New York Lingerie Shows Draw New Lines, Familiar Names

NEW YORK—Betsey Johnson made an appearance, but Jennifer Lopez and Anna Sui just sent their lingerie. It was all part of the scene at the Feb. 29–March 2 run of Lingerie Americas, the 2-year-old lingerie and swimwear trade show held at the Altman Building and the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York.

The show featured several national and international labels—including Huit, Aubade, Chantelle, On Gossamer, Cosabella and Manuel Canovas—as well as California brands Wendy Glez, Zoe San Francisco, Twilight by Weston Wear, Underglam, Fashion Forms, Dana, Yemee, Nude Sleepwear and Amourette.

The show drew retailers from across the country and the world, including buyers from London, Japan and South America.

New York designer Betsey Johnson turned out to launch her new lingerie line, produced under a licensing agreement with New York–based sleepwear maker Carole Hochman, which also produces sleepwear for Oscar de la Renta and Lauren Ralph Lauren, as well as the company’s own Carole Hochman label.

According to Johnson, Hochman approached her with the idea of the Betsey Johnson Lingerie collection.

“They were in love with me, and they knew me inside and out,” Johnson said. “Working with Carole is going to keep me focused on who I am and what I mean to the market.”

The JLo by Jennifer Lopez Lingerie line, produced in a partnership between Lopez and Warnaco Inc., also bowed at the show. Late last year, the New York–based apparel giant struck a five-year renewable global licensing agreement with the Sweetface Fashion Co., which launched the JLo apparel and accessories brand three years ago.

“We signed the licensing deal Nov. 12, and it’s been fast and furious,” said John Wagstaff, president of prestige brands for Warnaco’s intimate apparel division. Wagstaff also oversees the company’s Lejaby, Lejaby Rose and Speedo divisions.

Wagstaff said the company decided to show at Lingerie Americas to reach a broader range of retailers. “It gives us an opportunity to reach retailers we don’t normally get to reach in our showroom,” he said.

Lingerie Americas drew 2,152 buyers—approximately the same number that turned out for the show last August, according to organizers, who said plans are underway to add 5,000 square feet of new exhibition space and a swim and lingerie runway show.

Another new collection at the show was Anna Sui lingerie, created in partnership with Underglam, a 4-year-old company based in Los Angeles.

The company opted to show at both Lingerie Americas and the concurrent Fashion Coterie show to reach the ready-to-wear boutique store and lingerie buyer.

“[Lingerie Americas] gives us a different presence in the lingerie market—we can see how people react to the line,” said Alexandra Fritz, whose sister, Natalie Fritz, designs the collection.

Intima America

Across town, the Jacob Javits Convention Center hosted Messe Frankfurt’s longstanding lingerie show, Intima America.

Among the 221 exhibitors were Hanro, Fiorucci, Nick & Nora New York, Miracle Suit, Playboy Swimwear and JLo by Jennifer Lopez Swimwear.

The show also featured California companies Andres Intimates, Arobatherapy, Aroma Souls, Athene Silk, Bedhead, Bella Sera, Bleu Clair, Bragel International, Claire Pettibone, Classy Bride, Desire Fashions, the DueSang Corp., Fashion Forms, Honeydew Intimates, Jonquil, Linea Donatella, MGT Industries, Nightie Nite and Nubra.

This was the first time showing for Los Angeles– based Pack Happy, which sells travel accessories in drawstring bags embroidered with whimsical illustrations and phrases such as “Blushing Bride” (for a pack featuring items for a new bride) and “Hung Out to Dry” (on a waterproof travel bag for bathing suits).

Pack Happy shared a booth with lingerie line Classy Bride, which returned to the show for the second season. The company launched nearly two years ago with bridal-related lingerie embellished with rhinestone-printed phrases such as “Bride” and “Bridesmaid.” The company has since expanded to include birthday, political-themed and maternity lingerie.

Tiffany Walton, one of three sisters who launched the company, serves as vice president of sales. Walton said the company decided to return to Intima America after its successful debut at the show last August.

“Our products do really great in lingerie stores,” she said. “The buyers here are qualified buyers.”

Intima America organizers said 1,925 attendees from the United States and 39 other countries—in particular, Japan, Canada and Italy—turned out for the show.

Organizers expect the Aug. 1–3 run will draw 280 brands.