The Lingerie Collective has rounded up our top picks for Valentine’s Day, presented in a beautifully inclusive photo editorial at Rosé Mansion. Whether you’re coupled up or single AF, we’ve got everything from his and hers lingerie sets to pleasure products -a gift for everyone.

The His & Hers Gift- Subtle Silk

The story behind Subtle Silk is straight out of a rom-com movie. Founder Bailey Ortley was at the airport, exchanging parting gifts with an old friend before boarding a flight. Her gift- silk pocket squares. His gift- luxury lingerie. An idea sparked to life- “How cool and sexy would it be if my pocket square could match your lingerie?” The rest is history.

Subtle Silk brings us lingerie sets that come with coordinating pocket squares or bow ties to match your man. It’s brilliant, thoughtful, and invites men to join the conversation about lingerie shopping. Bailey notes, “Our products offer another level of intimacy with your partner. It’s a unique twist to date night, galas, etc.”

I tried Subtle Silk’s most popular set, the Fantasia bralette & thong in passion red. I can see why it’s the most popular, the fit is impeccable, and it’s the perfect shade of lipstick red. The rose garden room at Rose Mansion lent itself perfectly to the rich ruby hues of reds & pinks of the Duchess and Mezzanote sets as well. Pair any set with a matching bow tie – you and your honey can wear it out to Valentine’s dinner, and enjoy it after for dessert.

The Kinky Gift- Collette & Sebastian

I was at a Lingerie Collective event when a petite brunette wearing a killer bondage harness over her shirt strolled up to me and quipped, “hey, you lookin’ for some kinky lingerie?” From that day forward I became a mega fangirl of Collette Khalil’s Collette and Sebastian. Her unapologetic love of all things bold, sexy, and a little bit kinky shines through her perfectly executed designs.

There’s no purer reaction than a model’s squeal of delight on set. Model Livia exclaimed “oh my god this is CUTE!” as she put on the Alexandra set in red. Her joy was palpable. As Colette says, “Self-love is really looking at yourself in the mirror, seeing your true self, and knowing how powerful and sexy you are.” I tried on the best-selling Allegra balconette bra set and soon joined in on that blissful, shot-by-cupid feeling. The miracle cups give a sleek and sexy lift -without padding.

The alluring glow of neon lights at Rose Mansion set the scene for the Andri and Joelle harnesses, which initially look intimidating, but with a handy tag marking the back are surprisingly easy to put on. Colette shared her favorite style tip- “I always wear my harness under a low cut top. It makes a great conversation starter when out with friends or on a flirty date night!”

The Self Love Gift- Zalo

Nothing pairs better with lingerie than Zalo’s bedroom accessories and pleasure products. Lingerie retailers are now expanding offerings to include boudoir props and pleasure toys, and Zalo’s superior craftsmanship puts them head & shoulders above the rest. Holy bourgeoisie bliss- a collection of massagers inspired by 17th century Rococo art?! I felt as spoiled as Marie Antoinette herself while opening decadent pale pink and blue boxes tied with silk ribbons, honestly I was expecting a diamond tiara to be in there, not a high end vibrator.

I reviewed Zalo’s products with LA-based sex educator Katie M. I asked her which items she thought would make the perfect couples versus self-love gifts. For couples, our top pick would be the Amorette. Founder Peter Ovsonka agrees, “Amorette is a great option to give as a Valentine gift. It’s a unique versatile leisure product to use by yourself or with your partner, as it comes with a remote control.” Katie was one step ahead of us on the Valentine’s date planning, “I would wear it on our date night out to dinner, since it’s ultra quiet, this is a great way for couples to bond over a shared secret.”

Now, if you find yourself single on Valentine’s day, fret not ladies, we’ve got the perfect boyfriend for you. Meet Zalo’s best seller, the Desire. Ovsonka reports it’s a fan favorite for its “whisper-quiet motor, jewelry-grade details and silky smooth Softek coating- the ultimate sensory experience.” And you won’t have to make him breakfast in the morning!

The Eco-Friendly Gift- Applause Lingerie

Up and coming intimates brand Applause Lingerie is here to deliver us lingerie that’s good for you and good for the planet. I caught up with designer Erin Donaghy about her new label, sustainability, and the importance of women buying lingerie for themselves. Erin explained, “lingerie is important because it’s the first thing a woman puts on in the morning. Self-love can start with a beautiful look on the inside.”

I got to see inside Erin’s studio process, and was astounded to see her sustainability efforts at work. Erin upcycled a vintage top with lace sleeves, harvesting the lace to make a stunning lace bra! Retro-fab models here are wearing the signature bra, a structured bullet bra style that reminds me of something Brigitte Bardot would have worn. Applause bras are always custom made to order, and come in any size! “Size inclusivity is very important to serve the needs of all women.” Erin points out.

The Galentine’s Gift- Essential Bodywear

Looking for the perfect galentine’s gift for your gal pals this season? There’s no better gift than a perfectly fitting, beautiful bra. Essential Bodywear offers stunning, comfortable bras in sizes 32A to 44I! The most size-inclusive intimates brand I have seen to date, you can find something for every one of your friends here. Founder Carrie Charlick encourages us to “celebrate #meday with the black lace Sophia bra, the answer for women with bigger busts who want one of those cute bralettes.“

The perfect pretty in pink gift would have to be the Blissful Berry set, a great foundational piece with back smoothing wings, that miraculously fit every single model at the shoot. Every shape, every shade, every size model was represented and overjoyed the brand had beautiful basics in her size. As Carrie says, “We fit all women. No bust too small, no bust too large. We fit them all.”

Essential Bodywear fosters this sense of sisterhood with bra shopping parties that brand hostesses can hold in their homes. Complimentary bra fittings make sure every gal goes home happy. Sounds like the perfect girls night in!

The Plan Ahead Gift- Fantasy Lingerie’s Spring Collection

Your V-day shopping is done and now it’s time to dream of warmer weather. We’ve got a sneak peak at Fantasy Lingerie’s upcoming spring collection- snag one of these fierce neon sets after the February chill thaws. Pink -haired sci-fi femme bots model Fantasy’s spring 2020 collection in the neon pink halls of Rose Mansion. This was undoubtedly our favorite collection to shoot for this editorial, for the creative use of bright, unexpected hues in lingerie, and the inclusive sizing from small through 4X.

Fantasy’s Primrose Boon notes, “It is important to show inclusivity in our larger sizes because we like to follow our motto; Sexy is For Every Body.” Amen to that. Our plus size model Tiffany rocks the snakeskin teddy in 2X here, and upon posting a selfie to insta was bombarded with requests- “Where can I get that?!” Another set sure to be a best seller is the Electric Blue lace three piece set. The designer reported her inspiration was “modern love- using unpredictable hues in a cutting edge design.” The criss cross details on the sides of the garter belt and bra make this electric blue number sizzle.

Valentine’s Day may be scoffed upon as a “hallmark holiday”, but we love it as a holiday about love and lingerie. Love for yourself, love for a partner, love for your group of best friends. Embrace the love and treat everyone to beautiful lingerie this Valentine’s Day.

Photoshoot Credits

Creative Director: Clare Hlis & The Lingerie Collective @inkedmamajama @the_lingeriecollective
Photography: BeauMonde Originals @beaumondeoriginals
Location: Rose Mansion @rosewinemansion