Intimate Insider News
Last week was a busy one here in New York City. Buyers were in town for Market appointments; and business dinners and other events ensued late into the evening. And it’s not over yet! It seems that the wholesale Market Week is going to last for two weeks this year….. Still lots of appointments on the calendar!
On Wednesday, May 2nd, the Intimate Apparel Council hosted “Retail Mobile Engagement” at the Union League Club, a panel discussion on mobile marketing. The panelists covered topics such as the different types of action codes and how to develop companion apps for iphone and andrioid platforms. Panelists included Leslie Burke, Director of Interactive Print at Conde Nast, John Puterbaugh, Ph.D, CEO & Founder at Nellymoser, Inc., and Liz Smith, Vice President of Marketing at Wacoal America, Inc. The Intimate Apparel Council is a division of the American Apparel and Footwear Association. Guests at the Intimate Affair included Gwen Widell and Victor Vega of Wacoal America, Steve Chernoff of Rago Shapewear, Joel Fertel of Womens Wear Daily, and the event’s host was Debby Long-Gedney of Biflex (current president of the Intimate Apparel Council,) among others.
The Fashion Institute of Technology held their annual end-of-year runway
show, “The Future of Fashion,” last Wednesday evening. The best work of FIT’s graduating fashion design students was presented in the professional runway show including sportswear, special occasion, knitwear, intimate apparel, and children’s wear. Design student Lorna Laurentino presented in the Intimate Apparel category. Cotton Incorporated presented awards for the “Best Use of Cotton.” Lorna received the 2nd place award for her use of cotton in her designs. The annual event was held at the college’s east side Manhattan “campus” and notable guests included Josie Natori, Calvin Klein and Joe Zee (Host of BRAVO’s “All on the Line with Joe Zee.”) Follow tomorrow’s Intimate Apparel talent today at: www.lornalaurentino.com.
Also on Wednesday evening, International Intimates, Inc. (Rene Rofe) held an “invitation only” Launch Party to present their latest licensed brand, Isaac Mizrahi New York Intimates. The Intimate Affair was held in a Penthouse Suite at the Dream Downtown Hotel. Buyers and media were in attendance…. They enjoyed light snacks and an open bar while admiring Isaac’s Intimate line which places emphasize on body shaping. Isaac himself attended the event along with his design team and executives from the brand’s owner, Xcel Brands. Here’s the “Behind the Scenes” Video of the Isaac Mizrahi New York Intimates photo shoot.
On Thursday evening, I attended the monthly membership meeting of the Intimate Apparel Square Club. Like usual, we enjoyed dinner and discussed Club business. But this month, we were also joined by one of the administrators of NYU Langone Medical Center’s RUSK Institute of Rehabilitation medicine. Pediatric Rehabilitation at the RUSK Institute is the primary beneficiary of the Club.
At Thursday’s meeting, we learned how our generous donations directly impact the lives of these children. The institute is currently treating an infant with severe Cerebral Palsy. This disability makes it virtually impossible for the child to function normally. Per special 
request, a portion of the Club’s funds were used to purchase an iPad for this child. Using a specially designed app, this 20-month old child is now able to communicate with his parents for the first time! This story brought tears to my eyes and reaffirmed my personal commitment to the Club. To find out more about the Club and the work we do, go to www.thehugaward.org.
On Thursday, May 10th, the girls from ILOVEAGOOD are hosting a “Spring Fling” in collaboration with BedHead Pajamas at 252 Elizabeth Street, NYC. The Intimate Affair is a press preview by “invitation only” and will feature fun drinks, great décor, and cute models in BedHead printed shorties. This will be BedHead’s very first New York store!
Bra La Mode is having an Intimate Affair on Saturday, May 12th at Bra Smyth in NYC! It is a “Celebration of Women” in honour of Mother’s Day including An Afternoon Tea Party (and champagne, of course) hosted by Chambre de Sucre Imported Gourmet Sugars. The Intimate Affair is sponsored by luxury French lingerie brand Simone Perele in collaboration with The Lingerie Journal. Our featured guest is Fine Lingerie Stylist and Personal Shopper, “The Lingerie Goddess” Margaret Shrum. Guests are encouraged to RSVP to bralamodemothers.eventbrite.com. Bring Mom in for a free bra fitting, enjoy some scones and tea, receive free gifts with purchase and gift bags AND receive 10% off all Sleepwear throughout the Event. Special thanks to Bra Smyth for hosting the Intimate Affair and to the Event Sponsors and Participants: Simone Perele, The Lingerie Journal, Chambre de Sucre, “The Lingerie Goddess” Margaret Shrum, Naked Princess, Affinitas Intimates, Jene Luciani and The Bra Book, Fashion Forms and SOAKWash.
If you’re “down the shore” for Mother’s Day, stop into Sweetest Sin Bras on White Street in Red Bank, NJ to celebrate “Support Your Girls.” Each year, downtown Red Bank becomes “Pink Bank” ~ Paint the Town Pink strives to educate local women about a very significant fact that “early detection is a woman’s best defense against breast cancer.” Sweetest Sin Bras is hosting an Intimate Affair which is sponsored by Chantelle Paris on Saturday, May 12th to “Support Your Girls.”
Got Insight? Having an Intimate Affair? Let us know! Everyone can be an Intimate Insider!
