“Self-expression and sensuality”: Australian label Forbidden Fruits creates lingerie for your most confident self
IMAGE VIA @FORBIDDENFRUITSTHELABEL/INSTAGRAM
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FORBIDDEN FRUITS
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“Forbidden Fruits offers an experience that goes beyond lingerie… We celebrate self-expression and sensuality!”
Melbourne designer Giulia Brancatisano understands lingerie can be deeply personal – they’re called ‘intimates’ for a reason. First and foremost, your choice of underwear is about what makes you feel good. Giulia started her label, Forbidden Fruits, to cater for people who wanted bras and underwear that broke away from the “typical lace, colours and trims”.
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Her debut collection, Genesis, was informed by music, mushrooms (not the cooking kind) and the hyper-femme silhouettes of the ’80s. Made from soft, durable Tencel and delicate lace, Forbidden Fruits lingerie is designed to give wearers an “experience that goes beyond lingerie”. Below, Giulia tells the story of the label so far.
Tell us about you. What’s your fashion background?
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Ciao, I’m Giulia Brancatisano! Growing up, I was never the textbook definition of a ‘smart kid,’ but I always had a passion for creativity. I was the kind of person who preferred to go with the flow and let life take its course. Interestingly, my journey into the world of fashion wasn’t a conventional one.
I didn’t study fashion or follow a traditional career path in the industry. Instead, my journey began with a random thought that sparked in my room one day. I found myself wanting to create something authentic, something that truly reflected my own vision.
… And honestly, the idea of calling the shots and running my own show seemed much more enticing than clocking in for someone else. I didn’t know much about fashion, but I dove in headfirst, eager to learn as I went along.
How did the label get started? Talk us through the process and the challenges.
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To sum it all up, I would describe this journey as quite a psychedelic experience. There was a period where I experimented with microdosing psilocybin mushrooms daily, which involves taking a very, very small amount that allows you to function normally. This… made me dive deeper into my mind and provided me with a lot of motivation and creativity to pursue my own venture.
Music has always been a major source of inspiration for me, and it played a significant role in Forbidden Fruits, even giving me the name for my brand. I’ve always been heavily influenced by the ’70s and ’80s… I particularly admired the timeless appeal of lingerie from that period, it’s something you could still wear today and it wouldn’t feel out of place.
When I came up with the name Forbidden Fruits (by the way, inspired by Madonna’s song Forbidden Love), I envisioned creating lingerie that broke away from the typical lace, colours and trims. I noticed the popularity of the half-cup bra look in the ’80s and decided to recreate it using lace fabric and sustainable materials in two-tone colours – because who doesn’t love colourful lingerie?
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From there, I had numerous ideas flowing through my mind… [I was aiming] to blend soft, luxurious, durable, breathable, and stretchy materials. As a small brand, cost was a significant consideration, so I explored options like Tencel fabric, derived from wood pulp, which offered affordability while maintaining sustainability.
I wanted to ensure that our sizes catered to a diverse range of body types, starting with sizes XS to XL, with plans to expand further in the future… lingerie is for everyone, and everyone deserves to feel good. As I moved forward, I faced challenges, particularly in sourcing manufacturers.
… We eventually connected with an amazing local company called Spec to Sample, who are local in Melbourne. They’ve been invaluable in assisting with reports, measurements, fit model sessions and sourcing the best manufacturers, with whom they work closely…
What about the Australian lingerie scene needs to change?
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The Australian lingerie scene… needs to become more inclusive and sustainable. Firstly, there’s a significant need for size inclusivity. Many lingerie brands still cater primarily to standard sizes, leaving out… consumers who don’t fit into these narrow size ranges.
Secondly, diversity in marketing and representation is crucial. Most advertisements still predominantly feature one type of body, ethnicity, or beauty standard, which doesn’t reflect the diverse population of Australia.
What is most exciting in the Australian lingerie scene right now?
There’s a growing trend towards lingerie that blends fashion with function, such as lingerie pieces designed for active lifestyles or for post-surgery recovery. The use of cutting-edge fabrics and design features, such as moisture-wicking materials or seamless construction, is revolutionising the lingerie market and providing consumers with more options than ever before.
How would you describe your label to someone who’s never seen it before?
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Forbidden Fruits offers an experience that goes beyond lingerie. We celebrate self-expression and sensuality! The brand is dedicated to promoting unconditional love through sex positivity and liberation. Our pieces are timeless additions to your top-drawer collection. Our debut collection, named Genesis, features four different colour ways, ensuring you feel confident in your choice. Crafted from sustainable fabrics and made with love, each piece is designed to last.
What are you most proud of in your work on your label?
One of the biggest features of my work is my dedication to taking time with each design. I firmly believe that creativity cannot be rushed, and true innovation often requires patience. When I embark on the design process, I immerse myself fully in the creative journey, allowing inspiration to unfold organically and guiding the design with an eye for detail… I also hope my pieces are well treasured and taken good care of. Buying less and buying well is a mantra I try to live by.
What do you wish you knew when you started?
One valuable lesson I’ve learnt is… embracing failure as an integral part of the journey towards success. Initially, I underestimated the importance of setbacks and challenges. However, through experience, I’ve come to realise that every stumble along the way provides invaluable lessons and opportunities for growth. I wish I had understood earlier the importance of prioritising self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance…
Go-to dinner party playlist?
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Gurl, you need to check out my new curated Spotify playlist titled ‘A Playlist for You’… It’s perfect for those solo moments wearing Forbidden Fruits. It blends harmonious, slow hip-hop, Italian, classical, electronic, spiritual, psytrance, reggae, soul, blues and even a touch of heavy metal, if you will.
Who is in your wardrobe right now?
I’m currently wearing designs from Sabi the Label, Psyklz ClubSport, Barely There Swimwear, Gimaguas… [and] Maroske Peech. They’re just a few of my favourite designers!
… My wardrobe has a curated collection sourced from op shops, thrift stores, and vintage boutiques. Each piece carries a unique story, always intriguing me with its journey through time. That’s why I adore vintage items. Whether it’s a gem from the ’80s or a chic item from the ’90s, these vintage treasures transcend eras, becoming timeless additions to my wardrobe!
How can we buy one of your pieces?
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Absolutely! I’m thrilled to share that our very first collection just launched a little over a month ago. You can explore Genesis now on our website… And guess what? Afterpay is available.
Anything else to add?
Ah, I could go on forever. One thing I particularly want to mention is that we’re currently working on our upcoming collection. Think versatility, sustainable materials, bodycon pieces made to seamlessly transition from day to night and dare I say it… bodysuits are incoming! I also want to express my deepest gratitude to my incredible support system – my love Jackson and to my famiglia, grazie miele. I love how Forbidden Fruits transcends beyond just lingerie. It’s about connection. The best is yet to come!
Browse the Forbidden Fruits collection here.
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