AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER Va Bien designs underpinnings for life’s most memorable affairs. An ethereally appointed wedding celebration, a sparkling formal charity gala, an ambrosial cocktail event – moments of beauty and glamour that give pause and in memory are everlasting. Va Bien puts the body en valeur at each occasion, with styles ranging from luxurious but versatile bras that support beneath challenging formal gowns, to waist-cinching bustiers that add allure to cocktail dresses - both when hidden and revealed.

bridal 2

black tie

cocktail

boudoir 3

CONTENTS The following catalog of Va Bien designs is organized by product feature, specifically highlighting the brand’s reputation of nearly four decades for addressing the greatest fit challenges of event dressing, such as low backs and strapless necklines. Va Bien’s reputation for such versatility and innovation has endeared the line with Hollywood and fashion industry stylists, who dress their clients in the brand for their biggest events and performances, from the red carpet to stage and screen.

From left: early low back bodysuit; first best-seller - soft cup bodysuit; first bra collection - low plunge convertible; first catalog cover.

VA BIEN WAS FOUNDED WITH LOVE In 1975, a young French girl named Marianne Gerard left France for New York City. She adventured off for academics - to study medicine - but found the fashion world waiting instead. Upon arriving in New York, she met Richard Gimble who together with his father ran Image O’Youth - a designer of longline bras and garter belts (Image O’Youth bustiers can still be found in some American vintage shops.) Marianne soon fell in love with the intimates industry (and Richard) and decided to put aside her studies to launch a new line together with him. Her initial target was shapewear, which at the time featured bulky outer paneling that showed through clothes particularly the knits that Marianne wore to cocktail events. With inspiration from her mother back in France, Madame Paulette Gerard, Marianne responded with a collection of

4

bodysuits and bottoms that for the first time hid paneling on the inside - and with silky-soft fabrics that felt more like lingerie than any shaping piece had before. Aesthetically, the pieces channeled her, and her mother’s, sensible contemporary-French style; it was well-received by the trade and caught on quickly. Soon the collection was carried in top luxury department stores such as Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom’s. A collection of bras soon followed to address further event dressing needs, such as low plunge necklines and low backs, along with a series of bustiers designed to be worn both for event dressing and the boudoir. Marianne wanted to cover every special occasion and by the 90’s, Va Bien sported a full range of underpinnings that was sold in over 30 countries worldwide.

Today, Va Bien continues its rich tradition of intimates design and has been awarded multiple patents for its innovations - the most notable of which is the ultra-lift bra cup, which seals three thin stays within foam cups, providing an unparalleled level of support and preventing the age-long problem of strapless bras sliding down all the way up to an I cup. Yet, Va Bien today hardly excludes its focus to function alone: its seasonal couture line, Atelier Va Bien, proposes pieces hand-crafted from some of the most inspiring textiles in the world, each piece designed to cross over into ready-to-wear. The collection’s design is led by Richard and Marianne’s son, Gregory, who is Va Bien’s Vice President and Creative Director.

STRAPLESS AND LOW BACK 6

LOW PLUNGE 18

SHAPEWEAR 24

ESSENTIALS 32

5

STRAPLESS AND LOW BACK

6

7

STRAPLESS SOLUTIONS

occasions: formal, bridal, cocktail STRAPLESS AND LOW BACK

AVAILABLE UP TO I CUP

Va Bien’s event dressing focus often draws its attention to strapless bras - a category that does not often inspire confidence, better known for sliding down than providing support. As a solution, Va Bien developed and patented a technology that seals three thin stays within each foam cup. The stays provide extra support to prevent the bust from pressing down over the underwire and pulling the bra down. The result is a droop-proof strapless that runs all the way up to I cup, along with a series of bustiers and bodysuits that support and shape the body like never before. Introducing Ultra-Lift™.

