By ELLEN LEWIS
This post is particularly prescient in these turbulent times, mainly because despite the obstacles, it reveals a modicum of progress in a sensitive LGBTQ niche. It regognizes the first ever effort to create solutions-based lingerie sized specifically for transgender women and all who identify as female.
Originally due to launch in March 2020, the Ms A London brand, conceived by longtime friends Winn Austin and Bok Goodall, … Read More
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
I have never been a matchy-matchy type of girl. Long before eclectic detail surfaced in the fashion theater, I didn’t obey the rules. In fact, the highlight of my first buying job interview with the venerable merchandising icon, Mickey Drexler (subsequently my boss) was his query into why I was wearing Frye boots with a Kenzo tunic, not a common eccentricity in 1976. So, you might imagine, … 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 12th iteration of this glamorous set in emerald green. I am sure that the continued sales are a … Read More