Ellusions
Gerry Buildingsuite 504(213) 489-3310
Intimate apparel specialist Jennie Nielsen is now at the Gerr y Building in Los Angeles. The 30-year innerwear veteran recently relocated from the nearby California Market Center and now, with 1,345 square feet on the Gerry’s fifth floor, has more than double the space of her previous showroom. That’s ample room to show a wide-ranging collection of European bras, silk sleepwear from England and Americanmade chenille robes.
Named Ellusions after Nielsen’s own collection, the showroom features a variety of bras, panties, camis, robes, gift items and sleepwear for specialty retailers. The added space has allowed Nielsen to take on some new lines and spruce up the layout. “The floor plan is more open here, and the people are nice,” she said.
The showroom has a tropical theme with palms, wicker chairs, and acid-yellow and olive walls. To celebrate the new space, Nielsen will host a cocktail party for buyers from 5 to 7 p.m. on April 4.
Visiting buyers will find a variety of better goods, mostly from European resources. Nielsen’s product line ranges from whimsical to conservative. She has an assortment of European bras, silk and ply chiffon sleepwear, chenille robes and novelty undies. Among the labels in her stable are Cotton Club, Ambra, Barbara & Ravage, Priamo, Jane Woolrich, Paddi Murphy, Canyon Group, Nick & Nora Confidential, Le Rouge, CoolZ, Helen Sanchez, Treesha and Fashion Forms.
Among the current hot sellers are strapless bras by Fashion Forms, chenille robes featuring “Chicks Rule” emblems, panties in a bottle by Nick & Nora Confidential and silk sleepwear dresses by Jane Woolrich of England.
Buyers can expect to work with someone who knows retail. Nielsen previously held divisional merchandise manager and general merchandise manager positions with Frederick’s of Hollywood and Robinsons-May, among other stores. She was also the director of design at Olga. She said she is happy to be on the wholesale side now because the innerwear category has been rebounding strong.
“You’re seeing more lingerie-inspired apparel in ready-to-wear,” Nielsen said. “I had one of my best shows ever in January. Business has been good for this category.”
The management of the Gerry Building plans to bring more intimate apparel showrooms to the fifth floor. Lois Evans is on the floor, and On Gossamer is scheduled to move in soon. —Robert McAllister
