care.’ It’s a no-win situation that may or may not result in a corny teddy-bear, love heart shaped calories, or worse – inappropriate and uncomfortable underwear.
Lingerie is a rather risqué gift to receive, particularly when so many stores are saturated with scary red mesh feathered numbers around V-Day. There is however a much more approachable alternative out there, and it’s even got a bit of rock n' roll to keep things interesting.
“I had always wanted to create my own range. Something that was a little different. I wanted the range to be both fun and beautiful,” says Thousand Dancers designer Marni Franks. Currently based in Brisbane, Marni previously worked for Melbourne boutique label Sabi Lingerie, then successful brand Bonds in Sydney, before branching out on her own.
Taking her love for hand crafted textile designs and fashioning them into vintage inspired shapes, Marni aims to channel iconic rock idols such as Patti Smith, Annie Lennox and even Van Morrison, into her designs. The result is a hybrid of sensual pin-up styles combined with youthful prints. Underwear that’s sexy, not scary.
Named after iconic seventies songs, the label’s collections feature a range of vintage inspired styles including ruffled bloomers, wire free triangle bras and hipster briefs, all of which are available in varying prints and fabrics.
“The latest collection "It's only rock and roll" is inspired by the Rolling Stones, Annie Lennox and a touch of Chrissy Amphlett from the Divinyls," lists Marni. "It's all about bright bold prints that are a bit rock, a bit animal and a little bit pretty.”
If bold prints are a little too adventurous for you Thousand Dancers also has an all-white range named after the Patti Smith song “Because The Night.” The collection which includes a crop bra and button up camisole, also doubles at the label’s bridal range – ideal in case this Valentine’s Day results in a diamond ring.