If you have ever browsed a lingerie website and stumbled across the name La Perla, you already know it stands apart from ordinary underwear brands. The lace is finer, the silhouettes feel more considered, and the price tags reflect a level of craftsmanship that has been refined since the 1950s. But La Perla is also a brand that has changed hands several times, faced financial trouble, and now operates under new ownership, which leaves a lot of shoppers with genuine questions before they spend their money.
This guide walks through everything a modern shopper actually needs. You will learn where the brand came from, what happened to it in recent years, where you can buy it safely today, and how to choose pieces that actually fit your body instead of guessing your size and hoping for the best. Whether you are treating yourself, shopping for a partner, or simply curious about one of Italy’s most recognized lingerie houses, this article is built to answer the questions the top search results tend to skip.
What Is La Perla
La Perla is an Italian lingerie and swimwear house known for handmade construction, delicate lace work, and a design philosophy built around the female form. The name itself translates to “the pearl,” a nod to the idea that each garment should feel as precious and carefully crafted as a piece of jewelry.
Unlike mass market underwear brands, La Perla has always positioned itself closer to fashion than to basics. Pieces are often made in Italy or Portugal using traditional techniques like Leavers lace and hand finished seams, which is part of why the brand carries a premium price point.
The History of La Perla, From Bologna to Today
Understanding where La Perla came from helps explain why the brand still commands so much respect in the lingerie world.
The Founding Years
La Perla was founded in 1954 by Ada Masotti, a trained corset maker working out of a small studio in Bologna, Italy. Masotti had a distinctive approach: rather than working from flat patterns, she draped fabric directly onto the body to study how it moved. That hands on philosophy became the foundation of the brand’s fit and construction.
In the 1960s, the label expanded beyond classic white, black, and nude shades into colorful floral and checked prints, and it launched its first swimwear collections around the same time.
Growth Under the Masotti Family
Ada’s son, Alberto Masotti, took over the business in 1981, while his wife Olga Cantelli Masotti became creative director. Under their leadership, La Perla expanded internationally during the underwear boom of the 1980s and introduced pieces like the under jacket, a lingerie style meant to be visible beneath tailored suiting.
The brand also built a strong presence in popular culture. Daniel Craig famously wore La Perla swim trunks in Casino Royale, and later collaborations produced pieces worn by Beyoncé and Victoria Beckham on some of the world’s biggest stages.
Ownership Changes and Modern Era
Since 2008, La Perla has passed through several owners. It was first sold to a private equity firm, then acquired by Italian entrepreneur Silvio Scaglia in 2013, and later taken over by Lars Windhorst’s Sapinda Group in 2018. Each transition brought new creative directors and shifting strategies, while the core identity of Italian craftsmanship remained the brand’s anchor.
What Happened to La Perla in 2024 and 2025
This is the part most articles about La Perla either skip entirely or bury in dense corporate language, yet it matters if you are deciding whether to trust the brand with your money today.
In February 2024, La Perla Manufacturing was declared insolvent, and the following month the company appointed administrators in the United Kingdom after its UK management arm had already gone into liquidation. For a heritage brand, this kind of news naturally raises concern among loyal customers and new shoppers alike.
The story did not end there. In June 2025, reports confirmed that American businessman Peter Kern was set to acquire La Perla and rescue it from liquidation. Four months later, the sale became official, with La Perla’s Italian and UK units now operating under Kern’s investment firm, Luxury Holding.
What this means practically is simple. La Perla is not closing down. It has new ownership and is continuing production, but shoppers browsing outdated articles or old retailer listings should know the company looked very different just two years ago. If you are buying directly from the official site or an authorized retailer today, you are dealing with the current, reorganized version of the brand.
What La Perla Actually Sells
Many people assume La Perla only makes bras, but the product range is broader than that.
Lingerie and Bras
This is the brand’s core category, including balconette bras, bralettes, matching sets, and statement corsetry pieces made with fine lace and mesh detailing.
Sleepwear and Loungewear
La Perla produces silk pajama sets, nightgowns, and robes designed with the same attention to fabric quality as its lingerie lines, making them popular gifts for special occasions.
Swimwear
Since the 1960s, swimwear has remained a steady part of the collection, ranging from classic one pieces to more elaborate beach ready styles.
Shapewear
Introduced in 2011 through the ShapeCouture line, La Perla’s shapewear combines tailored support with the same tulle and openwork finishes seen across its lingerie.
Ready to Wear and Accessories
Smaller collections of ready to wear clothing and accessories round out the brand, though lingerie remains its most recognized category by far.
Where to Buy La Perla Safely
One of the most useful things you can do before buying luxury lingerie is confirm you are shopping through a legitimate channel. Here are the main options, along with what to expect from each.