HAUTE TECHNOLOGY - UP TO I CUP

NO-SLIP, WITH A TOUCH OF LACE - AND A LOW BACK

VINTAGE LONGLINE STYLING

Features: Patented Ultra-Lift™ technology combines with double-lined back panels and silicone elastic for the ultimate in strapless support. Available all the way up to I cup. Colors: Nude, Black Sizes: 34-46B, 32-46C/D, 32-44E, 32-42F, 32-40G, 32-38H, 32-36I Matching bottoms: Style 260 Thong, 261 Panty (Pictured)

Features: Ultra-Lift™ patented bust support in a basque frame that holds in place beautifully and allows for an elegant low back - with a glamorous touch of stretch lace. Colors: Nude, Black/Gold, White/Blue Sizes: 34-38B, 32-38C/D, 32-36E Matching bottoms: Style 201 Panty (Pictured), 202 Thong

Features: Vintage-style boning and rigid satin paneling hold the bra in place with elegance under low back gowns. Colors: White, Cream, Black Sizes: 34-42B, 32-42C/D/DD, 34-40DDD Matching bottoms: Style 053 String Bikini

Ultra-Lift™ Perfect Strapless (1506)

Marquise Strapless Basque (2527)

Vintage Low Back Longline (506)

*All styles come with removable straps

1506 8

2527

506 9

LOW BACK HOURGLASS

occasions: formal, bridal, cocktail STRAPLESS AND LOW BACK

DRAMATIC CINCHING

SUPER LOW, SUPER SEAMLESS Ultra-Lift™ Low Back Bustier (1508)

Features: Seamless Ultra-Lift™ bra cups and a smooth microfiber outer layer prevent show though - with a dramatic low back - while a single-ply hidden inner corset with boning cinches the waist. Colors: Nude, Black, White Sizes: 34-38B, 32-38C/D, 32-36E Matching bottoms: Style 260 Thong, 261 Panty (Pictured)

TOTALLY BACKLESS

Ultra-Lift™ Backless Bodysuit (1509) Features: A thong back silhouette with Ultra-Lift™ cups makes this totally backless bra possible. Seamless with a hidden boned lining to cinch the waist and smooth the tummy. Colors: Nude, Black Sizes: 34-38B, 32-38C/D, 32-36E

INSTANT HOURGLASS

Ultra-Lift™ Hourglass Bustier (1503) Features: Totally seamless, featuring a hidden double-layered inner corset with spiral boning that creates the perfect hourglass figure. Long in the stride for hip coverage and a smooth silhouette. Excellent for full figures. Colors: Nude, Black, White Sizes: 34-42B/C/D/DD, 34-40DDD Note: extender available, Style 104 Matching bottoms: Style 260 Thong, 261 Panty (Pictured) *All styles come with removable straps

1508 10

1508

1509

1509

1503 11

LOW BACK GLAMOUR

occasions: romantic, bridal, formal STRAPLESS AND LOW BACK ELEGANT IN WHITE, SULTRY IN BLACK

SATIN-PANELED CINCHING Low Back Satin Bustier (6363)

Features: Vintage-style boning and rigid satin panels cinch the waist, with a very low-cut back. Lace detailing highlights a sweetheart neckline. 3-piece cut and sewn cups offer excellent fit and support, with inner pockets for push-up inserts. Colors: White, Cream, Black Sizes: 32-38A, 32-40B/C/D Matching bottoms: 053 String Bikini (Pictured), 052 Thong, 051 Panty (Pictured)

LOVELY IN LACE

Low Back Lacy Bustier (7474) Features: Delicate floral lace paneling is reinforced with rigid tulle to cinch the waist, with a beautiful low back. Sweetheart neckline and 3-piece cut and sewn cups offer excellent fit and support. Colors: White, Cream, Black Sizes: 32-38A, 32-40B/C/D Matching bottoms: 053 String Bikini (Pictured), 052 Thong, 051 Panty (Pictured) *All styles come with removable straps

6363 12

7474

7474

6363

7474 13

CLASSIC CURVES

occasions: romantic, bridal, formal STRAPLESS AND LOW BACK

AVAILABLE UP TO 48 BAND

ULTIMATE HOURGLASS

Smooth Satin Hourglass Bustier (513) Features: Rigid satin paneling runs down to the hips to create a gorgeous and smooth hourglass silhouette. Fiberfill 3-piece cut and sewn cups offer excellent fit and support. Colors: White, Cream, Black Sizes: 34-42B, 32-42C/D/DD, 34-40DDD Matching bottoms: 053 String Bikini (Pictured), 052 Thong, 051 Panty (Pictured)

VINTAGE HOURGLASS Lace Hourglass Bustier (523)

