This week in our At Home With series, Diane-Sophie Durigon, founder of Le Pop Lingerie, shares her perspective on body neutrality, challenging outdated narratives and creating a space for a more personal relationship with our bodies.
How would you describe yourself and what you do today?
My name is Diane-Sophie Durigon and I’m the founder of the feminist concept store Le Pop Lingerie in Cologne Germany which I opened in 2012. I love the idea of having my own physical space, a sort of playground that showcases the many facets of self-love and empowerment and that inspires everybody to embrace more fun and desire. You’ll find an ever-changing selection of trendy lingerie & swimwear from both emerging and established designers in inclusive sizes (we will give you the best bra-fitting experience of your life!), sex toys not sorted by gender, sustainable and fairly produced period panties, books on overthrowing the patriarchy, cool socks, French pop music and many more treats and pretty things that bring joy. We also host concerts, readings, art exhibitions, toy nights (for FLINTA), sex-ed workshops and talks.
You founded Le Pop Lingerie in 2012, how have attitudes towards body positivity changed over the last decade?
Obviously, so much has changed in the lingerie industry and in the world. And also nothing has changed. The bar was very low. I remember opening brand’s catalogues and looking at super young, skinny, white models that were hugely photoshopped with hair flowing everywhere in the wind and thinking “wow, we’re still doing this?” and it wasn’t even ironic. But of course yes, I’m happy to see brands make efforts to be inclusive even if it sometimes feels ungenuine and like a big marketing strategy. Sadly, the trend seems to now be going back to the very slim look where one type is the focal point. It’s a real shame because something did without a doubt change with the #metoo movement and body positivity intersecting at the same time by challenging objectification and unrealistic beauty standards and shifting the focus from pleasing others to self-acceptance. And for a moment there, it really felt like the mainstream lingerie industry was going down that path as well. Generally speaking I’m more for body neutrality than blind body positivity. Can’t our bodies just be bodies without judgment? It’s very difficult for me to witness on a daily basis in the fitting room amazing people fighting their own beautiful and wonderful functioning bodies because as a society we can’t own up to the fact that there isn’t just one body type. Why does the industry feel like they need to gaslight us just to sell us their products? Ok, it’s capitalism, baby. But it doesn’t need to be that way. On the other hand, thankfully there are some great brands out there (like yours) that I love and who are still fighting the good fight!
What role would you say lingerie has on the way we feel about ourselves and our bodies?
I love the idea that lingerie is there for you all day, kind of giving you a soft hug of sorts! Super soft, light, beautiful and intricate in design; the first layer of textile that touches your skin. And ideally, you don’t even notice it! When it’s perfectly fitted for your individual body, it gives you that boost of confidence you didn’t even know you needed! Just like a hug is never only about the physical connection, a perfectly fitted bra can change your whole mindset. Especially after pregnancies, menopause or any kind of big life changes. It’s such an important part of our everyday lives. Also, let’s not forget that wearing the wrong size of bra can have negative effects like back and shoulder pain or even migraines. It might seem like a given, but in reality lingerie is an essential part of mental and physical health.
You made the exciting move from France to Germany. What prompted that change and how has living in both places influenced your views on feminism?
I grew up in the beautiful countryside of Toulouse which is in Southwestern France and then moved to Germany at the age of 20 to study abroad with the Erasmus program. I was supposed to stay for just 2 semesters but here I am, 23 years later still living in Cologne and running my feminist brick and mortar store. When I was a teenager in the 90s, feminism in France wasn't mainstream and didn’t feel like it was even there at all. At that time I wouldn’t have called myself a feminist even though I agreed with feminist principles, was going to left wing protests and listening to female fronted rock bands (I know that doesn’t make you a feminist but you know what I mean!). In the early 2010’s when I started to make plans for my business, I was already sick of the male gaze in the industry and wanted to do things differently. I had been working for the lingerie trade show for 6 years and was exposed to the conservatism of that world and wanted to offer something different which I felt was much needed. Most people told me that it was never gonna work but here I am, 14 years later still spreading my propaganda! Unfortunately, there’s still plenty of work to be done and patriarchy has no borders whether you're in France, Germany or anywhere else for that matter. What’s pretty amazing is to hear feedback from customers who say that the store as a physical community space has helped them with acceptance and making peace with their own bodies. One fight at a time, together.
What does ‘feeling good’ mean to you?
Feeling good for me is feeling good in my body and in my head, it goes hand in hand. I feel the greatest when I can breathe deeply without pain of any kind. And as every business owner/ self-employed person knows, this isn't always an easy task! Good food, sex, laughs, rest, music, and art are for me essential parts of that whole “feel good thing”. I’m also an indulgent person who doesn’t feel bad about doing all the things that make me feel good. Sometimes I feel like I want to drown in indulgence. It’s what I’ve tried to design my store and my life around. It’s not always easy but that’s part of this whole thing that I’m trying to do with my store and my community, search for ways to enjoy what's there and spread the joy to everyone.
What’s next for you and Le Pop?
Keep spreading the vibes!
Shop Diane’s edit here.
See Le Pop’s Instagram here.
Visit Le Pop’s website here.
Photography credit: Andrew Collberg
