Upcycling, unisex dressing, mix-and-match; with their wild and eclectic looks, pirates were so much ahead of the fashion curve that they can still teach us a thing or two about breaking and rewriting all the fashion rules.

This Halloween, dare to go beyond the sexy-pirate clichés and wake up your inner Power Pirate!

Power dressing? Hey, why not learn from the best? Forget pantsuits and muted makeup; flamboyant, fiercely feminine Cleopatra is back as a power-dressing icon, and we are here for it!

Breast cancer awareness has always been a cause very close to my heart. And from the beginning of my brand, I have had conversations with breast cancer survivors who told me about their struggles, needs and wishes. Since comfort and support is in the DNA of all my designs, I often received very positive feedback from these women about my collections. But I wanted to know more. A few years ago, after a meeting with renowned surgical oncologist Jean Klinkenbijl, I decided to organize a special get-together for my team and a group of (ex-)breast cancer patients. That evening, I discovered that out of the 15 women present, 14 women had their needs met by my regular designs. Not bad, but not enough for me. I knew what I had to do: design a special prosthetic bra.

For over a century now, the trench coat has been the ultimate ‘it coat’. But how did this military garment, first worn during WWI by officers in the trenches – hence the name! – become one of the ultimate icons of androgynous chic? A short history of a feminist style icon with a sexy twist.

Yes, a pareo is an excellent beach cover up. But did you know it can be so much more?

From the cockpit to the streets to the runway; no other item of clothing has meant so much to so many different people, from pilots to punks to proud feminine feminists. A brief history of the badass bomber jacket.

Are you ready for takeoff? You better be, because this season, we will reach for the stars with feminist hero of flight Amelia Earhart. By flying solo across the Atlantic in 1932, this pioneering aviator showed women worldwide that the sky is NOT the limit. Standing defiantly on the wing of her plane in her jodhpurs, leather jacket and lace-up boots, Amelia exuded both grit and grace. She personified freedom. And she gave us something we had been craving for a long time: our own, swashbuckling heroine.

With 2020 peeking around the corner, it is time to say goodbye to a marvelous 2019. Ever since I started marlies|dekkers, my dream has been to empower women. And every year, we’ve taken great steps to do so!

All my work as a feminist designer is inspired by muses. Powerful female icons from past and present. Although women have been marginalized for centuries, archetypes of female power have always been there. Through my designs, I bring them to you. To help us shape the world of modern-day feminism.

– From fertility goddesses in ancient Crete to kitchen goddess Julia Child, phenomenal women have always had a thing for the apron. And now the simple, yet symbolically complex cover-up is back, starring on catwalks, concert stages and of course, in my latest collection! This time, the apron is all about food, fashion and feminine feminism.-

Do you recognize any of these classic bikini #FAILS? Don’t worry! Because my swimwear comes in actual cup sizes -rather than just small, medium, large- I have a very specific solution for each problem (call it bikini-science). You’ve got this!

Yes, a pareo is an excellent beach cover up. But did you know it can be so much more?

When you try on a bikini or swimsuit, you usually stand and watch yourself in a mirror, right? You might bend forward a little, turn around slowly to see the result from different angles, but that’s it. You like how it looks? You buy it.

A curve-hugging little black dress, that classic black Birkin bag, your perfect black bra; some design classics make you go back to black, again and again. But what exactly makes something a style classic? How I came up with my iconic black bras.

From the moment I start designing a bra until it is actually in the stores, takes about three years. The high quality standards and design techniques of marlies|dekkers lingerie need a development time like no other lingerie brand.

My Dame de Paris collection is designed for ladies with style. I was inspired by the magnificence of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. And now you can win my classic black Dame de Paris set, simply by becoming a member! Click here and subscribe!

From a ‘regular’ 34C bra size to a ‘special’ 32E bra size- why every woman is a Queen of Cups.

The Holi Glamour collection by Marlies Dekkers is designed for true glamourettes. Taking inspiration from India’s famous spring festival, Holi, it brings to life the season that waves Winter goodbye and throws Spring and Summer the most wonderful of welcome parties.

Did you know that it takes about 10 minutes for the average M|D customer to decide on a lingerie set, but well over an hour to choose a bathing suit or bikini? With these tips from my own swimwear experts you’ll shop like a pro.

If you haven’t heard yet; Pastels for Winter are THE trend of the Autumn/Winter 2015-2016!

As a grown woman in my late 20s I have come to realise the importance of a well-stocked, lingerie drawer. It’s not big and overly fancy but does include a few great staples. Everything is well fitting and of course there are some cheeky pieces for those ‘sexy’ days. Here’s my must-have lingerie list:

1. Everyday Glamour (Push Up Dame de Paris)

A great push-up bra ensures my breasts are well supported and lifted each and every day. Take a leaf out of Marlies’ personal book and give the push-up an everyday place in your lingerie closet. Paired with everything in my wardrobe, I love the proportions it gives me! The best-selling Dame de Paris available in three all-occasion colours; black, white and red is my favourite.

