january 2008 - FMMG.com

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contents 

JANUARY 2008 

64 SHIRLEY OF HOLLTWOOD 

features 

show & market calendar 

tradeshow preview 

retail profile: macy’s 

retail innovations report 

event report: carole hochman 

retail profile: faire frou frou 

show report: boutique show in london 

event report: i.a.s.c. holiday party 

retail profile: the secret you 

retail profile: fanny wrappers 

event report: halloween costume show 

company report: int’l intimates 

company report: rubie’s costume co. 

retail profile: the pink slip 

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12 JANUARY 2008 BODY • WWW.FMMG.COM 

Publisher, Editor-in-Chief 

Nick Monjo 

nick@fmmg.com 

Executive Editor, Art Director 

Victoria Monjo 

victoria@fmmg.com 

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Ted Vayos • ext. 305 • ted@fmmg.com 

Senior News Writer 

Libby Dowd • ext. 312 • libby@fmmg.com 

Staff Writer 

Deena Campbell • ext. 314 • deena@fmmg.com 

Editorial Assistant 

Gina Goldblatt • ext. 317 • gina@fmmg.com 

Assistant Production Manager 

Valerie Colella • ext. 303 • valerie@fmmg.com 

Advertising Sales 

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Assistant to the Publisher 

Mozz Manzoor • ext. 319 • mozz@fmmg.com 

Photography 

Nick Monjo 

Makeup and Hair 

Katherine Banning 

Proofreading 

Vincent Spadafora 

Research 

Boggie Dimitrova 

BODY Magazine No. 61 

is published by Fashion Market Magazine Group, 

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On the Cover: 

Swim set by Shan (888) 678-7101. 

email: info@shan.com 

Models in this issue from Models in this 

issue from Red Models, Ikon Models, 

Direct Models, Thompson Models.

We Are Seeking: 

As of 12/31/07 Various of Our Clients 

Are Currently Seeking to Purchase: 

Better American or European Intimate Apparel Brands, Any Size 

Well-Known Brands Currently Not in Production 

Shapewear Company, Sales Over $5 million 

Medical Apparel o=r Scrubs Company, Sales Over $5 million 

Looking to Buy or Sell 

an Apparel Firm? 

Our unique access to tens of thousands 

of players in the apparel industry can bring 

fast results. If you are looking to buy, sell or 

invest, perhaps we can find the perfect match. 

Contact us in confidence. 

Amicus & Kinkus LLC 

(212) 769-9131 

info@amicusandkinkus.com 


REPORTED news 

warnaco looks to sell lejaby 

Warnaco Group has announced that it has 

entered into an exclusive agreement with 

Palmers Textil AG in connection with its plans 

to explore alternatives for its Lejaby lingerie and 

swimwear business. 

“We entered into exclusive negotiation period 

with Palmers, with a potential sale of Lejabay 

planned for the future," confirmed Jay Galluzzo, 

the senior vice president of corporate development 

at Warnaco. 

Warnaco has granted Palmers and its shareholders 

the exclusive rights to conduct negotiations 

to the sale of the Lejaby business. The 

company states that there can be no assurance 

that an agreement will be reached. 

— L. D. & G.G. 

lyon moves to paris 

The "Lyon Mode City and Interfilière" trade 

fairs, to be held on September sixth through the 

eight of 2008, have been moved to the Porte de 

Versailles in Paris. The change in location, proposed 

by show organizer Eurovet, was prompted 

by the desire to provide exhibitors and visitors 

with a renewed vision, which includes ready-towear 

apparel and beachwear in one show, as well 

as taps into the natural synergy produced by the 

interaction of the two markets. 

More information on Lyon Mode City and 

Interfilere can be found at www..lyonmodecity.com 

— G.G. 

forplay’s new sales strategy 

Forplay has put in place 

an in-house staff of 

account executives to 

replace its staff of independent 

territory sales 

representatives. The 

move is intended to 

enhance the company’s 

Houman Salem 

relationship with customers 

and provide a strategic competitive 

advantage in the marketplace. Forplay’s account 

executives will be directly involved in all aspects 

of the customer relationship from sales, service 

and support to providing product knowledge, 

training, and implementing in-store marketing 

BY: DEENA CAMPBELL, LIBBY DOWD, AND GINA GOLDBLATT 

campaigns directly with the customer. 

“Utilizing in-house Account 

Executives will truly benefit all 

of our customers,” stated 

Forplay CEO, Houman Salem. 

“Now customers will have a 

direct link to Forplay with the 

unique opportunity to really 

understand and utilize our 

products and services.” 

In July of 2007, Forplay completed 

its recruiting process and 

began an extensive period of onthe-job 

training which included 

executive-level coaching from 

business leaders at Pepperdine 

University’s School of Business 

and Management. — L.D. 

true religion undies 

According to True Religion 

Apparel’s, president Michael 

Buckley, the company sees 

licensing opportunities in 

undergarments, loungewear and 

hosiery for the future. 

By the end of last year True 

Religion had 15 stores in the 

U.S., and expects to have 

33 by the end of this year and 

more than 50 by 2009. 

— D.C. 

curvexpo adds staff 

CURVExpo recently added 

Xavier Le Borgne to its sales 

team to serve as Sales Manager. 

Le Borgne started his career in 

the U.S., at France Ligne, Inc. a 

business-development firm 

where he worked on the implementation 

of Lingerie Americas 

in 2001. He left the company in 

2003 to pursue an additional 

Business degree. After earning 

his MBA, Xavier 

held several positions as business 

developer in American corporations. 

— D.C. 

(Continued on page 18) 

ApCo 

Investments 

Wants You! 

We represent two separate 

investors looking to make strategic 

purchases in the apparel industry. 

Of particular interest are the 

following situations: 

Denim Wholesaler with Annual Volume 

from $5 to $100 Million 

Apparel Brands of Former Glory which 

are No Longer in Use 

Lingerie or Shapewear Companies with 

Annual Volume of $5 million or Larger 

Patents for Any Apparel Items 

Legwear or Footwear Company 

Annual Sales Over $3 million 

Medical Apparel Producer, 

Any Category, Sales over $3 Million 

Uniform Company, Annual Sales 

Over $3 Million 

Other situations considered. 

For immediate response, contact us at 

info@ApCoInvestments.com. 

All inquiries will be handled in strict confidence. 

 

JANUARY 2008 BODY • WWW.FMMG.COM 

17

news 

(Continued from page 17) 

private shows held for buyers 

For the past twenty-five years, Rubie’s Costume 

Company Inc. has been hosting a Halloween 

Invitational Seminar for independent retailers of 

costume, novelty and party shops in the month 

of January. Up till 2007, Rubie’s stood alone in 

the field of private trade shows and this year will 

find even more company when it comes time to 

head to Vegas for the big event. This month, Leg 

Avenue, Dreamgirl and Forplay will also host 

private trade shows for their 2008 line of sexy 

costumes. 

According to these manufacturers, January is 

an optimum time to showcase their new collections 

since the early date will help to streamline 

the buying process for buyers. “We will be able 

to place more orders from more retailers earlier, 

start production earlier, ship earlier and take reorders 

earlier,” said CEO of Dreamgirl 

International, Christopher Scharff who will be 

holding a Vegas-style event January 18th 

through 20th at Harrah’s Hotel and Casino. 


Mike Tsai, COO of Leg Avenue has the same 

goal in mind when it comes to hosting his own 

company’s costume event. “We will get an early 

forecast on the orders so as to be able to order 

optimum quantity of merchandise to meet the 

customer needs,” he said. By offering the line 

earlier, Tsai feels that customers will be able plan 

their purchases in a more timely and convenient 

fashion. 

For Forplay’s CEO Houman Salem, the 

Sexyland Costume Show, which will be held in 

Hollywood, Calif. January 4th through 6th, will 

give him the opportunity to get to know his customers 

better. “At the regular trade shows you can’t 

spend more than 10-15 minutes with a customer 

before they have to rush off to their next appointment,” 

he said. “I really want to spend quality time 

with customers and to get to know their motivations, 

needs and desires so that we can better help 

them prepare for a successful season.” 

While these companies are primarily hosting 

January events to cater to the needs of their customers, 

Tsai believes that his show will also 

effect other manufacturers in the industry. 

“When Leg Avenue hosts such shows it also 

gives direction to other smaller companies to 

plan their line so as to follow the trends from 

Leg Avenue who has been successful with its 

lines consistently since it has been in business,” 

he said. 

With expectations high for this month’s 

events, manufactures will likely head to 

February with a book full of orders and buyers 

will have gained a new perspective on 

Halloween sales. At the very least, everyone 

will have at least enjoyed a great party. — L.D. 

concepts hires antony jacobs 

Concepts NYC has hired Antony Jacobs as its 

vice president of new business development. 

