On my very first trip to France at the age of 18, I went to a Matisse exhibit at the Grand Palais and saw the painters Cut-Outs. Stunned by the symbiosis of simplicity and complexity revealed in this medium, I spent my paltry travel budget on a large poster of The Blue Nude. I was intrigued by the artist’s perfect application of shape to a space and realized the way the color blue, a key … Read More
By HELEN MASTERS
Lingerie – The Ultimate Gift ?? (TIP To Male Readers: This Column Will Solve All Your Gift Buying Headaches! )
My recent columns have explored the themes of love and relationships and of course the difference between US and UK lingerie tastes. They have sparked some interesting comments and debate which inspired me for this next column to look into how the approach to the traditional gift season that is … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
My first exciting encounter with the color red was at an Adolf Gottlieb art retrospective at the Whitney Museum when I was 18. Gottlieb’s Burst series changed my perspective on Abstract Expressionism. As I stood transfixed before these canvases covered with dramatic gestures and careful brushstrokes, I understood the duality of purpose he wished to convey. These paintings were alive, pulsating with intent and full of emotion. They were empowering.
I … Read More
Several weeks ago, even though I told them not to bother, Lise Charmel sent me a gorgeous bra from their number one best-selling collection, Dressing Floral. Frankly, I am beastly to fit; it is rare that a delicate looking bra could support me through one of my 12 hour work days. This style is so precious; it reminds me of an ethereal spider web. Like a web, it is difficult to account for its ability … Read More
I saw Lise Charmel’s current bridal collection several weeks ago in Paris. And as one would expect, it is exquisite. This acclaimed French atelier, renown for their handwork with beautiful Calais levers laces and delicate guipure, has always represented, to me, the luxury go to brand for wedding lingerie. Notice the incredibly detailed execution of the embroidery and lace. Now they have introduced a new collection, Dressing Floral which utilizes their expertise with guipure and … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
Josie Natori launched her eponymous brand 45 years ago, just six years before I entered the Lingerie market. Even then, the Natori collections had already staked a claim in the Intimate Apparel business. The reason is simple. It is beautifully executed, uniquely designed, always original, an ode to feminine comfort, elegant and glamourous. The concept of lifestyle dressing is rooted in Natori’s creative ethos. Intimates, sleepwear, loungewear, outerwear, shoes, jewelry, and accessories … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
While I intend to showcase visual highlights mined from the Curve NY show, I have a few macro-observations I want to present. As a merchant, I am not only charged with identifying product with sales force, but also, I must sniff out shifts in consumer interest at a visceral level. This is the lingerie trade show where such vibes emerge. It is, by default of space availability, the only venue capable of … Read More