New Dimensions ~ Interfiliѐre New York

Fabric dictates design in the Intimate Apparel world. and because of its proximity to a woman’s skin, it requires innovation uniquely targeted for function and form.  Several days ago I attended the 3^rd Interfiliѐre presentation in NYC. A fabric exposition dedicated to presenting piece goods to lingerie designers, it is an extension of the renowned trade shows in Paris,Hong Kong and Shanghai that Eurovet hosts semi-annually. This one was sponsored by Invista™, the international proprietors of the Lycra® brand and key constituent in the development and advancement of Lingerie Design. Fabric distributors were there in force, double the participants from just one year ago. Obviously, this was the objective of the one day expo. However, in my opinion, it was the powerhouse presentations I attended introducing Lycra® Beauty’s Cooling technology as well as Concepts Paris’ comprehensive trend seminars that elevated the entire exposition.

The overlying message proffered by Jos Berry, Creative force behind international trend forecaster Concepts Paris, drove this entire show: the balance between technology and design will define a New Dimension for lingerie into 2017.

One only need study the remarkable impact that Lycra® Beauty’s Cooling technology will have on shapewear and swim fabrics to grasp the importance of function for both the Intimate Apparel and swimwear markets. Already shipping over 20 million garments annually with the Lycra® Beauty hangtag, the brand is now leveraging Coolmax® technology to create fabrics that address moisture management with a vengeance. Analyzing women’s expectations in a shaping garment, worldwide results prove that this requirement receives the lowest level of satisfaction. Now, Lycra® Beauty’s intense testing and development process has resulted in the launch of a product soft and comfortable enough for a woman’s body and powerful enough to shape without dealing with sweat. The styling potential is enormous.

It is the inspiration offered by the venerable Concepts Paris Trend Forecasting and Consulting Service that has influenced innovative thought since the early 1980’s. Exclusively dedicated to Lingerie, Loungewear and Beachwear, the directions mined by Concepts Paris impact intimate fabric evolution and ultimately lingerie design worldwide. Focusing on the versatility of lace, the rejuvenation of embroidery, sport as a new frontier and the integration of beachwear into the everyday wardrobe the process is brilliantly framed for 2017. It is not possible to showcase here the breadth of information delivered by Jos Berry in two separate hours long presentations chock full of visuals and vision. Many of the resources showcasing their products seemed to have gleaned these messages. It was apparent in the fabric samples displayed.

Columbo Lace

Macra Lace

Encajes Lace

Broderies Des Champs

Skytex

For me, with the 35 + years that I have been involved in this industry, it is always the forums that put clarity on a shows perspective. To have the combination of Invista™ and Concepts Paris’s formidable insight front and center, reinforces the importance of balancing form and function to initiate product innovation. Together they brought the New York Interfiliere to a whole other level of intelligence.

“Form and Function Should Be One, Joined In a Spiritual Union.” ~Frank Lloyd Wright