Intimate Insider News

By Moira Nelson

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month… which means that intimate apparel brands and businesses are stepping up to do their part to raise awareness and funds to “support” the organizations that dedicate themselves to this important cause.  Let’s take a moment to reflect on the hundreds of thousands of lives that have been lost to Metastatic Breast Cancer.  It seems that the Breast Cancer Survivors get most of the attention this time of year….  Amidst the pink ribbons, armbands, t-shirts and such, there are the family and friends of those who can no longer celebrate the good news of a clean bill of health.  To find out more about Metastatic Breast Cancer, go to www.mbcn.org

Intimate apparel companies Freshpair.com, Naked Princess, and The Lingerie Alliance came together to sponsor PinkChoseMe Foundation’s BREAST RECONSTRUCTION AWARENESS (BRA) Day USA 2012 Celebration, an awareness and fundraising event held on Wednesday, October 17th, 2012.  The event’s primary sponsors included the Breast and Plastic Surgeons at the Weill Cornell Breast Center in NYC.  I was so moved by the breast cancer survivors that attended the event and the stories of those who were lost to metastatic breast cancer. Truly inspiring!  I am even more committed to dedicating my time and energy to supporting this cause. A year ago, I was embarrassed to discover that I knew so little about this important issue.  Today, I am proud to be involved and sharing the message of hope.

Wolford makes Shapewear?  YES, they do… And it’s as fabulous as their legwear.  In fact, this afternoon I popped into the Wolford store in the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle to steal a peek at the current Fall line;  lots to add to my “Wish List.”  The ladies of ILOVEAGOOD are hosting an invite-only Intimate Affair at the Wolford Showroom on October 25^th.  Guests will be treated to Wolford’s “Shape and Control” experience.  Cocktails and a private shapewear fitting…. PLUS, a Free Gift!

On Friday, October 26, 2012, Linda the Bra Lady is hosting a Survive &Thrive Party at her Murray Hill store on 3^rd Avenue in NYC.  The Intimate Affair will feature discounts on Anita brand products (basic bras, maternity, mastectomy and swimwear styles!), FREE gifts, a raffle, inspirational stories, goodies, FREE cocktails and treats, and will raise funds for a great cause!

On Monday, November 5^th, the Intimate Apparel Council is hosting “Innovative Peek at Intimate Apparel.”  Guests will hear from Ken Walker, Operating Partner – Innovation, Marvin Traub Associates, a renowned industry leader in retail design and brand building, as he speaks about the importance of using innovation to achieve success in a global marketplace.  This Intimate Affair will be held at the Union League Club on 37^th Street.  Registration is FREE for all employees of an IAC member company.  The Intimate Apparel Council (IAC) is one of the most prestigious organizations in the industry and is comprised of leading designers, brands, retailers and suppliers of intimate apparel products.  The mission of the IAC is to stimulate the growth of the intimate apparel business by creating a network and a forum to actively identify, address and act on matters of interest to the industry.  The IAC cooperates with consultants and others in gathering information of special concern to intimate apparel design houses and engages in public relations programs for the benefit of the consumer, the retailer and the manufacturer and design house.  The Intimate Apparel Council is a division of the American Apparel & Footwear Association.

On November 7^th, CASS Shapewear is hosting a press preview event– “Champagne, Caviar and CASS.”  Guests will have the opportunity to preview the CASS Spring ’13 Collections with Founder/Designer Susan Ledyard at the invite-only Intimate Affair.

The Intimate Apparel Square Club’s 57^th Annual H.U.G. Awards Gala is being held on Wednesday, November 7, 2012.  This year’s Intimate Affair (called “An Enchanted Evening”) honors LuAnn Via, President and CEO of Payless ShoeSource, Inc., as well as Steven Chernoff, chairman of Rago Foundations, LLC and Janet Peters will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication to the Club.  The annual event raises funds to support NYU Langone Medical Center’s RUSK Institute and Tisch Hospital.  Join us on November 7^th at 230 Fifth Penthouse to celebrate the humanitarian achievements of our honorees and to support the “RUSK Kids.”  By the way, a little birdie told me that our very own Jené Luciani may be involved in this event in a BIG way….  Stay tuned for the official announcement!

The Lingerie Alliance is proud to be participating in another fundraiser on November 18^th at Teak Restaurant, in Red Bank, New Jersey.  The Intimate Affair, GO NAKED AND CHECK YOURSELF, is an evening dedicated to bringing awareness / prevention to detectible cancers where you can go naked and check yourself – skin, breast and testicular cancers.  The event is presented by Sugarush (a specialty bakery in Red Bank, NJ) and the award-winning lingerie boutique, Sweetest Sin.  The mission of Go Naked and Check Yourself is to take the stigma of embarrassment out of checking yourself, because early detection can prevent long term issues.  All proceeds from the event benefit charities such as The American Cancer Society.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming Intimate Affairs:

December 1, 2012- Bra La Mode presents “A Festive Affair” Holiday Trunk Show featuring Dirty Dolls Lingerie and Love & Dream Sleepwear and Loungewear.  Details to follow.

December 4, 2012 – The Underfashion Club’s Holiday Party at The National Arts Club on Gramercy Park South.

December 13, 2012- The Intimate Apparel Square Club’s Holiday Party at the RUSK Institute followed by a Dinner at Trattoria Alba.

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