By ELLEN LEWIS
Every season, caddy corner to the Curve show, is The Lingerie Selection: A boutique trade show hosted by its founders, Maggie Gillette and Melissa Franchi. Entering its 5th year as an alternative venue for indie brands, it has been anchored since its inception by Maggie’s and Melissa’s collections, The Giving Bride and Nevaeh. Also on board this August, were Loulette, Hesper Fox, Edge of Beyond, Violet & Wren, Evgenia and Nubian Skin. The event was sponsored by Skarlett Blue.
What makes this enclave so sweet is not just the champagne and cake pops centered in a very intimate venue, but also the fact that the buyers who attend are genuinely interested in taking the time to see these collections and learn from their creators about the passion that drives them. In tune with the current propensity of many small brands to sell organically, this show could be compared to a wholesale pop up store. In fact, The Lingerie Selection Studio hosts brand driven mini events throughout the year.
These are entrepreneurs whose products are often sewn locally (NY, London, etc) sometimes bespoke or by hand and all of whom have taken root in their particular channel. Of course, I attended. As a merchant, I find the show inspiring, a discovery process seeding the artistry inherent in lingerie design.
