A Fashion Student from Nottingham Trent University has created a lingerie line inspired by love letters sent by her grandparents during the Second World War.
21-year-old Chloe Bampton, from Cambridgeshire is studying Fashion Design at Nottingham Trent University, and has created lingerie intended to reconnect with ‘old fashioned’ romance, based on love letters her family kept.
Chloe’s grandparents, Dennis and Kathleen Algar, stayed in contact by writing letters to each other when Dennis was sent to fight in the Second World War. The family treated the love letters as a family heirloom.
The designs are aimed at women looking for very feminine luxury lingerie with an old romance feel.
Chloe Bampton, Fashion student.
Chloe’s new line is called ‘Forget Me Not’, created as an alternative to modern day lingerie, which she says can be too preoccupied with sex.
Video: Chloe Bampton, fashion student.
Behind these designs, there’s a romantic story at the heart of her collection. Chloe’s grandparents were married in October 1941, before Dennis, a private in the 1st Battalion Cambridgeshire Regiment was sent to fight.
A few months into his tour, Dennis was captured by the Japanese and held prisoner for almost four years, which the letters reveal over time.
In a letter to his wife, Dennis wrote: “But as I tell you darling, keep your chin up and keep smiling however hard it may seem.”
This heartbreaking story was the inspiration and motivation behind Chloe’s creations.
Chloe Bampton’s lingerie line is on display in the Newton building at Nottingham Trent University until Monday 1st June.
