By Moira Nelson
Happy New Year! For me, the New Year is a great time for reflection. Many years ago I started a habit of keeping a journal. I am not one to write daily; but I make it a point to pull it out in the first part of January to write out my accomplishments from the previous year and to list out my goals, hopes, dreams and initiatives for the coming year (both personal and professional.) It’s fascinating to look at what was written the previous January. Most of the time, I forget what I wrote! Usually, the goals that were set have been accomplished (in some shape or form.) And more often than not, the outcome is far better than I could have imagined! So before I get you up to speed on the upcoming “Intimate Affairs,” I’d like to reflect back on 2012.
In 2012, we saw the launch of several new independent brands including Angela Friedman, Nevaeh Intimates, Fleur du Mal, Cheeki brand and Rouge Séduire among others. Julie Sygiel re-launched the revolutionary, absorbent, leak-proof and stain-resistant underthings now known as Dear Kate. And the Empowered By You panty was launched which enables underprivileged women to spearhead their own businesses.
The lingerie blogosphere expanded to include new bloggers and other independent intimate apparel professionals including my personal new fave, Caro the Lingerie Lesbian!
In ecommerce retailing, we saw new methods of marketing and selling intimates from sites including True & Co., IntiMint, AdoreMe.com and Ampere. Ecom retailers are offering lingerie subscription services and other innovative methods of retailing.
I witnessed an increased awareness of the importance of a proper fit. There were numerous online “debates” regarding the best way to fit, vanity sizing and so on. More and more brands, manufacturers and retailers are paying closer attention to the needs specific to the full-figure and full-busted consumer. Early last year, Bare Necessities launched their sister site, Bare Plus, which is an online shopping environment dedicated to this consumer.
Several e-tailers made an attempt to answer the question of how to get a proper fit when purchasing online. HerRoom.com launched the proprietary “Know your Breasts Bra Finder” questionnaire which purports to help you discover your best bra styles. And Freshpair.com re-launched their website which now includes more personalized services such as an At-Home Bra Fit Service and a Men’s Underwear Club. Freshpair also celebrated the 10th Anniversary of National Underwear Day by hosting a one-of-a-kind “It’s Time for a Change” pop-up store experience in New York City in August.
The non-profit Underfashion Club and the Intimate Apparel Square Club continued their programs in 2012 including the FEMMY Gala last February, the H.U.G. Awards Gala in November, various other programs throughout the year and their annual Holiday parties in December. Both organizations make significant contributions to our industry and raise funds to support their respective causes.
Other charity events included Go Naked and Check Yourself which was hosted in part by Sweetest Sin Boutique in Red Bank, New Jersey and included sponsors LELO and The Lingerie Alliance.
Overall, 2012 was a year full of growth and advancements. I am motivated by the forward movement in our industry and look forward to seeing further progress throughout 2013. I wish all of you the best of health, happiness, a sense of well-being, success and prosperity in your professional lives and in your personal endeavors.
Mark your calendars for these upcoming “Intimate Affairs” which are taking place here in the USA and around the World:
The Lingerie Collective in London- January 13th – 15th, 2013
Salon International de la Lingerie and Interfiliere in Paris- January 19th – 21st, 2013
Pure London in London- February 10th – 12th, 2013
Moda Lingerie and Swimwear in Birmingham- February 17th – 19th, 2013
Curve NV in Las Vegas- February 18th – 19th, 2013
Lingerie Fashion Week (LingerieFW) in New York- February 22nd – 23rd, 2013
The Lingerie Collective in New York- February 24th – 26th, 2013
Curve NY in New York- February 24th – 26th, 2013
INDX Intimate Apparel Show in the UK- March 19th – 21st, 2013
China Sourcing Fair in Hong Kong- April 27th – 30th, 2013
