Soft and sexy lingerie by Sophie Hines

Second-year fashion-major Sophie Hines has taken the initiative to create her own soft lingerie, rather than forking out for some of the designer versions. Her simple yet luxurious designs are handmade by Hines at her base in Nebraska and already selling fast on her Etsy shop. Being just 19 years old and already on the map with this very innovative design plan, we reckon she has a lot more under her hat. 

According to Hines, a culture of fashion in Nebraska is only just getting underway. “New boutiques are open in our downtown where I live, so it’s easy to market my clothing to them.” Despite having the popular site Etsy as an outlet, Hines has really found her feet selling her pieces in local boutiques and pop-up markets. “I’ve been asked to be a vendor in pop-up shops, local events and new stores across the country; things are just taking off! I’m so excited about new projects and events.” For obvious reasons, Hines aims her pieces at women aged 15-30, but her main objective is to create pretty clothes that can be worn and treasured forever.

Her vintage style sweetheart lingerie is certainly timeless. “My favourite design is the Grey and Robin’s Egg Blue lingerie set. I love luxurious, simple designs.” This modern take on the 20s style of lingerie is becoming ever popular this season, however, such pieces are made to be seen, often paired up with simple vests with low drop arm holes. Hines’ pieces strike the chord perfectly between pretty and edgy, creating a wider range of possibilities in terms of styling.

All of Hines’ work is custom-made, and she is always open to suggestions and personalisations requested from customers, even though she has no team (yet!) to help her with her workload. She does everything from admin to stitching herself. “I enjoy custom requests – I’m more than happy to make changes in colour or fabric. I love that the give and take relationship goes both ways with my buyers.” It all started for Hines in high school, when she started making so many clothes for herself she had to sell some at the local Haymarket, triggering her decision to start marketing them to local boutiques. 

Apart from a particular distaste for pattern cutting, Hines clearly loves her job, even if it does take up a lot of time away from her work as a full-time student. The brand was initially a creative outlet, but now she has started working on some new pieces ready for the New Year. “I’ve been experimenting with screen-printing and painting my own fabric, so I’m going to be introducing these fabrics into my lingerie. Also, I have a great store of antique lace and I’ve been thinking about going in a bridal direction.” 

In Hines’ opinion, it’s all inspired by the fabric, then it fits together like a puzzle. Simple, clean-cut and delicate looking pieces which are custom-made with the utmost care. “I pin and pin and pin and repin everything till I absolutely love it, then I sew it all together.”

Elizabeth Finney
Photos: Courtesy of Sophie Hines

To see more of Hines’ work, check out her collection on Etsy by clicking here.