I've been curious about Fauve for a long time, but bras in my size have been very difficult to find in this discontinued brand. I've had my eye on Aurelia, a padded half cup with gorgeous, ornate embroidery, but after my experience with Fantasie Mae and Marianna, I was doubtful that this would fit. However, I was able to find Aurelia in my size from a private seller on eBay and decided just to go for it. Surprisingly, this bra works!
It seems really odd that the bra fits, because first of all, the band measurement is enormous. I don't know how this is a ... 30 band, because the measurement on the flat is the same as my ribcage (I'd say this reasonably measures like 33" band), but I suppose that the thick strap elastic, which tapers down into the leotard back, helps the band feel firmer than it should. I can wear this on the tightest hook without it riding up, though it would need to be altered for an ideal fit.
The cups also actually fit me quite well. They are an open 3HC construction and made from soft foam batting, same as the Fantasie bras I tried. However, both Mae and Marianna measure deeper and wider in the cups than Aurelia. This is a bit strange because Marianna felt too small for me in the cups, but Aurelia is just right. The only issue is that the wires are quite firm, so when I pull the band tighter, the wires dig into my ribcage a bit along on the outer cup. Also, because the band is not snug, and because of my shape, there is a small amount of gapping at the upper cup, which is more noticeable when I move. Fortunately, unlike many open 3HC bras made from soft foam batting instead of structured cups, I don't get any vertical pulling from the straps, which is great. The strap placement also feels pretty good on this bra.
The design of Aurelia is its most striking feature, as the bra is dusty rose satin with mesh overlay embroidery of tonal pink roses and arabesques. Since I purchased this from a private eBay seller, I am not sure if the color of the bra is exactly as it was in brand new condition. The colors look surprisingly faded to me, and the mesh band and straps are noticeably lighter than the cup color. I like the 3D embroidery detail that is topped on to the front of the straps and the center back next to the hook closure, as I think this adds an elevated touch. The strap elastic is uniquely textured, with diamond quilting on a velvet-textured finish. This elastic is very firm, so
I think it is a very functional choice as well as a unique style detail.
Overall, a beautiful bra. I'd love to find more Fauve pieces, but unfortunate they are few and far between at this point in my size.
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Fuchsia colorway
Updated on Jun 04, 2020 Flag this