By ELLEN LEWIS
Le Mystere
At the beginning of the last decade, when we launched Lingerie Briefs, the shapewear business was having a moment. Powered by the Spanx craze, a concept of control without the infrastructure of a girdle, shapewear began to appear everywhere in the market. The plethora of companies responding to the Spanx phenomenon was overwhelming. I remember one Curve show where it seemed as if half the stands were shapewear brands. Subsequently, … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
It’s definitely autumn in the Northeast: chilly nights, sun stroked days, rainy interventions, pumpkins and chrysanthemums everywhere. If I were getting married again, it would be my pick of the seasons for a wedding. One of the most memorable affairs I ever attended was held in a lodge in the Adirondack Mountains on Columbus Day. The foliage was in full rapture, the lake doubled the beauty as it reflected back a firestorm … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
NATURAL skin
Organic Essentials
There was a definite uptick at CurvExpo in February. The show was larger, the layout was friendlier and the special events were pertinent to the current cultural shifts impacting the industry. For my part, as a veteran Intimates merchant, it’s still all about product and the social movements that guide its development. I was able to solidify my thoughts on subjects that are driving consumer’s choices, and as … Read More
Photographed by STEPHANIE HYNES
Commando
In search of a theme for our holiday lingerie fashion editorial, Stephanie and I wanted to stay true to our creative aesthetic. How classic is the Nutcracker Suite! I suggested a story about the intimate world in which the dancers live while they are backstage in rehearsal and during the performance. Thirty two brands contributed to this visual panorama of exquisite intimates photographed to capture the symbiotic relationship between lingerie … Read More
By STEPHANIE HYNES
Chantelle bra & panty, Samantha Chang robe
Inspired by the American impressionist painter, Frederick Carl Frieseke, Stephanie’s July Fashion Editorial (Part One) is not only an ode to summer brides, but also a visual play on the effects of summer light. Frieseke is known for painting early 20th century women outdoors in dappled light. These women would often steal away to find respite under a willow or by a body of … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
Nothing has changed and everything is changing. The NY Curve Intimate Apparel show was, from what I understand from many of the brands to whom I spoke, with a few exceptions, a success. Of note, from the buyers, the entire vibe was much better, with meaningful seminars, a brand speed dating event that allowed merchants 5 minute intervals with new vendors, and a Concepts lounge that not only gave some smaller brands … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
I am sitting here this freezing January afternoon, intent on writing a blog about the startling beauty that is Lise Charmel bridal lingerie. I imagine a winter affair; ice, blankets, wine, and romance. I think about the stunning film, Dr. Zhivago and the sensual chemistry that Omar sheriff and Julie Christie stirred in their award winning roles as the star-crossed lovers, Yuri and Lara. And even though the story is one of … Read More