Shell Belle Couture

Founder, Michelle Blenkinsopp

Shell Belle Couture encompasses everything I have learned and loved in a Lingerie career spanning twenty years.

How would you describe your style?

Shell Belle Couture is a Collection created from a ‘Passion for Vintage Lingerie and the Desire for an Endless Summer’

Each piece is beautifully feminine, precious and elegant. Designed ‘for the beautifully undressed’.

Shell Belle Couture is a fully coordinated Swimwear, Lingerie and Slip Dressing collection which takes you effortlessly ‘from beach to boudoir’.

What Fabrics do you like to use and why?

We use only the finest Silks, Tulles and Leavers Laces which are in keeping with our nostalgic approach to design.

Our attention to detail is Vintage inspired and created with intricate excellence.

Travels-where have you been, where would you like to go and why?

I am creatively seduced by the Romance of Travel and the lure and mystery of far flung places.

If I could travel anywhere it would be back-in-time to the 1930’s on the Orient Express from Paris to Istanbul.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from my passion for Vintage Lingerie and my Desire for an endless Summer

I collect Vintage Lingerie, Early Erotic Photography and find the 1920-30’s period incredibly inspiring.

I love Period Movies and losing myself in a good book I am currently reading the ‘Memoires of Clara Bow’ a starlet of the 1920’s Silent Screen.

Home Town-what you miss about it if you do not live there anymore. What is the best thing about it if you do?

I was born in Warwickshire & having travelled extensively including having recently returned from 4 years living in the Tropics, I am a firm believer in ‘Home is where you hang your Heart’.

As long as I am with my family & near the coast (however rugged or stormy) I am happy!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

‘Do the things that you think you cannot do’ Eleanor Roosevelt

What is your quirkiest habit and how long have you had it?

My partner says I ‘live in a lace bubble’ it drives him crazy but I’m quite happy there!

I am constantly sketching, even the weekly shopping list has been known to be in picture form and If things get a little crazy I design in my sleep, so I sleep with a sketch pad at my bedside! (my family find that quirky!)

What is your happiest memory?

Most recent is the Shell Belle Couture ‘Voyage’ photo shoot, it was an incredible coming together of creative minds. An amazing experience!

In Life - The birth of my ‘blue –eyed boy’, having a Son constantly ‘Wows me’! 13 years on he’s my best friend & always knows how to make me smile.

Being a Mother is an excellent way of grounding & keeping things in perspective.