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.

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 12^th, 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!

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For additional information or product requests, please contact:
BICOM Communications
514.223.6670/info@bicom.ca

“ 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 “

How do you know what’s right for you?
If your band size is too small, your bra will feel tight and flesh will overflow on the sides. If your band size is too large, your bra will ride up your back and provide no support at all. You know that your cup size is too small when your breasts spill over the top and sides of your bra or if the underwire pokes into breast tissue. Straps should be tight enough to hold your bra in place, but not so tight that they cut into your skin. The rule of thumb-so to speak-is that you should be able to fit two fingers snugly under the top of the strap. Of course, you don’t want the straps to be so loose that they fall down. The band should be snug and fit evenly around the rib cage.

Good posture is an excellent figure enhancer…and it’s free! Remember to hold your shoulders back and stand tall. Go ahead…say goodbye to droopiness, overflowing cups and straps that are too tight. Say hello to the new and confident you!

Guaranteed instant makeover
If you’re still not sure after trying on a number of bras, have a professional fitter help you. The right fit will make you look slimmer, younger and sexier. The perfect bra for you is one that makes you feel and look fabulous! Fit clinics offered by WonderBra are also schedule year-round in department stores. Take a look at the Fit Clinics list to find one near you.

As always, WonderBra is here to support you. We would love to hear your comments, suggestions and questions.

Our survey respondents took comfort to bed

Many fans of our comfortable No Poke bra were also kind enough to participate in our little in-house survey. The question in question? “What words do you most associate with comfort?” The results were very tight. Of course! How can you choose between the varied pleasures of hot chocolate, a pillow or a hot bath? But when we took the covers off the final results, the winner was perhaps the most obvious: the bed. Where we rest, recover, hide away from the world or indulge in our favourite guilty pleasure: sleeping in late. But showing that cleanliness is next to godliness but perhaps even closer to comfort, the appeal of a hot bath came in second. And the results were certainly not manipulated when a massage ran a very close third. From the write-in category, pajamas were a clear winner (we’d go for the flannel kind). The best of all possible worlds? Get a massage, plunge into a hot bath, slip into your pajamas, then make a beeline for your bed. Oh yes!

Do you want to find out about the latest trend that’s soon to be on everyone’s lips?

A nice little touch-up for the make-up market: lip pens that will delight women who prefer a lightweight, hydrating blush of vibrant colour instead of a stickier lip gloss.

In shape and feel they resemble felt pens so much that you can’t help thinking of the highlighters that are found on every office desk these days. The applicator is easy to use, amazingly precise and fun – which makes it a must-have item for your make-up kit.

Many companies have started to market these products*, like Covergirl, MAC and Stila. They’re on their way to becoming real success stories. These felt applicators are a great way of adding a touch of colour to your lips – and your overall look – on top of your everyday make-up.

* These products are available in Canada

The “Osez le donner” bra drive, which officially ended on May 25, turned out to be a stunning success.

Tina Yanbestian, WonderBra’s marketing manager, and Nadine Boissonneault, WonderBra brand manager, along with Johanne Cloutier, programming director at 107.3 RockDétente, were proud to present the cheque to Suzanne LeBreux, executive director of the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation.

You can check out the photo album of the Grand Finale prepared by WonderBra on Flickr.

To highlight the Finale, the celebration moved indoors in the evening to the Astral hall for a huge show. Hosted by André Robitaille, the concert was headlined by Claude Dubois, William Deslauriers and Boom Desjardins.

It should be noted that all the bras that were collected will be given to Renaissance, a not-for-profit organization devoted to people having difficulty gaining access to the labour market and integrating them professionally and socially. Renaissance will offer the bras to those most in need through its network of community stores.

Thanks again to all who participated and until next year for the fourth edition of “Osez le donner”.

1. MAMMOGRAM
Have a mammogram every two years after the age of 50.

2. CLINICAL EXAMS
Go to your doctor once a year for a clinical examination.

3. BREAST OBSERVATION
Listen to your body and be aware of any changes.

4. TOBACCO
Stop using tobacco and avoid second-hand smoke.

5. NUTRITION
Eat healthy. A diet that is low in fat, rich in fiber and well-balanced with fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of breast cancer.

6. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Run, walk, move. A minimum of four hours of exercise a week reduces the risk of breast cancer.

7. ALCOHOL
Moderate your alcohol intake.

8. HEREDITY
Be vigilant. Consult your doctor if there is a history of breast cancer in your family.

9. WEIGHT
Watch your weight. People who are overweight have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

10. BALANCED LIFE
Lead a balanced life and avoid stress. Physical and emotional well-being leads to good health.

For more information, please visit the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation Website.
Montreal : (514) 871-1717 • Toll Free : 1 (877) 990-7171
Quebec : (418) 525-6565 • Toll Free : 1 (866) 325-6565

It’s not always easy to find your way through a universe of perfumes, especially when you’re faced with a labyrinth of tiny bottles.

First, always shop for perfumes early in the day. Your nose will not have been exposed to a multitude of odours, which will make things much easier. Also, in order to recognize all the subtleties of a perfume, don’t use scented creams or soaps on your skin, because doing so could alter the fragrance.

Secondly, it’s important to know that perfumes are generally classified in six large families:

- Citrus perfumes are based on citrus fruits, while florals, as their name indicates, offer up scented bouquets, some romantic, some sensual, some a blend of both. (Example: CK one – Calvin Klein)

- Fougeres harmonize more masculine notes of lemon, wood, lavender and oak moss. (Guerlain Homme)

- Next come the chypres that marry delicate scents of the forest’s undergrowth, suitable for both men and women. (Coco Mademoiselle – Chanel)

- It’s easy to recognize woody fragrances thanks to their notes of sandalwood, patchouli or cedar. (Magnifique, Lancôme)

- The ambers or orientals are best suited for evenings because their heavy scent, combining vanilla, amber, and resins, conveys a very sensual presence. (Addict, Dior)

- The florals are a typically feminine family – they have a significant market share and are very suitable for women. (Lola, Marc Jacobs)

Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask for advice at the perfume counter. The staff can help determine your tastes and guide you towards a family of fragrances…if you feel the need.

* The perfumes mentioned in this article are available in most department stores like TheBay or in speciality stores.