California Apparel News

Lingerie Americas kicked off Intimate Apparel Market Week in New York with the 13th edition of the trade show at the Altman Building and Metropolitan Pavilion, which ran Aug. 3–5.

The 6-year-old trade show ran concurrently with CurveNY, which took place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, and attracted 2,475 attendees.

“Crowds were good this year, and I know all of the brands were writing business,” said Patrice Argain, chief executive officer of Lingerie Americas.

Retailers attending the show included Fresh Pair, Bare Necessities, Bergdorf Goodman, JCPenney, Bloomingdale’s, Bluefly.com, Bon-Ton Stores, Bra Smyth, Victoria’s Secret, Cregrave;me de la Cregrave;me Lingerie, Intimacy, Nordstrom, Isabella’s Heart, Anthropologie, Kleinfeld, Lane Bryant, Luxe Lingerie, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Lingerie Americas organizers focused a great deal of their efforts on the runway show, held Aug. 4 at Cipriani 23rd Street. By having the runway presentation and cocktail party after the close of the trade show, Argain said, the show kept buyers focused on writing business during the day. “We hope that retailers will be introduced to new brands during the show, and so far, the reaction has been encouraging,” he said.

Still, Argain tempered his good reviews of the show, noting the weak U.S. economy has had an impact on the lingerie business.

“The feedback surrounding the fashion show was extremely positive, but everyone is feeling the burden of a weak economy,” he said. “Of course, this is an election year, so most industries are slowing down, and buyers are being cautious.”Debuting at the show

Still, there were plenty of new lines bowing at Lingerie Americas.

Playboy recently awarded the official license for Playboy Intimates in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico to Panties Plus Inc., which launched Playboy White Label at Lingerie Americas. The Valentine’s Day capsule collection of panties, bras and corsets was well-received by retailers, according to Abe Hanan, chief executive officer of Panties Plus Inc., who said the show was an excellent place for meeting key industry players. “In an effort to build a faster-turning business, many department stores are in the process of diversifying their product offering to include trend-driven lines,” he said. “Playboy Intimates provides consumers and retailers with the sexy yet sophisticated looks they are after.”

Newcomer Jessica Simpson Intimates debuted a Spring/Summer 2009 collection of flirtatious lingerie and loungewear. “We are showing style at a great value,” said Sales Account Executive Leah Ditchek. “Everything is very girl-next-door sexy, and attendees really like it.” The collection included daywear pieces, cami tops and select baby-doll chemises in mesh lace, stretch-cotton and microfiber. According to the company, which will be showing the line at WWDMAGIC in Las Vegas later this month, the goal of brand is to create affordable fashion items.

Other first-time exhibitors included Nautica Sleepwear, New Balance, Smet Swimwear, Blue Canoe Organic, Yes Master, Bracli, Corin, Alegro, Anita Comfort, Allure Inside Out, Bra Smart Travel, Danny G, Glam Cashmere, Dots & Dreams, Made by Niki, Quartem, US Color and Shibue Couture.West meets East, Paris represents

Los Angeles–based Affinitas Intimates attracted retailers’ attention by showing a collection of bras and bustiers that ranged from size 30A to 38D. Just 2 years old, the line integrated new technology for a collection that is stitch-free, seam-free and label-free. The high-quality lingerie, marketed at affordable prices, updated basic pieces.

Ed Hardy Intimates continued its emphasis on loungewear and intimates that combine comfort with feminine styling. The line showed a variety of licensed options for buyers, including lingerie, swimwear, perfume and accessories.

France-based Nina Ricci has been turning out haute couture for 15 years. The company’s lingerie brand did well at the show, according to Export Manager Hayrani Ciftci. “Buyers love this brand because it embodies femininity,” he said. “For the Spring/Summer 2009 collection, Nina Ricci lingerie is all about flowers, fine lines and beautiful fits.”

The brand is selectively marketed to women who desire French-made intimates that are connected to the Nina Ricci fashion line, Ciftci explained. Everything works together to craft a story for a luxury customer who shops high-end specialty stores.

Another part of the Nina Ricci group, Millesia Lingerie focused on combining innovative craftsmanship with luxurious fabrications. The line showed bra cups up to size F with a focus on comfort and British embroidery.On the catwalk

Paris-based agency A Suivre produced Lingerie Americas’ fashion show, which combined theatrical elements of cabaret dancing with artistic performances and modeling.

The show was divided into two parts, French and American/international lingerie. Brands in the opening segment included Aubade, Barbara, Elise Aucouturier, Elixir, Empreinte, French Cancan, Gerbe, Huit, Lejaby, Lou, Princesse tam.tam, Ravage, Rosy, Sabrina Nadal and Simone Peacute;regrave;le.

Gerbe played up a “Moulin Rouge” theme with fashion stockings and “two-in-one” panties containing built-in suspender belts. Rosy opted for more translucent looks and vintage-inspired lace. Simone Peacute;regrave;le sent models down the runway wearing highly structured garments embellished with delicate stitching. Draping created Greek-goddess silhouettes while floral fabrications in microfiber knits accentuated curves. Lejaby created romantic silhouettes by mixing light colors with guipure. The refined lingerie included a bridal collection embellished with Swarovski rhinestones that lit up the catwalk.

Allure Inside Out, Badgley Mischka, Blush, Cass Luxury Shapewear, Corin, D&D, Feraud, Grenier, Harlequin, Hope Lingerie, Jane Woolrich, Jessica Simpson Intimates, Nautica, Odille Oasis, Panache, Panache Swimwear, Parah, Rouml;sch CreativeCulture, Shock Absorber, Sista Shei, Spoylt and US Color/Intimidea closed out the second half of the show with intimates inspired by the films “Chicago,” “Dr. No,” “The Cotton Club” and “The Great Gatsby.”

Badgley Mischka showed baby dolls and thongs in “jem pink” and pieces in eyelash lace and washable silk. Nautica’s collection included organic-cotton loungewear, such as color-blocked chemises, drawstring pants and kimono robes. Cass Luxury Shapewear models electrified showgoers by wearing Cass’ patented “invisupport” garments, which support the bust and smooth the body from nape to knee. Blush conveyed a sassy sensibility by showing eyelet, stripes, ruffles and hipsters with frilly trim.Next for Lingerie Americas

The next edition of Lingerie Americas will be held in Las Vegas Aug. 25–27 at WWDMAGIC in conjunction with ISAM (International Swimwear & Activewear Market) at the Hilton Convention Center. Running concurrently with CurveNV, Lingerie Americas’ Las Vegas show will feature a slate of free educational seminars and daily runway shows.