Marks & Spencer Sparks Debate With Risqué Ann Summers Lingerie Collaboration

Marks & Spencer has introduced a new 148-piece lingerie collection in collaboration with Ann Summers, featuring items such as crotchless thongs, bodies, and tights. The collection, which launched online and in selected stores on Thursday, aims to bolster M&S's lingerie offerings.

The crotchless floral lace thongs are priced at £20 for a pack of three and are available in sizes 6 to 16. The M&S website describes them as a "flirty upgrade" crafted in a "low-rise style from floral lace made with plenty of comfortable stretch and playful scalloped edging."

Other items in the range include a red-and-black lace crotchless body for £26 and sheer black crotchless tights for £12. A search for "crotchless" on the M&S website yields 19 results.

The collaboration has generated discussion among consumers. On the parenting website Mumsnet, some users expressed surprise and disapproval, with one commenter stating, "M&S's underwear dept is the home of stout, solid granny pants, not porn knickers." Another user remarked, "Who on God's green earth turns to M&S for sexy fun?"

This partnership marks a departure for M&S, which holds a significant share of the female lingerie market. In 2011, Ann Summers faced legal action from M&S over a parody promotional campaign. At the time, Ann Summers' chief executive Jacqueline Gold described the campaign as having gone "a squeal too far."

Marks & Spencer reported a peak in lingerie sales two years prior to this article's publication, driven by demand from Millennial and Gen Z customers. It remains to be seen whether this latest venture will prove successful.