Win, Place and Show

November 8, 2010

Yesterday was a stellar day in the Equestrian world. It was the running of the 2010 Breeder’s Cup at Churchill Downs during which the extraordinary thoroughbred, Zenyatta, attempted to sustain her 19 race winning record. Alas, it was not to be, as she lost her final race, literally by a nose. But it does not matter, because in a sport whose glory days are usually reserved for high strung stallions, this magnificent and charismatic mare has already declared that the females have something to show. What makes this horse so compelling is not only her flirtatious personality and her athletic superiority, but her backstory. She did not begin her legendary assent until she was 3 ½, well past the age that most race horses launch their careers. Although she has been working hard, beating the odds, it was only a year ago that she burst into the public consciousness. She has not only proved she could beat the boys, but has done it with feminine élan, running behind until she chooses her moment of triumph. Zenyatta has defined her own provocative style by taking ownership of the track with an electrifying surge from the back of the pack. She has emerged as an irresistible super star.

Last week I met Jenna Blatstein, the design inspiration behind the new Jenna Leigh Lingerie brand. I sought her out after having seen her collection at the eclectic downtown lingerie boutique, Luscious NYC. I was particularly drawn to the seductive and contemporary flair that Jenna achieves in her collection. Each piece makes a dynamic, alluring statement as witnessed here in the Malawi demi bra and garter skirt in midnight blue stretch satin and eyelash lace. The bra, available in 32 -36, A-D and the garter skirt, in S-M-L, have become a reorder item in the stable of boutiques who support her quest. What fascinated me is Jenna’s determination to build a brand of artistic and fetching lingerie, despite the uphill battle that young new designers confront as they try to break through in a difficult economy with limited available dollars allocated by retailers to test new ideas. Kudos to the stores that have sought her much needed creative input to an Intimates industry dominated by established brands. Even after confronting typical first year obstacles, Jenna forged ahead. She is truly a thoroughbred.