Kerry O’Brien, owner and designer of Commando, says that more and more, designers are finding new and essential ways to think about and highlight undergarments during their shows. She should know. During this past season of NFYW: Women’s, Marchesa, Naeem Khan, Tadashi Shoji, Ulla Johnson, and Brock Collection featured Commando undergarments in their lineups. So what goes into designing the perfect pair of underwear? Read our exclusive interview with O’Brien to find out.

Tell us a little bit about how you are involved in NYFW? Why are your intimates preferred by models and designers?

It’s been amazing to see our involvement with fashion week evolve and grow. Originally, it was all about the underwear being invisible, but now, many designers are styling Commando visibly and purposefully with their looks. I love to see my fellow designers approach undergarments in a different way, and one of my favorite things is attending the shows and spotting Commando. There are no rules anymore. Underwear is ready-to-wear.

What do you want your customer to feel when they wear Commando?

Emotionally, I want her to feel beautiful and confident but physically, I want her to feel nothing. I personally wear test every single garment that we bring to market and if I don’t like it, it doesn’t get launched. Fit and fabrication are my passion and therefore very important to Commando. If you’re thinking about your underwear, you’re in the wrong underwear.

What are some considerations you make when designing for women’s bodies?

For so many years, underwear was designed to make women conform to a really specific definition of “sexy,” and when I started Commando, that just didn’t resonate with me. I wanted to create styles that made women feel like their best selves, that worked with their bodies and didn’t try to change them. In my opinion, beauty starts with confidence.

Describe the Commando brand in three words.

Smart, fun, and fearless.

Any future goals for the brand?

I put no limits on myself and the same goes with Commando. I want to live my life and grow my brand without bookends.