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0:00:00 > 0:00:03- This programme - has an international flavour.
0:00:03 > 0:00:05- She lives in Cheshire...
0:00:05 > 0:00:09- ..but Helen Havard Griffiths's - clothes are French.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13- Hugh Edwin Jones travels - even further to buy clothes.
0:00:14 > 0:00:18- Sian Hughes Cook's knickers and bras - are sold all over the world.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20- She designed them!
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0:00:43 > 0:00:48- Who knows what secrets lurk behind - the lace curtains of suburbia?
0:00:50 > 0:00:55- I'm very fortunate to have married a - man who has no interest in clothes.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- He doesn't notice - if I have two similar coats.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02- He thinks it's the same one!
0:01:02 > 0:01:06- I have a brown mack and a black mack - but he hasn't noticed.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12- Helen Havard Griffiths - is having an affair...
0:01:12 > 0:01:14- ..with France.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18- Her children know - and so does Gareth, her husband.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31- We lived in Paris for two years.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- That gave me ample time - to grow to love French fashion.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38- French fashion is very feminine.
0:01:39 > 0:01:44- Ladies wear lots of layers - and different fabrics, too.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47- Hiya, Helen. How are you?
0:01:47 > 0:01:49- Hiya, Helen. How are you?- - Hello. Come in.
0:01:49 > 0:01:54- I wear the clothes most women - would wear to go out at night...
0:01:54 > 0:01:57- ..to pick up the children - from school.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01- I also have an opportunity - to wear fancy clothes...
0:02:02 > 0:02:04- ..in my work, as a harpist.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08- I don't follow fashion. - I follow my own fashion.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12- I tend to keep things for years - because my style doesn't date.
0:02:14 > 0:02:19- I don't seek to buy - the famous designers' clothes...
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- ..but I'm drawn to - certain designers.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29- When you look through my wardrobe, - four names keep cropping up.
0:02:29 > 0:02:35- Jus d'Orange, Derri, - Cottonade and Zone Bleue.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38- This is the spare room.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41- I keep my everyday clothes in here.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47- They're very smart. They don't - look like everyday clothes.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51- You're wearing - a lovely outfit today.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54- I love those - three-quarter length trousers.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59- This is a great outfit, - by Jus d'Orange.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02- Is there anything else - by Jus d'Orange in here?
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- Yes, quite a few, - including these trousers...
0:03:06 > 0:03:10- ..which I bought in Paris - two or three years ago.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12- I wear them with this jacket.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17- It has a spiral of ruffles - on the front, as you can see.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21- The top I wear under the jacket - has ruffles, too.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33- I've been wearing berets - in the winter for a few years.
0:03:34 > 0:03:39- I buy cheap berets in France - and I like to decorate them myself.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44- It's important to me that my beret - matches my clothes.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- It must also complement - my shoes and my bag.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52- Your daughters - are fans of the beret, too.
0:03:52 > 0:03:57- Yes, parents tend to struggle to - get their children to wear hats...
0:03:57 > 0:04:02- ..but mine started young and - they wear berets to go to school.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08- It can be an obsession - and it creates problems for me.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12- My daughters kick up a fuss - if their clothes don't match.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17- They're at an age now where - they know what goes well together.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- If they were home with their father - and I was away...
0:04:24 > 0:04:28- ..they'd wear funny things, - including each other's clothes.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36- Does the white dress go with - the white shoes and the white bag?
0:04:37 > 0:04:38- Yes, that's right.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43- I buy things from different shops - but they go together.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47- I bought the dress, - then the cardigan.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52- I came across a shop - in Llandrillo-yn-Rhos one Sunday...
0:04:52 > 0:04:56- ..and I saw the bag and the shoes - in the window.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- The shop was closed and I was - only passing through the town.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- I mentioned it to my parents and, - fair play to them...
0:05:05 > 0:05:08- ..they phoned me a few weeks later - from that very shop.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13- They wanted to make sure I realised - there was some yellow on the bag.
0:05:14 > 0:05:19- They were worried I wouldn't want it - because of the yellow...
0:05:19 > 0:05:21- ..but I was already aware of that.
0:05:21 > 0:05:26- They bought the bag and the shoes - and gave them to me, as a present.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- Very few people - buy clothes for me...
0:05:34 > 0:05:36- ..not even my parents, - who know my taste.
