Flamboyant or minimalist: the coming season's lingerie trends

The organizers of the Parisian trade show Salon International de la Lingerie (January 24-26) presented some of the leading underwear trends for Fall-Winter 2015-2016. The season offers something for everyone, with lingerie that is sophisticated, seductive, simple, or even all of the above.

Last year, an overriding trend emerged from the lingerie collections in Paris: "erotic glam." Designers presented their undergarments as tools of seduction that were sexy, or even kinky, yet always glamorous and refined.

While this vision still shows through in some of the Fall-Winter 2015-2016 collections, there is much more diversity in the lingerie world this season. Underwear brands have designed collections to suit every woman, from those who think seduction starts with comfort to those looking for extravagance above all else.

The provocative 80s

From outerwear to lingerie, the styles of the 80s have influenced fashion for over three decades now. But lingerie designers are taking things to a new level this year with eccentric, often unconventional pieces inspired by the decade of big hair. For the most part, this means amplified volume and -- of course -- flashy colors.

Sexy, seductive and exuberant, the woman of the 80s has long been represented in lingerie by French designer Chantal Thomass, who has never hesitated to redefine the feminine silhouette. This year, however, several other designers have taken on a similarly decadent style. Their collections are full of push-up bras, high-waist panties and corsets, all in high-end materials such as silk and lace, with refined accents such as jewels, Lurex embroidery or gold thread.

I.D. Sarrieri, for example, designed a bustier that places particular emphasis on the breasts and the hips, calling to mind the iconic corsets of Jean Paul Gaultier. Huit has decked out its latest collection with silver thread, while Aubade chose to put lace in unexpected places, such as around the neck and in a garter belt that laces up around the waist.

90s-style minimalism

On the other hand, some of the new collections reflect the minimalist styles of the 90s, playing up comfort and simplicity rather than showy decoration. Some designers are even presenting versatile items to be worn either as lingerie or as outer apparel, such as bras that can pass as crop tops or bandeaus. Still sexy, of course, these designs reflect the thinking that seduction is more about natural confidence than sophisticated adornment.

Bodysuits and athletic-style bras (without cups) are among the leading examples of this trend, seen mainly in neutral shades (white, black, brown, grey, beige). Madame Aime and Fishbelly lead the charge, presenting sportswear-inspired ensembles that simply hug the body's natural curves rather than reshaping them.