Some enchanted afternoon

Getting undressed is going to be a sophisticated affair, if the Elle Macpherson and Stella McCartney for Bendon collections summer launch at Clooney were anything to go by. This coming summer July- December 2008 will see the high life and glamour take centre stage in the lingerie world.

And take the stage it literally did, at the media preview day held at Auckland's Clooney restaurant with a tableau of mannequins lying on a black table strewn with candles and red roses. High drama, low lighting. Karn Hall mixed tracks as the backdrop at the preview showing of Elle Macpherson Intimates, Bendon, Fayreform, Hey Sister, and newest to the stable, Stella McCartney for Bendon. Models walked in Kathryn Wilson shoes, with metallic heels and nude leather and switching to her cool silver leather trainers to team with the funky Hey Sister looks. The models were styled with black hat netting worn seductively over their faces, with chignon-twisted bedroom hair and matte plum stained lips. Tres Belle du jour.

With a theme of "Enchantment" MC Wendy Fellowes, Lead Designer at Bendon, said the trends report for the coming summer is "Goodbye boho and no more ruffles; the colour is black. The English Rose has grown thorns." This is seen in the glamorous fabrics and deep colourways and even rubberised fabrics. It's all about 3D textures and pintucking with origami pleats and intricate folding of fabric.

Elle Macpherson took us through the Intimates range, albeit by a video presentation. "It's a more muted palette this season but we always take a few risks!" Elle said. "And this season it's 'Spellbound' in shades of purple." Her exclusive Boudoir collection takes a change in direction towards couture looks that are exquisite and sensual. "Last season was risque" Elle says, "Now it's more elegant and sophisticated." Shades are colours of gold and coffee with unexpected shots of colour such as the coral 'Boudoir 032' bra and pants.

For the more blessed in the boob department among us, Fayreform showed some gorgeous styles with a few surprises, including a deep plunging bra for cleavage tops ('Conceptual') and a lower-cute balconette bra ('Perfection') that went up to a J cup! The collection was inspired by the grand old masters of art who were historically inspired by curvaceous women. I liked the contrast of 'Restoration' in plum teamed with baby blue, and the shiny metallic bluey silver in 'Exposition' that really picks up the light.

The Bendon range was inspired by good and evil and the theme of temptation- perhaps an intersection set of sex and shopping? The star of the range is 'Krystal', not Linda Evans in Dynasty, but an Italian embroidered baby blue on chocolate bra and pants with diamantes on the centre.

Hey Sister saw a funky change of pace with models taking off their veils and heels and grinning to Karn Hall's groove as they walked in silver trainers with shoelaces tied behind their ankles. The fun prints Hey Sister is famous for are all about mix n' matching this summer with a range of spots, stripes and hearts in cotton knits and wovens. I liked 'Moon Hopper', a fun astro print on black with mint trim.

The Stella McCartney-designed Bendon collection is currently only available at Auckland's Airport store due to its higher price points (mostly $300 upwards) so look out for it when you are flying. Continuing with the Stella's School For Girls theme of naming each item with a girl's name and a verb, this summer's collection includes 'Mona Blinking' in pretty watercolour florals with trimming reminescent of ric-rac trim, and 'Bonnie Smiling' a classic black lace set with a twist; diamantes line the under cup giving it a smile made of bling.

So get Enchanted with these beautiful new styles instore from July - December 2008 and bring some glamour into your day to day life.