• meet the makers

     


'Women-owned businesses' may be a hot topic right now, but from the beginning - over 25 years ago! - Marlies had a very clear goal: to make a product for women, by women. A product that would not only empower the women who wore it, but also the women involved in making it. Since then, we have built a number of precious relationships with women all along our supply chain, based on mutual love, respect and empowerment. You know what they say: empowered women empower women... who in turn empower more women! And when it comes to sustainability, our partners in Asia have played a particularly big role. Having their ear to the ground - or should I say, factory floor? - these women have been able to explore and apply a number of sustainable solutions, from digital textile printing to recyclable packaging. Not to mention the way they have empowered the women working for them! Time to put the spotlight on five heroes of our 'empowerment chain'.

interview anita mobile

Meet Anita Chan from Kin Wah. Based in Hong Kong, she has been our valued partner since 2006 as a member of the lingerie factory's management team. "We love giving life to a product."

I am so glad to work with marlies|dekkers. I love their style of doing business: in a fair way and treating their suppliers as their partners. On top of that, we both strive for product excellency; a perfect match! As a mother of two daughters, I am proud of the fact that I manage to balance my professional and personal life. Like most women, I have to deal with many challenges in life, but I find power in never giving up. That's why I completely support Marlies' message of female empowerment.

I love challenges; they keep my job interesting and add value to my (working) life. For example, a few years ago, marlies|dekkers asked us to add large eyelets onto a non-lined but extremely stretchy part of a bra. Extremely difficult but together, we found a way. To make the impossible possible is very empowering! If I had to choose a favorite collection, it would be Dame de Paris. I've been producing it since 2006. I recently spotted an actress in a TV movie wearing the push-up version and it looked so good on her. The fit and style are unique and timeless, just like the brand itself.

As a producer, I am always on the lookout for sustainable solutions such as using more recycled materials and carefully looking at dying and printing techniques. When it comes to striving for better living conditions and a more sustainable planet, we're on the same page as marlies|dekkers. Yet another reason we're such great partners!

- Anita Chan

interview anita desktop

Meet Anita Chan from Kin Wah. Based in Hong Kong, she has been our valued partner since 2006 as a member of the lingerie factory's management team. "We love giving life to a product."

I am so glad to work with marlies|dekkers. I love their style of doing business: in a fair way and treating their suppliers as their partners. On top of that, we both strive for product excellency; a perfect match! As a mother of two daughters, I am proud of the fact that I manage to balance my professional and personal life. Like most women, I have to deal with many challenges in life, but I find power in never giving up. That's why I completely support Marlies' message of female empowerment.

I love challenges; they keep my job interesting and add value to my (working) life. For example, a few years ago, marlies|dekkers asked us to add large eyelets onto a non-lined but extremely stretchy part of a bra. Extremely difficult but together, we found a way. To make the impossible possible is very empowering!

If I had to choose a favorite collection, it would be Dame de Paris. I've been producing it since 2006. I recently spotted an actress in a TV movie wearing the push-up version and it looked so good on her. The fit and style are unique and timeless, just like the brand itself.

As a producer, I am always on the lookout for sustainable solutions such as using more recycled materials and carefully looking at dying and printing techniques. When it comes to striving for better living conditions and a more sustainable planet, we're on the same page as marlies|dekkers. Yet another reason we're such great partners!

- Anita Chan

marlies dekkers marlies dekkers
interview ivy mobile

Meet our production partner Ivy Xie from Building Pretty. Based in Shenzhen, China, this lingerie manufacturer is known for its high-quality products made in collaboration with international brands like us. "I am proud of our honest and open relationship."

My company Building Pretty has been one of the production partners in the marlies|dekkers supply chain for over seven years now. Being a creative person draws me to customers like marlies|dekkers, as I can understand the need for innovation and high quality in our industry. I think we are a great match because our collaboration is based on an open and honest relationship and there is a good understanding between us.

We do everything in our power to execute Marlies' design wishes exactly the way she wants, down to the millimeter! Sometimes there are challenges, like the bows made with foam that were used in some of the swimwear collections. But we have a team of very skilled people who ended up making each bow by hand.

TI find the marlies|dekkers mission to empower women very inspiring. The last time I felt empowered myself was this year, when I received recognition for my brand in China. It was a big moment for me, and I was so proud! Speaking of empowering, my favorite marlies|dekkers collection is the Femme Fatale. As a manufacturer, I know that it is not easy to make this product, but for me as a marlies|dekkers fan, this design is definitely my favorite. I am really into technology, and I think the key to a more sustainable industry lies in developing new techniques that require less of our planet. In my factory, I am always looking for ways to advance production efficiency in order to reduce our negative impact on the environment. I believe it should be a focus for all of us.

- Ivy Xie

Meet our production partner Ivy Xie from Building Pretty. Based in Shenzhen, China, this lingerie manufacturer is known for its high-quality products made in collaboration with international brands like us. "I am proud of our honest and open relationship."

