While Milan Fashion week was sending countless models out on the catwalk in the fashion capital, over in Verona it was an altogether more flamboyant affair. Lingerie giant Intimissimi is known first and foremost for its glamour and that’s exactly what the brand brought with Opera Pop On Ice – an ice skating gala staged in Verona’s first century open-air amphitheatre. We had glitzy, crystal-encrusted costumes designed by Crazy Horse’s Creative Director, scantily clad Adonis-like skaters and world-class opera singers descending from cranes. Who better to report on proceedings than Strictly Come Dancing winner, Abbey Clancy? Read on to hear her account of a night of arabesques and arias….
Abbey Clancy in her hotel room before Intimissimi's Opera Pop On Ice
‘I’ve got a long relationship with underwear – I’d go so far as to say I’ve got a lingerie fetish,’ Abbey Clancy giggles us as we take our FROW seats at Intimissimi’s Verona spectacle. ‘I think it is the first thing – the key thing – to make you feel good. If you’ve got great underwear on you feel great even if you only throw on a t-shirt and jeans.’
Left; Abbey with Grazia's Katherine Ormerod, Right; Sightseeing around Verona
Her obsession started late –‘I only got my first bra when I was about 16 – I was still in thermal vests up until then as I was completely flat chested. Then all of a sudden grew these humongous breasts,’ - but she’s never looked back, becoming one of the Britain’s most successful lingerie models. Her tips, then are invaluable.
Abbey on the red carpet and in the car en route to the show
‘I think you should always match your underwear – that’s something I always do. I don’t do mismatching. Its also so important to make sure your bra fits properly – there’s nothing worse than the four boob look. I’m actually going for the softer cup these days – they’re comfy and it’s your own shape. But obviously I’m not opposed to some enhancement with a padded bra when you need it! And I think you should always dress for yourself and then by default the men will like it.’
Intimissimi's Opera Pop on Ice
As to her beauty routine, she says her Strictly days haven’t inspired much of a change. ‘If I’m totally honest, I’m terrible at makeup – and since there was no glitter going on this evening I couldn’t use the tips I picked up during the show!’ The evening was, Abbey says, ‘an absolutely magical night. When would you ever think you’d be sitting in a Roman theatre watching the world’s best performers skating and singing in lingerie?’ Only in Italy!
The Autumn Winter Intimissimi collection is available to buy from www.intimissimi.co.uk