I know this is what you have all been waiting for! The photos from last week’s CILA Gala. Enjoy! Video coverage soon…
All photos are courtesy of the talented Matthew Coulter.
Photos from the catwalk show right here.
Tia Lyn
And the Winners Are…CILA Gala 2008
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
CILA 2007
The 2nd annual Contours International Lingerie Awards (CILA) were held in the Grand Ballroom at the exquisite Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York last Monday, August 6th. This gala event, celebrated and recognized the creativity and design within the intimate apparel industry. This brainchild of Contours publisher, Ben Yedder, also highlighted and honored the influence this industry has on mainstream fashion.The event featured over 80 designers from 8 countries competing in 19 different categories. An international panel of judges selected 5 finalists from each category whose designs were displayed in the runway show. The jury is composed not only of buyers and designers, but also consumers.
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.