My company Building Pretty has been one of the production partners in the marlies|dekkers supply chain for over seven years now. Being a creative person draws me to customers like marlies|dekkers, as I can understand the need for innovation and high quality in our industry. I think we are a great match because our collaboration is based on an open and honest relationship and there is a good understanding between us.

We do everything in our power to execute Marlies' design wishes exactly the way she wants, down to the millimeter! Sometimes there are challenges, like the bows made with foam that were used in some of the swimwear collections. But we have a team of very skilled people who ended up making each bow by hand.

interview ivy desktop

I find the marlies|dekkers mission to empower women very inspiring. The last time I felt empowered myself was this year, when I received recognition for my brand in China. It was a big moment for me, and I was so proud! Speaking of empowering, my favorite marlies|dekkers collection is the Femme Fatale. As a manufacturer, I know that it is not easy to make this product, but for me as a marlies|dekkers fan, this design is definitely my favorite. I am really into technology, and I think the key to a more sustainable industry lies in developing new techniques that require less of our planet. In my factory, I am always looking for ways to advance production efficiency in order to reduce our negative impact on the environment. I believe it should be a focus for all of us.

- Ivy Xie

interview cara mobile

Meet Cara Tse, general manager of the Asset Hongkong, a lingerie and swimwear exporter with factories in China and Myanmar. "I love that we share the same values without letting cultural differences get in the way."

I think the reason that we have been working together so successfully for over 6 years is that we both have an eye for trends and enjoy our life and work. We laugh together and can be honest with each other. We may have our differences sometimes, but it never damages our relationship because in the end, we want the same excellent result for both partners.

I love most marlies|dekkers collections, but my current favorite is the black leather 'Femme Fatale' because it perfectly combines the feminine and masculine. It's mysterious, authentic and trendy, just like me, ha ha! But seriously, I feel this set is made for a woman with a strong, unbreakable heart and faith.

The first order we ever did for marlies|dekkers can best be described as a mission impossible. We had to deal with different shapes of fringes for every product and it was pretty complicated. No other supplier dared to take it on! And sure enough, we face a lot of setbacks. But if you truly believe in yourself, you can learn from failures and eventually achieve your goal. Having given it 200%, I felt fully empowered when I saw the results.

Overall, the biggest challenges involve changes; changes in the processes or the organization of the company. When the structure of our team in China changed, it created uncertainties and even anxiety. But guess what, we're still here! The trick is to embrace challenge, just like Marlies encourage us to do with her 'dare to be' motto. When it comes to building a sustainable future, I believe the biggest challenge can be overcome by taking responsibility, as a company but also as individuals. We're in this together.

- Cara Tse

interview cara desktop

Meet Cara Tse, general manager of the Asset Hongkong, a lingerie and swimwear exporter with factories in China and Myanmar. "I love that we share the same values without letting cultural differences get in the way."

I think the reason that we have been working together so successfully for over 6 years is that we both have an eye for trends and enjoy our life and work. We laugh together and can be honest with each other. We may have our differences sometimes, but it never damages our relationship because in the end, we want the same excellent result for both partners.

I love most marlies|dekkers collections, but my current favorite is the black leather 'Femme Fatale' because it perfectly combines the feminine and masculine. It's mysterious, authentic and trendy, just like me, ha ha! But seriously, I feel this set is made for a woman with a strong, unbreakable heart and faith.

The first order we ever did for marlies|dekkers can best be described as a mission impossible. We had to deal with different shapes of fringes for every product and it was pretty complicated. No other supplier dared to take it on! And sure enough, we face a lot of setbacks. But if you truly believe in yourself, you can learn from failures and eventually achieve your goal. Having given it 200%, I felt fully empowered when I saw the results.

Overall, the biggest challenges involve changes; changes in the processes or the organization of the company. When the structure of our team in China changed, it created uncertainties and even anxiety. But guess what, we're still here! The trick is to embrace challenge, just like Marlies encourage us to do with her 'dare to be' motto. When it comes to building a sustainable future, I believe the biggest challenge can be overcome by taking responsibility, as a company but also as individuals. We're in this together.

- Cara Tse

interview bobo mobile

Meet Bobo Ji, general manager of lingerie enterprise Jiangsu Asset Underwear based in China. The secret of our successful seven-year partnership? "We both want to help women find their unique beauty."

We have been working with marlies|dekkers with great results since 2015. I believe that our goal to produce first-class lingerie perfectly complements the marlies|dekkers concept of 'innerwear becomes outerwear'. Also, we have the same idea about enabling women to see their unique beauty.

Marlies' mission of female empowerment is a cause close to my heart. Looking at the more than 300 employees of my factory who earn their living and support their families by creating value with their own hands fills me with pride, every day. Empowering other women is what makes me feel empowered.