Jacobs comes to Concepts with experience 

from a number of major intimate apparel companies 

under his belt. He has worked on product 

development, sales and merchandising for 

companies such as Maidenform, Warnaco, Sara 

Lee and most recently, Saramax Apparel 

Group. 

“While Concepts NYC is a company that 

can offer any retailer all levels of product 

including all of the latest technologies within 

the industry, it is my 

responsibility to build 

NEW business for 

Antony Jacobs 

infrastructure.” 

Concepts NYC with 

various retailers,” said 

Jacobs. “I am also looking 

to expand on the 

current internal manufacturing 

and sourcing 

Company president Joseph Bibi added, “It was 

clear from the beginning that Antony’s overall 

expertise in the product and industry, along with 

our corporate commitment to bringing better 

product and service to our retailers and consumers 

would be a great success.” — L.D. 

fashion ribbon enhances line 

Fashion Ribbon Company Inc., is launching a 

new designer intimate line, which pioneers cutting 

edge fashions from designers in Paris and 

New York, two distinct style districts of the 

world. The line is driven by detail-oriented 

pieces that combine fashion forward styling with 

luxurious fabrications. 

“We have been living 

the past two years in an 

industry of intimates 

dominated by seamless 

structures. In the 

attempt to provide customers 

with innovative 

Joel Orenstein options, the new 

Fashion Ribbon line 

enhances the visual and tactile appeal of feminine 

intimate apparel by bringing a revived version 

of the cut and sew style to the forefront, and 

updating the seamless bra by making many of 

the styles hybrid.” said Joel Orenstein, president 

and CEO of Fashion Ribbon. The company is 

working with manufacturers and large retailers 

to develop new products on an exclusive basis. 

Fashion Ribbon started as a manufacturer of 

ribbons, bows and other trimmings that are supplied 

to industries such as intimate apparel, hair 

accessories and swimwear and has since expanded 

to include intimates. Fashion Ribbon 

Company Inc., can be reached at (718) 482- 

0100. — G.G. 

condessa distributes in u.k. 

California-based maternity company Condessa 

has entered into a new distribution agreement 

with two European distributors, BraSense 

Ltd. in the UK (www.brasense.co.uk) and 

Pearl Bodyfashion. 

Under the new agreement, Bra Sense, Ltd and 

Pearl Bodyfashion will provide Condessa with 

their market expertise, backgrounds, and multilingual 

abilities. 

“Our new distributors are truly enthusiastic 

about our mission, current and future collections, 

quality of manufacturing, comfort, and our 

glamorous style,” said Cynthia Cuprill, president 

of Condessa. “Their retailers were requesting 

intimate apparel options for breastfeeding and 

they are satisfied that Condessa’s lingerie will 

fulfill their client’s demands.” 

Looking to the future, Condessa is looking 

into distributors for Spain and Portugal, South 

Africa, Australia, and Latin America. — D.C. 

under armour hires karkus 

Under Armour hired executive Suzanne Karkus 

for the position of senior vice president of appar- 

el. She will report to the chairman and chief 

executive officer, Kevin Plank. Karkus was previously 

president of Izod Womenswear, and 

prior to that, she was the president of Calvin 

Klein Jeans women’s department, and worked 

for Ralph Lauren Womenswear, Esprit, and 

Carole Little. 

Under Armour, Inc. develops, markets, and 

distributes branded performance apparel, 

footwear, and accessories, as well as specializes in 

moisture-wicking synthetics. — G.G. 

vf brings jobs to monroeville 

Vanity Fair Brands, a subsidiary of Fruit of the 

Loom, is planning to bring 200 jobs to its 

Monroeville plant by the end of this year. 

This decision follows the closure of Vanity’s 

South Texas distribution center. 

Fruit of the Loom acquired Vanity 

Fair in April of last year when it bought Vanity 

Fair’s intimate apparel business for $350 million. 

— D.C. 

transworld: annual contest 

TransWorld Exhibits is throwing its annual Tshirt 

design contest where the winners’ design 

will be featured as the official T-shirt for the 

13th National Haunt & Attractions Show. 

"For the past several years, the industry has 

really enjoyed this event, " said Joe Thaler, 

chairman and chief executive officer of 

TransWorld Exhibits, Inc. "We look forward to 

sponsoring the 2008 contest and connecting 

with enthusiasts of the haunt industry." 

To be considered for the T-Shirt Design 

Contest, all entries must meet five components: 

haunt-themed design; size must be 9.5" wide 

by 12.5" tall; use of four colors or less, suitable 

for printing on a white shirt; 150 dpi or higher 

resolution; text identifying the "2008 13th 

National Haunt & Attractions Show at the 

Sands Expo & Convention Center in Last 

Vegas" and "www.hauntshow.com." 

In addition to the winning entry, four runnerup 

designers will be awarded a complimentary 

T-shirt and a souvenir participation ribbon. 

To register, visit www.hauntshow.com or 

www.hcpshow.com. — D.C. 

product stifles odor 

This Christmas, if you found Subtle Butt, the 

new product from Garment Guard, in your 

stocking, your loved ones may be trying to send 

you a message. 

Made of activated carbon fabric, Subtle Butt is 

a disposable 3.25” by 3.25” square shield that 

adheres to the inside seat of your underwear. The 

product effectively filters flatulence, absorbing 

and neutralizing its odor. 

Five packs of Subtle Butt are retailing for 

$9.95 and are available at 

www.garmentguard.com. — L.D. 

lingerie-clad football 

The sole advertiser for this year’s “Lingerie 

Bowl” broadcast, which features supermodels 

playing full-contact football at halftime during 

the Super Bowl, will be unveiled on Sunday, 

February 3, 2008, during the Super Bowl. 

The “game,” which is produced by Horizon 

productions, a Hollywood-based entertainment 

company, will take place in Arizona at 

a secret location. 

The success of the Lingerie Bowl has influenced 

Horizon Production’s formation of the 

Lingerie Football League, which is reportedly 

going to play parallel to National Football 

League games during the season. The first game 

of the new “league” will be played September 5, 

2008, in 10 major U.S. markets. B — G.G. 


19

lingerie 

agent provocateur expands 

Lingerie company Agent Provocateur has 

revealed plans to open 60 new stores around the 

world, going as far east as Japan. 

According to reports, the new business plan is 

the result of the $120 million sale of the company 

to private equity firm 3i. — D.C. 

yumdrop.com sells sexy style 

Veteran of the Halloween industry and owner of 

Morbid Industries, Mark Arvanigian was looking 

to add a year-round business to his roster. 

Following the surge of online lingerie retailers, 

Arvanigian decided to open a site of his own— 

Yumdrop.com. 

The site was launched in June of 2006 to cater 

to the college customer roughly between the ages 

of 18 and 24. According to marketing director, 

Jess Lutoff, the most popular search term at 

Yumdrop is “shelf bra” and “open cup bra” so the 

company has stocked up on sexy styles it this suit. 

“Lingerie is becoming more daring overall and 

20 


REPORTED BY DEENA CAMPBELL AND LIBBY DOWD 

the young customer is looking for the next big 

thing,” she said. 

Top brands at Yumdrop 

include Leg Avenue, 

Dreamgirl and Shirley of 

Hollywood. Lisa Malo, 

lingerie buyer for the site 

described that these companies 

do well based on 

Mark Arvanigian 

their presentation of 

images and a reasonable 

price point. Young women are buying up lace 

tanga shorts, boy shorts and rumba pants for a 

flirty alternative to underwear. “Overall there has 

been a move towards really elegant and lacy 

styles,” said Lutoff. “At the same time crotchless 

and open cup bras—the sort of lingerie that is 

done in a really classy or elegant way—have also 

been big.” 

Lutoff also nods towards Skinny Dip swimwear 

from Leg Avenue as a leader in the sites 

swimwear sales. “Their 

presentation is always 

great and they are 

always coming out 

with new styles,” she 

said. 

When it comes to 

Halloween, Yumdrop’s 

sexy costume sales soar. 

Again, best sellers 

include Dreamgirl and 

Leg Avenue. “The pinup 

army girl was a big 

seller and all the fairy 

tale characters did 

well,” said Lutoff. 

New initiatives for 

the online retailer will 

include a major campaign 

to spread the 

word on their business. 

The company plans to 

expand its online 

advertising as well as 

branch out into social 

marketing through 

Facebook and Myspace. To learn more about 

Yumdrop, visit the company online at www.yumdrop 

. com or by phone at (866) 986-3767. 

