Livy: Meeting the Creator of a Chic and Disruptive Lingerie Brand

Livy: Meeting the Creator of a Chic and Disruptive Lingerie Brand

These are the refined undergarments that stand out. Designer Lisa Chavy tells Le JDD how, in just seven years, Livy has secured a strong position in the lingerie world.

Who hasn't heard of Livy ? This brand is on the wish list of all women who want their lingerie to be a seductive asset. Sexy yet chic, refined yet sometimes bold without ever being vulgar, Livy breaks the codes of corsetry, offering pieces designed as true fashion accessories.

Its creator? Lisa Chavy, a lingerie enthusiast, studied at Esmod Lyon before completing her training at Esmod Paris, specializing in lingerie. 

She quickly collaborated with the Société Internationale de Lingerie (SIL), which worked for major brands like Dior, John Galliano, Kenzo, and Cacharel. She then joined Etam. 

How was Livy born? 

 Lisa Chavy: After working with the Société Internationale de Lingerie, where I was the style director, I joined Etam to launch Undiz, the brand for teenagers. It was an innovative launch that broke all traditional codes. It had a strong international appeal, and designing 3,000 models a year was exciting. Undiz has now become a reference for Generation Z. 

However, I had a personal project in mind, so I left Undiz while keeping my design office, Atelier 31. I continued designing all Undiz collections externally. I owe a lot to Sébastien Bismuth, who was the CEO at the time (now president of Celio), as he believed in me and trusted me. I ended my collaboration with Undiz in December after fifteen years. 

At the same time, in 2016, I was looking to work for a lingerie brand, but none came to mind. That's when I decided to launch Livy. I was fortunate that Etam invested in the brand’s launch, allowing me to continue working with them on Undiz. Laurent Milchior, president of Etam, made this possible. I ensured a transition so they could fully integrate the Undiz team internally. 

The Romeo Blouse by Livy. © DR

Etam is still a shareholder in Livy, and I recently completed a new funding round where they reinvested to propel the brand worldwide. Our primary market is currently the UK. In the U.S., we were lucky to collaborate with Victoria’s Secret, which greatly increased our visibility across the Atlantic.

What is Livy's DNA?

We are best known for our jewel-embellished underwires, tattoo lingerie, and transparency, but today, Livy is much more than that. We have evolved into a global, sexy brand, not just an underwear label. We go beyond mere functionality.

"Our iconic designs are mostly black, but also transparent, with invisible tulle."

We also have upwear—lingerie pieces with a unique touch that transform them into full-fledged fashion items. We create bodysuits, bustiers, tops, pants, dresses, and even a tuxedo jacket. Our precise lingerie expertise allows us to craft a different kind of ready-to-wear collection. Our designs dress the entire silhouette.

What sets Livy apart?

We always strive to offer something different. For example, I’ve worked a lot on open-back designs, including sweaters with exposed backs and even a tuxedo with an open back. It introduces a new kind of sensuality.

Today, at Livy, a bra stands on its own...

It's truly a new way of wearing it. I aim to support women in all moments of their lives, regardless of their body shape—we offer sizes up to 95F, even 100F on certain models. We have several distinct lines: the sexiest is Paris.

The more structured line, which can also be worn as outerwear, is New York. The Los Angeles line is sportier and more functional. To this, we add the Earth Pleasure swimwear collection, made from lyocell (an eco-friendly fiber), and haute lingerie produced in our Parisian workshops—made in France with French lace, Swiss embroidery, and European materials.

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