In the past couple of years I have watched the Shapewear category go from fundamentals to celebrity status. In the glory days of this trend, it seemed as if Shaping brands were emerging from the woodwork. At the trade shows, this category absorbed multiple booths. I was pretty sure they could not all survive. After all, what percent is this niche to a total lingerie business? Most stores see this … Read More
By Ali Cudby
In the immediate aftermath of the CurveNY show, I’m still processing the gorgeous garments I saw to determine what it all means for lingerie retailers. In the meantime, one topic that immediately jumped out me was a presentation by Lelo about the post-50 Shades of Gray era. The bottom line? Vanilla is the new black.
The past few years seemingly everyone has been heavily influenced by kink. … Read More
By Kim “Kimmay” Caldwell
Working in the lingerie field for almost a decade, I’ve grown to love some of the most sophisticated brands in the business. I’ve also seen these companies grow as consumers become more “braducated” on the importance of investing in quality undergarments that fit well and do their job.
In the flurry of the lingerie business boom, I’ve also seen a few start up brands pop up. … Read More
By Ali Cudby
All of a sudden, CURVExpo, the American lingerie trade show, is upon us! Where did summer go?
Retailers are busy making appointments and considering strategies for surviving New York in August without melting.
Vendors have made their last minute adjustments to samples, finalized line sheets and are now focused on making sure the product fits the models (and burning the sage in hopes that those models show … Read More
by Michelle Metens
You see the term “vintage inspired” a lot these days in the fashion world, it’s even starting to trickle down to products like messenger bags and back packs. I have a friend in product development who trolls the internet looking for old boy scout gear as inspiration for the camping supplies they design! So while retro might be hot, the concept of recycling a great idea isn’t … Read More
By Ali Cudby In a few short weeks the Spring/Summer 2015 trades shows will begin, starting in Paris, with Mode City and Interfilière, before crossing the pond to the USA’s Curvexpo lingerie trade shows. Recently I got a sneak peek at what’s to come, and it’s hot as summer in New York. 
The Paris shows will be highlighting American and Canadian lingerie brands, so this is an ideal year … Read More
by Shirley Freeman
Ahh those fabulous forties… at least the middle to the end of that decade was fabulous. WWII had ceased, yet the Cold War had begun… but economics were improving and fashion was evolving. Starting around 1945, lingerie was making a comeback thanks to Hollywood newsreels, movies, catalogs and newspapers. Manufacturers of underwear created ad campaigns in popular magazines enticing women to buy lingerie again. Cotton stockings were … Read More