It’s not easy for a brand to break into the America Bra market. The “Must Haves” for retailers are rigorous: innovation, value, design, stability and customer service. Square footage is a precious commodity. Allocation of funds to the foundations business is like a coveted membership in an exclusive club, much more difficult than other intimate categories where SKU assortment is not so intimidating. My first encounter with Curvy Couture was … Read More
Here I am, a woman of a certain age, raising my 2 year old grandson. This is a sure fire way to be knocked off the pedestal of complacency. Curiosity, particularly in a toddler, knows no boundaries, so, it’s nice to see that some things endure the test of time. For example, Jude, my grandson, is currently obsessed with Curious George whose antics closely resemble his everyday behavior. This loveable … Read More
Having just spent three sub-freezing days in NYC attending the Fall 2015 CURVEXPO Lingerie show, I am back momentarily from the market in the process of debriefing.There were some interesting messages at the show and certainly some new discoveries and I will share some of them with you here. Suffice it to say, though, that there are many more stories to tell as I delve deeper into the market for … Read More
This week is the semiannual Curvexpo, the premiere Intimate Apparel show in North America. For those of you who attend, or even if you do not, the highlights of the design messages proffered by the market are critical for both merchandising and fashion vision. Certainly, I touched upon the 2015 Lingerie trends when I reported live from the Salon International de La Lingerie in Paris. However, certain points … Read More
There are a plethora of t-shirt bras out there. The category itself is an American lingerie phenomenon; similar to blue jeans in apparel. In fact, it is most likely from the denim and t-shirt uniform that so completely defines the American culture that this foundation essential was birthed. The concept of smooth coverage here in the USA sent shock waves through our European lingerie brethren anxious to make their presence … Read More
This week-end is a critical showdown in the world of lingerie. Valentine’s Day is tomorrow and tonight marks the premiere of the much anticipated movie “Fifty Shades of Grey”. Sexual tension will probably rise to unprecedented degrees. This holiday is already a super nova for intimate sales. Now coupled with the release of the film version of this carnal tome, I expect the lingerie business will benefit greatly. Personally, I … Read More
The Hipstripes panty concept has taken quite an odyssey to get my attention: travelling from NYC to Mexico and back again to Connecticut. Founders Jean Fox and Eyal Unger went to such great lengths to get them to me that I was really, really glad that when received; I felt they deserved a call out. I gave them to my daughter whose assessment of comfort and quality convinced me that … Read More