THE VISION
A sustainable approach has always been the only option. At ella de lestrē, the goal is to achieve as much as possible with the least amount of material surpluses. Therefore, there is quasi no existing stock and the pieces are realised on demand. In addition to three standard sizes, there is the option to make adjustments where needed. Ella is also available for entire custom projects in line with her style and methods. The details, like the clasps and straps, are mostly integrated in the textile constructions. Here, we do not follow the masses but we do our own thing. Although the collections are exclusive, they simultaneously contain an imperturbable timelessness. This way, you cherish your designs numerous seasons, in every mood. The selected materials answer to diverging body shapes and also ensure support where needed. Mostly power mesh and satin stretch binder are returning materials, thanks to their accentuating effect and breathable nature. During the creative phase, Ella always works organically. Her vision goes through a continuous evolution and results every time in a sincere and thoughtful design, completely in line with her core values of sustainability, individual development, and female connections. More than underwear collections, she builds an overarching initiative; a safe space where women can gain strength from sensuality and feel a shared appreciation for patient craftsmanship.
THE STORY
Ella’s passion for the underwear craft was born from a profound fascination for textile. In art school, she became fully inspired by the possibilities that different materials have to offer. Touching textures, exploring palettes and experimenting with compositions were all part of this. It was evident to work with her hands, since this was the only way for the creation process to feel loyal to her vision. At the same time, she soon realised she wanted to be as sustainable as possible in this. For this reason, her graduation project in high school revolved around textile surpluses that she dyed naturally, namely with herbs. This methodology bore sweet fruits; earthy tones that run into special shades when combined with each other. It no longer concerned fabrics, but substances that came to life and gave her a glimpse into the unlimited possibilities of textiles. Next to this, she started a standard course in sewing to improve in assembling. Her thirst for knowledge and experience also went a lot further than this, seeing that there was still so much to learn and become better at. Manipulating and colouring materials, trying out different techniques, making and cutting patterns, drawing, etc. As her skills refined and expanded, she came to the realisation that making lingerie is her one and only calling. This idea beautifully connects to her personal experiences. During her teenage years, she had difficulties finding underwear she completely felt at home in, and a hint of discomfort hung around her skin for years. Finally, she understood that the only underwear that would fit her and her body perfectly she would make herself.
After graduating in lingerie and corsetry, Ella’s next step was clear: starting her own brand. Even though she did not have the means at the time to continue her educative trail at renowned institutions, this did anything but temper her persistence. During the lockdown of 2020, she fully dedicated herself to honing her skills. She immersed herself in underwear and decided, after some time, to work out a few creations with leftover fabrics. Without a clearly defined plan, she launched some designs, one hundred percent loyal to her personal philosophy. With the help of friends, she organised an accompanying photoshoot, and before she knew it, ella de lestrē was born. The year was 2021. The following year, she stumbled on an Italian producer of highly qualitative power mesh, one of her favorite materials. Special about this was that the colours of the fabrics harmoniously blend with your skin colour and, in doing so, always bring out another nuance. The Limited edition powerful series - Redrose was the result of this, characterised by the rich tones that effortlessly match different skin types. Next was the Limited edition playful series - Ice Blue line, where a rather playful approach was central and the idea of layers clearly returned. Construction became more important, as did the fluid border with outerwear. For example, she introduced top pieces from the same material as the lingerie itself, which meant that the idea of underwear was given a refreshing expansion and started to lean towards regular clothing.
May 2024 revolved around ella de lestrē’s first collaboration. In an intimate dialogue with Fenia Proost, designer and likeminded creative, she devised a collection in which both women intertwined their strengths. Where one delves deep into lingerie, the other is an expert in outerwear. Their encounter in evening school pattern making soon enticed them to think about the option of uniting their work. By finalising a shared collection that contains both under- and outerwear, they concretised how the two can complement each other. Fenia’s creations gave Ella’s designs a total look, while her pieces in turn offered themselves as the perfect accessories for the outfits in her portfolio. By experimenting with those different levels and stirring up a playfulness, they broadened the gaze of both their brands. A dress with an open back transforms a complementary bra into an eye-catcher, for instance. Different layers give you more freedom of movement to express your personal style, up to the most subtle details of your lingerie. Underwear and outerwear need not be separated, but can belong to the same continuous concept. On top of this, they both strongly believe in the beauty of the natural silhouette and how meaningful pieces embrace instead of influence this. To make this shared chapter in their careers tangible, they organised a pop-up event above restaurant Mampoko, “Roger Botembe” a space you can ren out for groups and host different events in Antwerp, preceded by an invites-only brunch. There, they presented their carefully curated selection in a homely setting, accompanied by a delicious buffet of soul food. Touching, exploring and trying on designs meant that their philosophy became a real experience. In the future, ella de lestrē hopes to come out with more pop-ups. Doing so, it does not merely concern a presentation of a collection, but rather a three-dimensional concept that is finished into the smallest things. Every detail is thought through. Special locations, meaningful connections and well-cared-for settings: the options are wide open. Furthermore, she is available for custom commissions and she explores the options to showcase her creations with performance-driven activities. Through the right cross-pollinations with other designers and inspirers, she continuously gains more control on the position that she wants to carry in the fashion industry, without losing her focus on the essence of her craft. More than only an underwear brand, Ella is building a safe space for lovers of sincere design, sustainable creations, and a collective experience of intimate personal style.
© Cara Jacobs
