Tonight:
5°c
Who’s having a good season? We cast a gimlet eye
1 Sep 2009
Walking into La Senza, it's as if the Nineties and the Noughties never happened. In La Senza, it's still 1986 and slogan T-shirts rule.
Shoppers can choose from a host of phrases — there's the Grumpy But Gorgeous vest and pants set (£16), or a Moody But Marvellous pyjama set (£20), plus a phalanx of pants with catchphrases like Cheeky Monkey across the waistband. Once I'd clocked the furry lion slippers and the T-shirts festooned with cartoon dogs, I couldn't help but wonder: does anyone over 12 actually shop here? Ah, but then there is the sultry presence of La Senza's “face” gazing out from numerous posters, suggesting that, contrary to the evidence all around, some of the chain's customers are indeed sentient adults.
Did any woman ever have a better moniker for bra modelling than Danielle Bux? Say what you like about La Senza, but it has bras to suit every taste and style, provided you model yourself on Danielles Bux or Lloyd. Air-boost bras (however they work) in neon colours were £22, while other ranges had names like Courtesan or Girly & Gorgeous. Add to the mix a counter groaning with frilly garters, sparkling body lotion and heart-shaped diamanté keyrings, and you have a store that knows its customer, sticks to its winning formula and delivers girliness by the (rhinestone-encrusted) bucketful.
Staff: cheerful
Changing rooms: girly, of course: pink curtains and carpets, plus chandeliers. Lighting far too dim, and there's nowhere to sit
Quality: high for lingerie, but sleepwear a little overpriced
Our pick: animal print playsuit, £16
