When I was first approached by Aaron Huckett of Publicasity, who represent Rigby & Peller, I was really interested to hear what he had to say. After all, most of us have heard of the brand best known for the fact that it was granted the Royal Warrant to make the Queen's underwear, and also for the fact that its staff fit underwear by sight, rather than by tape measure.
Initially I was sent images from the A/W '12 collection, which features themes of gothic glamour with a decadent colour palette reflecting modern day romanticism (and yes, I did take that from the press release!) The collection is illustrated perfectly by these beautiful pieces below.
This is the Alondra in black...
...whilst this is the Alondra Mulberry plunge bra
...and this set is the Fleur in midnight.
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In addition to their own brand, Rigby & Peller also stock brands such as PrimaDonna, Marie Jo, Simone Perele and Aubade.
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I was also invited to attend a store to be fitted. It is always something that I have wanted to try. As part of my styling course in London, we all had to attend Selfridges for a bra fitting. Not one single bra in that place fitted me - so I thought that Rigby & Peller might have their work cut out for them.
At the store, which is more like a boutique, I met the lovely Peggy, who showed me downstairs to the changing rooms. These glamourous pictures adorned the walls.
Once in our changing room, Peggy handed me a silk dressing gown and, whilst still wearing a bra, she assessed me and said what size she thought I was. That was the bit I was nervous about -wondering whether she would guage my size when I had underwear on or not! She then went off and came back with a selection of bras to try.
I wasn't disappointed and Peggy was spot on with her sizing. Out of the six or so styles I tried, as you might imagine, some were a better fit than others. In each case, Peggy explained why that was and what I needed to look for in the future.
In addition to the bras, for which Rigby & Peller are best known, they also sell other pieces. Here's a selection of beautiful silk pieces which apparently are a popular purchase by men for the women in their lives. Not needing to know a detailed size makes them an easier purchase than a bra set.
The pieces were displayed so beautifully that I didn't want to go too close to them, for fear of spoiling them. The bras come in a wide range of sizes, from a 28D to a 40K in wired bras with non wired bras going up to a 48N cup.
Rigby & Peller also sell swimwear, some which comes in different cup sizes (up to a 38H) and up to a dress size 24, which is great for ladies with curvier busts.
Here I am, complete with my gift of a set of bra and pants. I have to say that a gift wasn't something I had expected in the slightest. I really just wanted to go along for the experience, whether I came away with anything or not (bought or otherwise).
Thanks to Peggy and Rowan for their fantastic service. It was also great hearing about which stars and members of the Royal Family they had fitted.
So, my verdict? It was a lovely experience which was completely hassle free - unlike my underwear buying experiences of the past. We all know that a good bra which fits well is worth its weight in gold and I have to say, now that I have reached my 40's, I do appreciate things like beautiful underwear even more. Hec, I even feel quite grown up now! Finally, at the grand age of 42, I have a matching set of underwear! It would be lovely to receive more as a gift (hint, hint hubbie) or as a treat to myself at some point.
Also for those ladies with a particularly large bust, or a small back, or anyone who finds buying underwear that fits a frustrating experience, I would definitely recommend Rigby and Peller because those ladies definitely know their product.
In a final email to Aaron thanking him for inviting me along, I asked him to keep me updated with anything which he thought I might find of interest, only just stopping short of asking him to keep me "abreast" of further "developments." So nearly a major faux pas!
