All photos are courtesy of the talented Matthew Coulter.

Photos from the catwalk show right here. 

Red Carpet

Cocktail Hour and Dinner

Award Ceremony

This year, for the first time, CILA recognized the accomplishments of young, fashion graduates. Top students enrolled in the esteemed intimate apparel program at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) submitted their designs in the category of Graduating Designer of the Year. Jessica Ng (who some of you might remember from last year’s Between the Sheets Fashion Show) was named the winner for her well-constructed and beautiful design.

CILA was also delighted to invite a special guest to receive another first time award! Carson Kressley, host of Lifetime’s How to Look Good Naked, was awarded the Recognition Award for Promoting Healthy Body Image Through the Media. Prior to presenting Carson with the award, the audience acquired a taste of Carson’s work through a series of video clips from the show in which he encourages women to embrace their beauty no matter what shape or size they may be.

Notable men’s underwear brands Andrew Christian, Baskit, and Papi, as well as online retailer Freshpair.com, graciously donated the items for Carson’s goody bag! Show attendees also received goody bags with treats from Soak (see here for a previous post on this wonderful wash).

Listed below is a complete list of CILA participants and winners (noted in bold). Check back soon for a photo gallery of the event!

CILA Gala 2008 Finalists and Winners

Graduating Designer of the Year

Best Daywear

Affinitas Intimates

Biatta

Claire Pettibone

Christian Lacroix

Mary Green

Best Nightwear

Carlton Hall

Cotton Club

Claire Pettibone

Galliano

Gracya Safari

Jaycriss

Mary Green

Strappity-Do-Da

Verena

Best Robes/Loungewear

Carlton Hall

Jaycriss

Mary Green

Sheandme

Best Fashion Couture

Carol Malony

Cotton Club

Kenzo

Le Mystere

Sonia Rykiel

Tia Lyn

Best D+ Plus Lingerie

Le Mystere

MD Design – Marlies Dekkers

WMI – Ruby Pink

Wacoal

Best Fashion

Affinitas Intimates

EA Lingerie

Gracya Safari by AC Lingerie

Marlies Dekkers

Mary Green

No Romeo by Hop Lun

Sixty Eight by Hop Lun

T-Santiago

WMI – Ruby Pink

Best Control Shapewear Functional

AFAP

Annette International

Made by Niki

Rago

Wacoal

Best Technically Innovative

Annette International

Le Mystere

Simple Necessit-Ease

Shibue

Slimpressions

T-Santiago

Best Bridal

Claire Pettibone

Luna

Mary Green

Shibue

Best Coordinated

Biatta

Carol Malony

Hop Lun

Lou

Strappity-Do-Da

Verena

Best Plus Size

Hop Lun

Lady de Paris

Tia Lyn

Best Seamless

AFAP

Affinitas Intimates

Wacoal

Best Maternity

Ke’Koqueta

Lady de Paris

MD Design – Marlies Dekkers

Rosette

Best Swimwear

EA Lingerie

Hop Lun

Lady de Paris

Luna

Rosette

More photos soon!

Upon entering the ballroom after a cocktail party, guests took their seats around the runway where models were already placed on stage wearing designs from the competitors. Following dinner, guests were treated to the runway show and the presentation of awards. The competition in each category was tough indeed, particularly in the Best Fashion and Best D+ competition. That one is closest to the heart, of course.

Perhaps what stood out in my mind the most, that many others attending the event also mentioned, is that women of all shapes and sizes were represented in the runway show.

One line, Best Plus Size award winner Tia Lyn (also appearing at the trade show), is an all-inclusive line that spans sizes small to 3x. This vintage inspired line features a variety of chemises, gowns, camisoles, and panties.

Also a contender for both Best Plus Size and Best D Plus finalist, Empreinte, is seeking to become more of a presence in the U.S. with its beautiful and well constructed pieces for fuller figure women. This 60 year old company based in France offers numerous options in sizing (up to a G cup) as well as high fashion and glamour. I am most impressed with the delicate embroidery and variety of moods the collection fits.

Other contenders for Best D Plus include my personal favorites, Panache and Elixir, Barbara, and the amazing Australian based line, Bendon. So expect more about some of those lines soon!

Best Fashion was probably my other just-can’t-pick-my-favorite category of the evening. With TLP favorites Marlies Dekkers, Madame V, Chantelle, and Elle MacPherson and one of my trade show finds, Lou, it was stiff competition! Lou will be debuting this fall with parts of the collection arriving in both September and November so check your local boutique. Perhaps my favorite part of the evening might have been when the team from Marlies Dekkers was accepting their award and shared their design philosopy. They design pieces to please women, but if it also happens to please men, then that’s great. I like their way of thinking!

Overall, it was a phenomenal evening of great food, great conversation, and GORGEOUS lingerie. You can drool over all the beautiful pieces like I did! See the video coverage of the show at Zoozoom.com.