Several years ago I had the privilege of working for a while with the eponymous NYC lingerie shop, La Petite Coquette. This merchandising gem is a brand within itself, an enticing enclave of exquisite underpinnings and essential underwear that epitomizes the French intimates DNA. It does not matter that the store carries many other labels from around the globe; the “je ne sais quoi” mystique is clarified in every nook … Read More
The Curve NY show wrapped up on Tuesday and I for one am drained. It might take awhile to de-brief, but there were some clear messages for Fall 2014, one of which I mentioned in my Live Report Monday “It’s All About The Details”. Of course I will continue to be in the market, as always, focusing on product that promises a profitable fall season
Loungewear is always important for … Read More
Camille Block is a friend and industry icon with over 30 years experience influencing design and merchandising in the Lingerie market. This week she visited the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum of Art. She was so inspired by what she saw that she emailed me immediately hoping I could see it before the closing. Unfortunately, I did not make it, but her excitement was worth sharing here…… Read More
by Jennifer Cermak
Lace has been a part of swimwear textiles for quite some time, thanks to the importance the design element holds in lingerie. The technologies to keep lace fade and stretch resistant when submerged in chlorine and hard minerals like salt have come a long way the last few years, moving the detail from only designer suits to include the contemporary collections. The trend is even bigger for … Read More
During the opening of Curve NY, I did my usual walk around. Lots of old friends, some new ideas and a few interesting trends. Stay tuned. But for now, my biggest take away was the exquisite details applied to buttery soft and ultra light fabrics. And even in men’s underwear, innovative technical details transformed simple basics to comfortable essentials.
Mimi Holliday: gossamer w/gold highlights
Absolutely Pom: Airy Lace blocking
Addiction:
Lately, between the impossible Northeast weather and some very challenging personal issues, I have been searching for some creative inspiration. So today, after an Underfashion Club board meeting, I decided to take the bus to the Whitney Museum for an art fix. With a few hours to spare, I commandeered my friend Camille ostensibly to see the Edward Steichen exhibit. Steichen’s groundbreaking lighting technique was a revolution in fashion … Read More
By Ellen Lewis
My affair with the Shell Belle Couture Luxury Lifestyle Collection began several years ago when I first discovered the brand at Curve. The artistry and workmanship that seduced me at the time moved me enough to highlight a few pieces in my show wrap up. It’s no secret that I have been enamored ever since, writing previous articles about Michelle Blenkinsopp’s exquisite design hand. Handcrafted in England … Read More