Rosanne Berry runs Rosa, a bra and lingerie shop that has stood at the top of Church Street since 1939. Established by Madame Rosa, it specialised in traditional corsets and undergarments. Today, Rosanne and her assistant Fae sell a wide range of fashion underwear behind the distinctive, traditional shop frontage.

How long have you run Rosa?
We took over the shop nine years ago. The previous owner insisted it be kept as a lingerie shop. She could have sold it ten times over as a newsagent or restaurant.

What makes Rosa special?
Customers travel from all over the country to come here. We have an established reputation as professional fitters. We don't just hand over a bra; we like to see it on, to make sure it fits properly. I get grandmothers coming in who bought their first bra here 60 years ago.

Why the frosted windows?
We have to protect our customers' privacy. The other day, I had a large lady standing in the middle of the shop, stark naked from the waist up, when the postman walked in. And we can't change the shop's frontage, as it's a listed building.

What do you like about Stoke Newington?
My business is what keeps me here: I love selling bras. I get such pleasure from it. Some of our customers have been wearing the wrong size bra for years and are so thrilled when I find them something better. The right bra can be life changing-it can make you look slimmer, taller and better in every way.

Why is it so important to have a well-fitted bra?
If you're not wearing the right size bra, you'll get pressure from your shoulder straps,
stretch marks and droopy boobs. Once your breasts have dropped, they won't go back again, as there's no muscle in breast tissue. So it's crucial to be measured correctly.

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What mistake do most women make when buying a bra?
The most common mistake is to go for a bra that is too big on the back and too small in the cup.

What is the best-selling item?
It's so diverse; we stock everything from Panache and Lejaby to Elle McPherson's Intimates. My personal favourite is the 'Tulipes' range by Aubade. I live and die in their bras. I'm wearing one in red today.

Do you still sell corsets?
We get the odd old lady who comes in for a traditional corset, but there's much less demand for that kind of thing now.

New trends in lingerie?
I've noticed that girls are moving away from thongs and going for bigger, lacy French knickers that sit on the hip.

Pet hates about Stoke Newington?
Those nasty 73 bendy buses. And the tramps who sit on the bench outside William Patten School.

What other shops would you like to see on Church Street?
We need a good, independent shoe shop.

Where would we find you on a Friday night after work?
In the pub with a glass of wine.

Hopes and dreams for the future?
I'm organising a local fashion show on Friday, 26 November at Abney Hall. I'm hoping lots of shops on Church Street will get involved-we need clothes and models! The proceeds will go to Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Please get in touch if you want to know more (details below).

On a more personal level, I dream of retiring to my house in Normandy one day. But for now, I'm very happy with what I'm doing.

Rosa, 3 Stoke Newington Church
St, N16. Tel: 020 7254 3467.