Raymonde Tranchemontagne, a designer at WonderBra since 1969, kindly accepted to answer our questions in order to give us an insider’s look at the iconic Canadian brand of undergarments.
Raymonde, can you tell us about your position? What exactly is your role?
As director of design, I’m responsible for innovation and the creation of new products. One part of my work is dedicated to searching for new fabrics, as much for their aesthetic as for the technical qualities.
Keeping in mind the latest market trends, I supervise the creation of new collections; follow up on adjustments, fittings, pattern grading as well as managing all the communication and information necessary to put different styles into production.
What are the different steps in the fabrication of a given model of bra? And How long does it take to get from the design table to the store shelf?
I’ve divided the work into three major steps:
The first part includes design and creativity, consisting of researching fabrics and aesthetics, as well as all the tests for the quality and durability of the fabric before a collection can be created.
Secondly, the most technical part includes fitting of the basic sizes (for example, 34 or 38, B, C, D or DD) on women of differing body types. This is how the garments are tried and measured. Then we modify the patterns and give them back to the sample room to have the garment sewn until we get the fit we’re looking for. All this is followed by “wash & wear” to ensure the comfort and the quality of the garments.
Finally, we grade all the sizes and establish sewing methods that will allow us to reproduce bra samples on a production line.
In summary, over a period of 10 to 12 months, we have designers, pattern-makers and engineers working on dozens of small modifications in order to make the production samples, this ensures for the best fit and maximum comfort.
What have you learned about women through your work with WonderBra?
Women love lingerie. Some of them like to wear lace everyday or for special occasions. Others prefer more classic styles that cling like second skin and are invisible under clothing. For some, comfort is everything, while others are ready to sacrifice comfort in favour of a feminine touch.
However, shopping and trying on intimate apparel to find the right bra size can be difficult for some. In order to help women with their decision making, we recommend getting properly fitted before selecting bra styles that address their current needs. Once in the changing room they should properly adjust their bra and look at their profile to judge their appearance and most importantly, to try on the bra while wearing normal clothing.
What would be your all-time favourite WonderBra model?
A seamless bra which creates a natural silhouette and that can be found in a variety of colours and fabrics, starting from micro fibres to laces. (Styles include: 2483, 3351, 3451, 7409, 7483 and in WonderBra Plus 1983.)
And finally, how has the WonderBra brand evolved over the years?
Since the push-up bra, which really made the WonderBra name, several factors have contributed to its evolution, such as the new technologies used to make seamless bras in Non-stretch or multifibre fabric. The integration of newer better performing fabrics, into our creations, has allowed us to offer consumers a greater variety of under garments that respond more closely to their expectations in terms of comfort, performance and appearance.
From Considering the incredible amount of time we spend thinking/talking/obsessing about fashion, we don’t give much attention to the ultimate fashion accessory – lingerie. When we’re searching for that perfect Friday night outfit, many of us neglect to consider what we’ll put on underneath it.
So, when my good friend Julie invited me to Crush Wine Bar for an intimate evening with WonderBra I couldn’t say no. Hosted by celebrity stylist and star of ‘Style by Jury’ David Clemmer, the event was themed around perfect pairings – perfect wines with perfect appetizers and perfect bras with perfect outfits. Guests took in a fashion show of WonderBra’s latest lingerie, paired with the classic silhouettes of iconic outfits.
“The right bra can give you a good foundation, great shape and a great silhouette” Clemmer told me, “before you go crazy on dieting – what bra are you wearing?! Get a bra that fits wonderfully and put your bust where it should be. Ultimately that’s the most important thing.”
WonderBra should know a thing or two about underwear; the company introduced the first push-up bra in 1963, selling over 1.6 million worldwide. Now the Canadian company is taking on another first. Launching at Walmart this October, WonderBra’s fall 2010 collection will be showcased on hangers with styles to match every occasion. So lingerie need not sit on the back burner any longer. As Clemmer says “The self confidence that lingerie gives you knowing you look great underneath gives you power – confidence is your best accessory!”
Baby Love: Reveals the sensual and feminine woman inside the loving mother!
WonderBra introduces Baby Love, its all-new collection of maternity and nursing bras
Montreal, July 12th, 2010 – WonderBra unveils its all-new collection of Baby Love bras that deliver support in all the right places, both physically and emotionally! This collection was conceived to meet the needs of pregnant and nursing mothers, and by this, we mean ALL needs, sense of self included! Being a mother means giving of oneself completely, however thanks to WonderBra’s Baby Love, mothers needn’t give up their inherent femininity or sensuality. As stylish and beautiful as the women who wear them, Baby Love bras nurture Mommy as she nourishes baby!
Nursing has never been so stylish!
The WonderBra Baby Love maternity and nursing bras collection features two exclusive new styles made of ultra-soft fabric and lace with integrated spandex micro-fibers for the ultimate in comfort, functionality, and fashion, much to the delight of stylish young mothers and mothers-to-be.
“We are very excited to introduce our new category of nursing bras Baby Love,” says Tina Yanbestian, Marketing Manager. “WonderBra is based on over 70 years of experience and focuses on quality, fit, support and comfort while never neglecting the style. By merging these qualities, we created an innovative line of nursing bras for our expecting and nursing mothers,” she adds.
Baby Love: where practicality meets comfort!
Available with or without underwire to suit every woman, Baby Love bras also offer moulded stretch cups for superior shaping and complete support and an easy one-hand clasp that releases and snaps in a flash. What’s more, these all-new styles feature WonderBra’s famous No Poke technology that adjusts to the wearer’s movement and prevents poke-through and dig-in – total comfort, guaranteed!
The Baby Love collection will be available in Sears, The Bay and specialty boutiques as of August 2010 at a suggested retail price of $39.00. An affordable, stylish and comfortable bra that women will still want to wear after their baby is all grown-up!
-30-
For additional information or product requests, please contact:
BICOM Communications
514.223.6670/info@bicom.ca
We love when the media talks about WonderBra’s wonderful products – and it just so happens that the Globe & Mail did just that a few days ago. Happy reading!
“ The Buy: Wonderbra Baby Love Nursing Bra
Globe & Mail, Thursday, July 29, 2010 – I don’t care what all the nice lady books tell you about the majestic wonder of a woman’s body in all its childbearing and baby feeding abilities – there’s nothing that will make you feel less sexy than being a walking 24-hour milk truck. Go out for lunch? Ha! You are lunch. And to add insult to injury, many nursing bras are about as sexy as a leaky Ziploc bag.
Remind yourself that you actually had to have sex to end up in the predicament you’re in now with a pretty lacy number, available with or without underwire, that also unbuttons to give baby access to the milk fountain. (Hint: The one on the left is chocolate, right one is vanilla, pass it on.)
The Baby Love collection by Wonderbra will be available in Sears, The Bay and specialty boutiques as of August, $39.
Leah Rumack “
Loading... 
