Last night driving through a wicked snowstorm in New Hampshire I was struck first, by the unbelievable beauty of the whiteout that surrounded my car and second, how dangerous it was. My wipers were freezing over and no one had plowed. Thank goodness for the rear lights on the car I was following. The dichotomy of the moment was not lost on my creative conscience. How often in life does … Read More
By Jennifer Cermak
In 1948 Diva started manufacturing swimwear using the know-how of brassieres and lingerie. In the 70’s Diva became a brand known for its elegance, impeccable fit, flattering silhouette, exclusive designs and innovative fabrics in the swimwear industry. The vision is that every lady who wares a Diva swimsuit, should feel like a diva.
The campaign for the 2014 collection is sophisticated and glamorous. You desire that lifestyle … Read More
If I had to choose just one trend that dominates the 2014 lingerie market, hands down it would be the floral explosion and in particular the blooming daisy. It is everywhere that design matters, laces, embroideries, prints and Hanky Panky’s showroom. I know because walking into their virtual garden a few weeks ago, I found myself in a riot of color and patterns begging to be sowed. Poetic, provocative, pretty … Read More
By Elisabeth Dale
It’s hard to imagine that a medical insurance plan could change the way nursing bras are designed. But the Affordable Care Act, in an effort to increase overall breastfeeding rates, may lead the way. Why? Because new mothers will have greater access to expensive ($250 and up) but more efficient electric breast pumps. And nursing bras that make it simple to latch on to baby or a … Read More
In the mid 1980’s when I was VP of Private Label Development at Macy’s charged with building quality brands that would define the corporations Intimate Apparel business, I took a trip up to Bloomingdales where a Japanese based brand had just launched into the market. The company, Wacoal, had been carefully curated for the North American consumer. I was curious because in those years, all our textile research and … Read More
by Ellen Lewis
There’s nothing like the past to preview the future. And personally I have always had a passion for the finery of yesteryear. Add to the equation my favorite color, green. My only revelation, all these retro styles come from a time when I was young. Nice to see the inspiration preserved.
Irving Penn photo and Crinoline at Syneys’s Vintage Clothing 1950’s
Nylon Panties by Lucie Ann and
Someone told me the other day, that the market can seem so redundant; same old, same old. It’s not easy buying for margin and profit. You have to focus on inventory that sells quickly and often. In the USA, in particular, that often means basics, no nonsense, practical merchandise that speaks to a broad customer base. How, then, to balance the reality of the bottom line with the beauty of … Read More