Look good, feel great. That is one of the underlying concepts behind Australian owned company, Bella Bodies Shapewear, which specialise in garments or ‘shapewear’ that reduce the size of the waist, tummy and thighs. Bella Bodies Shapewear is one of Australia’s leading shapewear manufacturers, providing Australian women with a range of garments designed to enhance the female form. Notably, Bella Bodies Shapewear also lays claim that some of the products in the range will help take off up to 6cms from the waist.

“Women want to look good and the Bella Bodies Shapewear range does just that,” say Michel Schuhmacher, founder of Bella Bodies Shapewear. The bodysuits compress and flatten the stomach and midriff and hide underwear lines for a smooth appearance. Bella Bodies Shapewear also prides itself on high quality material which means that each of its products retain shape even after being worn all day.

Founded by Michel in 2006, Bella Bodies Shapewear was one of the first companies to introduce shapewear to Australia. Since launching, the company has experienced rapid growth – from being stocked in only 10 Sydney boutiques in July 2006 to now being available in over 150 stores across Australia. Bella Bodies Shapewear has also expanded internationally and is currently stocked in New Zealand, Singapore and Malaysia.

“Bella Bodies is fantastic for all women - most people can only get rid of their extra bulge or the muffin top through intense exercise, dieting or plastic surgery, which isn’t always ideal for time-poor women,” says Michel. “The best part of Bella Bodies Shapewear is you can say hello to a slimmer silhouette without the pain and scars of surgery.”

The idea for the Bella Bodies Shapewear came to Michel after she had difficultly finding a product that would accentuate her curves and make clothes sit better on the body, whilst also being comfortable. “All the products on the market were either uncomfortable or the material was too thick for the Australian climate,” says Michel. Michel conducted further research, looking to international markets for a product that would be more suitable to Australia.

It was in Colombia that Michel found the ideal alternative, eventually partnering with a manufacturing company that she would work with to design the Bella Bodies Shapewear collection. “In South America I found high quality products made from material that was far more suitable for our climate, however it did take me some time (and a few Spanish lessons) before I found the right manufacturer for the job,” says Michel.

In response to changing consumer demand and the rapid change in fashion seasons, Bella Bodies Shapewear is constantly adding new products to their range. The entire product range is made to contour and firm the body while still being comfortable. The original products included the ‘Boxer’, a body reducer for the midriff to knees section and the ‘Capri Strapless’, a body reducer for the body and legs. Bella Bodies Shapewear now has nine products including Anti-cellulite pants, Lovely Leg Leggings and a Body V, which is a long length camisole ideal as outer wear or as an undergarment.

Previously working in the hotel and tourism industry, Michel is an avid traveller. Her frequent visits to Colombia are a walk in the park compared to her previous expeditions; Michel met Mother Theresa in India, had lunch with a Leper colony south of Calcutta, nearly got kidnapped at a market in Egypt and trekked the Himalayan Mountains for four weeks on her own. Michel still travels frequently and is married with two children.