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)
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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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