— L.D. 

belinda gets her bedazzle on 

BeDazzling by Belinda, manufacturer of bejeweled 

lingerie, has expanded its offering with new 

styles for men and women. 

Currently on display in the “Desperate 

Housewives” group, Belinda has added jeweled 

bra fronts and g-strings. The new styles come in 

black, red and silver tones that are bolder and 

more bedazzled than ever. 

Looks from the 

Desperate Housewives 

collection are targeted 

towards older women with 

an anniversary or special 

occasion to celebrate. 

Next up, the company 

will expand its men’s line. 

Belinda Horwitz 

Targeted towards every 

man, the line includes jeweled g-strings and 

cropped boxer briefs 

with cut outs. 

“The men’s collection includes less bling and 

has a flatter, more masculine shape,” said company 

owner and designer, Belinda Horwitz. “All of 

the men’s garments are made form stretch Lycra 

that is soft and comfortable.” 

Retail prices in the men’s line will run close 

to $230. — L.D. 

romantasy customizes corsetry 

Romantasy Exquisite Corsetry, a custom corset 

company based in San Francisco, announced the 

addition of crystal rhinestone embellishments for 

custom corsetry. 

The rhinestone-adorned corsets were modeled 

in Southern California at the Newport Beach 

Open House sponsored by Kyrie Designs fashion 

boutique (120 Tustin Avenue) on Saturday, Dec. 

8th where either Czech or Austrian crystals were 

chosen and added to any corset design. 

For more information call (415) 585-0760 or 

email the company at inquiry@romantasy.com. 

B 

— D.C. 

this page, biatta, (323) 232-8400. email: AMY@BIATTA.COM. 

PHOTOGRAPHY: NICK MONJO 

FASHION EDITOR: VICTORIA MONJO 

HAIR & MAKE-UP: KATHERINE BANNING 

lingerie

set from concepts nyc, (212) 244-1134 EXT. 29. email: JB@CONCEPTSNYC.COM. 

right, josie by dana-co, (212) 629-4400. email: DLARSON@DANA-CO.COM. 

rosa faia by anita, (954) 730-8189. email: LARRY.LARDNER@ANITA.NET.

cc girl from komar, (626) 449-7175. NANCYDUNCAN99@HOTMAIL.COM. 

dynashape, (888) 274-2272. email: WENDYB@DYNASHAPEINTIMA.COM. 

tease intimates, (718) 509-9844. email: INFO@TEASEINTIMATES.COM.

fashion mode int. inc., (323) 229-8656. email: FRANKST@MS77.HINET.NET. 

carrie amber intimates, (626) 371-1980. email: MAY@CARRIEAMBER.COM. 

swimwear REPORTED 

european style at tahiti st. 

At Tahiti Street, a designer swimsuit retailer, 

owner and buyer Andrea Bisordi is looking forward 

to a busy season. “ January through March is 

our busiest time for swimsuit sales. This is the 

time when people take vacations,” said Bisordi. 

Recently, trends have been moving away from 

mainstream American brands and safe basic colors 

such as brown and black, reported Bisordi. 

Tahiti Street has been focusing on more exclusive 

brands and European styles with bolder colors 

and increased variety including Eres from 

Paris, which is a line made by Channel; Etro, an 

Italian brand; Manuel Canovas, a French printbased 

brand; Australian brand Jets, which is new 

to the U.S. . 

A second trend Bisordi has noticed recently is 

a shift in demand for two piece suits. In past 

years, Bisordi’s customers were overwhelmingly 

interested in one-piece styles. 

“Women are looking for feminine pieces with 

variety, and a luxurious feel,” said Bisordi. 

“Accessorizing the suits by pairing them with 

stylish pieces with sequin and charm embellishments, 

as well as jewelry, lends swimwear a convenient 

versatility that allows women to pack 

lighter and remain stylish.” 

Monokinis are also available at Tahiti Street, 

which are a sexy alternative to the two-piece. 

Along the same lines, little knit or rayon dresses 

with anti-wrinkle properties have been very 

popular as well. These pieces feature babydoll 

shapes, tunics, and have a vintage look to them, 

utilizing 60s-inspired pop-art designs allowing 

women to layer these items and have them double 

as streetwear. Packable hats are also available 

to complete the vacation ensemble. 

Colors have made their way into prints as well, 

with customers looking for pinks, blues, greens, 

and turquoise rather than the subdued basics 

that have been popular in past years. Draping 

and contour twisting around the neckline create 

the mod elegant look for this season. “The 

majority of our customers are women ranging in 

age from 30 to 50 looking for fashion-forward, 

contemporary styles in comfortable and quality 

BY GINA GOLDBLATT 

materials and shapes,” said Bisordi. 

Tahiti Street has two locations: Rye, NY and 

Greenwich, Ct. Their Rye store can be reached 

att (914) 967-2966 and their Greenwhich location 

is available at (203) 622- 1878. 

sangria at mermaid boutique 

At Mermaids Boutique swimwear trends 

include bandeaus, big gold ring accents and hard 

wear detailing. “Mis-matched separates are 

popular as well,” said manager Jordana Schulte. 

Sexy one pieces and monokinis with zippers as 

well as berry and wine shades, such as sangria are 

on the rise. In patterns, polka dots, stripes and 

animal prints are mod for the season, with solids 

providing a simple elegance. 

The store can be reached at (305) 662-8621. 

jazz it up at out of the blue 

“The best selection of swimwear in Westchester, 

can be found at Out of the Blue Clothing,” says 

swimwear buyer Barbara Jacobs. According to 

Jacobs, every fashion line has started to incorporate 

either glitter, metallic or Lurex highlights in 

some capacity in their latest swimwear collections. 

Designer names such as Becca, Juicy and 

Vitamin A are included in this new trend, which 

provides buyers with innovative and fashion-forward 

options. 

The junior market is witnessing pop prints 

and bright colors, and styles are being considered 

busier and bolder than suits featured in past 

seasons. Bright green and orange are two prominent 

colors. “Our store provides a variety of 

styles, with cuts to fit every body type. We do a 

tremendous D and double D business and provide 

options both for the naturally large-busted 

woman who is looking for support and for our 

customers with breast augmentations who are 

looking for coverage. There are also suits that 

combine both needs,” said Jacobs. 

New at Out of the Blue are expanded lines of 

cover-ups and beach bags, which include wraps, 

dresses and pull on skirts with color schemes 

that coordinate with or match the swimwear. 

Cool Change and Debbie Katz are two brands 

that exclusively provide cover-up lines for the 

company. Beach bags and flip-flops are also 

being tied in to the swimwear, forming a more 

versatile outfit. 

According to Jacobs, printed suits are always 

popular items. “Often women will wear bolder 

or more risqué prints in swimwear than they 

would in sportswear or other apparel. In 

swimwear, women put themselves out there,” 

said Jacobs. Attached-skirted bottoms are more 

prominent as well, especially for young mothers 

who want to wear functional two pieces. 

“We do about 80 percent of our business in 

separates. The concept of separates is not only 

about size mixing but about creating silhouettes 

that are as unique as our customers,” said Jacobs. 

Out of the Blue’s clientele base consists of contemporary 

women, regardless of their age, 

according to Jacobs. “What sets our store apart 

from others is the extensively personalized service 

we provide. I personally go into the fitting 

rooms with customers and ask them questions, 

so as to find the perfect suit for each of them,” 

said Jacobs. 

Jacobs, formerly in the manufacturing sector of 

swimwear, has 30 years of experience in the 

business, which she contributes to the retail portion 

of swimwear at Out of the Blue. 

Jacobs can be reached at (914) 244-1792. 

variety at christina america 

In a recap of Christina America’s swimwear 

options for 2007, the manufacturing company 

proved to be diverse with lines such as XOXO, 

Christina, and The C Collection. The swimwear 

options ranged from abstract prints to beaded 

earth tones, to minis and tankinis. In XOXO 

swimwear, there were warm hues, white suits with 

golden details and 70s style embroideries, as well 

as vintage options with skirted bottoms, hippielike 

designs and shiny fabrics. The Christina line 

contained exotic colors such as yellows and 

oranges, textured suits, beaded embellishments 

and a variety of blue hues. The C Collection 

highlighted plunge neck cuts, leafy prints and 

flirty skirts. 

Christina America is a swimwear manufacturer 

and seller based out of Montreal and New 

York and can be reached at (212) 391-0710. B 


27

licensing 

jockey brand on gerber wear 

Jockey International, Inc., and Gerber 

Childrenswear, Inc., a subsidiary of Kellwood 

Company, have signed a licensing agreement, giving 

Gerber the right to design, produce and distribute 

jockey-branded apparel for children, toddlers 

and infants. These products will be distributed 

in the United States and Canada. 

