I went to my friend Gale’s farm yesterday. I was in dire need of a “horse fix”. Leaving the greyed out light of my Connecticut apartment complex and the damp city streets, I was expecting the temperatures to be colder, but I didn’t care. I needed the comfort of space and the clarity of purpose that equine activity always delivers. But, as I drove inland, the real surprise was the … Read More
By Ali Cudby
So far in this Lingerie Retailers Buying Series we have covered a lot of ground talking about Open to Buy, SKUs and overall buying strategy.
One question that comes up a lot when it comes to buying actually has to do with selling – namely, the philosophy of taking markdowns in your lingerie business. In this article, we will show how markdowns can actually make your … Read More
The real surge in fashion legwear started in the 1960’s but did not become mainstream until much later. When I became a hosiery buyer in the early 80’s, the stage was set but the show was just beginning. Today, no wardrobe is complete with out a leg statement. These are bold modern graphics from today and yesteryear. It’s the message more than the mentor that counts.
Last Spring I was having coffee with a colleague in Greenwich, CT and decided to stop by Petticoat Lane, one of five lifestyle boutiques owned by Jason and Yami Palmer. I walked in to analyze the Lingerie content and walked out with a new handbag. It’s hard to resist Jason’s selling charisma which is substantial since it’s not my inclination to shop when I do these store visits. The … Read More
For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to vintage, antique and historic references. I think I like the idea of all the attention to detail, a lost art as the our world becomes more global. With lingerie, particularly, some of the gorgeous laces and fine embroideries of yesteryear still prevail in design. Because weddings are a tradition dating back centuries, there is always creative information in … Read More
Valentine’s Day is one month away. What fantasy besieges you? Seduction appears in many forms, none as provocative as lingerie. This season the teddy is the star. No one does sexy bodywear quite like Maison Close.
… Read MoreBy John Festa

Huit & La Perla
I love balconette bras. There is no other bra style that can compare with its classic sexiness and shape enhancement. The literal translation of the word balconette is little balcony. Performers regularly joke about the theater’s balcony being the cheap seats, though there is nothing cheap about this extraordinary bra style.

Lou Paris & Chantelle
Occasionally referred to as a shelf … Read More