My life has taken a very windward course in the past few years. Change seems to do that at times. All we can really do is to focus on the horizon and navigate to a safe harbor. To do this, I have left most of my “stuff” behind and only held fast to the few items that help keep the waters calm. One of these is my collection of stones, … Read More
I have been a part of the Intimate Apparel Industry for 30 years and worn many hats: Retailer, Merchandiser, Brand and Sale’s Director. The one lesson I have learned that trumps all is the critical importance of fabric sourcing and development when securing the integrity of the Lingerie product. Completely oblivious during my buying days; intent on fashion and margin, I did not grasp the complexity of the piece good … Read More
Struggling all my life with the fashion limitations confronting well-endowed women, I spent many more years than necessary frustrated by the Western profile of style defined by the “less is best” crazed media. It wasn’t until I began my college journey into the History of Art that I realized that beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. 400 years ago, Peter Paul Rubens defined feminine mystique by painting … Read More
I have been following Conturelle’s product emergence in North America ever since I was introduced to this legendary German brand 5 years ago. Entering the US market sometime around their 125th birthday, Conturelle began its ascent here with an introduction of some of their established European styles. One of these, Provence, a gorgeous 3 part Swiss embroidered, guipure trimmed underwire bra has played an enormous role … Read More
All my life I have been a dog person. Always had one living by my side; sometimes 3. Cats on the other hand were an afterthought. Somehow or another, the cats in my house were there because someone brought a kitten home, promised to covet it for eternity and then, left the poor feline there to fend for herself in the grasp of a canine domicile. Cats make very few … Read More
Many years ago, during my tenure as a buyer at the venerable Abraham & Straus, now part of Macy’s, I was given a choice of positions, most within my comfort zone; ready to wear and accessories. However, there was an opening in the Cosmetics Division and I decided to take that job, because I was curious about this category where merchandising was driven primarily by the vendor and marketing ruled … Read More
Every time I look at the In Bloom by Jonquil collection, I am amazed at the way they merchandise prints. As somewhat of a connoisseur of curated product, I am always impressed at how this brand finds a way to mingle visually dynamic lingerie fabrics to form a composition of coordinated sleep and lounge designs. What could be chaotic is in fact a captivating collage. Renown for their molded cup … Read More