Ever wonder how new lingerie brands make it onto store shelves or hangers?
Most meet potential retailers by exhibiting their lines at intimate apparel and clothing trade shows. It exposes them to hundreds of on-line and brick and mortar buyers that might never see or hear about their products.
That's why I attend Curvexpo Lingerie and Swim twice a year. I get updates from established brands and the chance to meet new designers. I'll cover AW2016 lingerie trends in another blog post but wanted to highlight a few companies making their first appearance at Curvexpo this past week.
These seven weren't the only new brands at the show. They do represent the range available in today's international lingerie market; from simple foundations, shapewear and sleepwear to select luxury brands or styles. You don't even have to wait for them to reach stores since you can order direct from their websites.
Here are some of my favorite new lingerie brands from the show:
Knicker Luxe. I liked everything about Knicker Luxe: their smart and sassy founder, Aussie origins, and the way they've reinvented the basic cotton panty. Make no mistake, these are not your grandma’s panties---or bralettes or camisoles and tees. Made of high-quality Pima cotton with just the right touch of spandex. The best part? It comes in sizes from XS to 4XL.
Yellowberry. This company isn't new to the lingerie market but was new to Curve this year. They got plenty of media attention when they launched a couple of years ago. The founder, Megan, was only 17 when she took her little sister to buy her first bra. Both were frustrated by the lack of options and focus on super-sexy push-up styles. So she designed a new line of simple, androgynous basics for young girls. Yellowberry now includes sports bras, leggings, and other activewear. The pieces are perfect for first-time bra wearers or A to C cups wanting to wear comfy and cute underthings.
Céleste. First off, my photos don't do justice to this luxury lingerie sleepwear brand. (Please visit the link to their website for a better representation of the line.) All of their pieces are exquisite and scream old Hollywood drama and glamor. Think silk chiffon, ostrich feathers, and sequins. But there's a twist. Many of the gowns, slips and camisoles feature built-in soft cup bust support and adjustable straps. It's absolute genius!
Jewel Toned. This LA-based company makes shapewear fun, colorful, and easy to wear. It's more of a shapewear as outerwear concept, plus wireless stretch lace bras, bike shorts, and camis. The dress with removable cups and a practical half slip were my personal favorites. All of their pieces can be layered or worn on their own.
Loveday London. This UK luxury lingerie brand takes sexy to a new level. The line features a selection of leather, lace, and embellished demi and open cup bras. I loved the sheer black beaded lace gown below and cupless babydoll in playful animal print (coming this fall). You'll also find coordinating cushions, blindfolds, and candles to match every outfit in your boudoir. It's the complete hardcore romance package.
Red Fern. I covered this new post-mastectomy brand last year and was excited to see them at Curve. This season they're offering retailers a broader selection of sizes (up to I cups) and new t-shirt styles. Owner Tina Doueihi is on a mission to give women more choices in post-surgical and mastectomy lingerie, which are limited and hard to find.
Hanging Secrets. Not so much as intimate apparel as a terrific storage idea. Because who doesn't struggle with organizing their lingerie? If you're like me, you'll want to check out the Hanging Secrets solution. It keeps all your bras (and panties) safe in a convenient pocketed hanging system. The tough plastic exterior prevents bras from getting crushed by other clothing in your closet, too.
What do you think of these new lingerie brands? Any favorites? Which ones would you wear?
All images copyright The Breast Life.