Features: Satin paneling combined with re-enforced lace accents offer dramatic slimming. Extra long to provide hip coverage and a smooth silhouette. Fiberfill 3-piece cut and sewn cups offer excellent fit and support. Colors: White, Cream, Black Sizes: 34-42B, 32-48C/D, 32-46DD Matching bottoms: Same as above

BELLE FORME

Lace Hourglass Waist Cincher (6101) Features: Slims the waist not only with boned satin and lace paneling, but also with flattering hourglass shaped lines. Colors: White, Cream, Black Sizes: S-2XL Matching bottoms: Same as above *All styles come with removable straps

513 14

523

6101

513

6101 15

PUSH UP PERFECTION

occasions: romantic, formal, bridal, cocktail STRAPLESS AND LOW BACK

SECRET WEAPON

FRONT CLOSURE BUSTIER

Front-Closure Push-Up Bustier (810) Features: Floral lace panels with front closure cinch the waist, and fiberfill 3-piece cups include satin pockets for push-up pads. Colors: White, Cream, Black Sizes: 32-36A, 32-38B/C, 34-38D

SO FEMME

Low Plunge Push-Up Bustier (6163) Features: Alluring strapless push-up cups with a dramatic deep plunge combine with waist-cinching rigid lace panels to create an irresistible figure. Colors: White, Black Sizes: 32-38B/C, 32-36D, 32-34E Matching bottoms: Same as above

Lace Push-Up Bra (6162) Features: Lightly padded, extra soft foam cups and a versatile sweetheart neckline create a stunning décolleté. Floral allover lace detailing. Available with smooth cups as Style 6162A. Colors: White, Black Sizes: 32-38B/C, 32-36D, 32-34E Matching bottoms: 053 Bikini (Pictured), 052 Thong, 051 Panty

Lace Garter Belt (6102) Features: Delicate floral lace garter belt completes a bridal trousseau in white or spices up the boudoir in black. Colors: White, Black Sizes: S - 2XL *All styles come with removable straps

810 16

6163

6162

6163

6162 17

LOW PLUNGE

18

19

SECURE ALLURE

occasions: formal, romantic, bridal, cocktail LOW PLUNGE

Low plunge necklines call for both support and security. Va Bien’s patented bra cup technology addresses both by sealing three thin stays within each foam cup. The stays provide extra support and lift, while securing the bustline under the most daring dresses, for total confidence and a stunning décolleté.

MAXIMUM VERSATILITY

GORGEOUS DÉCOLLETÉ,

SUPPORT + SLIMMING

Features: Straps adjustable to halter, criss-cross, one-shoulder, and even backless using a 1” wide “backless” band that is included with the bra. Colors: Nude, Black Sizes: 34-38B, 32-38C/D, 32-36E Matching bottoms: Style 260 Thong (Pictured), 261 Panty

Features: Ultra-Lift™ cups combine with a flexible U-wire for a perfect fit with a hint of push-up. Basque frame holds in place beautifully and offers an elegant low back. Straps convertible to halter and criss-cross. Colors: Nude, Black/Gold, White/Blue Sizes: 34-38B, 32-38C/D, 32-36E Matching bottoms: Style 201 Panty (Pictured), 202 Thong

Features: Glamorous all-in-one solution for a low cut gown. Shapes the body and the bust beautifully, with patented Ultra-Lift™ cups and a flexible U-wire, while the thong back prevents show-through. Convertible to halter and criss-cross. Colors: Nude, Black/Gold, White/Blue Sizes: 34-38B, 32-38C/D, 32-36E

Ultra-Lift™ Low Plunge Convertible Bra (1502)

STYLIST FAVORITE!

1502 20

2526

2526

Marquise Low Plunge Basque (2526)

Marquise Low Plunge Thong-Back Bodysuit (2525)

2525 21

PLUNGE + SHAPING

occasions: formal, romantic, bridal LOW PLUNGE

PERFECT BUSTLINE AND WAISTLINE

TOTAL SHAPING

LOW PLUNGE GLAMOUR

Features: Extra-firm body shaping in-style with double-ply front panels and elegant sheer side panels. Ultra-Lift™ cups combine with a flexible U-wire that opens to adjust to torso width for the perfect fit. Low back and convertible to halter and criss-cross. Colors: Nude, Black Sizes: 34-38B, 32-38C/D, 32-36E

