Steady Business at CurveNV
This was the ninth season of CurveNV, a lingerie show held Feb. 14–16 in the European ambience of The Venetian and organized by CurvExpo, which is based in Connecticut. Attendance held steady this year with 1,917 registered buyers and 220 vendors. Swimwear had a larger presence after being introduced last August, said Laurence Teinturier, executive vice president of CurvExpo. “February is not the usual timing for a swimwear show, but specialty stores were happy to find swimwear companies that deliver right away,” the show organizer said.
The number of international buyers increased from 8 percent of the crowd last year to 15 percent this year, Teinturier said. “The mood was excellent,” she added. “People placed orders on site. That is a big change from last year.”
At the Felina Lingerie booth, an intimates label based in Chatsworth, Calif., business was brisk. “I got a lot of orders and new accounts,” said Rozita Yazdiabar, the label’s special-accounts manager. She observed that stores were still playing it cautious and were pleased with the company’s wholesale prices of $11 to $16 for bras and $4 to $10 for underwear.
Last season, CurveNV expanded its swimwear offerings. This season, Los Angeles–based swim brand Beach Bunny showed for the first time. In addition to the company’s core offerings of sexy swimwear, Beach Bunny also launched a loungewear line and previewed its new bridal swim collection, which featured hand-sewn Swarovski crystals and pearls. The loungewear includes hoodies, ruched-backed pants and allover lace pants.—Deborah Belgum
