Chiari
As a designer for Playboy’s pink-label lingerie line, Chiari Coffey has spent years spinning the signature rabbit-head print with a novelty twist season after season. With her own line, Chiari, Coffey simplifies the equation.
“With Playboy, every season I have to change it to be something else,” says Coffey, who still freelances for Playboy lingerie. “I spend all my energy with Playboy [thinking] ’What’s the next trend? What’s the greatest new graphic?’ With my line, I want it to be just beautiful comfort.”
Chiari is divided into two groups. One includes glamorous vintage-inspired silk satin chemises, camisoles and slips with sprinkles of sequins and antique faded lace trims. The other includes Modal/spandex and Lyocel/viscose/spandex loungewear staples such as long tanks, pajama pants and sleeper tees.
Coffey acknowledges that comfy sleepwear can be found throughout the loungewear market, but customers will rarely see the same styles repeated after one season. “What’s important for me when I shop is when I buy something and I can go back to it,” says Coffey, who adds that she wears her favorite pajamas until they are threadbare.
Her “basics” styles will always be available to order in black-and-white, with novelty fabrics and colors that change each season. Wholesale price points range from $12 for a basic Modal/spandex tank to $25 for a long novelty ribbed Lyocel sleeper gown.
Coffey indulges her love for vintage lingerie with a lush silk satin group that encompasses subtlety— a silk satin slip trimmed with sequins and velvet ribbon on the hem, and a transparent nylon chemise embellished with all-over sequin floral patterns. “I tried to keep the prices so that you can get a beautiful silk garment at a really good price,” Coffey says.
Wholesale price points range from $7 for a nylon/spandex lace thong, $42 for a silk satin slip with lace trim to $76 for a long gown with an embellished neckline.
Lingerie stores such as Zovo in Seattle and Le Bra in Los Angeles have picked up the line.
For more information, call the Vestiny/Trevor Riewer Showroom in the Gerry Building, Suite 502, at (213) 892-8794.
—R.C.
