Review: Masquerade ‘Antoinette’ Basque

Masquerade by Panache is a glamorous lingerie range offering excellent fit in cup sizes D to G. As I reviewed a set a couple of years ago, I was already aware of the brand’s impressive fit and beautiful styling, so I was delighted to be offered the chance to review something from their current range. Having recently developed a love of balconette style bras, after being a plunge devotee for years, I was drawn to the Antoinette range with its pretty lace detailing and chose the basque – available in sizes 28D to 38G – to review for Rarely Wears Lipstick. I was also sent the matching thong, which is available in UK sizes 8 to 18.

The underwired basque has foam lined moulded cups, covered in black lace fabric over a burgundy coloured lining. The inside of the cups are lined with super soft cotton fabric and the top edge is covered in stretch satin overlaid with a scalloped edge lace trim. This ensures that the Antionette feels as good as it looks, an attention to detail which extends to the straps. These are made from soft cushioned elastic with beautiful branded silver rings and sliders, attaching to the front of the cups with an inverted-V of ribbon and a bow. The front panel of the body section is black lace lined with burgundy mesh, while the sides and back are made from black stretch powernet. Eight plastic bones help to give a sleek shape and the basque fastens with 12 hooks and eyes down the centre back. I went for my most frequently worn size (32E) and it was a great fit, with the only issue being how long it took to fasten. I tried doing it myself to see if it was possible and have come to the conclusion that someone with longer more flexible arms might not have so much of a problem, but it’s probably best to get your partner to assist! The basque is quite short in the body so I could have done with some high waisted knickers to fill the gap, especially at the back, but this is just a personal preference. My only real niggle was the thin flimsy suspender straps, but they are detachable so I simply removed them and will wear the basque with hold-ups.

In the photo I’m also wearing the thong (in UK size 16), which has a black lace centre panel lined with burgundy mesh and side panels of soft burgundy stretch satin, lined with mesh so they stay in place. The top is edged with scalloped lace and finished with a black ribbon bow that has small teardrop shaped jewels stitched to the ends of the ribbon, matching the detail on the centre front of the basque. The centre back is unlined black lace, which I found did chafe a little bit but this is perhaps because this is not really a set for sitting around watching telly in! This is a glamorous set which demands to be seen, and the basque would definitely look great worn as outerwear. If you’re looking for special occasion lingerie that is as comfortable as it is beautiful, I would definitely recommend it. The Antoinette range is available now at figleaves.com.

DISCLOSURE: I was sent a Masquerade Antoinette basque and thong free to review by Panache.