The End Lingerie: An Ode to Punks and Cats
“I believe ease and style can absolutely coexist—there’s no need to give up one for the other.”
Photography by Morrison Gong
Let’s admit it: Lingerie makes everyone feel more confident, sexy, and provocative. For Bei Kuo, adding a few more factors to elevate those feelings can turn even a mundane experience into something unforgettable. As founder of The End Lingerie, Kuo incorporates punk-inspired motifs with S&M pieces to help people break out into their whole selves—whether they’re getting ready to have a sensual rendezvous or wearing it under their clothes on an average day.
Regardless of gender, size, or orientation, The End Lingerie is intended to make wearers feel badass—leaving them with no fucks to give at the end of the day. In her latest collection, Kuo reflected on her love for cats, especially her pandemic-born cat, Q寶 (Q-Bao), who she’s now emotionally attached to. Although subtle, she infuses cat-like elements in the pieces, such as a silhouette inspired by the shape of cat ears in The Good One Briefs. She continues this theme in pieces like the Black Balloon Crotchless Bodysuit, depicting a black cat in a dark room.
“Each collection is a bit different,” Kuo says. “If I have a clear vision—like with my latest collection inspired by my cats—I’ll often start with some sketches. But I’m very hands-on, so much of my design process happens while I’m working on a mannequin and with my sewing machines. My initial sketches and the final pieces can look wildly different because most of the magic happens during the sampling phase. It’s an intuitive process, and I love seeing how each piece evolves in real-time.”
For this collection, Kuo’s friend, longtime collaborator, and acclaimed photographer, Morrison Gong, captured each look to embody the essence of The End Lingerie—both the elegant and edgy sides. They share similar backgrounds, so working together is nothing less than harmonious and seamless.
“I started The End because I couldn’t find any eco-friendly lingerie that felt exciting and unique,” Kuo says. “I believe ease and style can absolutely coexist—there’s no need to give up one for the other. Our mission is to create tasteful, eco-conscious lingerie that’s both comfortable and a little daring. Making lingerie with eco-friendly materials and a touch of boldness is still at the heart of everything we do.”
Photography by Morrison Gong
Wearing The End Lingerie doesn’t just make people feel good, but wearing it is quite literally beneficial to the planet. From spending years working in the fashion industry to attending design school, Kuo came to grips with the dark reality of the industry’s major waste and pollution problem. Because of that, she created the brand with “eco fabrics and naughty thoughts.” Everything down to the packaging is eco-friendly, and Kuo works with like-minded, environmentally-conscious suppliers to produce the garments. Based on the monthly units sold, Kuo pledges to donate to a tree-planting organization.
“It really came down to the toxic side of the fashion industry,” she says. “Working for other brands and witnessing how they operated made me realize that wasn’t the environment I wanted for myself or my career. By the time I left my last job, I was exhausted and ready to build something of my own. I was just starting to get into lingerie and noticed a gap where style, sustainability, and intimate apparel intersect. Unlike ready-to-wear, lingerie can be produced on a smaller, more manageable scale, which allowed me to create a brand that not only reflects my values but also supports a healthier work-life balance and my mental well-being.”
Kuo began her career in fashion, working for several ready-to-wear brands, such as Nicopanda, Asher Levine, and Profound Aesthetic, in New York and Taiwan, where she grew up. However, she says self-expression was repressed in Taiwan. Everyone wore the same uniforms and hairstyles, and coming to New York was a miraculous awakening filled with culture. During Kuo’s time in Taiwan, she could only express herself by drawing anime and manga, which were gateways to garments and design. Since coming to New York, she’s prioritized allowing wearers to feel the liberation she didn’t always have.
“I’ve had the chance to meet some of our customers in person and see them share their photos online, and it’s clear to me: The End is made for everyone,” Kuo says. “It’s for people like you and me—real individuals navigating life, sometimes unsure of ourselves but wanting to feel comfortable and confident in our own skin. My hope is that when someone wears The End, they feel a sense of ease and empowerment, knowing they’re wrapped in something beautiful, sustainable, and crafted to celebrate their authentic self.”
Currently, in Taiwan, Kuo is already working on her next collection, which centers on female rage. She wants to experiment with the concept of a “powerful, unapologetic energy.” Until then, you can shop The End’s current pieces and new releases.