Jockey International, Inc., is a marketer and 

manufacturer of apparel with a website at 

www.jockey.com. — G.G. 

cosabella adds sex & the city 

Cosabella has recently gained the license to manufacture 

Sex and the City lingerie. The company 

will create two collections; one building up to the 

movie premiere and the second to launch when 

the DVD is released. 

The Sex and the City license was previously 

held by Concepts NYC for close to two years. 

— L.D. 


REPORTED BY: GINA GOLDBLATT 

saks new mexico agreement 

Saks Fifth Avenue entered into a licensing agreement 

with Operadora de Tiendas Internacionales 

S. A. de C. V. in order to open its first location in 

Mexico City. The New Mexican company’s subsidiary, 

Grupo Sanborns gained right to own and 

operate the store under this agreement, in return 

for helping Saks Fifth Avenue locate and develop 

store sights. The store in Mexico City is three 

levels, 1500,000 square-feet and features restaurants 

as well as and is located in an affluent shopping 

center in Santa Fe. — G.G. 

junk food’s classic candy line 

Junk Food Clothing Company and Kaleidoscope, 

LLC have signed a licensing deal wherein Junk 

Food has agreed to design a line of tops for 

Annabelle Candy Company. The tops will feature 

Big Hunk and Abba-Zaba brands, which are 

classic candy brands. The line will contain tees, 

sweatshirts, thermal tops, tanks and fashion tops 

and is due to retail in spring 2008. 

Junk Food Clothing Company supplies men 

and women with fashion apparel, sportswear, 

intimates and accessories and can be found online 

at www.junkfoodclothing.com as well as contacted 

at 310.445.7776. 

Annabelle Candy Company is a wholesaler 

and retailer of classic candy bars such as Rocky 

Road, U-no, and Abba-Zaba and has a website at 

www.annabelle-candy.com 

Kaleidoscope, LLC is a company that provides 

consulting, assessment and counseling services to 

businesses, with a primary focus on the importance 

of diversity. The company’s website is 

located at www.webkg.com — G.G 

next inc., renews with ford 

Next Inc. has renewed its license with Ford 

Motor Company through December 2008. The 

license allows Next Inc., to distribute sportswear 

products to department stores, mass retailers and 

specialty stores under the Ford label. According 

to Ford’s brand licensing specialist John Nens, 

Next provides graphics and artwork to accompany 

and promote Ford vehicles. Previous contributions 

to Ford have placed Next Inc., in second 

place out of 34 of the company’s licensees. 

Next Inc., is a sales and marketing organization, 

which develops, designs, markets and distributes 

licensed sportswear products. Many of 

the company’s license agreements are with colleges, 

universities and motor companies.— G.G. 

weatherproof’s hosiery license 

Echo Lake has just gained the license to manufacture 

Weatherproof hosiery. The company will 

create a complete like of men’s socks. According 

the Weatherproof president, Fredric Stollmack 

the line will be distributed to an approved list of 

Weatherproof accounts and will officially launch 

January 1, 2008. 

Echo Lake is an New 

York-based manufacturer 

of hosiery and accessories. 

The company currently 

holds the licnese for 

Donna Karen and Franco 

Bettoni. 

Also beginning on 

Frederic Stollmack 

January 1, 2008 the company 

will take back its men’s apparel licensed in 

Canada. Prior to the beginning of the month, the 

Weatherproof men’s apparel in Canada was manufactured 

by Forsyth. — L.D. 

c.k. signs with g-III apparel 

Calvin Klein, Inc. announced that it has entered 

into a licensing agreement with G-III Apparel 

Group, Ltd. for a new line of women's performance 

apparel. 

Branded as ‘Calvin Klein Performance,’ the 

product will incorporate athletic and performance 

wear that will utilize materials and designs 

which enhance the lifestyle associated with 

women's sports and activities. 

G-III will manufacture and distribute women's 

performance wear under the ‘Calvin Klein 

Performance’ label to active, sporting goods, and 

specialty stores, as well as within department 

stores in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. 

The line will be offered at retail prices that 

match comparable athletic brands and is expected 

to ship twelve months a year beginning with a 

‘soft’ launch for the spring season and a complete 

roll-out expected for the fall season. B 

— D.C. 

maternity 

T 

he number of births in United States 

reached 4,265,996 in 2006. With a three 

percent increase in birth rates from those 

of 2005, it was the highest birth-rate year in 50 

years. Keeping up with this nationwide high, 

maternity apparel companies have been trying to 

provide more options in style and convenience such 

as the Glamourmom nursing bra and the 

BellaBand by Ingrid & Isabel. "As the birth rate 

rises, our brands will continue to care for the pregnant 

women of America, from all backgrounds, all 

ages and all walks of life," said the president and 

chief creative officer of Motherhood Maternity, 

Rebecca Matthias. 

available where moms are 

Glamourmom, a brand of popular, patented, 

built-in nursing bra tanks has become available 

at more maternity locations, due to its popularity 

and success with customers. Retailers such as 

Motherhood Maternity, Mimi Maternity, 

Destination Maternity and certain A Pea in the 

Pod locations are now carrying Glamourmom. 

The fashionable and functional tank features a 

supportive nursing bra with a soft cup frame, 

internal nursing flaps, and an elastic shelf that 

allows women to be discreet wherever they are. 

The tops are 95 

percent cotton and 5 

percent spandex and 

come in black, white, 

heather grey, light pink 

and brown. 

Glamourmom 

was invented and 

Line Rothman 

founded by Line 

Rothman. The company 

produces other maternity pieces including the 

Maternity Nursing Bra Tank, Nursing Bra Slip 

Dresses, Glamourmom Nursing Bra long 

Sleeve, and Nursing Bra Tankini Swimsuits. 

pickle and ice cream craving 

At Pickles and Ice Cream, a maternity store 

headquartered in Dallas, apparel with the highest 

wearability duration has surged in sales recently. 

“The unofficial fourth trimester, or the time 

following pregnancy, is a time that our materni- 

REPORTED BY GINA GOLDBLATT 

ty customers are concerned about as well. This 

period of time has often been over-looked in the 

past, but with the increasing predominance of 

breast feeding, women have been in search of 

apparel that can be worn during this time,” said 

Song Pardue, the company’s CEO. “The 

longevity and features of maternity clothing, 

other than sizing have gained more prominence. 

Garments that provide breast-feeding accessibility 

as well as style are readily gaining popularity.” 

As Maternity trends mirror those of the general 

apparel market, popular styles and colors are 

much the same. The company has also been 

supplying its customers with eco-friendly 

options in maternity wear through the use of 

vegetable dyes and “green” fabrics. “The fact that 

so many designers are providing eco-friendly lines 

is evidence of both the increased need and desire 

for such items,” said Pardue. 

For the spring and 

early fall of 2008, 

Pardue predicts that 

trends will move in the 

direction of more tailored 

styles. 

“I think when something 

is so popular for 

Song Pardue so long, the trend that 

will come next will be 

almost a polar opposite,” said Pardue. A change 

in trends would be helpful to maternity apparel 

marketers, as the styles popular now in other 

apparel genres are promoted as ready to wear. 

Often women can bypass maternity apparel and 

buy clothes elsewhere. 

Pickle and Ice Cream has recently expanded 

to include a location in Oklahoma, with most of 

its presence being in the Southeast United States 

and Texas. The company can be reached by calling 

888.4.9. MONTHS. 

bellaband by ingrid & isabel 

Ingrid & Isabel have developed a solution for 

women who want to wear their pre-pregnancy 

clothes longer or their maternity wardrobe sooner, 

without the appearance of either popping out 

of their outfit or swimming in it. The solution is 

called the BellaBand. 

The BellaBand is a stretchy, seamless band of 

fabric made of a knit blend. The band serves to 

shape pregnant bellies and allow women to wear 

the clothes they want to wear without feeling 

uncomfortable. The BellaBand works on virtually 

all clothing including activewear, sleepwear, 

and casual attire. The product is made of 84 percent 

nylon and 16 percent spandex and comes in 

sizes one through four, which accommodates 

pre-pregnancy sizes zero through 24. 

Two Everyday Collections provide customers 

with five color choices in the basic BellaBand 

and three lace enhanced options. Everyday colors 

include black, white, chocolate, sand and 

petal. Additionally, there is a Colors Collection, 

which includes mocha, slate and pepper hues 

and is available twice a year. 

Ingrid& Isabel, inventor of the BellaBand, can 

be reached via telephone at 415.409.2900. 

sexy maternity tankinis 

With mothers-to-be looking to accentuate their 

curvy, feminine bodies, tankinis are the mod 

maternity swimwear look this season. Various 

sexy styles are available at A Pea in the Pod, 

Mimi Maternity and Motherhood Maternity. 