Features: Extra-firm body shaping in style with double-ply front panels and elegant sheer side panels. Ultra-Lift™ cups combine with a flexible U-wire that opens to adjust to torso width for the perfect fit. Low back and convertible to halter and criss-cross. Colors: Nude, Black Sizes: 34-38B/C/D

Features: Strapless push-up cups with a dramatic deep plunge create an alluring décolleté while rigid lace panels cinch the waist. Colors: White, Black Sizes: 32-38B/C, 32-36D, 32-34E

Ultra-Lift™ Low Plunge Bodysuit (1500)

FIRM CONTROL SHAPING

1500 22

1501

6163

Ultra-Lift™ Low Plunge Bodysuit with Legs (1501)

Low Plunge Push-Up Bustier (6163)

6163 23

SHAPEWEAR

24

25

SEAMLESS CINCHING

occasions: formal, cocktail, bridal SHAPEWEAR

LIGHTWEIGHT BUT FIRM

EXTRA FIRM SHAPING

Features: Lightweight but firm control powernet is cut and sewn to sculpt the body beautifully while minimizing show-through. Cinching waist section features microfiber outer layer for added strength and side boning to prevent rolldown. Colors: Nude, Black Sizes: S - 2XL

Features: Seamless molded cups with an inner sling support the bust, while a triple-paneled front section provides firm control shaping. Extra wide rigid straps for comfort. Colors: Champagne, Black Sizes: 34-44B, 34-48C/D, 34-46DD, 34-44DDD

PERFECT LEGS

SHAPE + MINIMIZE

Features: Lightweight but firm control powernet is cut and sewn to sculpt the body beautifully while minimizing show-through. Cinching waist section features microfiber outer layer for added strength and side boning to prevent rolldown. Colors: Nude, Black Sizes: S - 2XL

Features: Designed with seamless molded cups that minimize the bust, and a triple-paneled front section for firm control shaping. Leotard back and rigid straps. Colors: Champagne, Black Sizes: 34-42 C/D/DD

Smooth Couture Short (632)

Smooth Couture Tights (633)

RED CARPET FAVORITES!

632 26

633

1191

Seamless Firm Control Bodysuit (1191)

Seamless Minimizer Bodysuit (701)

701 27

VINTAGE BRIEFS

occasions: formal, cocktail SHAPEWEAR

For occasions that call for true firm control shaping, Va Bien offers the Minus Touch Collection. Vintage-style rigid satin front panels flatten the tummy while powernet sections sculpt the hips and derrière. Instantly drop a pant or dress size , for a dramatic “before” and “after”.

AVAILABLE UP TO 6XL

FLAT TUMMY

ALL OVER SHAPING

Features: High cut leg openings prevent binding. Brushed 1˝ elastic band at waistband for comfort. Runs just above belly button. Colors: Nude, White, Black Sizes: S-4XL

Features: High waist with boning plus long legs for a totally smooth silhouette. Runs long in the stride, suiting long torsos well. Brushed 1˝ elastic band at waistband for comfort. Colors: Nude, White, Black Sizes: S-3XL (for 4-6XL order 3757A)

FIRM WAIST CINCHING

TUMMY TO THIGHS

Features: High waist runs up to the bra and features lightweight boning to prevent rolldown. High cut leg openings prevent binding. Brushed 1˝ elastic band at waistband for comfort. Colors: Nude, White, Black Sizes: S-3XL (for 4-6XL order 3766A)

Features: Waist runs just above belly button, with a short to smooth the bottom and thighs. Suits shorter torsos well. Brushed 1˝ elastic band at waistband for comfort. Colors: Nude, White, Black Sizes: S-3XL (for 4-6XL order 3765A)

Minus Touch™ Brief (3755)

28

3755

3766

3757

3755

3766

3757

Minus Touch™ High Waist Brief (3766)

Minus Touch™ High Waist Short (3757)

Minus Touch™ Waistline Short (3765)

3765 29

VINTAGE BODYSUITS

occasions: formal, cocktail, bridal SHAPEWEAR

FULL BODY STRAPLESS SHAPING

VINTAGE HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR

CLASSIC ALL OVER SHAPING

vintage sTRAPLESS shaping

Features: One of Va Bien’s first best-sellers - features hidden criss-cross paneling that cinches the body with true firm control. Extra long in the stride. Wireless two-section cups with vintage fit. Colors: Champagne, Black Sizes: 34-48 B/C/D/DD, 34-46 DDD

