Fierce competition between CurvExpo and Lingerie Americas may be to blame. The Paris-based Eurovet has invested in a 30% ownership of CurvExpo. Eurovet produces the powerhouse Salon International de La Lingerie and Mode City trade shows in Paris. Lingerie Americas was produced by Paris-based Promincor. Promincor and Eurovet are considered trade show giants in Europe.

It is unclear if the March 2009 show is cancelled or will be the last Lingerie Americas event. I’m guessing it will be cancelled since attendance would be light if everyone knew it wasn’t as important as the CurvExpo show which is often held around the same dates.

View the TLP archives on Lingerie Americas.

As one would surmise from their name and logos, the company is situated in Paris, France and was founded and managed by the Bena family until 2006. The company’s official website best describes their longevity and success story. They are a family and ultimately a corporate entity that took risks, adapted and innovated to the point where they became a world-renowned organization.

The family has since sold controlling interest to an equity firm in 2006 but the Barbara of Paris Fall 2008 Collection has already hit the runways this month in Las Vegas and New York at Lingerie Americas.

Many luxury lingerie companies focus on one or two products or lines making them the signature product. Barbara, on the other hand, has endeavoured to create all types of lingerie including sleepwear, swimwear, underwear, shaping garments, foundation garments and specialty items such as maternity and plus sizes. But they do not compromise quality and image in order to produce such variations in selection.

And, while the Bena family may now only own about thirty percent of Barbara, the new regime continues to focus on family values and the virtues of looking good with quality products. The 2008 advertising campaign emphasizes the bond between a mother and a daughter, which closely parallels the historic value of the Barbara of Paris line. The campaign’s underlying message is that family is important and Barbara has always been a successful family concern.

The Spring/Summer Collection, which is being sold in specialty boutiques now, is simply delightful with names such as Fleurs du sucre, Thé au jasmine and Macarons. The collection is best described by the company itself as “an appetising pic-nic” of “sweet sensations”. Think of perfumes, fruity colors such as pink raspberry, peach tea and apricot and creamy textures inspired by Japanese flower gardens.

As long as the company continues to innovate, please and maintain the quality control and comfort for which it is known, may it continue to lead as one of the world’s greatest lingerie success stories. More info on the Barbara website!

Could you introduce yourself, and talk us through how you ended up in the lingerie business after exploring so many other avenues?

My name is Nancy Yoo and I am the owner/designer of Fleur’t Lingerie. I ended up in the fashion industry because I think it really affords me the opportunity to wear so many different hats and also allows me on a daily basis to express my creativity. It’s no joke “ this is a VERY difficult business, but I still love that I am able to do so many different things all in the span of one week. I think lingerie is the most exciting growth area within fashion and lingerie people allow themselves to explore difference in a way that I think the ready-to-wear designers don’t or can’t. People in lingerie are a little more willing to take a risk. It’s fun and inspiring.

What was most important as you initially began to develop your collection?

Wearability and fit, first and foremost. And after that, color. Lots of it!

What was the most challenging part of the design and marketing process?

This is a business and that means finding out what sells and doesn’t sell, which collections are strongest and why and then making sure you can bring that spirit into the line again and again can make the difference between whether you’re going to survive or not. I’d say that’s the most challenging part of the melding between design and marketing.

Practically speaking, I think finding the right sales representative is the most difficult part of having a fashion business.

I think the name of a line speaks volumes. How did you decide to name your line “Fleur’t?”

I hired a friend of mine who is a branding genius. We had one breakfast meeting during which he asked me to describe my line in a few words. I said, “fresh, flirtatious and feminine.” He scribbled something down, held it up for me to look at and asked, “How about “fleur’t”?” I said, “Great!” And because we were friends, he barely charged me anything for his work.

Why do you think your collection has been able to stand out and be successful?

I think we offer something special but also very comfortable and comforting for women. Our fabric and laces are so soft and conform so well to women’s bodies – it’s the kind of lingerie that women wear for themselves. This has a strong, broad appeal.

Since you’ve experienced so much success with your collection thus far, how do you continue to create innovative pieces?

We are at a point where we really want to hone our branding process through creating our own prints and offering special Fleur’t packaging. We are also working on growing our loungewear into a solid collection that can be sold in ready-to-wear stores just as easily in lingerie store.

Which design (if you can pick just one!) is your personal favorite for next Spring?

