On Monday, August 4th, in the Skylight Room of the Waldorf-Astoria, members of the intimate apparel industry gathered to honor the creativity and talent of leading brands and designers. Hosted by the trade publication, Contours Magazine, the Gala included a red carpet arrival and cocktails, a sit down dinner, and fashion show featuring CILA brand finalists.
The evening concluded with the awards presentation.
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!
I was able to attend the show and it was amazing! Very well planned and the intimates were something to see! I truly enjoyed my evening and was able to chat with folks that were so passionate about what they do. Fun times!