JANET REGER LINGERIE AT DEBENHAMS

I grabbed 15 minutes with Aliza Reger, daughter of lingerie entrepreneur Janet Reger for an exclusive insight into the world of lingerie and the strong, fascinating Jewish heritage behind the successful label. (Read the full interview online at www.thejc.com/lifestyle/fashion) WHO INFLUENCES YOUR LINGERIE STYLE? My mother was certainly a style influencer in the 1970s and 80s and she is almost solely responsible for bringing colourful glamorous lingerie to the British high street, along with pioneering the purchase and wearing of matching underwear. WHAT ARE THE DRIVING FORCES BEHIND YOUR DESIGNS? The inspiration of the designs remains much the same as decades ago. It is in the zeitgeist of the age. A particular movie ( Fifty Shades of Grey) had a huge effect on our lingerie sales, while hemlines, the opulence of the times, music, cultural icons, historical references such as vintage and Victoriana all have an influence. WHAT’S THE BEST-SELLING COLOUR AND DESIGN COMBO? Satin and lace trim in all combinations continue to be best sellers and all time favourites. Reger girls cannot get enough pink with black lace, and all shades of grey have been best sellers for several years. Our customers love rich deep colours; ochre, purple, teal, bright and dark reds are important signature pieces every season and of course glamorous black never goes out of style. We’re also seeing a rise in bridal lingerie. Our beautiful and delicate bridal ranges have become a popular choice among modern day brides. WHERE DO YOU SEE THE LABEL IN FIVE YEARS? I would like to see the Reger label on a wider range of affordable but luxurious goods, I am currently developing some new ideas that I hope to launch in the UK next year. I would like to see the our label more widely distributed overseas and I would like to be working on more design collaborations. There are a few Jewish manufacturers I would particularly love to work with in both Israel and the USA. I think many things are about timing and opportunity — being in the right place at the right time is key! YOU HAVE A STRONG JEWISH BACKGROUND. ARE YOU ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN THE LOCAL JEWISH COMMUNITY? I must admit to being an assimilated Jew, I had a Jewish education at Carmel College; I love the traditions of Friday night, festivals and high holidays, bagels and smoked salmon. I strongly identify with my central European Jewish background and am very aware of my heritage and culture. Living in NW3 it’s hard not to be somehow involved with a Jewish community. I also try to support Jewish causes where possible. Many of my friends are Jewish but we are all part of the London melting pot.