By ELLEN LEWIS

I’ve spoken to loads of specialty stores during this Covid catastrophe. We’ve chatted (and still are) about the enormous efforts made within the Lingerie community to stay connected, relevant, above water and appreciated. We’ve discussed finances, vendor relations, customer succor, lessons learned, lessons discarded, fears, hopes, expectations. The conversation continues daily. There were many hero brands identified, each with their own story of support, each worthy of … Read More

By ELLEN LEWIS

This story leans slightly askew from my general product discussions. Yes, it does highlight the cozy brushed knit PJ that  I recently discovered from Aspen Dream; however, it is more about the inspiration behind the brand.  To begin, I found this new sleepwear company on a digital platform. The Evolution Concept Show. It probably would have evaded my eye at a live event, with all the … Read More

By ELLEN LEWIS

When Sarah Carter, owner of SF Showroom in San Francisco called to tell me about the incredible business she was doing with proof., the recently launched leak proof, period proof underwear, I was really taken aback. First, I was stunned at the success of any new brand that launched in March 2020. Second, I have, admittedly and despite the publicity, had serious questions about the entire … Read More

By ELLEN LEWIS

The most inspirational part of my market travels to Paris has always been the Interfilère Exposition where I school myself in fabric innovations and color direction. Forums showcasing macro-trends impacting lingerie design and development provide critical information impacting the creative process. The energy of the Fair refuels my research. It is where brands draw their design ideas. It speaks to the future of the Lingerie market.

This … Read More

By ELLEN LEWIS

I know a product has entered the mainstream when season after season it remains the anchor of a brand’s collections. The Madame X bra, panty and suspender from Dita Von Teese has continued its journey from inception, in 2014, to Fall 2020, when fans can collect their 12^th iteration of this glamorous set in emerald green.  I am sure that the continued sales are a … Read More

By ELLEN LEWIS

I am not an opera connoisseur, but the remarkable music, superior voices, lavish sets, opulent costumes, and overall theatrics speaks for itself. When I reflect on the Opera, many of my life’s touchstones come into focus. There is Chagall’s renown ceiling fresco in the famed Paris Opera House whose viewing, despite multiple attempts, has forever evaded me. The emotive rapture of figure skater Katarina Witt as Carmen … Read More