Introducing: Velveteena Leigh Lingerie
Inspired by darker culture and all things cosplay, Ceri takes her background of theatrical costume and combines it with her love for lingerie and body confidence, alongside her passion for texture, comfort and sparkle, to create handmade, one of a kind, bespoke luxury lingerie. You can see the influence of alternative, gothic and fetish scenes infused with delicate details and feminine elements and the results are just stunning!
Tell us about Velveteena Leigh:
My goal is to create bespoke pieces that make the wearer feel comfortable, confident and empowered no matter their size, race or gender identity, and allow them to be their truest selves. I began primarily making body harnesses with adornments and lace, crystals, flowers and all kinds of embellishments, but in the past year have been able to include more structured pieces such as bodysuits, corsets and sheer dresses. I am now proud to say that my pieces have been worn by many artists, performers and models in both London and further afield at such events as Toture Garden, Crossbreed and Verboten, and am pleased to help inspire and wow their audiences wearing something they can guarantee no one else will have.
How did you get into this?
I first started in theatrical costumes and cosplay doing private commissions, and became involved in the kink community through friends in the cosplay world. I started creating pieces for myself and friends to wear to events. I noticed that many of the looks at these events involved a lot of black, chains and leather; and while I do love that style, I also have a real passion for delicate embroidered details and started to incorporate them into my designs. This has grown beyond anything I could have imagined, and I still get excited whenever I see one of my pieces being worn.
What’s the process of working with you?
The first step is to get in touch. The best channels are via Instagram DM or email ceri@velveteenaleigh.co.uk
Before starting a custom piece I generally need to know the style you would like - e.g. corset, bodysuit, harness etc, any specific colours you would like, as well as your budget and deadline.
I will then usually create a quick sketch proposing your design and show you ideas for fabrics, trims and embellishments. Once everything has been agreed I can give you a quote… and then the fun begins!
I always keep in constant touch with clients, sending progress photos and confirming small details such as ‘do we want crystals here?’ and once finished, I will send a final set of images or video of the piece so that you can sign off everything.
How soon do people need to book you?
My waiting list time is 2 to 3 months for smaller items and 4 to 5 for larger scale projects. I am generally busiest October-December
What’s your proudest achievement?
Of all the pieces I’ve made and all the photoshoots I’ve been involved in, I think my proudest in an image set with Anna B and Mike Stone. Both model and photographer allowed me full creative control and the images are still some of my absolute favourites. I originally designed the outfits for a valentines showcase, using keywords to inspire such as royalty, deity and goddess, with my primary colours being rich vibrant reds and golds.
One image, which depicts Anna in a red harness set with gold chains, a large gold crown and a fantasy sword, is currently my phone backdrop. Another which shows Anna lying in a sea of clouds wearing a cherub body harness made it to the cover of Mex Magazine and for front page image on Purpleport twice!
Whether you’re interested in a special something for a boudoir shoot, a bespoke robe for getting ready the morning of your wedding, or something for all the days after, Ceri will be at the TilDeath Gothic Luxe Wedding fair on the 22nd January to inspire with her unique collection of original lingerie pieces.
