A Private Luxury

Lingerie designer Stacey Walker King is no stranger to the private luxury of sexy undergarments. As CEO of iCovet, a Los Angeles-based personal shopping business, this Duke graduate knows a thing or two about finding the perfect pieces for a woman to feel gorgeous. Amid her evolution as a designer of intimate apparel, King is aware that if it came down to it, most women would feel more comfortable forking over their last dollar for fabulous jeans instead of a beautiful black slip dress. Still, a little something special to lounge in or slip on and off may be the next best addition to your wardrobe. Whether lingerie has become your recipe for success behind closed doors or is worn for thyself to feel oh-so-wonderful, King's line LaVande SWK (pronounced lah-VAHND) offers numerous vintage-inspired numbers that are designed to accentuate the female figure. In delivering the goods, King gives insight into where she's coming from.

I have always loved lingerie--I really have. And I find that with a lot of the clients that I personal shop for, this is the last area that they spend their money on. Shoes, no problem. Handbags, no problem. Lingerie is always an afterthought. At one point in my career, I had to travel to Paris a lot, and I just loved the way European women view lingerie. They can give little thought to the entire outfit, but their undergarments are always wonderful. They know that they are worth it. It's almost a sacred thing: "These items are the closest to my skin, so I should take the most care in choosing them." The way lingerie is marketed in this country is exactly the opposite. It's more about getting items for a spouse or significant other, rather than wearing pieces that celebrate you.

LA FASHION WEEK DESIGNERS

I saw Kevan Hall, whose mastery of luxurious fabrics was a joy to watch. I was mesmerized by his collection. I did see the Agent Provocateur show and I loved the spectacle of their show; I am a fan of their line, as well. Louis Verdad and David Meister also put on great shows as well.

DRESSING FOR THYSELF

Even though these pieces are mainly hidden from view, I think we are all aware of the transformation that happens when you are dressed really well. This is the same thing that happens for me when I'm wearing wonderful undergarments. It doesn't matter to me that other people don't know. I know! And it's a great little confidence boost to know that I look good in ways that other people aren't even aware of. I look good inside and out. It's my little secret.

INFLUENCES ON MY OWN STYLE

I pull influences from a lot of different areas. I'd have to say that my mother gave me a lot of confidence to be my own person. My grandmother taught me a lot about grace, which I still think is the most important thing a woman can ever hope to wrap herself in. From a celebrity standpoint, I'd have to say Diana Ross a la "Mahogany."

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ICOVET AND LAVANDE SWK

These are definitely complementary businesses. The great thing about iCovet is that I'm able not only to introduce new items and styles to my clients, but most importantly, there's an opportunity there to educate. I can show a woman how a little slip of silk will make a huge difference in the way she walks, and the way she carries and thinks about herself all day long.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE THUS FAR

The hardest part has been getting the fit right. The work in getting these items not only to look beautiful but also to fit perfectly has been immensely challenging. The best undergarments are the ones that disappear, not only visually, but that feel invisible as well. The other challenge for me is to stop designing! I'm constantly getting inspired by something and trying to add it to the line. At some point, you have to stop yourself and save it for the next collection.   Really, really tough!

* Designs from the LaVande SWK collection are available at www.lavande-swk.com.

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