Meet Erin Donaghy of Applause Lingerie in Tucson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Donaghy.

Erin, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started sewing about 15 years ago as a hobby, and through taking classes at Pima Community College, I decided to pursue fashion design as a career. I decided to focus on lingerie as part of my fashion design certificate, so I also completed coursework in Ontario, Canada with Beverly Johnson, who is well known for bra fitting, pattern design and all things lingerie! While studying fashion, I was fortunate enough to learn about sustainability. For any fashion design student today, it is crucial to incorporate sustainability and ethical practices into your design. A year ago, I launched my brand after showing my first collection at a fashion show here in Tucson.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been fairly smooth in that I have been building slowly, and trying to make room for learning along the way. It takes a lot of work to find your customers and help others to learn about your brand. Additionally, since I use upcycled fabrics, there are natural supply issues since I am not usually working with large quantities of fabric. It is also challenging at times to achieve an ideal bra fit for women who are looking for help with sizing!

Please tell us about Applause Lingerie.
Applause Lingerie is a sustainable lingerie line that specializes in robes, panties and custom made bras refashioned from upcycled and deadstock fabrics. It is known for being a member of the Conscious Fashion Campaign, which was put into place by the United Nations a few years ago. This means that all design and business-related decisions should support the Sustainable Development goals also published by the UN. Applause also aims to show diversity in its models through skin color, age and body size. The goal is to celebrate and empower all women through beautiful lingerie. I am most proud of our commitment to sustainability and the level of customer service in which finding the correct bra size is a matter that takes time and patience, but truly worth it in the end. I am also proud to offer plus sizes in our panties. Other sustainable lingerie brands often do not offer underwire bras or help with fitting, which sets us apart from others.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I remember being in first grade and wanting to start a shoe store with my best friend Lauren. We had so much fun drawing the designs and planning what the name of our boutique would be!

Pricing:

• Panties: $30
• Robes: $60
• Custom bras: $80-$100 depending on style

Contact Info:

• Website: applauselingerie.com
• Phone: 520.449.4377
• Email: mail@applauselingerie.com
• Instagram: @applauselingerie
• Facebook: @ALsustainable

Image Credit:
Chuck Hill

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