Designer Claudia Ochoa combines the color and sensuality of her native Colombia with the sophistication of her adopted hometown of New York to create the chic, sexy line Clo Intimo, which we started carrying last fall. Clo’s anything-but-basic basics are designed to enhance the beauty and confidence of the wearer and the lace and tulle she utilizes are just downright sexy.  Ochoa’s pieces, like the Dulce Demi-Underwire Bra, epitomize wearable (yet beautiful) lingerie.  Here, she shares some of her favorite things…

Favorite Destination: Any island in the Caribbean. St. Bart’s and St. Martin are my favorites.

Favorite City:  New York. No other city has the energy or diversity of people.

Summer Plans: Because of the fashion selling market in August, most of my summer is spent perfecting new designs. I try to sneak some weekends upstate or out at the beach, day trips from NYC mostly.

“I can’t live without…” Salsa Dancing. I’m from Colombia, it’s in my DNA.

Colors: Orchid and yellow

Fabric: Tulle, it’s so versatile and can be very mysterious when draped in certain ways

Style Icon: All the fearless young girls on the streets of downtown Manhattan

Artist: Gaudi- crazy, wild, colorful, breaking the mold

Restaurant: Blue Ribbon on Sullivan Street

Inspiration: Nature, in all its shapes, forms and colors

Favorite thing about lingerie: That the right piece doesn’t overwhelm, but enhances and brings out the best in a woman

What one piece of lingerie should every woman own? A chemise or camisole that provides support, and can be worn underneath a blazer or sweater, or all by itself as an outerwear piece with jeans or leggings.