The Amber bralette. It’s a bralette that’s cut out of our beautiful, rose galloon Amber lace and lined with lightweight nylon mesh. It’s available in white, black, lemongrass, orchid and sky. I am a 34C and cannot fit into other bralettes, but this one is a soft cup with a lot of support and great fit and coverage. Also, it’s just super pretty with lace that looks adorable peeking out of camisoles and button-down shirts. There is a matching low-cut lace thong boy as well.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

From a designer’s perspective, I would like to have branched out into ready-to-wear. But from a larger perspective, my husband (who works with me) and I have great dreams of creating this economically and ecologically responsible company that takes care of the people who devote their lives to it. We are into preventive healthcare and alternative medicine and want to create a wellness center at work for our Fleur’t employees. We are also very interested in fostering a work/play/live culture that’s closer to those in countries like France, Germany and Italy, where 5-6 week vacations are taken for granted. We are already looking at ways to increase our productivity by cutting our work hours down to 35 hours a week. I strongly feel that allowing ourselves rest and renewal time leads to higher productivity and overall happiness.

I have to say that designing clothes is a very rewarding part of what I do, but what truly excites me is knowing that I am in a unique position to create this dynamic, new workplace.

Collections feature bras, thongs, garters, corsets, and babydolls among other sexy little numbers. Look for these in the stores just in time for spring! In the meantime, check out the current Carol Malony pieces at Graffiti Pink and Gigi’s Closet online. Also, check Saks, Bloomingdales, and Neiman Marcus.

Here are some of my favorites from the show.

Let’s start with Fayreform, the company that encourages you to celebrate your voluptuous figure and “Work Your Curves.” Plan to do just that in the sensual silhouettes and rich, bold colors for fall. Designed to give exquisite options to the full busted women, this innovative line is also expanding to include a high fashion Platinum collection. Not to mention, the signature Profile Perfect t-shirt bra now has a sassy sweetheart neckline. Absolutely dazzling!

I love the commitment Fayreform has to women embracing their curves, especially during pregnancy. They devoted 18 months of planning to develop the cotton lined, Maternity nursing bra. Not only is the bra well constructed, supportive, and functional, but also feminine and pretty.

And just wait until next spring and summer. You are in for a treat! Rich colors, fun patterns, intricate embroidery, and subtly, seductive accents (including some amazing eyelash trims) all accentuate the curvaceaous form. With sizes through a J cup, the full busted woman truly has a wide variety of options for whatever her mood!

Some of the collections feature more than one style of bra including underwire, plunge, and balconette. A number of collections also include camisoles or slips. Matching bottoms include bikinis, thongs, and my favorite, the French knicker! Find Fayreform at Bare Necessities, Figleaves, and many other retailers.

Fayreform is a part of the New Zealand based Bendon Limited along with my next favorite find from Bendon Sport. As you full busted ladies know, finding the perfect sports bra can be a NIGHTMARE! Gone are the days of having to wear two or resort to using…tape! Now you can be comfortable and secure for your trips to the gym or practice runs for the marathon. With all the toll taken on your breasts during exercise, a well-fitting sports bra is essential to prevent pain, irritation, and sag. These bras address those issues by featuring engineering such as foam-wrapped underwires, double layer moulded cups, and quick-dry fabrics.

Not only are these comfortable and supportive, but also stylish with a range of colors to brighten up your workouts! The color palattes will stay fresh and current as trends change in the fashion market. The talented and innovative designers at Bendon Sport take pride in the fact that they are able to provide both functionality and glamour into their product as the design is flattering to a woman’s curves and can be easily mixed and matched into the workout wardrobe.

Bendon Sport offers support for a wide range of activities and intensity levels from a maximum support high impact bra to a low impact shelf bra. Other pieces in the collection include a breathable, fitted t-shirt and a stretch cotton yoga pant.

You can find these wonderful items at a number of retailers nationwide including select City Sports locations and online at Freshpair.

I really enjoyed meeting Jodi Gallaer and seeing her amazing collection! I was most impressed with her chemises, camis, and baby dolls that are not just beautiful and sexy, but also offer that necessary support to the fuller busted woman. With many little numbers offering nothing in the way of support, a D-plus or larger lady may not feel her most confident in the bedroom. This collection gives her just that option!

Jodi Gallaer provides a wide range of pretty colors and patterns and range through an H-cup. I love the garden-y feel of the “Tea in the Park” collection. Want to know more? Find out more about the collection, as well as retailers, at the Jodi Gallaer Lingerie website. I can’t wait to see more in the stores!

I’m sure you will love Smart Ass just as much as I do! Designed by the sassy duo of Alix Cameron and Cindy Ball, Smart Ass provides inspirational sass for your fantastic ass. These moms set out to design a thong that was not only comfortable, but fashionable as well. These flattering low-rise thongs each proclaim a witty saying on the back such as vixen, œdomestic diva, it girl, and yummy mummy that suit whatever or however you are feeling that day. Look for more sayings just in time for the holidays as well as 2008.

