Okay, brace yourselves for a true confession: I am a die-hard fan of b.tempt’d by Wacoal. I mean, I’ve worn their bras to absolute shreds. It all started with this one balconette bra I picked up at Bloomingdale’s, and let me tell you, this brand has all the high-end designer VAVOOM without the ouchy price tag.
SO, I won’t lie – I am THRILLED to interview Miryha Fantegrossi, Senior VP of Merchandising and Design for Wacoal America!
Let’s warm up with a few style-centric questions and get to know the fabulous Miryha Fantegrossi, the Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Design for Wacoal America.
When asked to describe her personal style in three words, Miryha effortlessly summed it up as ‘feminine, fluid, and well-crafted’.
When it comes to style icons, Miryha draws inspiration from women with a unique sense of fashion, those who fearlessly blend the old and the new to curate stunning looks. Talk about setting trends!
Now, every fashionista has a wardrobe MVP, and for Miryha, it’s her trusty Body Base shorty. As a 44-year-old size 4 dynamo, she appreciates the everyday smoothing that the Body Base provides. It’s the secret ingredient that makes everything she wears on top look even more fabulous.
But style is more than just what you wear—it’s a philosophy. For Miryha, being authentic is the name of the game. Embracing her true self and expressing it through fashion is a core belief that guides her fashion-forward journey.
And speaking of fashion choices, there’s one thing you’ll never catch Miryha wearing: clunky, bulky shoes. Oh no, she prefers footwear that exudes sexiness and encourages a flattering sway in every step. Because who says style can’t be a little flirtatious?
Now we’re already getting a glimpse into the world of Miryha Fantegrossi. Let’s dive deeper and discover the passion, creativity, and remarkable vision she brings to the fashion scene at Wacoal America.
‘b.tempt’d’ by Wacoal sashayed onto the Curve runway at Paraiso Miami Swim Week, exuding youthful style, modern silhouettes, and impeccable craftsmanship.
News Flash! Curve was just getting its feet wet by introducing some of their exhibitors at the Paraiso Miami Swim Week runway show – and they have plans to add a full-blown trade show collab next year.
Paris, Unhooked Magazine
Now, let’s talk with Miryha about b.tempt’d by Wacoal!
Are there any cheeky design techniques or special touches that you’ve sprinkled into your collections to ignite our confidence and help us embrace our sensuality?
Miryha: In 2023 Wacoal is reintroducing sexy into our line. We leveraged our construction know-how with some more diversified silhouettes to give full busted women options for day-to-night. Check out our Center Stage and Lifted in Luxury Collections out now, and Dramatic Interlude coming soon to see what I’m talking about.
Comfort is key, but let’s not forget the sizzle factor! How do you manage to design lingerie and swimwear that feels like a dream but also makes us feel like irresistible goddesses?
Miryha: Comfort is always achievable when you respect the body form, design for women’s natural shape, use luxe materials, and don’t skimp on quality! Oh, and the #1 differentiator between a comfortable bra and one you want to rip off, is wearing the correct size!
What inspired you to work for Wacoal America?
Miryha: I joined Wacoal America 8 years ago because I wanted to be part of a company that is invested in the craftsmanship of bra manufacturing. As a design leader, having a fully functional sample room in our NY design studio with over 60 machines, talented sample makers, and our own manufacturing facilities felt like a dream come true.
Wacoal America: Invested in the craftsmanship of bra manufacturing.
With so many brands relying on outside entities to do the fit and pattern work, Wacoal’s structure felt more connected to the end consumer. I want to be at a place where design integrity is as important as profitability.
Can you tell us the secret behind creating swimwear or lingerie that enhances and flatters diverse body types?
Miryha: First, it’s acknowledging that 1 bra is NOT going to fit everyone. If you truly embrace diversity, you must respect the needs of different shapes. For example, at Wacoal we have 67 bra styles in our range. Each one has wires, cups, straps and closures. But the shape of the wires varies between styles, the materials used in the cups vary, the patterns vary and as a result we have different fits.
Also, In Fall 2023, we will be launching our Shape Revelation Collection that has 3 bras and 5 shapewear pieces. The 3 bras are designed specifically to support and enhance women with shallow, pendulous, and uneven breast tissues. By designing into breast shapes, we can cater to their individual needs. We took the same tactic with the shapewear and design for 2 body types: hourglass and straight.
“Outsourcing: The Ultimate No-No!”
Miryha Fantegrossi, SVP of Merchandising and Design at Wacoal America.
In terms of size inclusivity, how does your brand ensure that all individuals feel represented and celebrated?
Miryha: For us, inclusivity is who we are. We have been offering a range of body tones, sizes, and silhouettes catering to a range of women for decades. It’s almost not even a subject because it’s in our DNA. Our design team is obsessed with helping all women feel great, it’s what we wake up every day to do.
Tell us about the hottest trends in lingerie design. What styles are catching everyone’s attention?
Miryha: Post covid quarantine our styles focused on lift have been on FIRE! Women recognize the benefit of lift to their overall silhouette. Our Elevated Allure styles have engendered power zones to lift and shape your breast tissue, it’s super comfortable and lightweight.
As a designer, how do you stay ahead of the curve and anticipate upcoming fashion trends?
Miryha: Most of our styles are designed to complement your ready-to-wear wardrobe. So, I travel to trend shows 4 times a year, I travel to Europe twice a year and then I get my steps in by walking everywhere to see what real women are wearing.
B.tempt'd! Exclusive Interview with the fabulous Miryha Fantegrossi, the Creative Force Behind Wacoal America! Click To TweetLast but not least, can you share some pro-tips for caring for lingerie or swimwear to make them last longer?
Miryha: Our products are made of high-quality fabrics that go through vigorous testing before being selected for use and continue to be tested for the lifetime of the garment. With proper care they will wear better and last longer. It’s pretty simple: hand wash with a mild detergent and lay flat to dry!
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