This is definitely a review that has been long overdue but better late than never so here it is. I’ve been lucky enough to add one of my ultimate wish list pieces the ethically decadent “Soraya” by Studio Pia to my collection. I first set my eyes on Soraya in the ivory colourway back when I added it to my Christmas picks. Luckily for me, the black was released and available at my local, Babylikestopony.
I tried it on and instantly fell in love.
The Brand
I first met Pia in Paris at the Salon de la Lingerie last year. It’s always lovely to meet the people behind the brand as you get a real feel for who you are about to support. I’m glad to say I am so happy to support this beautiful brand. They were lovely, down to earth and handed out ginger cookies with lingerie-clad icing (the important stuff!). It was my first time viewing their beautiful pieces in the flesh and I was in awe.
Personally, I don’t think there is a better luxury brand out there at the moment that is creating beautiful lingerie and are ethical as well as taking sustainability seriously. Studio Pia proves that style shouldn’t have to be sacrificed by choosing to be ethical and I agree with them 100%.
Not only do they choose their suppliers well, but they are also the only lingerie company offering cruelty-free organic peace silk. For each product sold on their website, they will plant one tree in Indonesia in an effort to help deforestation.
Now if that alone doesn’t get you ready to throw money at them keep reading.
The Details
The beautiful Soraya was inspired by the decadence of the Art Noveau period especially Gustave Klimt’s Gold phase. The embroidery is one of the most beautiful things I have ever put on my body. One wouldn’t expect any less as it is completely bespoke and designed in house by Pia herself then produced in France.
All of the hardware used is 24K gold plated which has been sourced within the EU.
The Bra
Soraya comes in a soft cup and a longline bra. I opted for the longline version as it was the perfect shape for my body and sat so beautifully against my sternum making it a really magical piece. These cups are surprisingly supportive and give a great lift providing a wonderful shape without any help of padding.
The gilded lace on Soraya is so delicate, intricate and unique yet beautiful and sturdy. The way it sculpts the body, you can just feel and see the quality and know it is going to stay in place all day.
Sorayas balconette style bra features a keyhole, embroidered black and gold lace, silk-wrapped straps and two back clasps.
When I first adjusted the straps it was a bit of a struggle. The sliders are very tight on the silk straps but that meant that they were not going to move. The great thing about the bra is it didn’t require any adjusting throughout the day. Since the first time adjusting the straps I have not had to readjust them.
Breaking in this piece took about three wears until it softened up and was much more comfortable. I do however reserve her for shorter wears as a special piece since it is the most decadent piece I own. Shes definitely always on display when worn.
The bra comes in sizes 1-5, I’m wearing a size 4 (my bra size at the time of purchase was a 12D).
Of course, I couldn’t purchase the set without snapping up the harness suspender too. It was such a fun piece and I didn’t own any harness style suspenders so I had to have it. The harness straps are removable so wearing them is optional. I prefer my suspenders to sit on my waist but for me, the suspender sits mid-rise. It could be partly due to the harness straps. I’ve tried to loosen the harness straps to add some length to allow me to wear the suspender higher up on my waist but the straps slip out if they are not adjusted firmly. The suspender comes in sizes S (1-2), M (3-4), L (5-6). I’m wearing a size M and have a 27″ waist but I think next time I’ll go for a size S as I’m wearing the size M on the tightest adjustment.
The bottoms come in a brief or a thong. I loved the briefs originally as there is a little rouching at the back which makes them cute and playful. In the end I chose the thong instead because the strappy details when worn with the harness suspender just looked amazing. The thong has double straps and when worn creates a V cut out shape which is pretty cool and the waistband is adjustable with sliders. Available in sizes S (1-2), M (3-4), L (5-6). I’m wearing a size M which is my usual size for bottoms.
My final thoughts, I absolutely love the design and the continuity of the whole set. It is just as beautiful from all angles whether is from the front, behind or the inside. So I really appreciate that all the fine details and that nothing has been overlooked during the whole process. I do reserve it for days when I want to feel that little extra though, purely because I’m afraid of damaging it and want it to last forever.
The great thing about these pieces are they’re all completely adjustable. So if your weight fluctuates you’ll still be able to wear them which is definitely a huge bonus.
Though this is probably one of my most expensive sets, it truly is a work of art and you can’t skimp on quality. I’m trying to be conscious about the pieces I add to my collection this year. But with their high standards for production and quality, there’s no doubt another Studio Pia set will be on the list.
Till the next set.
Ashlee x