Features: Hidden criss-cross paneling cinches the body with true firm control. Leg sections with silicone-applied lace hold in place and slim the hips and thighs. Extra long in the stride. Wireless two-section cups with vintage fit. Colors: Champagne, Black Sizes: 34-48 B/C/D, 34-46 DD

Features: Hidden criss-cross paneling provides firm control, while lace accents and vintage-style boning decorate the bodice glamorously and provide excellent strapless support with a moderately low back. Colors: Champagne, Black, White Sizes: 34-40 B/C/D

Minus Touch™ Soft Cup Bodysuit (1291)

1291 30

1292

Minus Touch™ Soft Cup Bodysuit with Legs (1292)

Minus Touch™ Strapless Bodysuit with Legs (1294)

1294 31

ESSENTIALS

occasions: cocktail, formal, casual

SEAMLESS BRAS

ESSENTIALS

For certain special occasion looks, a basic well-fitting and seamless bra will do - completely hidden yet wonderfully supportive. Va Bien designs a small selection of such bras, accompanied by comfort bras to slip into after the event is over. Both with and without underwire.

AVAILABLE AS A NURSING BRA #602

601 32

603

606

MINIMIZER

MICROFIBER

Smooth Solutions Minimizing Bra (601)

Smooth Solutions Microfiber Bra (603)

Features: Molded minimizing cups reduce bust size. Underwire is covered with two layers of extra-soft casing for maximum comfort. Rigid straps and leotard back. Colors: Nude, Black, Champagne, Bordeaux Sizes: 32-42B/C/D/DD/DDD

Features: Double-ply molded microfiber cups with a supporting sling provide beautiful support with amazing comfort. Wide comfort straps and leotard back. Colors: Nude Sizes: 34-40B, 32-40C/D/E/F/G, 32-38H

WIRE FREE

SEAMLESS LIFT

Smooth Solutions Wireless Bra (606)

Smooth Solutions Sculpting Bra (605)

Features: Lightly minimizes the bust with a wireless design and seamless molded cups. Rigid straps and leotard back. Colors: Nude Sizes: 32-40 B/C/D

Features: Seamless molded cups provide lift and support while disappearing under clothes. Rigid straps and extra wide back panels smooth underarm and sides. Colors: Nude, Black, Bordeaux Sizes: 34-42B, 32-42C/D/E/F/G, 32-40H, 32-38I

605 33

SIZING CHARTS

STYLE INDEX

Va Bien follows both the EU and US sizing scales within its line. Please refer to the tables below to convert any sizes as necessary.

DD+ BRA CUPS

BOTTOMS USA

EU

FRA

AUS/NZ

S

38

40

10

Style Page

506

9

1502

20

513

14

1503

11

US

EU

UK

JAP

M

40

42

12

523

14

1506

9

DD

E

DD

F

L

42

44

14

601

32

1508

10

DDD

F

E

G

XL

44

46

16

603

32

1509

10

G

G

F

H

2XL

46

48

18

606

32

2525

21

H

H

FF

I

3XL

48

50

20

I

I

G

J

4XL

50

52

22

605

33

2526

20

632

26

2527

9

633

26

3755

28

701

27

3765

29

810

16

3766

28

1191

26

3757

28

1291

30

6101

14

BRA BANDS

34

Style Page

BOT TOM SIZING

USA

EU/JAP

FRA/ESP/BEL

AUS/NZ

SIZE

SLACK SIZE

WAIST

HIPS

32

70

85

10

S

4-6

25-26”

35-36”

34

75

90

12

M

8-10

27-28”

37-38”

36

80

95

14

L

12-14

29-30”

39-40”

38

85

100

16

XL

16

31-32”

41-42”

1292

30

6162

16

40

90

105

18

2XL

18

33-34”

43-44”

1294

30

6163

16

42

95

110

20

3XL

20

35-36”

45-46”

1500

22

6363

12

USA

EU/JAP

FRA/ESP/BEL

AUS/NZ

4XL

22-24

37-38”

47-48”

1501

22

7474

12

35

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