'Oyster:me' on the Triangle in Clifton has set out to indulge women and our men with some of the most stunning underwear sourced from the world's top designers. At £150-a-pop some of the knickers are more aspirational than every day but this is the sort of shop Bristol has been in dire need of for some time - and there are plenty of beautiful but lower priced pieces to indulge in while saving up for the others.  | | The shop has a 'slightly deco' feel and is laid out as a boudoir |
"We don't just sell knickers though," Maria impressed on me. "We also have swimwear, bags, jewellery, bridal nightwear and sensual toys." After just a few minutes chatting with Gaynor and Maria it's obvious that both women are passionate about panties. Liberal attitude While Maria read law at UWE and has no previous retail experience, she more than makes up for it with an eye for the latest must-have knickers and bras and an infectious enthusiasm for her chosen subject. Gaynor grew up in a family of Bristol retailers, studying interior design before deciding it was time to take the plunge and set up her own business. The women decided to team up after realising they were both searching separately for premises for a lingerie shop in the same area of Bristol. "Gaynor worked at John Anthony and I was one of their best customers so we've know each other for at least four years," said Maria.  | | More women are having boob jobs and they want pretty bras with larger cups |
And it seems the women have opened the shop at just the right time to tap into the zeitgeist of the post-Sex and the City liberal attitude towards women and sex. Larger cups "We know there are women in Bristol who want to buy beautiful lingerie and we get plenty of men in the shop buying gifts as well," smiled Gaynor. The shop has a 'slightly deco' feel and is laid out as a boudoir with Tocca candles on the mantle shelf. In the back room is a glass showcase with crystal-handled leather whips, glass 'wands' and fabulous Venetian masks with feathers and sparkles. The pieces are displayed in an inviting way which makes you want to pick them up and try on. "We'll soon have a new range from Rigby and Peller and we've decided to stock Love Kylie knickers but the thing we're asked for most is for larger cup sizes on our directional fashion labels so we're looking for new designers to fill that need," said Gaynor - a woman who fully sympathizes with this request. With more women opting to go under the knife to achieve bigger boobs than nature intended there is a growing number of slender women with large breasts who demand pretty underwear instead of the rather unflattering contraptions you may see on granny's washing line. Labels stocked by Oyster:me include Damaris, Bas Bleu, Verde Veronica, Eberjey, Verdissima, Gianni Versace and Pistol Panties (currently featured in Vogue). There is also a range of silk bras and panties from internationally renowned designer Fleur T, who has recently located to Bristol. So has anyone actually bought those £150 knickers I inquire... "We've sold two pairs already - both to women," said Maria. Oyster:me is holding an official launch party on Thursday June 24 at Three, at the bottom of Park Street. There will be a champagne reception, oysters and a catwalk show. Oyster:me
1 Triangle South
Clifton
Bristol
BS8 1EY
Tel: 0117 9292224 | 