“Vivid patterns and colors lend the items a 

sophistocated, flirty feel,” said Rebecca 

Matthias, President and Chief Creative Officer 

of A Pea in the Pod, Mimi Maternity and 

Motherhood Maternity. Replacing, One tankini 

style features bronze foil shading with printed 

spots and metal o-ring embellishments by A Pea 

in the Pod. A second option is the Mimi 

Maternity blue tankini with metallic foiling and 

a floral print as well as metal hardware detailing. 

Another choice is the Motherhood Maternity 

paisley print tankini with a boho-style and front 

ties. Select styles will be available in retail locations 

in February 2008. 

Judie Ashworth, the senior publicity manager of 

A Pea in the Pod, Mimi Maternity and 

Motherhood Maternity can be reached at 215- 

873-2283 or Jashworth@motherswork.com. 


B 

29

hosiery 

johnson to close & drop 40 

North Carolina-based hosiery company Johnson 

Hosiery Mills is shutting its doors and putting 

approximately 40 employees out of work. 

Founded in 1934, Johnson Hosiery Mills prided 

itself on being one of a few remaining family-owned 

Hickory sock mills in the U.S., but 

after the company's two largest customers significantly 

reduced their orders in favor of Asianmade 

products, Johnson was forced to close. 

The company said that the employees will be 

eligible for federal assistance. 

For more information, call (828) 322-6185. 

kushyfoot runs green business 

Kushyfoot, the company that produces hosiery 

and socks through reflexology massage, is doing 

its part to save the environment by cutting down 

the quantity of paper and packaging it uses; 

however, the original packaged items will continue 

to be used for those who prefer to buy the 

styles individually. 

“Kushyfoot products 

have been incredibly 

successful,” said company 

president Mitch 

Brown. “We know that 

shoppers are more and 

more concerned with 

environmental impact, 

Mitch Brown 

and at Kushyfoot we’re 

always looking out for ways to run a greener 

business.” 

launching early this year are knee-highs featuring 

a breathable sole with knitting techniques on 

either side of the foot to give support usually 

found only in athletic socks. 

Also launching soon are plus-size knee-highs 

specifically designed for women with larger feet 

and/or calves. 

Large foot covers and ultra low cut foot covers 

have suggested retail prices of $3.49 per pair, 

while sheer knee-highs retail at $5.99. 

“We are constantly working to stay abreast of 

footwear fashion and provide a Kushyfoot product 

to wear with every shoe type,” commented 

Brown. 

REPORTED BY DEENA CAMPBELL 


Kushyfoot products are available in approximately 

12,000 doors including mass-market and 

drug chains. For more information, call (323) 

852-0940. 

solidea compresses with colors 

New York-based hosiery company, Solidea is 

adding a bit of splash to wardrobes with the 

launch of opaque tights in pink, blue and gray. 

The low-rise tights include anti-stress soles 

with light compressions to increase blood circulation 

for the prevention of viricose veins. 

The company said that the hosiery is good for 

soothing legs as it has Aloe vera intertwined 

with the fabric. Although the aloe vera only lasts 

for eight washings, the compression features last 

longer. 

For additional information, call 

(800) 221-2520. 

solo expands w/ nina & green 

In the wake of the industry going ‘green’, Solo 

Licensing Corporation said that it will emphasize 

its new brand, Earth Grown, which uses 

organic fibers in its tights and socks. 

“Earth Grown is 

made of bamboo, soy 

and organic cotton 

tights and socks,” said 

Fern Pochtar, vice president 

of design for Solo 

Licensing. “We are 

adding an array of light 

Fern Pochtar 

colors, neutrals and 

some brights.” 

With a favorable reaction to the new spring 

items, Solo Licensing plans to expand the category 

for fall ‘08 by selling foot accessories such as 

foot covers and toe covers. 

Last year, Solo Licensing signed a licensing 

agreement with Nina Shoes. Since then, Solo 

Licensing has launched the Nina brand, a variety 

of tights and knee-highs. For spring ‘08, Solo 

Licensing is looking to launch three categories 

of Nina shapers, sheer pantyhose and kneehighs. 

The three Nina styles include a classic with 

tummy and hip support and non-binding leg, a 

longer line silicone style backed waistband with 

engineered knitting for longer leg length and a 

capri length with engineered knitting in the 

panty for tummy control. In the sheers division, 

Solo is introducing panty hose with and without 

support, and sheet knee-highs. 

The company’s distribution encompasses 

major department stores and specialty stores. For 

more information call (212) 244-5505. 

celeste stein’s major changes 

Celeste Stein Designs 

Inc., manufacturer of 

sublimation printed 

hosiery, purchased new 

printing machines to 

allow for an increased 

production. Because of 

the new purchase, the 

Celeste Stein 

company now features 

EDI capabilities. Moreover, Celeste Stein 

Designs signed a licensing agreement with the 

U.S. Postal Service to manufacturer hosiery—as 

well as other intimate garments—with a variety 

of U.S. stamp designs. 

In addition, Celeste Stein will make postal service 

hosiery and lingerie for the 950,000 postal 

service employees. 

“I dedicated the U.S. Postal Service agreement 

to my father who collected stamps since 

he was 12 years old,” said owner and designer 

Celeste Stein. 

The company said that because of the agreement 

with the postal service, other companies 

have commissioned Celeste Stein to have the 

official license for their products. Of the interested 

companies, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. 

has offered the license to Celeste Stein for 

hosiery and lingerie. 

Celeste Stein Designs is also introducing new 

stirrup leggings and knitted socks in different 

lengths. 

Looking to the future Stein is planning to 

secure licensing agreements with large companies, 

as well as work with major department 

stores. 

For more information, call (409) 763-1009. B 

orabella scarano, (800) 563-1756. email: INFO@ORABELLASCARANO.COM. 




hosiery

music legs at mcpete sales, (212) 213-1330. email: SALES@MCPETEINC.COM. 

levante usa, (718) 851-2577. email: LEAH@LEVANTEUSA.COM. 

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A Wide-Ranging Selection 

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33

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shapewear 

shapewear 

tc fine adds panties to roster 

TC Fine Shapewear, now known as TC 

Intimates, is launching further into the intimates 

business with a new line of better panties called 

TC Edge. The line will feature the patented 

“Wonderful Edge” technology, which features a 

silicone application on the backside of the garment 

that prevents it from riding up or exposing 

panty lines. The fabric content is 65/35 

nylon/spandex, which provides for a luxurious 

hand and a seamless appearance, according to 

the company. 

It is currently being tested in retail markets in 

four silhouettes, which are available black, nude, 

ecru and chocolate. 

“So far, the results 

have been very gratifying,” 

said national sales 

manager, Len 

Greenbaum. “The technology 

we are using is 

patented and that translates 

into the only panty 

Len Greenbaum 

in the market that won't 

ride up.” 

Additionally, TC Fine is launching three new 

items of shapewear including: a strapless 

camisole also featuring the Wonderful Edge 

technology as a hidden underwire bra; a highwaist 

slip and a bike pant for the Just Enough 

collection. 

“It is a lighter control line that was mostly 

developed for women who normally don't wear 

shapewear, but want ‘just enough’ control with a 

little smoothing,” explained Greenbaum. 

To learn more about TC Fine's intimates and 

shapewear, contact Greenbaum at 

TC@Cshape.com. 

bring it up gives 2 in 1 action 

Bring It Up, Inc. has recently introduced the 

Smooth and Lift nipple cover for the most discrete 

coverage on the market. This new product 

molds to the shape of the breast and helps lift 

the breast from the top. Using patent-pending 

technology called “Lift from the Top,” the 

Smooth and Lift nipple covers are able to battle 

two trouble areas in one swoop, according to the 

REPORTED BY LIBBY DOWD 

company. 

“This technology combines a no stick thin layer 

of softness in the center and a special contoured 

four-way stretch material into one product,” said 

Andrea Niemiec of Bring It Up Inc. 

The Smooth & Lift nipple covers are available 

in clear with a nude center. To learn more contact 

the company at (805) 778-9176. 

annette wins with seamless 

When it comes to trends, seamless shapewear 

styles are taking the lead this year. Annette 

International is just one of the companies working 

on a fall launch that will include seamless 

shape pieces bearing the 

industry’s newest technology. 

In February, the 

company is set to launch 

15 styles of seamless 

shapewear. 

“Based on what we 

saw in Lyon, there are 

Sharon Singer 

a lot of different fabrics 

being used,” said Sharon Singer, vice president 

of marketing for the company. “The fabrics 

offer a heavy compression but have a very 

soft hand. They are featuring a completely flat 

and seamless structure. I also think that the 

wire is going to disappear and next year will be 

replaced with different construction.” 

