Intimate Insider News

By Moira Nelson

It’s that time of the year….  Too much lingerie; not enough time to do all of the things I want to do!  From trade shows to press previews, market week kick-off parties, fashion shows, seminars, conferences and other events….  There’s no rest for the weary!

On Wednesday, August 1, 2012, The Intimate Apparel Council hosted an Intimate Affair at the Union League Club in NYC.  Marshal Cohen, Chief Industry Analyst of The NPD Group, presented “50 Shades of Intimates.”  He discussed retail trends and the “consumerology” impacting our industry in particular.  Marshal provided invaluable intimate insight such as current “distractions” that are affecting consumer spending and he emphasized the importance of value and innovation.

On Thursday, August 2^nd, I had the privilege of attending a Press Preview Event where I was introduced to the EMPOWERED BY YOU (“EBY”) panty.  The high-tech panty incorporates a patented silicone “flocking” technology and side-seam fusion technique to prevent slippage, impart smoothness and ensure steady wear.  A cause-brand initiative, $1 from the sale of every EBY panty will fund Seven Bar Foundation, a non-profit organization that extends its trademark “ladder” to women out of poverty and into business through micro-finance.  Each panty includes an insert with a testimonial from a woman who has been empowered by the Foundation, which works closely with both international and local partners such as Project Enterprise which benefits women in the New York City area.  Project Enterprise is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support and develop entrepreneurs and small businesses in under-resourced communities in New York City.  The Seven Bar Foundation lends women a “hand up”, not a “hand out” by giving them a “first break”.

The Lingerie Alliance Launch Party and Lingerie Fashion Show held on Saturday, August 4^th at The Griffin lounge in NYC was a huge success.  The Intimate Affair introduced industry leaders, buyers, media and press to the online collaborative community of intimate apparel professionals created by me and my partner, Luis Paredes.  We are so pleased with the way things turned out and are motivated by the enthusiasm and support we have received from the industry.  The Fashion Show featured the SS13 collections from the event’s key sponsor, Affinitas & Parfait, as well as the imaginative designs of independent brands Angela Friedman, Clare Bare Eco Intimates, Dirty Dolls Lingerie, Nevaeh Intimates, Ombrato and With Love Lingerie.  Buyers that missed the Intimate Affair on Saturday night can still get a look at the six emerging brands at the Lingerie Journal Designer Showcase today, August 8^th at the AKA Hotel, Times Square, NYC.  The Showcase gives buyers that are looking for innovative, new collections the opportunity to meet one-on-one with these indie designers in a relaxed setting.

The Best of Intima’s Best Shop Awards were held in the Penthouse at 230 Fifth Ave on Sunday, August 5^th.  Last year’s winner of the Best of Intima’s Choice Award, Angela Courtney of Sweetest Sin Boutique in Red Bank, New Jersey, was an honored guest at this year’s awards ceremony.  She said, “It was a great night in Lingerie-land.  It was such an accomplishment for me to win last year’s Best Shop Award and reliving the night with the industry’s crème de la crème again this year was incredible.  I mingled with other boutique owners and CEO’s of the biggest lingerie brands.  Plus the venue was fabulous…a rooftop lounge overlooking the empire state building.  I’m truly looking forward to next year.”

The 2012 Best of Intima Best Shop Awards were presented to:
Concept Store: Knickers of Hyde Park~Cincinatti, Ohio
European Flair: Forty Winks
Personal Touch: Toujours~San Francisco, California
Reference Shop: Sara’s Fine Lingerie~Studio City, California
The Best of Intima’s Choice: Le Boudoir, Inc.~St. Johns, New Foundland
And Special Recognition Prizes were awarded to:
Best Unexpected Location: Bella Fine Lingerie~Williamsburg, Virginia
Best Niche Product: Kaori’s Closet Tokyo~New York City, New York

CONGRATS to the 2012 Best Shop Award Nominees and Winners!

On Monday evening, CURVENY presented The So Curve Fashion Show.  From ballet to burlesque… From a Gotye remix to a touch of the Material Girl…and intervals topless…. The So Curve Fashion Show performed by the renowned Crazy Horse Paris dancers at CurvExpo was a spectacular performance.  The dancers wore selected styles from exhibitors at CurvExpo including Affinitas, Fantasie, Fauve and Freya, Hanky Panky, LOU Paris, Simone Perele and Wacoal, among others.

The bi-annual Lingerie Trade Show CURVENY just wrapped up and now they’re headed to Las Vegas.  CURVELV runs from August 21^st through the 23^rd at The Venetian.  Guests can register at www.curvexpo.com.

Last night, the Underfashion Club hosted “A Paris Report” which was presented by Mayouri Sengchanh of Carlin International.  The Intimate Affair featured a report on the MODE City and Interfiliere Trade Shows as well as highlights of the coming SS14 Season.

And tonight, the gals from ILOVEAGOOD are hosting Chantelle’s Fall/Winter 2012 Collection Preview.  The Intimate Affair is being held at the brand’s NY Showroom on Madison Ave and will include cocktails, professional bra fittings and gift bags!  Oooo La La!

What’s next?  Anyone planning a Fashion’s Night Out Event?  Let us know so we can spread the word here on Lingerie Briefs!

Got Insight?  Having an Intimate Affair?  Let us know!  Everyone can be an Intimate Insider!