What does sexy mean to you? Maybe it’s a toned bod in a cheeky bikini, maybe it’s dismantling the patriarchy by trolling bigoted sexists on the internet, maybe it’s Beyonce and maybe it’s a cheeseburger that requires two hands. For Sharleen Ernster—founder of lingerie, swimwear and apparel lifestyle brand Hot As Hell—sexy means caring about people and caring about the planet. Hot As Hell is "sexy with a soul."
Images courtesy of Hot As Hell
Unlike most intimates, you can throw Hot As Hell swimwear and lingerie in the washing machine without a worry. It’s built to last (much of it is even reversible!) because Sharleen wants to make being sexy ethical and easy.
“We love women of all shapes, sizes and ages,” Sharleen says from her studio in the West Hollywood Hills. A neon pink “Hot As Hell” sign illuminates racks of bathing suits, lingerie and upcycled track suits and jackets that beg to be picked through.
“We present on the runway every year with an eclectic mix of women—flat girls, short girls, tall girls, curvy girls, pregnant girls and women over 40. It’s just a real celebration of unlocking what was the previous notion of sexy.”
SS18 Miami Swim Week catwalk. Images courtesy of Hot As Hell.
Prior to launching Hot As Hell in 2015, Sharleen worked for Guess, Armani Exchange and led design on Victoria Secret’s swimwear and lingerie. The Texas native always wanted to launch her own brand that was sexy, but also natural and good to the Earth.
“Fashion is the number two most wasteful industry in the world, second to oil. Most people don’t know that. But there are all these amazing things you can do to combat that, like paying $2 more per yard for eco-friendly fabric or using different printing techniques, they just cost more. But leaving behind a legacy of caring about people and the planet—that’s what’s sexy.”
Much of HAH’s intimates are produced in a women-only factory in China that specializes in lace. “We work with all the manufacturers that are transparent and have the best in-class environmental practices for their people and their workers,” the designer says.
Sharleen is one of many badass female entrepeneurs who thrives in Los Angeles. Below, she has compiled a list of some other women-owned businesses that are sexy with a soul.
But first, be sure to shop the Hot As Hell sample this weekend (10/20 - 10/21) at 3445 S. Main Street downtown to get yourself a sweet upcycled bomber jacket and some sexy undies.
Image courtesy of Hot As Hell
Fred Segal
Beverly Grove, $$$
Sharleen Ernster: I am super excited about the opening of Fred Segal [on the Sunset Strip]. I grew up in a generation where Fred Segal was the bomb dot com. We would fly out from NY once a year and it's the first place we went. I'm really excited to see that brand come back. I really think it's going to gentrify that area back to what it used to be.
Opening Ceremony
Beverly Grove, $$$
SE: Co-owned by Carol Lim, it’s THE place to discover new and interesting brands. As a creature of habit, I always go into Opening Ceremony because they always have something awesome. It keeps me on my toes and I'm like, ooo what's that?
Planet Blue
Venice, $$$; Beverly Hills, $$$
SE: Founded by owner and designer, Ling-Su Chinn. We love this store, and not just because they sell HAH! They’ve got a great selection of clothing, swim and lingerie, perfect for any LA girl’s wardrobe. Plus they have an easy-to-shop website.
The Reformation
Beverly Grove, $$$
SE: Founded by Yael Aflalo. I love to support fellow eco-friendly brands, and respect the fact that Reformation was one of the first to make sustainable fashion ‘cool’ and bring attention to the unnecessary waste in our industry.
The Way We Wore
Hancock Park, $$$
SE: Owned by Doris Raymond, this store has an amazing vintage collection, although it is a little pricey. Not everyone knows this, but they also have a library of vintage prints next door to the shop.
VIOLET GREY
Beverly Grove, $$$
SE: Founded by Cassandra Grey, this beauty shop only sells products endorsed by celebrity makeup artists, which takes the guesswork out of trying to decide on a product. You really can’t go wrong with anything they sell, the fact that they carry it means it must be good. Plus it’s conveniently located down the street from our HQ.
Stone Cold Fox
Venice, $$$
SE: I have a lot of respect for all of my competitors, like Stone Cold Fox. It's a great brand. At the time that Cydney Morris and Dallas Wand built it, it was really fresh and really different. That’s two chicks, it’s really cool!
Vanessa Mooney Jewelry
Downtown, $$
SE: Vanessa Mooney for jewelry. I love her stuff.
Bleu
Hancock Park, $$$
SE: Gaby, the store owner of Bleu, is awesome. I've been going to her store for 20-odd years. It's a great little shop.
n/naka
Palms, $$$$
SE: I haven’t actually eaten here (yet!) but the Japanese tasting menu by owner and chef Niki Nakayama is at the very top of my restaurant bucket list.
Pizzeria Mozza
Hancock Park, $$
SE: We try to eat healthy, but sometimes you just need some good ol’ pizza, and Nancy Silverton's Mozza definitely hits the spot. Plus, their burrata appetizer with a side of pane bianco is a revelation.
Republique
Hancock Park, $$
SE: Co-owner and pastry chef, Margarita Manzke serves up good eats whether you’re in the mood for a casual breakfast/brunch or a celebratory dinner. You really can’t go wrong with this restaurant.
Sweet Rose Creamery
Multiple locations; $$
SE: Co-owner Zoe Nathan helps when that sweet tooth hits. Sweet Rose never disappoints; plus, they have a good mix of classic and inventive flavors and fresh homemade toppings.
ARTBOOK at Hauser & Wirth
DTLA, $$$
SE: Jane Brown is the director at Artbook. Fashion books are a great place to get inspiration for all things fashion – from design to photography, you can never go wrong with a good book. ARTBOOK @ Paper Chase (Director is Jane Brown)
Calamigos Ranch
Malibu, $$$
SE: This quiet, family-owend hotel is a great place to get away – either for a romantic staycation or a weekend with the kids. They have incredible beach access, great food, good service, and a little shop that I’d love to be in…
Image courtesy of Opening Ceremony
Planet Blue courtesy of @rachelsullyy
Reformation courtesy of @devonleecarlson
The Way We Wore courtesy of @thewaywewore
VIOLET GREY courtesy of @mzclarabella
Stone Cold Fox courtesy of @scfabbotkinney
Vanessa Mooney Jewelry courtesy of @vanessamooney
Bleu Clothing courtesy of @shophbleu
n/naka courtesy of @bossandbosseat
Pizzeria Mozza courtesy of @onemoredish
Image courtesy of Republique
Sweet Rose Creamery courtesy of @dinela
ARTBOOK courtesy of @momoacosta
Calamigos Ranch courtesy of @platinumweddingsbykerrie
ARTBOOK courtesy of @paperchasepress
Calamigos Ranch courtesy of @oh_blanc
Header image courtesy of Hot As Hell