0:05:37 > 0:05:42- Poor Gareth! I sometimes pick on him - for not giving me a surprise...
0:05:42 > 0:05:47- ..but it would be impossible for him - to buy something to my taste.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52- I'm part of a duet, - with a woman who plays the flute.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57- We talk the week before a concert - to decide what we'll wear.
0:05:57 > 0:06:02- I make sure her outfit - goes with the outfit I plan to wear.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07- Do you keep different clothes - in this wardrobe?
0:06:07 > 0:06:11- Yes, these are my work clothes. - My performance clothes.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14- I bought these quite recently.
0:06:14 > 0:06:15- I love this design.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18- It matches my style perfectly.
0:06:19 > 0:06:24- I couldn't find something to match - the skirt, so I bought this dress.
0:06:24 > 0:06:29- I decided to put the dress with the - skirt and wear the dress as a top.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35- I already owned this bag, - so I put them all together.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49- I must ask you about these roses.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52- What sparked your interest in them?
0:06:52 > 0:06:54- What sparked your interest in them?- - I just think they're feminine.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58- They add texture to the - item of clothing, so it isn't flat.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- They're interesting and they're fun.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07- I wear full length dresses...
0:07:08 > 0:07:12- ..and I often wear trousers and - a very fancy top to play the harp.
0:07:15 > 0:07:20- I was travelling back, through - France, when I saw this in Troyes.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25- It struck me as being interesting - and unusual.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- I wore it when I played at a wedding - a few days later.
0:07:29 > 0:07:30- I've worn it many times.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- It isn't easy - to get hold of this brand...
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- ..but I've now tracked down - their headquarters, in Paris.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40- They mostly sell to shops...
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- ..but I persuaded them to let me in, - with my daughters.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- I bought this handy blouse, - which can be formal and informal.
0:07:52 > 0:07:53- This is a great mack.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- The roses theme - continues in this mack.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00- I was travelling - in an open-top bus around Madrid...
0:08:00 > 0:08:05- ..at a time when they were - getting ready for a royal wedding.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- There were decorations - and flowers around the city.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- I was wearing summery clothes - and it started to rain.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- It was raining cats and dogs - and I was on this bus!
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- I hopped off the bus - and I ran into a shop.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25- I found this, I put it on and I - got back on the bus and carried on.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30- Only you could have found - a pretty coat, decorated with roses.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35- Most people would have found - a bit of plastic or bought a kagoul!
0:08:35 > 0:08:39- If I spend money, - I'll spend on things that will last.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- Do British clothes disappoint you?
0:08:52 > 0:08:55- I can't find the feminine styles - that I love.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00- Perhaps British clothes - are more practical...
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- ..but my clothes are practical, - in my eyes.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10- When I go on holiday, - I pack all my co-ordinating shoes.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- I have a suitcase full of - Bensimon pumps, from France.
0:09:14 > 0:09:19- I can't imagine going on holiday - without taking them all with me.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- I always leave room - in my suitcase...
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- ..for the items I'll buy - for the following season.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31- My clothes make me feel happy.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35- They're French - and I love all things French...
0:09:36 > 0:09:39- ..so they make me feel very content.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58- People say you shouldn't mix - business and pleasure.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00- As he travels the world...
0:10:01 > 0:10:06- ..Hugh Edwin Jones has blurred - the boundaries, even in Caernarfon!
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- The Hawaiian shirts - are connected to my work.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24- I worked for the Film Commission - and I visited America frequently.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- I wore this shirt - when I was in America...
0:10:30 > 0:10:34- ..trying to persuade producers - to come and film in Wales.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- I tried to be one of the gang...
0:10:37 > 0:10:42- ..in this shirt, white trousers, - shoes with no socks and sunglasses!
0:10:43 > 0:10:44- Sunglasses were part of the look?
0:10:44 > 0:10:45- Sunglasses were part of the look?- - Absolutely.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- Even if they were just on your head?
0:10:48 > 0:10:51- Even if they were just on your head?- - Yes, on your head, not your eyes!
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- I bought two of these from Burton, - many moons ago.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- They helped me blend in - when I was in America.
0:11:02 > 0:11:07- Even a few Americans teased me about - dressing to fit in with the locals!
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- I built on that, - to a certain extent.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19- I wore this shirt on honeymoon.
