Thigh-highs are a type of hosiery that reach the mid-to-upper thigh as opposed to regular hose, which go up to the waist. When one thinks of these accesories, a sexy costume, perhaps for Halloween, may come to mind, as these items are often sold in costume shops. Or one may lump thigh-highs in the "pantyhose" category and feel as though the look is dated—even if the fashion-forward Duchess of Cambridge and her sister, Pippa Middleton, regularly don them. Lastly, one may envision thigh-highs as a part of an overall lingerie-inspired ensemble paired with a garter-belt and reserve them only for romantic evenings. However, young entrepreneur and designer Vienne Cheung is changing the image of thigh-highs for American consumers with her luxury brand made in Italy called VienneMilano.

Born in Hong Kong but raised in Brookline, Mass. since the age of six, Cheung always had a love for fashion, and especially for accessories. In an interview with justArts, Cheung remarked that she finds that accessories are "telling about your personality." She also notes that accessories help to make an outfit appropriate for various occasions. Her claims regarding accessories could not have been more true as she complimented both my cocktail ring and the Italian bracelet my brother bought me.

Cheung originally wanted to be a teacher, but her parents recognized her creative talent and advised her to pursue art. At the University of Massachusetts Boston, she studied Fine Art and Psychology and then went on to receive a M.B.A. in Marketing from Bentley University. Working in various design, fashion, international relations, online marketing and product launches throughout her time in and out of school provided her with the knowledge to start her own brand. Her first collection was recently launched in fall/winter 2011 and could not have been possible without her "just do it" attitude.

Cheung embraces challenges and focuses on the bigger picture instead of dwelling on every problem that may come her way. She remarks that if she listened to every naysayer she encountered, her brand would not be in existence today. She recently shared her optimism for start-up fashion businesses with middle-school aged girls while at Lynn's Girls, Inc., a non profit aimed at empowering young girls, last Wednesday. Cheung informed the girls that if they want to start a business, there is really nothing stopping them.

Cheung tapped into a niche market that is highly undervalued and underrepresented in America. She found that thigh-highs were never the right size or material. Moreover, she noticed that thigh-highs accompanied by the traditional garter belt were "painful" and trying. The silicone gel band on all of VienneMilano thigh-highs create a smooth look that lies flat against the leg as opposed to sticking to it and creating a "muffin top" effect. The last thing a woman wants is to accentuate any inner-thigh bulges. Nonetheless, for the spring collection, she created a hook for the garter belt that is much easier to snap into place.

While it is one thing to hear Cheung talk enthusiastically of her thigh-highs, it is another to try them on. She generously let me feel and see her collection firsthand in addition to allowing me to keep a pair. Each band is different and delicately unique as are the particular styles and denier—the thickness of the material. The names of the different thigh-highs come from traditional female Italian names such as Isabella, Valentina and Gisella. The argyle Mafalda, for example, draws its influence from a popular Italian comic book character who is studious yet mischievous. Since Cheung wanted me to experience her thigh-highs right away, she gave me the Olivia, which are a microfiber pair in a smoke color. They are the highest denier she carries, 150, meaning they will keep me warm even in these cold February temperatures. I put the thigh-highs on with a leather mini-skirt, grey v-neck sweater, and over-the-knee boots. While an onlooker would not know I was wearing thigh-highs, there is definitely a glamorous feeling that came over me knowing I had them on. Thigh-highs provide an interesting paradox: feeling sexier with covered legs than bare ones, in addition to adding a certain polish and sheen that even the best self tanner cannot achieve.

Cheung explains that she designs her clothes for an elegant woman who possesses particular attributes such as style, confidence, playfulness and sexiness. Both her designs and fabrics reflect the brand's ethos with luxurious fabrics like cashmere in the Viola and micro-fishnets in the Giorgia. Cheung finds tiny fishnets are delicate and classy, whereas large ones look like you're "catching guppies."

Cheung and her team of four have already begun to transform the stereotypes connoted with thigh-highs, from a launch party at the InterContinental Boston to her e-commerce site, www.viennemilano.com. All styles come in two sizes, small and large, and are typically purchased according to height.

Amazingly, they fit a variety of sizes and shapes and are not just for thin women.