Why the Price is Right

by Marlies Dekkers

What makes my lingerie more expensive than a mass-produced brand? There are several reasons, but did you know that the average bra takes about 12 minutes to make in a factory, while a typical marlies|dekkers bra takes at least an hour? Let me tell you why.

First of all, it is not my goal to make expensive bras. It’s my goal to make the BEST bras, that last the longest, and offer you so much support and comfort that you end up saving money on a physiotherapist! (I’m only half-joking).

And so I use only very high quality materials. The best foam for the cups, the most durable and luxurious fabrics, the strongest straps and the best metal snaps.

But I also like to have a bit of fun. Every design should be a new adventure. Yes, when I started out, my typical ‘Marlies Dekkers straps’ became my signature, but I’m not a one-trick pony. I constantly need design-challenges. I want to wow you, again and again. I want to wow me!

For example: I was dreaming of the bra-version of a power suit. Something tough and feminine, something that helps you release your inner alfa. I would name it after favorite female gangster movie: Gloria, and it would combine a powerful pinstripe pattern with macho, leather suspender straps.

The main problem turned out to be the leather: the sewing machines we worked with couldn’t handle the tough material. ‘It can’t be done’, I was told. Well, those are fighting words to me!

I went on a mission and found a factory specialised in making leather handbags. I convinced them to lend me one of their sewing machines. I motivated some girls from the bra factory to learn how to operate this instrument. (how wonderful to see them so excited to learn something new!)

With all the hand-executed techniques we used, all the time and energy we put into it, the final Gloria bra could be considered a couture piece. In other words: priceless.

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