Agent Provocateur

Profile

The name may sound French, but this hot lingerie label co-founded by Joe Corre, son of punk scene veterans Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren, is a defiantly British import. In contrast to cookie-cutter chains like Victoria's Secret, AP sports a more playful, more openly naughty attitude; one ad depicted a scantily clad Kylie Minogue riding a mechanical bull. Inventive designs like trimmed satin corsets and transparent tulle babydoll dresses have helped attract a star-studded clientele. There's also footwear of the strictly impractical variety—think red stiletto heels adorned with fluffy pompoms—and an oft-overlooked high-quality hosiery selection, featuring real silk stockings and 1950s-style pantyhose with seams. Heady perfumes and a popular line of body products and signature-pink candles rounds out the selection. The intimate black-and-pink Soho boudoir is bedecked with huge chandeliers and lace drapes, with the racy bras and thongs hanging artfully on black wire-frame torsos. Sizeable fitting rooms make it easy to try the under-things on. — Geeta Dayal

Key Departments

Bridal

This pink-and-black boudoir is a must-see when picking out undergarments for a wedding day or honeymoon. Frilly corsets are the specialty (from $360), but they also carry darling panties with satin ties at the waist, as well as tons of matching sets.