- Official brand website. This is the most direct source for current collections, sizing guidance, and customer service tied to the actual brand.
- Established luxury marketplaces. Retailers like Farfetch carry authenticated La Perla stock alongside detailed product descriptions and return policies, which makes them a reliable option if the official site does not ship to your region.
- Fashion resale platforms. Sites like Lyst aggregate listings from multiple retailers, which can help you compare pricing before you commit to a purchase.
- Secondhand and preloved marketplaces. Platforms such as Vestiaire Collective specialize in verified preowned luxury items, which is a smart way to access La Perla at a lower price point, especially for special occasion pieces you might not wear often.
How to Spot a Trustworthy Listing
Before buying from a smaller boutique or resale site, check for clear product photography from multiple angles, consistent sizing information, a visible return policy, and reviews from previous buyers. If a price seems dramatically lower than everywhere else, treat that as a signal to look closer rather than a reason to celebrate.
How to Choose the Right La Perla Fit
Getting the right size in luxury lingerie makes a bigger difference than most people expect, both in comfort and in how the garment actually looks.
Start With an Accurate Measurement
Measure your band size by wrapping a soft tape measure snugly around your ribcage, directly under your bust. Then measure your bust size around the fullest part of your chest. The difference between these two numbers typically determines your cup size, though it is always worth checking the specific brand’s size chart since sizing can vary slightly between European and American labels.
Understand European Sizing Conventions
Since La Perla is an Italian brand, some pieces use European sizing labels, which do not always match US or UK numbering exactly. Always check the specific size chart on the product page rather than assuming your usual size will transfer directly.
Consider the Garment Type
A balconette bra and a soft bralette can fit differently even in the same labeled size, since construction and stretch vary by style. If you are unsure, many retailers list customer reviews that mention whether a piece runs small, true to size, or large.
When in Doubt, Contact Customer Service
Because these are considered investment pieces, it is worth reaching out to the retailer’s support team if you are between sizes or shopping for a gift. Most luxury retailers are used to these questions and can offer guidance based on the specific style you are considering.
Caring for Your La Perla Pieces
Silk, fine lace, and delicate trims require a gentler approach than everyday cotton underwear, and taking proper care of these pieces will noticeably extend their lifespan.
- Hand wash delicate pieces in cool water using a mild detergent designed for lingerie.
- Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, and instead press out excess water gently with a towel.
- Lay pieces flat to dry rather than using a dryer, which can damage elastic and lace fibers over time.
- Store bras unfolded, ideally stacked cup inside cup, to help them keep their shape.
- Rotate between multiple pieces rather than wearing the same item daily, which reduces wear on the elastic and fabric.
Is La Perla Worth the Price
This is a fair question given how much more expensive La Perla is compared to mainstream lingerie brands. The honest answer depends on what you value.
If you care about construction quality, natural fibers, and pieces that are genuinely made to last with proper care, the investment often holds up. Many long time customers describe La Perla pieces lasting for years without losing shape, something that is harder to say about fast fashion lingerie.
That said, if you are simply looking for everyday comfortable basics, there are excellent mid range brands that will suit your needs without the premium price tag. La Perla tends to make the most sense for special occasions, meaningful gifts, or shoppers who specifically want the craftsmanship and heritage behind the label.
Final Thoughts
La Perla has earned its reputation through decades of careful craftsmanship, even as ownership of the company has changed hands several times. Today, under new leadership, the brand continues producing the lace, silk, and tailored pieces it has always been known for.
Whether you shop directly from the official site, a trusted luxury retailer, or a verified resale platform, taking the time to measure properly and check seller credibility will make a real difference in your experience. La Perla is not an impulse purchase for most people, but for those who value quality construction and a genuine sense of occasion, it remains one of the most respected names in lingerie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is La Perla still in business?
Yes. After facing insolvency in early 2024, the brand was acquired in 2025 by Peter Kern through his investment firm, Luxury Holding, and continues to operate and produce collections.
Where is La Perla lingerie made?
La Perla garments have traditionally been produced in Italy and Portugal, with an emphasis on handmade construction techniques passed down since the brand’s founding in Bologna.
Is it safe to buy La Perla on resale sites?
Reputable resale platforms that specialize in authenticated luxury items are generally safe, since they verify items before listing them. Always check for clear authentication policies before purchasing from any secondhand seller.
Does La Perla run true to size?
Sizing can vary by garment style, and since the brand uses European sizing conventions, it is best to check the specific size chart for each product rather than assuming your usual size applies.
What makes La Perla different from other luxury lingerie brands?
Its combination of handmade Italian craftsmanship, a founding story rooted in corsetry expertise, and decades of cultural visibility through film and music appearances sets it apart from many competitors.
