Velda Lauder creates spectacularly crafted corsetry from a small studio in London, where fine craftsmanship and exquisite materials abound.

She is probably the best known UK corsetiere, linked to such high profile celebrities as Dita Von Teese, George Michael and Robbie Williams whose dancers featured exclusive Lauder designs.

Her pieces are clearly inspired by silver screen sirens and starlets from the 40s and 50s – a time when voluptuous curves were celebrated.

Lauder combines the finest satins, silks, lace and feathers into truly beautiful foundation wear that are simply too beautiful to cover up. For stockist details and other information see her website here.

The search for well fitting and yet still beautiful lingerie is a difficult one. The female form is so varied, and the vast array of choices available to us make finding the perfect set a serious task.

Enter Made by Niki – a UK brand who seem to have achieved what so many of us are looking for. Their designs cross the line between shape-wear, pinup, comfort and practicality, with an array of shapes and styles to cover all bases.

Their bras go from cup size A to F in back sizes 30 to 38, and bottoms look like just the thing for curvier girls who are after some support and shaping. They create practical and stylish pieces to cinch and support, and flatter womanly shapes.

Made by Niki are stocked in 100 stores across 15 countries including Harvey Nichols, Figleaves, ASOS and Lane Crawford. Find out more at their website http://madebyniki.co.uk/

My love of handmade is no secret, and it seems that I am not alone with a number of brands gaining worldwide recognition and priding themselves on locally made pieces. Gilda and Pearl is one such label that is growing from strength to strength, importing their knickers and bras handmade in the UK to countries across the world.

The benefit of such bespoke lingerie brands is that their designs are custom made to fit customers, and there is also the freedom to make personal alterations.

Gilda and Pearl offer luxurious silk, lace and satins in a bright rainbow of colours. They are both young and sophisticated at the same time, referencing Old Hollywood glamour throughout.

As well as their own website www.gildapearl.co.uk and a small store at Etsy.com, they are available at glamorousamorous.com, Figleaves.com in the USA as well as the UK, and are a recent addition to Boudoir Bandit in Australia.

It may not strictly be a lingerie site, but Feaverish Photography Blog is a fantastic source for artistic images of underthings. The blog features an array of photographers, whose work ranges from portraits and boudoir shots to still life and holiday snaps.

Amongst shots of serene landscapes, old men, young boys, balloons and interiors you will find a sexy sprinkling of beautiful girls in states of undress. The lingerie ranges from practical cotton whites to daring lace and leather, with unexpected  treasures at every turn of the page.

The images are distinctly different to catalogue shots or promotional pictures used to show off garments, instead there are glimpses of bras and knickers, and what you are really looking at is the story of a girl.

With regular updates there is an abundance of inspiration and beauty at Feaverish, and while I may go for the lingerie, I stay for the art.

Hailing from Estonia but now at home in London, Kriss Soonik lingerie create unique and stylish pieces that cross the line between lingerie and outerwear. Many of her pieces could easily transfer from the bedroom to daywear, from parties to the street.

The 09/10 range is inspired by Snow White, and features a monochrome colour palette including textures such as lace, chiffon and jersey. Their slogan ‘simple girl with super powers’ rings true throughout the collection – simple design yet strong and standout shapes at the same time.

A favourite of the new range is the Kristel Suspender Top, which can easily transfer to daywear and looks amazingly comfortable too.

The label is run by a small team and are stocked at a handful of speciality lingerie stores, though are growing into a respected international brand. See their website here.

Jo Lynch is the talented designer behind luxuriously delicate lingerie label ‘Bela’s Dead’. Refined design is combined with the beautiful drawings of Finnish illustrator Klaus Haapaniemi to offer sexy and elegant collections which are slightly left of centre.

Lynch describes her unique perspective a result of being “inspired by Nick Cave songs about murder and lost love, the art and performance of being a woman, and other musicians such as Siouxsie and the Banshees and The Jesus and Mary Chain.” With this mood in mind the pieces become sensual but with dark undertones.

Her collection is seductive and references both the forbidden fruit and The Garden of Eden, anatomical floral drawings and the threatening side of nature. Fabrics range from taffeta, satin, cotton and silk, and are combined with fine embroidery detail.

Standout items include the satin teddy and demi-basque. See more at their website here.

Peachie Keen lingerie is lovingly hand-made by two friends from Bristol, UK,  Louise Coughlan and Nicola Thomas. Their designs are inspired by a 1950’s silhouette, with simple feminine shapes and vibrant prints.

All their trims are hand dyed and matched to soft cotton fabrics, with small ruffles and bows adorning the edges.

The brand was established in 2003, with both girls spending a lot of time getting their patterns to fit just right. The knickers are a comfortable looking bikini brief style, and the bras with a v-neck to give a great cleavage.

They are stocked across the UK and their new range pictured here is available to buy at their website www.peachiekeen.co.uk

True luxury is personified in the stunning underthings of UK based lingerie brand Strumpet and Pink. All pieces are lovingly hand made with fine detail that is rarely seen in today’s world of factory manufactured mass production. From fabric to execution each piece is so special, transporting the wearer to very faraway places.

From creamy whites to pinks, black and shades of blue, the rich colour palette offers something for a variety of tastes. There are some risqué sheer chiffon pieces, and there are also more demure satins with silk covered buttons and bows. Beautifully placed floral details also compliment a variety of styles.

For now it looks like the brand is focusing on knickers, but hopefully one day they will expand into matching bras, garters and other lingerie items.

Have a look at more on their website http://www.strumpetandpink.com/

Online hand-made market place Etsy offers us yet another gem with New Zealand based designer and seamstress Kelsey Genna. At just 18 years of age Kelsey has created a truly unique and whimsical world of high waisted knickers, velvet, pastels and cropped tops.

Most items are one of a kind or one of a few, created using a wonderful stash of fabrics. The designs are ultra feminine and girly, and sure to grab you some attention.

Already stocked internationally, Kelsey is most definitely one to watch. She has managed to build a beautiful small business while studying full time, which is an impressive feat.

And its not just lingerie either, visit www.kelseygenna.etsy.com to see more.

Argentinean lingerie designer Jesus Fernandez has created a stunning world of vintage inspired nostalgic finery. Rare in this industry, the brand is true to handmade detail and offers a luxurious range of silk, lace, chiffon and velvet.

Using artisan techniques for every element of the design and manufacture process is what true luxury is all about, from manual cutting, dyeing and hand stitching. The fabric as well, is sourced from worldwide locations from Europe to Latin America, completing a beautifully rounded package.

Favourites available now at his website include the ‘Amantes’ Shorty Set in shades of lilac, pale blue and pink currently 50% off. Also the ‘San Valentin’ Set with red ruffle detail and floral design. And finally the ‘Francis’ 3 Piece Set in cream lace is delicate and elegant design, and sure to make you swoon.