In this inspiring episode of The PowerTalk Show, we sit down with Dora Lau, the visionary Founder and President of Dora L. International. With over 40 years in the fashion and apparel industry, Dora shares her journey of building an inclusive, innovation-driven lingerie brand—and how she continues to empower women, one bra at a time.
From Dressing Opera Singers to Redefining Undergarments
Dora’s entrepreneurial spark was ignited unexpectedly during her early years in Hong Kong, where her family ran one of the city’s oldest record labels. She found herself dressing singers for concerts, styling their costumes, and sourcing garments from Milan and Paris. But her biggest realization?
“Without the right support, even the most beautiful garment doesn’t shine. The foundation—your undergarments—affect confidence and posture.”
This philosophy became the foundation (literally and figuratively) of Dora L. International, which she launched in 1991 as a self-funded solo venture.
All-Inclusive, Body-Positive Design
Dora’s mission is clear: every woman—no matter her size—deserves to feel beautiful, supported, and confident. Her brand specializes in full-figure lingerie, catering to women who are often overlooked in traditional marketing and sizing.
“I looked at ads and thought, where am I in this picture? That became my mission—to serve that woman who feels invisible.”
From band sizes 32 to 50 and cup sizes AA to IJK, Dora’s inclusive approach ensures every woman finds her fit and confidence.
Fabric, Fit & 150 Years of Expertise
The level of technical detail in lingerie is staggering. Dora reveals that an average bra contains over 36 components, all chosen with purpose—from trims to compression fabrics to spacer knits.
Her globally distributed team, with a combined 150 years of experience, works across Boston, Australia, and Asia to source materials like cooling yarns, bamboo, microfibers, and even robotically produced spacer knits for seamless designs.
“Today, we can make a thin, breathable, supportive bra using 40-gauge machines and advanced Lycra blends—it’s exciting.”
The $40B Intimate Apparel Industry—and Rising Costs
The U.S. intimate apparel industry exceeds $40 billion, and while American pricing is more accessible than Europe’s, Dora warns of rising tariffs, inflation, and the shrinking margins that threaten consumer affordability.
“Women are the last to spend on themselves. With rising prices, it’s the wellness essentials like bras that get deprioritized.”
Her key insight? Retailers need to educate consumers on benefits like antibacterial fabrics, posture improvement, and temperature-regulation to justify higher price points—and increase sales.
Advice to Young Entrepreneurs in Fashion
When asked for advice, Dora offers practical wisdom forged from four decades in business:
- Protect your cash flow.
- Get the right team—designers, fit experts, and tech.
- Focus on the customer’s emotional and physical comfort.
- Don’t just build a product—build a solution.
“COVID wiped out two of my biggest clients. Always be prepared for what you can’t predict.”