Also in time for the holidays, the newest collection of Smart Ass thongs includes the World’s First Inspirational Gusset featuring sassy and motivational sayings such as va va voom and you’re hot. A guaranteed conversation piece and a perfect one-of-a-kind gift!

While Smart Ass is known for their signature, cheeky thongs (pun intended), they also feature a European inspired line, EuroTrash and a microfiber, laser-cut line, SmoothOperator. EuroTrash is sheer and thin and perfect under clothing. The fitted camisole can be paired with a gal short, bikini, or thong in the pink hearts or black scroll pattern. SmoothOperator, available in nude and black, features a cami with adjustable straps and a built in bra. This smooth and light weight stretch microfiber (also available in gal short, bikini, and thong) eliminates VPL under the most body skimming items in your wardrobe!

These pieces should keep you occupied until the holiday season when some new signature sayings will be available. My favorites are “naughty or nice?” and “ho!ho!ho!” And next year, stay tuned for the new patterns in the EuroTrash collection including a fun floral pattern and the sassy sayings pattern which includes the same words featured on the inspirational gusset.

Smart Ass truly has something for everyone, so check out their site for even more goodies! And just because the Smart Ass Gals are so wonderful, when you are ready to proclaim yourself a “control freak” or “party girl” and make your purchase, enter the promo code galpal and receive 20% off your order! Happy shopping!

Another favorite, Fleur’t, continues to expand, particularly with the successful lulu collection (see my previous review). My favorite part is that these comfortable, mix and match pieces all tell a story or allow you to create your own. The fall color palate is beautifully rich and complements the colors of the season in shades such as sage, chocolate, wine, and fig. Look for the holiday collection to feature colors such as ruby, ink, and charcoal. Perfect for those cold nights curled up in front of the fireplace. Not only is the color palate expanding, but also the textures. Look for the addition of silks to the line up in the New Year as well. Sensual, luxurious, and totally fleur’ty!

We all love the amazingly beautiful and exquisite pieces by Elle Macpherson. (Apparently, we aren’t the only ones that have noticed as a lovely little number has been featured in the previews for the new ABC sitcom, Big Shots). This fall, prepare to indulge in retro inspired collections reminiscent of the 1950s. Designed to celebrate the female form, these collections utilize European silks and tulles, stretch satin, and georgette and feature an array of glamorous colors from lemon and watermelon to ink blue and copper. The intricate details such as ruffle trims and French embroidery complete the innovative look.

As we move into 2008, we will have even more to love. The 2008 collection, inspired by the luxurious 18th Century French monarchy, will be more feminine and soft, while retaining the tradition of beautiful craftsmanship and construction. This vintage collection will feature clean lines, light fabrics, and decadent detailing. With a range of colors from neutrals to brights, this collection will be sure to please. Stay tuned for pictures!

I am one of the newest fans of the barely-year-old line, sheandme. Named after its very talented designers, Shirin Azad and Mitra Sanai, this intimates and loungewear line is known for what its tagline claims, “sexy comfort.” While I haven’t had a chance to try out their fun and functional collection, I was able to view many of the versatile pieces up close and personal and feel the smooth, buttery silk modal. In such a short time, sheandme (pronounced she – and – me) has established itself in the industry because, as according to the designers, they listen to their customers and respond to their needs for classic, but stylish basics. But just because the camis, chemises, and capris are basics, doesn’t mean they are basic! Designed for today’s modern woman who is balancing the demands of work, family, friends, hobbies, and home, a number of pieces (like the camis) can double as outerwear making them an essential element to your wardrobe. I am already eagerly anticipating the holiday collection. Cute and cozy, it’s perfect for a night of snuggling up by a fire, so be on the lookout at a retailer near you or online.

As if that wasn’t enough, these innovative ladies are going green and creating an organic collection made of 100% organic cotton for all you eco-friendly girls out there! The hoodies, lounge pants, shorts, boyshorts, and more will be available in natural as well as colors.

Even better, sheandme demonstrates its devotion to empowering women not just through its comfortable and fashionable intimates, but also by featuring positive affirmations on their care labels. Additionally, they also are contributors to including their feature charity, The Tahirih Justice Center. This organization addresses the need for legal services for immigrant and refugee women fleeing abuse. So if you are an especially eco-friendly or social conscious woman, you can feel confident purchasing from the sheandme collection. Not only can you buy sexy, comfortable intimates, but also know that part of the proceeds will be donated to improve the lives of other women.