 2. Comfort Lingerie

A great ‘natural’ bra with a rounding shape is probably my #1 bra wish. Cue the balcony bra. It works well for just about every type of breast and comfort-wise you won’t go wrong. A balcony-bra with padding gives me extra support for all-day wear and a modest cleavage perfect for under a shirt or high-buttoning blouse (which I wear far too often).

 3. Basic Knickers

In every lingerie drawer there should be a great selection of everyday knickers for you to choose from. If you’re a one-knicker women (I am talking style here) then stock up on those. I love to mix my selection up so you’ll find a few Brazilian slips, strings, Brazilian shorts and hipster knickers in there. To fill up your own knicker drawer, check out our Bottoms Promo!

 4. A Signature Sexy Style

A signature, sexy bra is something that every lingerie drawer screams out for. A Friday at work followed by date night at the hottest new rooftop bar? Simply unbutton a few buttons, add a delicate necklace and a peek of your Spider Bra. Going from day to night in one swift move hasn’t been easier!

 5. An On-Trend Style Set

I adore on-trend pieces of lingerie but tend to limit myself to one style piece per season. Adding colour to my lingerie drawer is especially exciting and I love that I can always trust m|d to create fun new versions of the everyday shapes I know and trust.

 6. Sexy Strings

Lovers of strings are likely to have a drawer full – but rotate wearing only their favourites. Fill your drawer with just your favourites and avoid having to fish out the ‘washing day’ options.

 7. Something Red

This is an obvious one. And oh! So! Sexy!

 8. Your ‘ Underwear as Outerwear’  Body

Want to keep up with the hottest trend in lingerie? A body is the ultimate piece to show off as part of your outfit – not hiding underneath it. Here at m|d our bodies have been given a life of their own at music festivals, dinner parties, red carpet events and even to the office!

Don’t get stuck in a sticky situation when it comes to buying the perfect lingerie set for your girl. Follow our 5 step guide to perfecting the gift-giving process!

Flashing a little extra skin is nothing new for fashion and celebrity A-listers, but ever wondered how you can rock the underwear as outerwear trend on the streets instead of the red carpet?

The beach is usually a place where you undress yourself to only a bikini or bathing suit.

It may not be the end of the world, but when your favourite perfume, eye shadow or sex toy is discontinued, it can sure feel that way!

No, it’s not some Imelda Marcos-type fantasy; I have one in my house!

The beach is usually a place where you undress yourself to only a bikini or bathing suit.

My Holi Vintage collection is designed for classical beauties. The rich continuity of Indian history inspired me.

My Holi Gypsy collection is designed for all my fun-loving gypsies. The colourful powders of India’s famous spring festival Holi inspired me.

It cost 800 Dutch guilders, my entire monthly wages, but I never felt anything like it. The silk on my skin, the cut, the details. I was heartbroken when I had to take it off.

Stars like Rihanna, M.I.A and Katy Perry go gaga for Manish Arora, and so do I! Meet the designer who has built a global following while staying unapologetically Indian.

This black longline plunge balcony bra sets itself apart by the elongated underband. With black ruffles on the cups, a sturdy rosy red ribbon decorating the front and a piquant play of lines on your back, you’ll easily feel just as rebellious as Mirabai.

This body rocks your body! Bright sparkling rhinestones, a stunning piece of jewelry decorating your décolleté and beautiful little bijoux on your back shower you with Mirabai’s sensuality.

My Dancing Princess collection is designed for free-spirited ladies. I was inspired by the Indian poet-princess Mirabai and the sensuality of her musical art.

My Rebellious Princess collection is designed for feisty ladies. I was inspired by the Indian poet-princess Mirabai and her resistance against the chains of patriarchy.

I think it’s the creamiest part of a woman’s body: the inner thigh. And what better to highlight that area than a pair of gorgeous stockings or hold-ups?

I wear heels to celebrate my femininity. I wear them in the kitchen, in the boardroom and in bed. I even wear them when I go camping! It all started over 40 years ago..

The time that women needed to walk around constricted in tight corsets is over. The time that women needed to show their independency by pulling off their bras is over. Now, it’s the time of feminity, innerwear becomes outerwear!

Being a lingerie designer comes with many advantages, one of which is a lingerie collection which will make all women gasp for air. My extensive collection (with items which have never been produced) makes dressing up in the morning a private party.

My designs made an inspirational detour to some of the most daring fashion bloggers. My couture collection was styled by three fashion experts.

I survived the second show of Maestro and I’m feeling more and more like a real conductor!! And even though one of the judges said the program isn’t a fashion show I still want to combine my new love (conducting) with an old one (fashion)… I will be in front of the orchestra with sweaty hand palms but with a mind-blowing outfit.

For the designs of this Fall Winter 2014 collection, I was inspired by the heroic story of Joan of Arc. Reflecting the past years while having experienced all aspects of life, I found this legend of Joan of Arc admirable and inspirational.

Watch these girls celebrate their femininity… Ladies, it’s time for some insta-fashion!

My Fall/Winter season will be marked by many, many business trips! Can’t wait to get myself on a plane again, tell people about my brand and, more importantly, show world-class stylists all my latest creations.

My Gloria collection is designed for ladies taking the lead. This collection is inspired by the gangster movie “Gloria” (1980) directed by John Cassavetes.