By Ellen Lewis

What a surprise when, at The Curve Lingerie show last month, I bumped into two young designers who were just beginning their careers when they worked with me in a past life.  Now, several years later, Courtney Newman and Erica Paul have propelled their personal retro style into a showcase of glamorous lingerie for women who are blessed with sexy curves.  Inspired by the vintage under-things worn by burlesque stars in the 1920’s, Dirty Dolls is a collection of bras, panties and shapers for hard to find sizes.  Searching for an artist that would reflect the brand profile, my first reaction was the glam rock style of the modern pop sensation, Katy Perry.  Little did I know that, in fact, she had personally purchased the “Curvaceous Cleavage Brassiere” (cc101), and had asked her stylist to request some additional items.  Alluring, powerful and very colorful on stage, Perry’s style recalls the sassy, voluptuous pin up girl of yesteryear and the provocative, bold female attitude of 2010.

The Dirty Dolls line is a very focused collection of seven everyday styles that fill a much neglected niche in the Intimate Apparel Market.  Designed with seductive flair, the bras are constructed to satisfy a woman who fits  from a 30 C cup to a 44 DDD;  the panties are sized from 5 to 10.   Design details like the DD embossed logo, care labels printed directly on the hook and eye and 3 way straps enhance the appeal.  But my favorite piece is the “Peek-A-Boo Camisole Brassiere” (pc102), a perfect lace solution bra in colors like sheer stocking, after midnight, port royale and tea rose.  It’s quite amazing that this delicate under thing will soon also be available in a G,H and I  cup.  Paired with the “thrilling thong’ (tt201), this foxy daywear set takes center stage.