Gigis Closet

I just got back from Curve Lingerie trade show. This year they are paired up with “Boutique Lingerie”, segmented especially for smaller lines ideal for boutiques. Each time I go through the process of reviewing the brand’s line sheet and perusing the future merchandise, I go through the same emotional rollercoaster. There is a down side of a fashion forward boutique: Some garments never get made.

The emotions go like this. I sit with the designers rep, flip through their look book and then I see it, the perfect ensemble. I have a quick breath (gasp), say “O My Goodness”, and look at partner. At this point the rep politely corrects my emotion by stating that it has been cut from the line. I then exhale and know that I need to settle for the other amazing creations which are set in front of me. An example of this is the OnGossamer Havana Lace Bodysuit, super cute but it didn’t work out.

Each season beautiful garments are cut from the season’s line sheets. A line sheet is the document which shows the styles and all the details which are available for purchase for a specific season. There are several reasons why styles are cut. When you sell special creations, sometimes the mass market isn’t interested in taking the risk. So out of a list of beautiful garments, the ones that didn’t get purchased by enough stores, do not get made. Then there is my favorite, “Americans don’t go for those types of styles”. In this case, the styles are not available to me to purchase. A store in Australia, however, can stock up on the design. Of course there are the situations that aren’t in anybody’s control. These instances can include the trim is no longer available, the cost of materials can’t stay with the budget, or the style is redundant within the collection.

It is that time of year. There are lingerie shows going on from Paris to New York to Las Vegas. Thousands of buyers will be going through the same process. As designers stretch their creative muscles, Project Managers (or however holds the gauntlet) can swiftly cut these brilliant pieces from the line. They get nervous that they can see enough pieces to make it worth while to produce. Sometimes they are right. But a select few of disappointed buyers like my partner and I mourn the loss of what could have been.

This is the launching off point to a season of anticipation and taking the leap of faith for our customers. We go, we buy, all in hopes that we are bringing in something that they can love, and gasp over as well.

Kristina Haas – Gigi’s Closet
Kristina Haas is co-owner of GigisCloset.com, an online lingerie boutique specializing in fashion lingerie. Armed with a passion for beautiful intimates and a desire to share it with the world, Gigi’s Closet captured the boutique feel to be enjoyed by all on the internet.

Read all posts by Kristina Haas right here!