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
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
By ELLEN LEWIS
Some years ago, while traveling to Bologna to see the La Perla factory, I had dinner in Fiesole with my Italian market contact, Gianna. On the way from her Florence office, we stopped at her tiny studio apartment. It was a basic abode, nothing glamourous, but very cozy. When she opened her dresser drawer to reveal a generous berth of designer lingerie, I was a bit taken … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
Change is the only constant. I learned this lesson a long time ago, but this statement has taken on a richer, more urgent meaning in the past 6 months. Everyone, everywhere is scrambling to regroup, reassert, reassess priorities and expectations. The lingerie industry was already in flux prior to Covid. New initiatives were already impacting design and development: inclusivity, sustainability, comfort, and health. These themes have redefined … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
Whenever I shop for ideas, wherever I travel, I always search for interesting socks; preferably eclectic patterns and colors that add a touch of flair to my normal NY black wardrobe. I suppose it’s a result of my hosiery buying days when, in the 80’s, legwear was evolving from boring beige to a fashion accessory. In Europe, one cannot miss the impact of the Falke brand, always … Read More