Diane Thomson opened the doors of her specialty lingerie boutique, Dianes Lingerie and Loungewear Ltd., in 1983 in Vancouver's trendy South Granville Rise.

Her store quickly became more than a place to buy foundation garments. Through Diane Thomson's philosophy that women buying intimate apparel deserve discreet, personal attention, word soon spread about this charming boutique whose uncompromising level of personal service meant every customer left feeling beautiful and special.

Dianes Lingerie has evolved into an industry leader, offering British Columbia's largest selection of exquisite, brand-name lingerie for every body shape and size.

The store's expert bra fitters, trained to Dianes exacting standards, provide top service, whether customers are purchasing everyday bras or bridal garments, nursing bras or after breast-surgery bras and prostheses. Dianes Lingerie is certified by the B.C. Ministry of Health as a Pharmacare store, meaning doctors are able to refer after-surgery patients there. Staff assisting clients with prosthetic fittings must be certified in this field, having received specialized training to meet the unique physical and emotional needs of women who have
faced breast cancer.

Dianes Lingerie recently completed a comprehensive renovation of the store to beautifully showcase its merchandise and enhance its intimate specialty feel. In 1999, Dianes Lingerie made it possible for customers to purchase bras and apparel online at www.dianeslingerie.com. Dianes was the first independent lingerie store in Vancouver to offer online shopping. Diane Thomson is passionately concerned about women's breast health. She is involved with the BC/Yukon Chapter of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, which has given her the title of "Best Friends of the Foundation." The store is the only recipient of this designation.

Each year, she generously supports its annual October Awareness Day Event. During that month, $1 from each bra and prosthesis the store sells is donated to the Foundation. Dianes also enters a store team, Dianes Breast of Friends, in the CIBC Run for the Cure and undertakes many other activities to support the Foundation.

Diane Thomson is a director of the Retail Merchants' Association of B.C. Dianes Lingerie and Loungewear Ltd. is wholly owned by Diane Thomson.