Weddings Winter 2008 > Brides

Lingerie Stores Directory

Agent Provocateur

133 Mercer St., nr. Prince St.; 212-965-0229; agentprovocateur.com

This pink-and-black boudoir is a must-see when picking out undergarments for a wedding day or honeymoon. Frilly corsets are the specialty (from $216), but Agent Provocateur also has some darling panties with satin ties at the waist, as well as tons of matching sets.

Azaleas

223 E. 10th St., nr. First Ave.; 212-253-5484; azaleasnyc.com

This neighborhood store is a treasure trove of all things white and froufrou, from bridal thongs and lace thigh-highs to corsets and bustiers, which run up to size 38D. There’s also a selection of panties with messages, like the rote-but-giddy pair that says “Just Married.” Brides musn’t forget the all-important camisole sets for the honeymoon (from $60).

Bra Smyth

905 Madison Ave., nr. 73rd St.; 212-772-9400; 2177 Broadway, at 77th St.; brasmyth.com

This Upper East Side shop and the newly opened Upper West Side location stock their racks with mostly French labels and high-end companies like Le Mystère (starting at $60). The friendly staff welcomes brides trying to make sense of cumbersome corsets.

Catriona MacKechnie

400 W. 14th St., nr. Ninth Ave.; 212-242-3200; catrionamackechnie.com

Lauded for its wide selection of luxe undergarments crafted by European designers such as Guia la Bruna, Damaris, Christian Dior, and Dolce & Gabbana, this stylish meatpacking district store also designs custom-made knickers and offers private shopping hours with lingerie experts. Corsets run around $400.

Eres

621 Madison Ave., nr. 58th St., and various locations; 212-223-3550; eresparis.com

This intimate Parisian boutique is a gem for lovers of elegant underthings. They offer a soft-boned corset (from $435) as well as sheer bodysuits with built-in thongs or boy-cut shorts (from $175). Brides going the simpler route will love the bras, most of which come in whisper-weight, ultraromantic cuts and fabrics (from $175).

Girly NYC

441 E. 9 St. nr. First Ave.; 212-535-5366; girlynyc.com

The lingerie in this boutique is anything but basic with a colorful selection of ruffled bikinis, lacy bras, and other wedding essentials, like stockings. The funky prints and fine laces from Princesse Tam Tam ($38 to $75) and Mary Green’s silky camisoles and bottoms ($18 to $64) are precious.

Henri Bendel

712 Fifth Ave., nr. 56th St.; 212-247-1100

The upscale New York establishment stays cool with sexy undergarments from more than 30 vendors, including the Henri Bendel New York private-label collection. Here well-known designers like Christian Dior mix with newer names like I.D. Sarrieri and Little Joe by Gail Elliott.

Journelle

3 E. 17th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-255-7800; journellenyc.com

This Flatiron boutique doesn’t just sell high-end lingerie; they “curate” intimate apparel with pieces from lines like Elle Macpherson, Chantelle, and Andres Sard, and specialize in bras like Vera Wang’s sheer lace style ($75). The compassionate staff understands the stress that accompanies lingerie shopping, and will kindly offer assistance in their oversize dressing rooms (large enough to fit a gown).

Kiki de Montparnasse

79 Greene St., nr. Spring St.; 212-965-8150; kikidm.com

Kiki de Montparnasse has something for every bride—from the mild to the wild. For lacy panties and bedroom toys, this luxury intimates-and-bath company can outfit wedding nights, the honeymoon, and any day thereafter. They offer a trademark tuxedo panty (their best seller for $165) as well as a lacy cat’s-eye mask ($125).

Laina Jane

45 Christopher St., nr. Waverly Pl. and various locations; 212-807-8077; lainajane.com

This friendly boutique attracts women looking for basic bras, as well as downtown hipsters and starlets (Liv Tyler is a fan) who want sexy, glamorous things to wear under—or as—party clothes. The store offers a seamless corset (from $69) that’s an inexpensive option for brides whose dresses—or bodies—don’t require serious whaleboning for support.

La Perla

803 Madison Ave., nr. 67th St., and various locations; 212-570-0050; laperla.com

Known to most for their legendary sexy, lacy black underthings, this Italian lingerie store also carries corsets that big-name designers like Vera Wang and Yumi Katsura swear by and use in their fittings. They come in a range of styles ($200 to $400)—and, of course, there are panties to match.

La Petite Coquette

51 University Pl., nr. 10th St.; 212-473-2478; thelittleflirt.com

The girlie-girl’s favorite lingerie shop carries corsets, bras, and panties in mesh, lace, silk-satin brocade, and microfiber, plus all sorts of pretty garments from up-and-coming designers like Modern Courtesan. Styles can be altered to fit, a service from master fitter Rebecca Apsan (check out her book The Lingerie Handbook for further proof) performs with ease. Corsets are $160 to $600.