Recently, the company has seen a great reaction 

to its line of plus size shapewear garments. 

“We have been very successful with the plus 

size shapewear and have introduced the products 

to several accounts with a large reputation 

in the industry,” said Singer. 

With new accounts onboard, Annette 

International is looking step ahead of other 

shapewear manufacturers in the market. Singer 

feels that the company’s advantage lies in the 

quality of the garment it produces. 

“Our bottom line is quality,” she said. “We 

manufacture in our own plant in Columbia, 

and in the last five years the reputation of manufacturers 

in Columbia has been recognized 

worldwide.” 

The company is also starting to get a handle 

on the U.S. market. 

“We have put a great effort into product development 

and researched more and more in order 

to become innovative in our design and 

fabrications,” said Singer. “So far, Annette 

International’s plan for expansion has landed the 

brand in major retailers such as Nordstrom, 

Bare Necessities and Lady Grace, just to 

mention a few.” 

Annette International can be reached at (305) 

883-0708. 

sassybax for bare backs 

Sassybax has introduced Very Bare, a new strapless 

and backless adhesive bra. This new product 

will lift and support the breasts with its hidden 

underwire. The one-piece seamless design features 

molded cups for the smoothest look under 

any garment. Unlike other backless adhesive 

bras, Very Bare features patent-pending technology 

that integrates trim-able wings that can be 

customized to your body’s shape. 


35

plus 

naturana intros seamless plus 

This spring in its plus size division, Naturana 

will be introducing a lot of molded cups, soft 

cups and padded bras. 

“We are looking at a lot of soft cups and what 

we are doing is adding cotton jacquards to full 

support bras,” said Nick Eleotrivaris, sales manager 

for the brand. “But becoming more popular 

are molded cups, and I am also noticing more 

padded bras in the industry.” 

Naturana will also introduce new prints this 

spring season, but basic styles in white, black, 

and nude will continue to be strong. 

“We manufacture bras, panties and one-piece 

body briefs,” said Eleotrivaris. “Most of the 

products we manufacture are functional.” 

Other trends include the rise in popularity of 

one-piece bras in plus sizes. These one-piece 

styles are made with a heat-laminated construction 

that eliminates seams and creates self-contained 

underwire. Naturana was one of the first 

companies to introduce this technology in the 

late 1990s with its Nixi bra. 

“We are now working on a new development 

in the plus-size market in the seamless direction,” 

said Eleotrivaris. The inclusion of a seamless 

one-piece bra in a plus-sized range will help 

put Naturana ahead of the curve. 

“It is a big factor in the industry,” said 

Eleotrivaris. “It is important to prove how far 

ahead you are in the industry in terms of technology 

and sewing techniques.” 

in the mood for fashion sets 

With 75 percent of her customer base shopping 

for plus sizes, Karen Esposito, owner of In The 

Mood intimate apparel boutique in Fairfield, 

Connecticut, has had to stock up on the best 

styles and brands for her store. 

“The good thing about plus size is that it is 

really becoming more fashion forward,” she said. 

“It’s not your generic grandma bra anymore. 

Fashion-forward women now have a choice of a 

large array of brands.” 

Esposito’s plus size business is growing so 

rapidly that she added 25 percent more skus in 

the category this year. 

36 



Her most requested brands are Chantelle, 

Panache, Freya/Fantasy and Felina. 

“We do sell other brands that offer more basic 

styling and colors, but there is more interest in 

the fashion,” she said. “Plus-sized women want 

to feel just as beautiful as anyone else and that is 

what we try to cater to. Women keep thanking 

us and saying, ‘finally there is someone out there 

who sells what I need in the sizes that I need.’” 

Aside from fashion sets, Esposito’s clients are 

looking for shapewear items. 

“I’m seeing a lot of shapewear in sizes up to a 

5-X,” she said. “The Spanx is selling really well 

and Body Wrap too has a line of plus sizes. 

Those two lines really came up in the market 

and people are buying it.” 

So what took so long for manufacturers to 

come out with plus size ranges of shapewear? 

“There has always been a demand for it, I just 

don’t think the manufacturers saw the demand,” 

said Esposito. “The fact of the matter is that the 

average woman in the U.S. market is a size 12, 

not a small, medium or large. It is a completely 

untapped market that Body Wrap and Spanx 

have found. I think that as the plus size consumer 

becomes more aware of what is out there, 

they buy it more.” 

Esposito also pointed out that as trends in 

women’s apparel lean towards more form-fitting 

styles, there will be a greater demand for shaping 

garments for women of all ages, shapes and sizes. 

“There are already a lot of options and there are 

going to be more,” said Esposito in regards to the 

booming plus size market. “These women have 

the money and are willing to spend it. I can’t 

imagine that there is going to be a company that 

will only sell A–C cups. Even if they have to 

charge a higher price, you are going to see more 

and more companies heading into the market.” 

about curves adds groups 

Just in time for holiday shopping, 

AboutCurves.com has added two new categories 

to it retail site: a “Christmas” category that features 

26-styles (most in red); “Best Sellers” 

group, which will feature the top six best-selling 

items from the previous week. 

In January, the Christmas category, which is 

expected to be a hit will be replaced by the 

“Valentine’s Day” category. 

The “Best Sellers” group is there to help shoppers 

who need inspiration. Every Tuesday the 

site will update its “Best Sellers,” which are usually 

items from the company’s private label collection 

and range in size from 1X to 7X. 

About Curves is in their seventh year as an 

online-only shopping site for lingerie for plus 

size women. It was founded by the motherdaughter 

team of Robin Bryan Culver and K.C. 

Culver, who were having difficulty finding 

sleepwear and funwear that did not look like the 

styles grandma wore. 

Their distribution center is located just outside 

of Baltimore, Maryland, and the company ships 

both domestically and internationally. Their goal 

is to make plus size women be less self-conscious 

by providing them with well-made, beautiful 

lingerie, over a large price range. 

You can find them on the web at 

www.aboutcurves.com. 

any size adds plus products 

Any Size Lingerie, a retailer of lingerie products 

in the U.S., found that more and more couples are 

fighting to save their intimacy. The company has 

added more than 400 styles in plus size lingerie to 

help couples. Lingerie lines include corsets, 

camisoles, thongs, G-strings, outfits or sets, baby 

dolls, night gowns, dresses, mini skirts, bra sets, 

costumes, and teddies. These products range from 

sheer and sexy, to elegant and exquisite. 

The new lines include many different materials 

that include cotton, lycra, lame, and vinyl 

leather lingerie, and range in sizes from super 

petite to plus size. There are many different 

looks that include elegant lingerie to superior, 

fine lingerie. 

Any Size Lingerie has just added another 200 

plus size lingerie selections that range from plus 

size camisoles and babydolls to matching thongs 

and G-strings in all different material types 

including leather, sheer, lycra, mesh, lame, cotton, 

micro fiber and more. All selections are 

available online under the Plus Size Lingerie 

section as well as many of the outfit or sets sections. 

B 

shoes 

clear is sexy at spectra 

At Spectra Shoes, the most popular items are the 

clear-heeled styles and rhinestone embellished 

footwear options in the private label Centerfold 

brand, according to owner Ninos Manashi. 

“Although the clear shoe has been around for 

years, it remains one of our most in-demand 

shoes. We have many options with ankle straps 

as well as ones without, and carry heels from five 

to eight inches in height,” said Manashi. 

Rhinestone embroidered options have recently 

been added to the company’s collection, which 

include various patterns added to the clear styles. 

According to Manashi, “We at Spectra shoes 

believe bows and flowers are old fashioned decorative 

items, that are redundant. Therefore 

Spectra Shoes prides itself in carrying shoes with 

subtle and trendy embellishments.” 

Another popular shoe is the classic black 

platform, which also comes in six to eight inch 

heel options. 

“All of the materials used in making our shoes 

are man-made, except the insole, which is made 

of leather to provide the utmost comfort for our 

customers,” said Manashi. Both the black and 

the clear options that sell the most are in such 

high demand, becuase of their versatility. “These 

shoes go with every outfit,” said Manashi. 

Manashi said “Spectra knows the sexy shoe 

business better than anybody else. My shoes sell! 

The one piece of advice I have for all potential 

buyers is to consult me before buying anywhere 

else. I am motivated by successful repeat sales.” 

Ninos Manashi can be reached at the Spectra 

shoes hotline at (800) 989-2521. He will give 

Body Magazine readers an extra 10 percent off 

in the month of January, if they mention this 

article. 

