Lingerie designing

National Geographic’s Man Made: Engineering the Bra

October 4, 2008 by Rene

Is a bra similar to a suspension bridge?

National Geographic Channel provides a detailed examination about the engineering of the bra. The show is part of the “Man Made” series. Archives of the show highlights are available online.

Photo courtesy of National Geographic.

Contours Magazine to Honor Leading Design Talent at 3rd Annual CILA Gala

July 11, 2008 by Krista

New York City’s Waldorf-Astoria will again play host to the 3rd Annual CILA (Contours International Lingerie Awards) Gala on August 4th during Intimate Apparel Market Week. Leading designers, industry insiders, and press will all be in attendance at this elite event as awards are issued in categories such as Best Nightwear, Best D Plus, Best Bridal, Best Maternity, Best Fashion Couture, and more! This year’s celebration will also mark the inaugural granting of awards in Men’s Talent as well as new talent. The Graduating Designer of the Year Award will honor an exceptional up and coming designer that is a graduate of the esteemed intimate apparel program at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology).

Not only will the event promote and recognize achievement in intimate apparel design, but also acknowledge the strides made to promote self-esteem and a positive body image. The Recognition Award for Promoting Healthy Body Image through the Media will be granted to the dynamic Carson Kressley of Lifetime’s How to Look Good Naked for his tireless efforts to encourage and celebrate women of all shapes and sizes.

Over the next few weeks, TLP will feature a sampling of the brands participating in the Gala as well as provide up to the minute information about the finalists as they are selected. And, of course, all of the post show details will be available for your enjoyment! Stay tuned!

If you are a buyer in the intimate apparel industry and wish to purchase a ticket to attend, please contact Contours Associate Publisher Marjorie Walker at: ContoursMag@verizon.net

ButtBra Debuts

June 13, 2008 by Brenda

A recently issued press release from KarinArt, Inc indicated that their new product, the “ButtBra” was being launched in the US and Canada and would be seen on the Rachel Ray Show. As most of you know, Rachel Ray is a chef and food critic so I’m not sure what the derrière has to do with cooking but since the show aired earlier this month, the phones for orders have been ringing non-stop.

Also known as the Biniki for women, Maniki for men, and Throng because a “thong is just wrong”, this newest ”lingerie invention” seeks to support and hold the butt up firm. Already a huge success in Japan, it is an odd looking contraption that can be worn over or under the panties or thong. It basically has a strap underneath the cheeks of the bum preventing them from sagging and keeping them firm, full and round.

biniki

The official website is quite informative showing the possible uses of the ButtBra, how to wear the “reargear” as the company calls it, and general information on the benefits of wearing the item.

You really have to see this one to believe it!

TLP Interviews Katja Ehrhardt

May 28, 2008 by Rene

TLP interviews Katja Ehrhardt from Hamburg, Germany. This interview took place over email in May of 2008. Katja also runs a parallel career with her High Gloss Dolls website in which many models wear her designs.

Q: How did you get started in the industry?
A: I worked for a fetish designer in Hamburg and soon started my own lingerie line, as I always thought that is what latex is made for: sexy lingerie.

Q: Did/do you work with fabrics other than latex?
A: I shoot with other fabrics, but I manufacture only latex-lingerie. for Fun I do sometimes hats and bags non-latex, but thats it.

Q: What special techniques are needed to work with latex?
A: I think you have to be skilled to work with your hands and fingers, as you don’t use machines to do it, and you have to be patient.

Q: How would you divide up your customer base?
A: That is very hard to say as I usually don’t meet my customers, I only sell over the internet and an email is all I get.

Q: Did you get formal training for your craft?
A: No, my teacher was an self-trained artist and I got most of my knowledge from him. I always thought about studying or getting a formal training, but I have more fun in being free and and just keep on doing things.