0:11:19 > 0:11:24- We tied the knot in Las Vegas, - which was a wonderful experience.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- Everyone wore this sort of shirt, - so I felt at home there.
0:11:31 > 0:11:36- If you dressed a certain way to - fit in with the locals in America...
0:11:37 > 0:11:42- ..those very clothes make you - stand out if you wear them in Wales.
0:11:44 > 0:11:49- I've raised a few eyebrows - within the local government system!
0:11:49 > 0:11:54- However, most people accepted - that I work in a field...
0:11:54 > 0:11:59- ..that was slightly removed from - the council's basic work.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- There was - a general acceptance of me...
0:12:05 > 0:12:07- ..as a round peg in a square hole.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14- The clothes in here are linked to - the countries I've visited.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20- This has connections with - the film industry.
0:12:21 > 0:12:26- I travelled to India to study - the Bollywood film industry.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32- The producer worked in Bollywood, - so I visited him.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- He took me to Marks and Spencer, - in Bollywood.
0:12:38 > 0:12:43- We went around the shop - and he bought this for me.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- He wanted me to wear this to a party - he'd organised one evening.
0:12:47 > 0:12:52- His mother, who was in her 80s, - had come down from the mountains...
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- ..to meet this man from Wales.
0:12:55 > 0:12:56- Do you wear it often?
0:12:56 > 0:12:58- Do you wear it often?- - I wear it on Sunday evenings.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05- I hope to wear it next year, - when we go on holiday to Goa.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- You'll wear your Kurta pyjamas - when you're on holiday in Goa.
0:13:10 > 0:13:11- That's lovely!
0:13:11 > 0:13:12- That's lovely!- - Yes.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- The next garment - has no connection with my work.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22- I went on holiday to Egypt - and I bought this in Cairo.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29- When I wear it, I can picture myself - back in the shop in Cairo...
0:13:30 > 0:13:33- ..surrounded by hundreds of people.
0:13:33 > 0:13:38- I haggled with the owner and his - starting price was extremely high.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42- We eventually agreed a fair price - for both of us.
0:13:42 > 0:13:47- I hadn't planned to buy it - but I ended up buying this outfit.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- I enjoy wearing these clothes.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- They give me access - to some wonderful memories.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05- They give me an opportunity - to relive some experiences...
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- ..which may otherwise - have been forgotten.
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0:14:27 > 0:14:30- I'm quite fussy - when it comes to underwear.
0:14:31 > 0:14:37- I look at my outerwear first, - then I choose underwear to match it.
0:14:40 > 0:14:45- I like underwear that has - lots of intricate details.
0:14:48 > 0:14:54- I consider the fantasy element - and the fun element when I design.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- There's an element of respectability - about suburbia.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- Sian Hughes-Cooke - is a prime example.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28- She lives with Neil, her husband, - and William, their son.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- She designs underwear - and she works from home.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41- When I was in Paris, I was - headhunted by Calvin Klein...
0:15:41 > 0:15:44- ..and I worked for them for a year, - in New York.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- I then - went to work for Victoria's Secret.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53- It's the biggest lingerie company - in America.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- There are 900 Victoria's Secret - shops across America.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03- This is part of my portfolio.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- These designs appeared in Vogue...
0:16:06 > 0:16:09- ..and in - the Victoria's Secret catalogue.
0:16:09 > 0:16:14- This sequinned top - was featured in German Vogue.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- I designed this - especially for Christmas.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22- I fell in love with this fabric - but it was a little bit too bling.
0:16:22 > 0:16:28- I covered it in mesh, to make it - more subtle and sophisticated.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32- More practical, too, because it - stops the sequins from snagging.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37- You can see that one, - in the catalogue.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42- It must be incredible to see - some of your work in Vogue.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47- Having designs featured in Vogue - gives you huge credibility.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- Yes, it made me feel quite happy.
0:16:51 > 0:16:56- I was flicking through OK! and - I saw a photo of Britney Spears...
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- ..wearing that design, in purple.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02- She was wearing it - under a black shirt.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06- It made me laugh and I thought, - "Ooh! I designed that bra."
0:17:24 > 0:17:28- I look at all sorts of things - to get my inspiration.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32- I start with a colour palette - and a theme...
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- ..and I see - what looks nice together.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43- This is Versailles embroidery.