Spectra Shoes is a private label sexy shoe 

manufacturer, based out of Texas. — G.G. 

smartdogs intros new designs 

Smartdogs, a division of the Grandoe 

Corporation, is launching its newest line of 

indoor/outdoor slippers with sole 

designs that feature a multi-colored shockabsorbing 

outsole, integrated four-zone honeycomb 

air cushioned insoles and contoured arch 

supports. 

REPORTED BY DEENA CAMPBELL AND GINA GOLDBLATT 

“We call our Smartdogs slippers the ultimate 

comfort indoor-outdoor footwear product,” said 

Kent Friedman, executive vice president sales 

and marketing for Grandoe. “because that’s 

exactly what they are.” 

Women’s leather slipper shoe choices include 

deerskin clogs with microsuede lining, available 

in a varied leather colors with complementary 

stitching; and three styles with genuine shearling 

linings offering the advantages of natural lanolin 

to moisturize the foot. 

The company said that Smartdogs Synergy 

Comfort Footwear was inspired by the holistic 

approach to living. Each synergy style features 

an anti-bacterial footbed, gel heel pad and an 

energy-stimulating colored chakra to enhance 

the wearer’s comfort and well-being. Synergy 

styles include: Cobra, an open-toe stretch 

neo slide in a range of contrasting and complementary 

colors; Downward Dog, a Mary 

Jane, and Prana, an indoor/outdoor thong slipper. 

The largest category, with eight designs,— 

which range from $38-$45 at retail—is Spa 

Tacular. This category includes open toe slipons, 

micro-terry clogs, open-toed slides and 

waffle cotton uppers. 

With the exception of those in natural leather 

and shearling, all slippers can be machinewashed. 

Smartdogs is available exclusively 

through specialty retailers. 

For more information call (800) GRANDOE. 

— D.C. 

glam cashmere intros slippers 

Gabrielle Hoffman, 

owner of intimate 

apparel company, Glam 

Cashmere, is preparing 

to keep everyone’s toes 

warm with the launch 

of a cashmere slipper 

line for Spring ‘08. 

Gabrielle Hoffman 

“I think it will be 

great to offer matching slippers,” said Hoffman. 

“Since I received lots of requests for slippers, I 

figured, why not.” 

Colors for the slippers include fuchsia, 

blue, foam green, coral and black. And as an 

added incentive, the slippers are packaged in a 

matching sack. 

The New York-based company is also looking 

to manufacturer cashmere blankets and throws 

for seasons to come. The brightly colored cashmere 

slippers will be made of the same cashmere 

material as Glam Cashmere pajamas and will 

wholesale for approximately $34. 

The cashmere slippers will debut at the 

CurveNY and CurveNV shows. For more information 

call (212) 286-0930. — D.C. 

isotoner: velour & satin wear 

Totes-Isotoner Corporation, headquartered in 

Cincinnati, is offering the Isotoner PillowStep 

Velour slippers with patented PillowStep. 

The slipper features tufted insoles for extra 

padding underfoot and comfort zones at the 

arch and heel for extra cushioning where feet 

need it most. They also also have a shiny 

satin trim and are machine washable. The 

PillowStep slippers will be offered in red, black, 

navy, ivory, and leopard. 

For more information call (212) 944-1129. B 

— D.C. 

fall slipper trends 


what’s on everyone’s lips... 

• Cartoon printed slippers 

• Suede trimmings 

• Wool socks doubling as slippers with nonskid 

bottoms 

• Velour slippers 

• Matching slipper and pj sets 

• Cashmere slippers 

• Slippers with embellishments 

• Anti-bacterial footbeds 


37

costume REPORTED 

q&a with hustler’s elan rofé 

At the launch of the 2008 

line of Hustler Costumes at 

the National Halloween & 

Costume Party Show, Elan 

Rofé, president of Hustler 

Lingerie, took a few 

moments to brief BODY 

on the ins and outs of creating 

a brand new line of 

Elan Rofé sexy costumes. 

How large is the initial collection? 

“We're offering 38 Hustler Costumes to start. 

The line started with over 70 styles, and we whittled 

that down until we were sure our catalog contained 

only winners. We are confident that our 

costumes are going to have a significant impact 

on the market.” 

How does the line differ from other 

costume collections? 

“Aside from the fact that every piece proudly 

bears the Hustler trademark, the main distinction 

between our costumes and the rest of the 

market is fit and fabrication. We hired fashion 

designers with high-end retail experience to 

ensure that our costumes will look amazing on 

the consumer—not just in the catalog.” 

How does the line support and contribute to the 

Hustler Lingerie brand? 

“Not only do the costumes look great with 

Hustler Lingerie hosiery, the brand identity 

grows as our licenses grow. You'll notice we’re using 

some of the same models in our new costume catalog 

as we have in our new Hustler Lingerie catalog, 

so the overall look is evolving together.” 

The Hustler Flasher is that your signature costume, 

how does that represent the brand? 

“The Hustler Flasher is the female version of the 

infamous ‘Hustler Magazine’ cartoon character, 

Chester the Molester. Wherever he goes, Chester 

wears nothing but his overcoat and hat, and when 

he feels the urge, he lets it all hang out. With our 

Flasher, the results can be much more enjoyable!” 

What are your plans for expanding the line in the 

coming seasons? 

We expect to add between 10 and 20 costumes 

next season, based upon market response and 

what our top-notch design team comes up with. 

dreamgirl cheers for u.s.a 

The launch of Dreamgirl’s new line in 2008 will 

go a long way toward helping the company retain 

BY LIBBY DOWO 


its status as the leader in contemporary costumes. 

Initial concepts for the collection not only touch 

upon of-the-minute trends and events, but they 

also put a modern spin on vintage and retro looks. 

With Halloween 2008 falling the weekend 

before Election Day, Dreamgirl has created a 

group of costumes that aims to raise awareness 

among young voters in a fun and playful way. 

“The boiling point is getting more and more 

intense as we get closer to the election,” said 

designer Janet Teller. “We are aiming these costumes 

at younger kids with the message 

that they too have to participate if they want to 

change the future.” 

This point is illustrated through costumes such 

as an election cheerleader, a sexy Uncle Sam called 

American Booty and for men, Poll Security. 

The notion of 

Janet Teller 

American Pride appears 

throughout the collection 

in the form of military 

costumes, hometown 

hotties and liberty 

belles. Taking note from 

the recent Spice Girls 

performance at the 

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, the line’s designers 

developed multiple pin-up style military uniforms. 

“We may pick up on trends that are retro,” 

said Teller. “But it is always done with a contemporary 

flair.” 

Among all the fluff and feathers involved in creating 

a complete line of sexy costumes, Dreamgirl 

has remained steadfast in offering its customer a 

quality costume that speaks volumes. “With the 

war going on now it hits closer to home,” said 

designer, Amanda Wasvary. “With a powerful 

costume you look cute, fun and sexy but there is 

more behind it.” 

For more information on the line contact the 

company at (323) 268-0220, ext. 271. 

elegant moments’ 2008 line 

As the sexy costume business 

booms, manufacturers 

have been expanding 

their business to accommodate 

the demand. 

Elegant Moments, a lingerie 

company known for 

its work in leather and 

Amanda Wasvary 

vinyl, has run with the 

trend. For the 2008 

Halloween season, the company has launched close 

to 150 styles of sexy costumes, making costumes 15 

percent of the company’s entire line. 

“We are adding more mainstream costumes that 

lean towards the adult sexy market,” said company 

president Gene Newton. “We are still a leader 

in lingerie, hosiery and packaged lingerie and we 

will continue to expand those lines, but we have 

had great success from the costumes.” 

Newton attributes the 

success of the line to 

unparalleled quality, customer 

service and 

design. “I accept nothing 

but the best,” he said. 

“It’s not worth it for us, 

we’re not in this business 

Gene Newton 

to fool people.” 

The new collection includes Halloween musthaves 

such as witches, nurses and school girls as 

well as unique styles such as a leprechaun and the 

chef costume made popular last year from Bravo’s 

Top Chef TV show. 

The line also includes costumes for couples such 

as a pair of painters and a Renaissance Lovers 

Couple. 

“What’s happening in movies and TV is a real 

influence to us,” added Susan Newton, “And 

when those take off, people are looking for the 

costumes.” B 

real estate 

jaclyn terminates sale 

Jaclyn, Inc. terminated its previous purchase and 

sales agreement of the company’s former executive 

offices and warehouse and two adjacent lots 

located in West New York, New Jersey, because 

of to the purchaser’s failure to obtain necessary 

governmental approvals by said deadline. The 

unnamed purchaser had plans to build 150 residential 

units in the space. The company is currently 

re-evaluating the available options for the 

West New York location. 

