Secret Sanctuary collection: The Arcadia bra

The Arcadia is the fourth member of the Secret Sanctuary Collection, a one of a kind handmade ready to wear couture festival or fusion belly dance bra.

About the Arcadia bra

This bra was inspired by the earthy and golden tones of a fabric found on a French jacket from the late 1970ies. My goal was to sculpture a beautiful silhouette and work with a larger cup size.  It is namned the Arcadia after the domain of Pan in Greek mythology. According to Greek mythology, Arcadia of Peloponnesus was the domain of Pan, a virgin wilderness home to the God of the forest and his court of dryads, nymphs and other spirits of nature. It was one version of paradise, though only in the sense of being the abode of supernatural entities, not an afterlife for deceased mortals. The inhabitants were often regarded as having continued to live after the manner of the Golden Age, without the pride and avarice that corrupted other regions.

It is based on an European size 85D (US/CAN 38C/D, UK 38D, AUS/NZ 16D, B/E/F 100D) padded push up bra base.  Due to the construction, this bra will fit several bra sizes (see pictures of my models, one is a European size Medium and the model in the second picture is a European size XL). If the cups fit, and circumference is within a 10-20 cm range, the bra will fit.

The bra is completely hand sewn and it is fully lined. It is made to give support to a larger busum and the broad straps are attached to an O-ring in the back from where two straps are used to tie the bra as a cross in the traditional two point O-rings closure. This construction makes it flexible to various body types, it stays in place and is very comfortable to dance and party in.

Sustainability footprint: The Arcadia bra is made of 100% upcycled material.

The amazing vintage hand embroidered lengha skirt on the second picture will be available for purchase in the section Preloved treasures in March 2023, please see that listing or simply contact me for further information.

Cup size: European size 85D (US/CAN 38C/D, UK 3(D, AUS/NZ 16D, Belgium/Spain/France 100D)

Materials: push up and padded bra base, vintage structured fabric with a velvet feeling, vintage velvet trim, metal O-rings, deconstructed vintage necklaces and ring.

Colour: Multicoloured in earthy and golden tones with burgundy, green and brown accents. Golden velvet trims for halterneck and straps. Adorned with a golden centerpiece with amber beads and a brass deconstructed ring with red crystals.

If you have any questions about the garnment or would like me to create a matching head piece or belt, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

About the Secret Sanctuary Collection

The Secret Sanctuary Collection is inspired by the myths and mythological places in the many cultures of the world. It is based around patterns and vivid colours and is often richly adorned. This Collection contains more than the traditional tribal fusion bras, there are also several tops that offer more coverage on the front, as well as panel skirts, headdresses and belts.