This has to be, without a doubt, the prettiest underwear I’ve seen in a long time… 

And it’s the kind of underwear I’d actually wear. Bralettes, non-underwired or padded bras, are what I like to wear everyday, but it’s hard to find ones that aren’t basically sports bras, and certainly not ones as mouth-wateringly gorgeous as these. The brand is Maaji, from Columbia and the reason you won’t have seen it anywhere else is that it’s only available on lingerie and swimwear site Lara Ventura. Launched in 2011 by Central Saint Martins graduate Lara Ventura with an own-brand luxe swimwear line, the site also has some real stand-out lingerie and swimwear brands from around the globe – no surprise that it’s s a favourite with the likes of Rita Orr, Suki Waterhouse and Bip Ling. I was so taken by the selection of hand-picked pieces, I fired the half-Italian, half Indian Lara over a few questions to find out more… (she too is obsessed with Maaji, and she should know!).

Tell me a little about what inspired you to start Lara Ventura?

I started as a knitwear designer and consultant after graduating from Central Saint Martins. I was introduced to a mutual friend who had a wholesale lingerie company and I started working for them on a freelance basis whilst doing knitwear. I immediately became aware of the gaps within the lingerie and swimwear markets, not just in the UK but also globally and decided to launch ‘Lara Ventura’. The label delivers fashion-led designs, exotic prints with a strong brand identity, and a distinctive and desirable product at a slightly lower price point within the luxury market.

What are your best-selling pieces to date?

My ultra skimpy ‘Natalia’ string bikini and the nude and neon print ‘Bambi’ bikini are completely sold out. Suite B lingerie is selling well at the moment too.

What type of woman is your ideal customer?

She would be bold, intelligent, stylish and very well travelled with a preference to quality clothing rather than throw away fashion. She is someone who is confident, uninhibited and adventurous in her personal style. My slightly lower price point has helped me appeal to a younger customer too, which is great.

And which pieces do you like to wear yourself and why?

It depends on where I am and what mood I’m in! The ‘Ana’ bikini is sophisticated and simple with a beautiful, intricate digital print. I will be wearing this piece all summer, as it’s so easy to style with outerwear and accessories. The metallic and neon ‘Kalibri’ is a real showstopper and the ultimate Ibiza bikini, it’s perfect for going from pool to party. So it would have to be these two. In terms of lingerie, I am obsessed with the Maaji pieces, they’re just so different to anything that’s out there at the moment and feel amazing to wear.

See more gorgeous pieces at laraventura.co.uk.