This Friday Underlines talks to Founder of the Scarlett Gasque brand, Chloé Rogers. Chloé founded Scarlett Gasque in 2020 with bright ambitions to be part of a movement celebrating the art of burlesque and encouraging sexual freedom and expression. Her brand has become synonymous with luxurious corsetry and lingerie imbued with nostalgic undertones that is bringing its unique appeal to new markets, including the USA.
Your background prior to launching your brand?
I have always been drawn to the world of burlesque dancers, vintage pinup stars, and the iconic glamour girls of the 1950s. It wasn’t just their bold, decadent clothing that captivated me; it was the fierce, unapologetic attitude they embodied. These women weren’t afraid to take up space or express their power, and that sense of empowerment deeply resonated with me. They also had this remarkable ability to weave their personal style into the political and cultural conversations of their time, which I found incredibly inspiring.
When I moved to London to study at Central Saint Martins, I began to immerse myself even more in the history of fashion. My fascination with traditional corsetry grew, and I became particularly interested in how fashion has historically been used as a form of both self-expression and political statement. This passion led me to write my final dissertation on ‘Feminine Politics within Burlesque.’ It was a deep dive into how burlesque performers used their craft to challenge societal norms and reclaim their femininity.
All of this culminated in the creation of Scarlett Gasque—a brand that fuses classic glamour with a modern sensibility, and that celebrates the power, beauty, and strength of women. For me, it’s not just about the clothes; it’s about the confidence they inspire and the conversations they spark.
Why intimate apparel/nightwear?
I’ve always believed that intimate apparel has a unique power—it’s not just about function, but about how it makes you feel. When I first began thinking about the direction for Scarlett Gasque, I realised that the world of intimate apparel and nightwear offered the perfect opportunity to blend my love for traditional corsetry with a modern approach to femininity. Corsetry, with its rich history of craftsmanship and elegance, was something I felt needed to be brought to the forefront, not hidden away underneath layers of clothing.
I wanted to create pieces that were too beautiful, too captivating, to be tucked away out of sight. These garments aren’t just meant for the privacy of your bedroom; they’re designed to be seen, worn with pride, and celebrated. I want women to feel empowered in their nightwear, as if every piece is a reflection of their confidence and individuality. Intimate apparel is so personal, but it can also be a statement—about sensuality, strength, and self-expression. That’s why I designed each piece with attention to detail and luxurious materials, to make women feel not only comfortable but also irresistibly beautiful in every moment.
What’s your brand’s DNA? When did you launch?
We launched in February 2023. At its core, Scarlett Gasque is about celebrating the beauty, strength, and complexity of femininity. Our brand DNA is built around a few key principles: luxury, empowerment, and timeless sensuality. We create pieces that blend classic elegance with modern sensibility, using traditional craftsmanship and luxurious materials to craft garments that make women feel confident, powerful, and undeniably beautiful.
Our designs are rooted in a celebration of the female form—whether it’s the structure of a corset or the softness of silk—each piece is carefully constructed to enhance, rather than hide, the natural curves and strength of the wearer. We believe in the power of self-expression, so every piece is made to be worn with confidence, not just to be seen, but to be felt.
What is different about designing underwear?
Designing underwear is a completely different experience from designing other types of clothing, and it’s one that I find incredibly exciting. Unlike outerwear, intimate apparel is deeply personal—it’s something that touches your skin, that you wear close to your body, and in many ways, it shapes how you feel about yourself. There’s an intimacy in underwear that I think you can’t quite capture with any other garment. It’s about creating something that not only looks beautiful but also feels luxurious and empowering to wear.
The challenge is balancing practicality with sensuality. Underwear has to fit like a second skin, supporting and shaping in all the right places, but it also needs to capture that feeling of indulgence, of self-love, and confidence. Every detail—whether it’s the cut, the fabric, or the stitching—has to work harmoniously to enhance the wearer’s experience, both physically and emotionally.
What I love most about designing underwear is that it gives you the chance to explore a more intimate side of femininity. It’s not just about making something aesthetically pleasing; it’s about creating pieces that make a woman feel incredible when she wears them, whether she’s lounging at home, dressing for a night out, or simply indulging in moments of self-care. Underwear has the unique ability to make the wearer feel confident and beautiful, even when it’s the only thing they’re wearing.
Where do you get your ideas?
My ideas mostly stem from vintage films. I’d say about 80% of my inspiration comes from them. There’s something about the old-school cinematography, the costumes, and the timeless storytelling that sparks my creativity.
A typical week?
A typical week at SG is always exciting because no two weeks are ever the same! Right now, we’re focusing a lot on perfecting our corset designs, which has been a fun and creative challenge. We’re also expanding our product range, exploring new ideas like elegant nightwear, experimenting with unique robe silhouettes, and adding the cutest accessories to our collection. There’s a real sense of discovery in everything we do, and it’s amazing to watch how each new design starts to come together.
Who wears your brand?
SG is worn by so many different individuals, and that’s one of the things I love most about the brand. The versatility of our pieces allows them to fit seamlessly into each person’s unique style and lifestyle. Whether it’s the executive in the boardroom, the trend-setting influencer, or the lady of leisure, SG offers something for everyone. What’s really exciting is how people get creative with how they style our collections—many wear our pieces both as underwear and outerwear. It’s all about personal expression and making each piece work for the individual, whether it’s layered under a sleek suit or paired with something more casual for an effortlessly chic look.
Whom do you admire in the underwear industry?
When it comes to corsetry, Mr. Pearl will always be a profound source of inspiration for me. His craftsmanship and the way he pushes the boundaries of traditional corsetry have set such a high standard in the industry. His attention to detail, the artistry of his designs, and the way he creates pieces that are both sculptural and wearable is something I deeply admire.
In today’s market, however, I also find myself drawn to brands that challenge the status quo and elevate design standards. I have a lot of respect for labels like Bordelle, Karolina Laskowska, and Wiederhoeft. They’re doing incredible things with corsetry, blending innovation and elegance in ways that feel fresh yet timeless. Their work brings a modern sensibility to classic techniques, and I love how they push the boundaries of what lingerie can be, both as a fashion statement and as an art form. They inspire me to constantly evolve and think outside the box with my own designs.
If you could design underwear for a celebrity, who would it be?
My dream would be to design a stage piece for Dita von Teese. Her outfits are always so beyond fabulous!
Any other ambitions for the brand?
We’re always working to elevate SG and provide the best possible experience for our customers. My vision for the brand is for SG to become the go-to destination where customers can trust they’ll always find flawless, flattering fits with every order. It’s about creating pieces that not only look beautiful but also make people feel confident and empowered. Whether it’s refining our designs or maintaining exceptional craftsmanship, we’re committed to improving and evolving every step of the way.
Proudest moment to date?
My proudest moment to date has been hearing how much our customers love their lingerie and how confident they feel when wearing our pieces. There’s nothing more rewarding than that—it truly makes my day every time. Knowing that we’ve created something that brings joy and makes our customers feel beautiful is incredibly fulfilling, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop being excited by that kind of heartfelt feedback. It’s what motivates us to keep innovating and crafting pieces that people genuinely adore.
Images featured here are from the Diamond Collection