Find out more about this great line and its talented designers on the sheandme website.

On a different note, my new favorite luxury line is that of Lavande SWK, Luxe Underpinnings & Intimate Apparel. Designed by Stacey Walker King, this collection of rich silk, lace, and chiffon is absolutely decadent. I particularly love the rich palette of colors from ink to midnight to crème. Such great attention to detail is evident in each piece of the collection from the Swarovski crystal buttons to the eyelash lace trims. You are guaranteed to feel beautiful, sexy, and confident in these one of a kind, high fashion pieces.

This LA based line has a strong presence on the West Coast and will soon be prevalent on the East Coast I’m sure. In the meantime, peruse the Lavande SWK website to view all the goodies yourself and find out where you can get your hands on them!

I was highly impressed with the quality of collections by those whose names are not usually synonymous with the lingerie industry. More than just a famous name, each of the following collections brings a unique element to the growing intimate apparel industry and should be around for years to come.

One of the highlights of my day was meeting the talented actress turned lingerie designer Stacey Dash. Letters of Marque is her exquisite collection of romantic, Victorian inspired camisoles, bloomers, bralets, chemises and more. Created with French and English leavers lace and featuring shades of cream and ecru, this luxurious collection was inspired by a 150 year old Victorian “combing jacket” that Ms. Dash owned. In developing the line, she researched her own heritage and found that one of her ancestors was a Dutch pirate. “The Letter of Marque” is a historical document granting pirates permission to invade other ships and take possession of any goods found. Sparked by the story and her affinity for this era, “Letters of Marque” was launched. This collection is soft, pretty, and feminine with detailing such as delicate ribbons, dainty, pearl buttons, and classic, chantilly lace – an antique feel with a design appealing to today’s modern woman. Ms. Dash indicated that Letters of Marque will transcend being just a lingerie line and encompass elements such as bedding as she seeks to create a lifestyle line. I look forward to seeing this beautiful collection in stores soon!

So not only has Badgley Mischka entered the swimwear industry, but also the lingerie industry! The legendary duo, who have dressed numerous stars, truly understand a woman’s body so it is only natural that they would extend their knowledge of fit to intimate apparel. The line includes collections of silk and lace (featuring 100% silk), hosiery and lace, embroidery, shine, and galloon lace in a variety of colors and patterns including classic black and white as well as the fun and flirty hot pink and turquoise. In addition to the many options for color and texture, there are also a number of options for style including light lined, push-up, and underwire bras and hipster, thong, and g-string bottoms. There is no lack in attention to detail. I particularly liked the delicate eyelash lace trim used in the Lana collection as well as the rich embroidery featured in the Ava collection. The hardware on the bras as well as clasp area both bear the Badgley Mischka name. So classic! Not only is this collection beautiful and practical, but also reasonably priced with bras starting in the $46 range. Expect to see their national campaign launch this fall.

Another well known name is that of Ed Hardy. The vintage tattoo inspired label mostly seen on t-shirts and hoodies is now establishing itself as a quality lingerie line, Ed Hardy Intimates. While for now they have the basic cotton thongs, boyshorts, camis and chemises featuring the legendary tattoo designs, they are looking to expand into using other textures and colors while retaining the classic Ed Hardy feel. With a focus on comfort, fit, and function, these pieces are perfect for lounging around the house. I think this collection is great and will attract a new audience to the intimate apparel industry.

Unfortunately, Jessica Simpson Intimates did not show their line as planned. So I guess we will have to wait a few more months to see what is in store!

Stay tuned for much more coverage in the coming days (and possibly weeks…there’s a lot to report – lucky for us all!) including photos from the event as well as more coverage of National Underwear Day and the CILA awards! Enjoy!

And as always, please feel free to comment or question in our forums. We look forward to hearing from you.

Miss Mandalay’s high-end boutique collection is simply called “Miss Mandalay” and includes a fantastic range of luxury lingerie in gorgeous bright colours including emerald green, ginghams, pale and deep pinks and classic black silhouettes, made from top fabrics and available in sizes 30”B-36”G. This Autumn will also see the second season of Miss Mandalay’s diffusion line called “Little Miss” which offers beautiful ‘everyday’ fashion lingerie that still has a strong emphasis on style and fit.

Colourways in this collection include plenty of deep hues such as midnight blue, scarlet red and hot pink but also incorporates clean and crisp dazzling white on the opposite end of the spectrum! Underwear in the “Little Miss” range will be on sale at leading lingerie retailers including Bravissimo and Figleaves and will be available in sizes 28”D-38”G.