‘Downton’ affect: Lingerie brand sells out after show mention

Lucile

Lingerie brand Lucile was founded by British aristocrat Lady Duff Gordon in the early 20th century. Now the recently resurrected company, which sells pieces like this cream-colored robe, is getting some help from Downton Abbey.

A media mention can bring in loads of new sales for any company, and one U.K. lingerie company had an unexpected surprise several weeks ago. A brief reference to old-time lingerie brand Lucile on the popular period series “Downton Abbey” has sent the company’s fortunes soaring.

The hit show recently started its third season in the U.K. (set to air on Jan. 6 on PBS in the U.S.) and now takes place in the early 1920s. Without giving too much away, during one recent episode Dowager Countess of Grantham (Maggie Smith) and daughter in-law Lady Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) briefly mentioned the old-time lingerie brand Lucile for a newlywed’s wardrobe.

What obviously wasn’t mentioned on the show — and what many viewers already knew — was that this vintage brand was resurrected just this year.

The passing reference was enough to send hundreds of fans to Lucile’s website, sending sales skyrocketing 48 percent and website traffic up 60 percent.

Nick Briggs / Masterpeice Theater

Downton Abbey, featuring Dan Stevens as Matthew Crawley and Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary, is praised for it’s style.

“My phone has rung continuously since then, and we have had to beg our fabulous factory to clear some time for more production,” Camilla Blois, Lucile’s managing director, and great, great granddaughter of Lucile’s original founder,  told TODAY. “Our gift boxes have been really popular and there’s now a waiting list for the Duchess of Warwick kimonos.”

Blois, the great granddaughter of Lucile’s founder, decided to bring back the brand after falling in love with a recent exhibition featuring Lucile’s archives and old design books. Originally founded by British aristocrat Lady Duff Gordon in the early 20^th century, Lucile hit its height of popularity in the 1920s, when “Downton Abbey” takes place.

Lucile

Fit for a Crawley? Lucile’s Long Georgette gown sells for a cool £695 ($1,117).

The new-found popularity of the brand comes despite the high price tag of many of its pieces. The sold-out kimonos sell on the site for £499 ($802), while the Long Georgette Gown goes for £695 ($1,117). The pieces are all hand cut and made in England. For those looking for something even more unique, a bespoke service is available.

“I think a lingerie set which can make you feel like a million dollars is priceless and it brings with it a certain feeling of inner confidence,” Blois told TODAY.com. “Times are not easy at the moment but great lingerie is just as important as shoes and handbags, if not more so.”

More: Dress like the ladies of ‘Downton Abbey’
PBS pulls ‘Downton Abbey’-inspired jewelry after show objects
Legendary 76-carat diamond could fetch more than $15 million

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Lingerie Football League to hold Atlanta tryout

Ladies, if you’ve always wanted a chance to play football, and don’t mind wearing the tiniest of uniforms, mark your calendars.

The Lingerie Football League said Monday it will be holding a tryout for Atlanta’s yet-to-be-named team, which will begin competing in 2013. The league announced earlier this month that Atlanta would become the 12th U.S. city with a team.

A tryout will be held Saturday, Nov. 10, at 1 p.m. at Score Indoor, on Oakley Industrial Boulevard in Fairburn, according to the league spokesman. Those hoping for a spot on the roster should arrive an hour early, dressed in athletic gym attire.

Athletes will be tested on speed, agility, strength and focus, according to Tyler DeHaven, league spokesman.

Hopefuls should also bring a photo of themselves to leave with league officials, as well as the completed application and waiver forms. The application form gives those interested a chance to list their previous athletic experience, as well as any tattoos.

“A lucky few” will advance to compete in a mini-camp for the Atlanta team, DeHaven said. The tryouts will be open for spectators, he said.

Fans are invited to help choose a name for the team, which will join the Jacksonville Breeze and Omaha Heart in the league’s Southeastern Division of the Eastern Conference. Ideas for the team’s name should be emailed to LFLinAtlanta@LFLUS.com by Friday for consideration.

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