Lingerie Americas

Lingerie Americas Shuts Down

November 26, 2008 by Rene

All Headline News and WWD are reporting that Lingerie Americas is closing the doors on their trade show. Lingerie Americas was responsible for two trade shows in the United States in New York City and Las Vegas.

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.

Barbara of Paris Lingerie

April 20, 2008 by Brenda

Lingerie and fashion in general are dictated by many factors – celebrities, fads, trends, whimsy and even foolishness sometimes. What was hot yesterday may not be hot today so very few designers really make a lasting impression in the world of high-end apparel. But, one of the longest running lingerie companies can proudly boast that they are an exception to this fashion reality. Barbara of Paris, also known as Barbara, Barbara of France and Barbara Lingerie is a predominantly family run organization and has been creating beautifully feminine and intricate lingerie since 1926.

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!

Interview with Nancy Yoo of Fleur’t

November 19, 2007 by Krista

I have been a fan of Fleur’t since the first moment I slipped on my super soft lulu boyshorts (mentioned here). The flirty and feminine line, designed by Nancy Yoo, is one of my favorites because the collections (which include camisoles, chemises, bralets, and more) tell a story. I had the pleasure of meeting Nancy during the Lingerie Americas show in August and have since had the chance to ask her a few questions. I hope you enjoy hearing first hand about Fleur’t.

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! [Read more…] about Interview with Nancy Yoo of Fleur’t

Lingerie Americas – Fashion Forward

October 16, 2007 by Krista

This is my last of the Lingerie Americas series. Now, we’ll start seeing these exciting findings in the stores! Here’s the latest for those of you who like their lingerie flirty, fun, and high fashion. I am definitely a fan of Carol Malony. Beautifully feminine and fashionable, I adore the “Haute” collection. Such unique color choices and combinations make every piece absolutely stunning. For instance, my favorite, “Barely There,” features delicate tulle and lace, but with a pop of bling! Small stones adorn each piece. The straps and string of the thong provide an unexpected splash of color, in a vibrant salmon. A similar splash of color is featured in the elegant, “Hope Chest” collection. A cool ice blue stretch chiffon wtih sheer, ivory embroidery is accented with a punch of lime.

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.

Lingerie Americas – Best for the Busty

September 29, 2007 by Krista

I know it has been a while since I wrote about some of my Lingerie Americas finds, but there are a few more collections I MUST mention!So, this is a topic near and dear to my heart (figuratively and literally, of course!). After years of limited bra options, it is so refreshing to have an abundance of choices in my not-so-easy to find size! No longer do we well-endowed women have to be restricted to boring beige or drool over the fun, flirty, and luxurious pieces worn by our smaller busted counterparts. With this selection, I think they will be the envious ones now!

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!