0:17:44 > 0:17:49- I saw this embroidery - on the film, 'Sleepy Hollow'...
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- ..and I knew - it would make a lovely corset.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- When you don't expect something - to influence you...
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- ..you get a flash of inspiration.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11- Yes, when I'm watching films - or when I see plates and cups.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- All sorts of things - leave an impression on me...
0:18:15 > 0:18:17- ..and influence my work.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19- Things like patterns and colours?
0:18:20 > 0:18:24- Yes. I'm always on the lookout - for something different.
0:18:25 > 0:18:31- Take a woman who always wears - basic, white bras and knickers...
0:18:31 > 0:18:36- ..which are totally comfortable - and not sexy in any way.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- If you put her - in a set of your underwear...
0:18:39 > 0:18:43- ..do you think - she'd feel like a different person?
0:18:43 > 0:18:47- Yes. Every set is created - for a different customer.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49- Every set fits a different mood.
0:18:50 > 0:18:55- It's the same feeling as when you - have a new dress or a new haircut.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59- It boosts your confidence - and your self-esteem.
0:18:59 > 0:19:04- If you wear something that - fits well, it gives you confidence.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09- This is part of Victoria's Secret's - 'Very Sexy' collection.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14- There's oil in there, - to give you a bit of a plunge.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17- Yes, it feels like a liquid.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19- It's similar to this stuff.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23- Have you seen these? - They're hidden inside the cups.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26- People call them chicken fillets.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28- People call them chicken fillets.- - You can buy them separately.
0:19:28 > 0:19:33- You don't want them popping out of - your bra, when you're having dinner!
0:19:33 > 0:19:35- It doesn't feel fake.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40- It feels lovely and soft.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45- It's supposed to feel - just like a real breast, isn't it?
0:19:45 > 0:19:47- Yes, that's the idea.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49- It's quite soft.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- I now design - for several British companies.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09- They're all high street stores.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15- I'm currently doing a lot of work - for Marks and Spencer.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19- I've also designed for Ann Summers - and Knickerbox.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- As a company, we work for Debenhams - and we designed for La Senza.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27- A lot of women wear my designs.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47- Who are your customers, Sian?
0:20:48 > 0:20:49- Women, of course!
0:20:50 > 0:20:52- I design for women...
0:20:53 > 0:20:58- ..but men buy my designs for - their wives and their girlfriends.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06- Women tend to buy functional - underwear, for everyday wear...
0:21:06 > 0:21:11- ..and men tend to buy something - really sexy for their partners.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- Is comfort one of your priorities?
0:21:16 > 0:21:20- Yes, especially for a company - like Marks and Spencer.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23- Most of the things - we supply to them...
0:21:24 > 0:21:28- ..must be sturdy enough - to withstand ten 40 degree washes.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- That's not necessarily my priority.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- I focus on - how my designs actually look.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- Some of my designs are only - meant to be worn for five minutes!
0:21:44 > 0:21:45- I shouldn't say that!
0:21:48 > 0:21:53- This is meant to look quite innocent - but it's anything but innocent!
0:21:55 > 0:21:56- You can open the flap.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01- You can see the fun element - in this design, with the feathers.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03- It's called 'Fallen Angel'.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07- This is called the Dolly Bird.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- We had a theme - called 'Hello, Dolly'.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13- It's very kitsch - and we use sherbet colours.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- I like the colour combination.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- A large company - is interested in buying this...
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- ..so I hope they decide to go ahead.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27- This isn't in the shops?
0:22:27 > 0:22:28- This isn't in the shops?- - No, not yet.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31- We're having a sneak preview!
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- This shows off - the fun element of my designs.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37- It's called 'Chastity'.
0:22:37 > 0:22:42- I found this chain embroidery and - I wanted to make it pink and fun.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- I added a diamante key - and a tiny padlock.
0:22:47 > 0:22:52- There are matching handcuffs, - which come with a key and a lock.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13- I try to include a fun element - in the designs.
0:23:14 > 0:23:19- It's all a bit tongue in cheek and - I like to push back the boundaries.
0:23:20 > 0:23:26- Some items are kitsch and others - evoke people's sexuality.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30- They're designed for specific - markets and different people.
0:23:31 > 0:23:37- The biggest element I give them - is that fun element.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21- S4C subtitles by Eirlys A Jones
0:24:21 > 0:24:22- .