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 ELLEN LEWIS
Simone Perele
I have just spent the past week de-briefing from my 3 day marathon at Curve NY. Siphoning through 500 photographs now culled down for this article I have come to some conclusions on what is happening as we head into the fall 18/spring 19 lingerie season. I have heard much about the multi-billion dollar Lingerie industry in the past few years: the shrinking vendor structure, which is true, as well … 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
Silent Arrow
Seasonal trends, as we know them, are over. That is not to say, that there are not design messages. It’s simply that these messages overlap, moving fluidly between key intimate and RTW classifications; blurring boundaries. Leggings become pants, Robes become jackets, Bodysuits and bras become blouses. And Pajamas go everywhere. Concepts Paris calls this Hybrid dressing. It is a perfect definition of the evolution (revolution) occurring in a woman’s wardrobe. Mixing design elements, … Read More
Fleur’t & UGG
I just attended 3 solid days at the NY Curve show having recently returned from the Paris Salon International de la Lingerie. As a result I find that the comparison between these two expositions is inevitable. Paris attracts an international audience and is a bigger platform. But Curve speaks to a North American market. Therein lays the difference. As a merchant, I study trends, but I am not a designer and my … Read More
Marlies Dekkers
Fashion ideas come from so many different places and how they inform design is what makes the creative process so interesting. Sometimes, it’s all about the message. There are so many mainstay businesses that are critical to the retail experience. They are the margin builders. But new direction can keep these essentials fresh. Again, I must reiterate that I did not see the entire market offer at Curve but I was able to … Read More