Q: Your collection mixes traditional lingerie design, fetish design, and some pencil skirts done in latex. How do you decide what pieces to create?
A: I just do what I like to see on my models and put it in my shop and see if other people like it as well. I don’t have a straight business plan and enjoy just doing what I feel like. Luckily my customers like my style and so I get along quite well with it.

Q: How do you go from sketch to sale?
A: I store my sketches sometimes years, and then I discover them again and have a shooting and as soon as there is a photo, I can put it in my shop!

Q: Is their a mix with off the peg and bespoke work?
A: I mostly do made-to-measure when people order my outfits because I ask for the measurements anyway.

Q: Have you found cross-over appeal with traditional fashion and your molded stockings?
A: Many designers use stockings and gloves as accessories nowadays. It was exciting at the beginning, but by now it is boring again, at least for me. Often magazines lend my outfits, but at the end they only used the stockings and gloves. I guess they feel the rest is still too much “fetish”. I don’t share that opinion.

Q: You have a great sense of modern pinup styles like the Valence Suspender Skirt and the Cup Body and the Hotpant. Where do you find inspiration?
A: Pin-up is always everywhere I guess. You don’t have to be a fan of pin-up to be influenced by it. It is just very feminine and cute and that is what I like. I don’t see my style very pin-up, but most people do. I find inspiration everywhere, but mostly I am inspired by my models. when I retouch photos and see their bodies on my screen, different outfits pop up in my mind.

Q: Do you have plans to expand your market or does the Internet provide the reach you need?
A: I am very happy with my online-shop and I appreciate the freedom it gives me. I have often thought about expanding, but then I would be trapped with a company I am responsible for. I want to keep it small and flexible for the moment.

Find out more at Katja’s sites:
http://www.fraeulein-ehrhardt.de/
http://www.highglossdolls.com/
Shop online
Photos courtesy of Katja Ehrhardt.

De Montfort Contour Programme

May 4, 2008 by Rene

De Montfort University offers one of the only University level lingerie courses available. The Contour programme graduates potential designers of tomorrow. Here are some details of the programme.

Fashion and Contour Design – BA Honours Programme

Mode(s): Full-time, part-time
Duration: Three years full-time, six years part-time (day-time)
Provides a unique opportunity to specialise in the creative and technical design aspects of contour and fashion design
Supported by dedicated staff and technical resources
Opportunity to produce an innovative range/collection of clothing
The only degree course in the world to specialise in lingerie, underwear, bodywear, swimwear and performance sportswear
Established in 1947 for the Leicester corset industry, Contour Fashion recently celebrated its 60th anniversary
Maintains close links with the contour industry and educates specialist designers for a wealth of creative roles in the UK and worldwide
Opportunities to work with companies on live projects, work placements and competition awards
Supported by the ACE Style Institute, offers a specialist facility at DMU designed to bring all aspects of the contour fashion supply chain together
Highly experienced teaching staff who advise contour fashion companies globally

What is expected of the enrolling students?

Students should normally have a good portfolio, plus one of the following
- Successful completion of an Art and Design Foundation course
- National Diploma merit profile in a relevant subject
- 240 points, to include two GCE/VCE A Levels with grade C in one art or design subject
All equivalent international qualifications are welcome, as are applications from mature students (21+) with alternative qualifications and/or work experience
International students require an English language qualification of IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 550/213, GCSE/GCE O Level grade C or equivalent

How is the teaching of the programme handled?

The teaching of the course includes formal lectures, group seminars, tutorials, presentations, practical workshops and studio-based activities. Assessment generally occurs at the end of each term with informal critiques held at appropriate times throughout the year.

How expensive is the programme?

Overseas students: £8955 per year
EU students: £3070 per year
Please note that fees are subject to change each year. Overseas students are eligible for a 5% discount if fees are paid in full at the beginning of the course
DMU offers some scholarships as well as an Art and Design bursary, currently £750. Visit dmu.ac.uk/international for detail

DMU also offers short courses.