Curve Lingerie Show Steps Up Swim
CurveExpo, which produces upscale lingerie trade shows in Las Vegas and New York, continued to boost its swimwear offerings at the Aug. 22–24 run of CurveNV at The Venetian in Las Vegas. The show featured 241 lingerie and swim brands, including 41 from California. Show co-organizer Laurence Teinturier said the show was split about equally between swim and lingerie brands.Returning exhibitor Eveden Group carries both lingerie and swim collections under the brands Huit, Freya, Fauve, Fantasie, Elomi and Goddess.The common thread, according to Mary Alice Kelly, Eveden’s director, is fit, and many of her brands specialize in full-busted styles.“Women still continue to be interested in fit,” she said. Eveden was hosting a fit workshop at the show, where retailers could get training in helping fit their customers. Kelly said the mood over all at the show was upbeat. “In general, most of the key accounts had a really strong Spring,” she said. Everyone has been optimistic.”Kelli Nowakowski, a rep with TS Sales Management Inc., also noted an improved mood among buyers. “Last year, they were cautious,” she said. “This year, we’re seeing pre-books are back up; they’re starting to beef up their orders.”TS Sales represents Vix Swimwear, Hermanny By Vix, Sofia by Vix, Maaji and Modern Amusement. New lingerie line Nadja B bowed at CurveNV. San Francisco–based designer Nadja Bandelier said she showed at Fashion Market San Francisco in San Mateo earlier this year, but this was her first show in Las Vegas. The collection features organic cotton and stretch silk lingerie and sleepwear produced in the Bay Area. This was also the first time at Curve for Syrup swimwear, although the label and designer Aaron Fust were well-known to many of the exhibitors and models working the show, said Sales Director Lissa Schwartz. “The line has a nice consumer following,” Schwartz said.In recent years, Syrup was produced in Brazil, but the line has moved production to Los Angeles. Schwartz said she was pleased with the turnout at Curve. “We’re seeing a flow of traffic,” she said. “They seem to be very specific about what they’re looking for.” Buyers were responding to Syrup’s hardware and romantic, lingerie looks, as well as a nautical group.