The Lagertha Couture set came out a few years ago but will always be one of my favorites. I just love the blend of the leather and lace; the lace representing softness while the leather embodies strength. Such a beautiful contrast.

I really appreciate how Marlies pushes boundaries with her designs. The 2020 Black Sea swimwear collection for example featured a one-shoulder style that was technically very challenging: how to avoid one side pulling and causing wrinkles on the cup edge of the other side? It seemed impossible at first, but together we managed, as we always do.

I believe the key to a sustainable future is a combination of innovation and technology. Think of 3D printing or virtual design and fitting. We aim to work with customers who explore this innovative side of our industry. One of the things I love about marlies|dekkers is the fact that as a progressive brand, they are always open to exploring new techniques. We are simply a perfect match!

- Bobo Ji

Meet Bobo Ji, general manager of lingerie enterprise Jiangsu Asset Underwear based in China. The secret of our successful seven-year partnership? "We both want to help women find their unique beauty."

We have been working with marlies|dekkers with great results since 2015. I believe that our goal to produce first-class lingerie perfectly complements the marlies|dekkers concept of 'innerwear becomes outerwear'. Also, we have the same idea about enabling women to see their unique beauty.

Marlies' mission of female empowerment is a cause close to my heart. Looking at the more than 300 employees of my factory who earn their living and support their families by creating value with their own hands fills me with pride, every day. Empowering other women is what makes me feel empowered.

interview bobo desktop

The Lagertha Couture set came out a few years ago but will always be one of my favorites. I just love the blend of the leather and lace; the lace representing softness while the leather embodies strength. Such a beautiful contrast.

I really appreciate how Marlies pushes boundaries with her designs. The 2020 Black Sea swimwear collection for example featured a one-shoulder style that was technically very challenging: how to avoid one side pulling and causing wrinkles on the cup edge of the other side? It seemed impossible at first, but together we managed, as we always do.

I believe the key to a sustainable future is a combination of innovation and technology. Think of 3D printing or virtual design and fitting. We aim to work with customers who explore this innovative side of our industry. One of the things I love about marlies|dekkers is the fact that as a progressive brand, they are always open to exploring new techniques. We are simply a perfect match!

- Bobo Ji

interview beverly mobile

Meet Beverly Black, owner of Obsidian, a lingerie design, development and production company based in Hong Kong. "Ladies' underwear is my passion."

I am the owner of the company Obsidian. We have known marlies|dekkers for over 20 years and we have been partners in Asia for five years now. We are highly experienced in the design, development and production of ladies' underwear and bring all of our skills to the product. It’s important to me that we work with lovely people who hold similar values about work ethics and product quality. With marlies|dekkers we have found a perfect match. The main reason I love my job is quite simple: I love ladies' underwear, it’s my passion! I work on this product every day. I am surrounded by it. My personal favorite marlies|dekkers design is the Dame De Paris in black: a true classic. No need for anything more. I enjoyed working on the Starboard collection together, a swimwear design that combined three fabrics with contrasting colors, featured many seams and a bow that just wouldn’t sit flat! Really challenging but a great collection in the end.

When it comes to a more sustainable future, I believe that the biggest change should be about the way people purchase. Personally, I stand for a higher appreciation for the quality of the product that is bought. Buy what you love and intend to wear it forever.

I am lucky enough to feel empowered every day. I live freely and happily; I make my own decisions for my life and the lives of my family. The simple elements are the most important to be in control of… that and having beautiful underwear!

- Beverly Black

interview beverly desktop

Meet Beverly Black, owner of Obsidian, a lingerie design, development and production company based in Hong Kong. "Ladies' underwear is my passion."

I am the owner of the company Obsidian. We have known marlies|dekkers for over 20 years and we have been partners in Asia for five years now. We are highly experienced in the design, development and production of ladies' underwear and bring all of our skills to the product. It’s important to me that we work with lovely people who hold similar values about work ethics and product quality. With marlies|dekkers we have found a perfect match. The main reason I love my job is quite simple: I love ladies' underwear, it’s my passion! I work on this product every day. I am surrounded by it.

My personal favorite marlies|dekkers design is the Dame De Paris in black: a true classic. No need for anything more. I enjoyed working on the Starboard collection together, a swimwear design that combined three fabrics with contrasting colors, featured many seams and a bow that just wouldn’t sit flat! Really challenging but a great collection in the end.

When it comes to a more sustainable future, I believe that the biggest change should be about the way people purchase. Personally, I stand for a higher appreciation for the quality of the product that is bought. Buy what you love and intend to wear it forever.

I am lucky enough to feel empowered every day. I live freely and happily; I make my own decisions for my life and the lives of my family. The simple elements are the most important to be in control of… that and having beautiful underwear!

- Beverly Black

Female empowerment
Female empowerment
Sustainable solutions
Sustainable solutions
Fair and equal
Fair and equal
Product care
Product care