Agent Provocateur   (Photo: Carmen Lopez and AJ Wilhelm)

Agent Provocateur
133 Mercer St., nr. Prince St.; 212-965-0229
In contrast to cookie-cutter chains, AP sports a more openly naughty attitude. Inventive designs like trimmed-satin corsets and transparent-tulle baby-doll slips have helped attract a star-studded clientele.

La Perla
803 Madison Ave., nr. 67th St.; 212-570-0050
You may associate this legendary Italian lingerie store with sexy, lacy black underthings, but big-name wedding designers swear by its corsets, which come in a range of styles with pretty panties to match.

Kiki de Montparnasse
79 Greene St., nr. Spring St.; 212-965-8150
An erotic version of Eres or La Perla, Kiki carries beautiful lace bras, nighties, and peekaboo panties alongside a host of toys.

La Petite Coquette
51 University Pl., nr. 9th St.; 212-473-2478
This popular boutique carries sexy high-end lingerie, swimsuits, loungewear, and hosiery from famous European makers and its own sharp, stylish line.

Henri Bendel
712 Fifth Ave., third fl., nr. 56th St.; 212-247-1100
This luxury department store stocks lingerie from notable names such as Princesse Tam Tam, Cosabella, and Hanky Panky.