The French do lingerie really, really well

You know what's refreshing on the runway? Boobs. A little good ol'-fashioned T&A.

While I have a genuine fondness for the ethereal, breathtaking, funny stick-creatures that are your usual runway model, I do look forward to the occasional lingerie fashion show to see some curves and jolly bouncing -- so wonderfully pneumatic and damn sexy.

So I was definitely giddy for this year's installment of Lingerie Francaise Paris' annual showcase of the best the French lingerie industry has to offer, including Princesse tam-tam, Simone Pérèle, Passionata, Chantelle, Empreinte, Gerbe, and Lise Charmel.

Those Frenchsters continue to outdo themselves in the delicates department -- this year featured plenty of innovative cuts and beautiful shades to choose from. Simone Pérèle had the wide-eyed ingénue offerings down, like the white high-cut lace-trimmed bodysuit and a lovely navy silk bra with teal flower embroidery.

Passionata provided panties and bras for the quirky girl, whether it was a lilac lace-trimmed bandeau or a chambray pinstripe set complete red bows and black sheer ruffle trim.

Lise Charmel is great at pieces that would work equally well in the bedroom or under your power-suit when you want that extra zing of knowing you're secretly packing the hotness -- think a super-high-waisted purple pantie with black polka-dots, or the fuschia satin bumsters with the sheer black chiffon panels and the cute cutout.

Princesse tam-tam rose above like royalty as usual, with whimsical pieces like a mesh navy bra and pantie set covered in stars and a vintage-inspired wispy seafoam lace bralet and tap pant for those blushing babes who undress in the dark, all the way to the decadent lilac-grey silk corset covered in rich cream embroidery, and the glittering silver slice of a bralet and pantie that said disco, disco, disco for the gutsy girl who means business.

Here's to lovely, lusty lingerie, and the models and real-life ladies who care enough to wear it. We salute you.

Photos by Jonathan Loek.