Jaclyn, Inc. designs, manufactures and markets 

apparel sleepwear, handbags and accessories for 

reps 

coquette taps john deignan 

Since the promotion of Dave George to national 

sales manager, Coquette International has 

hired John Deignan of Redondo Beach, 

California. In his new role, Deignan will take 

over the territory formerly covered by George, 

which includes: Arizona, California, Hawaii, 

Nevada and Utah. 

“John has a great personality 

and we are certainly 

looking forward 

to having him 

onboard,” said George. 

“We have great faith 

that he will do a superi- 

John Deignan 

or job in looking after 

our customers.” 

Deignan can be reached at (310) 308-6699 or 

by e-mail at johndeignan@yahoo.com. — L.D. 

sales positions open at jante 

C.S. Associates is currently seeking sales reps for 

its line, Jante Shoes. The company is looking to 

cover the West, Northwest, Mid-Atlantic, the 

South, Mid-South and South West regions. 

REPORTED BY LIBBY DOWD AND GINA GOLDBLATT 

women, children and infants. Its website is 

www.jaclyninc.com — G.G. 

lazy lifestyle finds life in ny 

Lazy Lifestyle, the casual line of crossover 

loungewear, has joined the Jade Showroom in 

New York City. The showroom is located at 275 

West 39th Street, 10th Floor. To learn more 

about the line or to contact the New York sales 

rep, call (212) 921-7109, ext. 103 or visit 

www.jadeshowroom.com. 

Additionally, the line is looking for international 

reps in Europe and Australia. Those interested 

should contact Rafi Ashkenazi by email at 

napdesignsinc@gmail.com. — L.D. 

REPORTED BY DEENA CAMPBELL. LIBBY DOWD AND GINA GOLDBLATT 

Those interested in a position with the company 

should contact Paul at (909) 781-2605. — L.D. 

classy bride looks for reps 

Classy Bride is looking for sales reps in the 

Southeast. Those interested should contact 

Bridget Morh at (213) 622-1011. — L.D 

enell inc. seeks reps 

Enell, Inc., a company that supplies performancewear 

for well-endowed women is looking 

to hire sales representatives for the Northeast 

and West Coast Territories in order to represent 

the sport and light lines. 

Interested parties should email cover letter and 

resume to mara@enell.com. — G.G. 

zovo seeks reps 

Zovo is looking for sales reps in the Mid-West 

and West Coast areas. Interested candidates 

should e-mail the company at 

engle@zovoco.com. — L.D. 

seven ‘til midnight adds sales 

Los Angeles based Seven ‘til Midnight costumes, 

a division of Carrie Amber Intimates, 

skiviez moves to larger office 

Skiviez, an online retailer of men’s underwear, has 

moved into a larger office in Ashland, Virginia. 

“The company is growing at an alarming rate,” 

said president Robert Clark. “We have more 

room so we are able to do more faster. We are 

getting orders out faster now, basically everything 

ships the same day.” 

The company is now operating with 6,000 

square-feet of warehouse and office space. With 

continued growth, Clark is looking to expand 

online advertising, which will be focused on the 

company’s target customer, an 18 to 35-year-old 

make with a moderate income. B — L.D. 

Inc., recently announced that it will be expanding 

its sales force throughout the U.S., Mexico 

and Canada. There are territories currently 

available in the U.S., including the southeast, 

middle Atlantic and several southern states. 

Parts of Canada, Mexico and South America are 

also available. Prospective candidates should 

have experience with the sale of costumes, packaged 

hosiery or lingerie, although a multi-line 

party store rep will also be considered. Reps 

should have experience calling on the 

Halloween, party, costume and/or the adult store 

trade. Interested parties should email a resume 

to phil@carrieamber.com or fax resumes and 

cover letter to Attn: Phil Young at (909) 989- 

4438. — L.D. 

glam cashmere needs reps 

Intimate apparel company Glam Cashmere is 

seeking reps for Dallas and Chicago. 

“We are getting good responses in New York 

and Los Angeles, we just need to bring sales to 

other areas,” said owner Gabrielle Hoffman. 

For more information contact Gabrielle 

Hoffman at (212) 286-0930. B — D.C. 


39

finance BY 

LIBBY DOWD AND GINA GOLDBLATT 

valley national names b.o.d. 

Valley National Bancorp and its subsidiary, Valley 

National Bank, have appointed Marc Lenner and 

Suresh Sani to its board of directors. 

Currently, Lenner is serving as CEO and CFO 

of Lester M. Entin Associates, where he manages 

and operates more than three million square-feet 

of real estate throughout the U.S. 

Sani is working as vice president of First 

Pioneer Properties, Inc., a familyowned 

management company that 

manages approximately three million-square-feet 

of commercial 

buildings and over 2,500 acres of 

office buildings, industrial properties 

and retail properties located in 

New York, New Jersey and in six 

other states. 

Valley National Bancorp is a 

regional bank holding company 

with more than $12 billion in 

assets headquartered in Wayne, 

New Jersey. Its principal subsidiary, 

Valley National Bank, currently 

operates 171 branches in 

114 communities serving 13 counties 

throughout northern and central 

New Jersey and New York 

City. — L.D. 

gmac: new risk officer 

GMAC Financial Services has 

hired Samuel Ramsey to the newly 

created position of chief risk officer. 

In his new role, Ramsey will 

be responsible for global risk management 

and treasury activities 

including funding and balance 

sheet management. He will report to GMAC 

chief operating officer, Al de Molina. 

Ramsey began working with GMAC in 

September of this year as treasurer and will now 

have expanded responsibilities as chief risk officer. 

Prior to his work with GMAC, Ramsey spent 

more than 25 years at Bank of America, most 

recently serving as chief financial officer of global 

corporate and investment banking. 


“Sam brings extensive finance and risk management 

experience to GMAC and we are 

pleased to appoint him to this new role,” said de 

Molina. “As GMAC crosses the one-year mark 

as a stand-alone organization, we continue to 

strengthen and broaden the management team 

to suit the size and scope of our business. Risk 

and treasury are critically important to the future 

success of our company and Sam has a proven 

track record in both.” 

In addition, David Walker, GMAC group vice 

president of global borrowings, has been named 

GMAC treasurer. 

GMAC Financial Services is a global, diversified 

financial services company that operates in 

approximately 40 countries, dealing in automotive 

finance, real estate finance, insurance and 

commercial finance businesses. GMAC was 

established in 1919 and today employs about 

31,000 people worldwide. — L.D. 

cit hires desmarteau 

CIT Group, a global commercial finance company, 

has appointed Jay DesMarteau as president of 

CIT equipment finance. DesMarteau has served 

as interim group head since June 2007. In his new 

role, he will be responsible for developing and 

growing CIT’s middle market equipment finance 

business and working with the Equipment 

Fiance leadership team to drive sales, deal structuring, 

portfolio management and 

customer satisfaction. 

DesMarteau joined CIT in 2006 as 

the Chief Sales Officer of 

Commercial Finance. Prior 

to joining CIT, DesMarteau worked 

with General Electric for 15 years in a 

number of increasingly senior roles. 

CIT Equipment Finance is a leading 

provider of equipment financing 

solutions for middle market companies 

in a wide range of industries. CIT 

Equipment Finance specializes in 

providing equipment loans and leases 

for transactions ranging in size from 

$3 million to approximately $50 million. 

— L.D. 

hot topic’s income down 

Hot Topic has reported a drop in net 

income for the third quarter, which 

ended November 3, 2007. The company 

reported net income of $6.7 million, 

compared to $7.1 million for the 

comparable period last year. 

At the end of the third quarter fiscal 

2007, Hot Topic operated 695 stores 

and 147 Torrid stores. During the 

third quarter, the company opened a 

total of five Hot Topic stores and 14 Torrid 

stores, and closed three Hot Topic Stores. The 

company also remodeled or relocated 14 Hot 

Topic stores. 

The company also announced that in fiscal 

2008 it will open 30 to 35 new stores. 

Hot Topic, Inc. is a national mall-based specialty 

retailer. Hot Topic offers apparel, accessories 

and gifts to young men and women principally 

between the ages of 12 and 22. Torrid, the company’s 

second concept, provides plus-sized fashion-forward 

apparel and accessories that target 

young women principally between the ages of 15 

and 29. — L.D. 

sun capital aims for kellwood 

Sun Capital Securities Group has offered to 

acquire the apparel manufacturer Kellwood 

Company for $543.9 million. The company’s 

share hit a seven-year low in mid-September and 

has since declined. Kellwood reported a $65.8 

million loss in the second quarter. 

CTW Investment Group, which works with 

the apparel maker, has advised them to consider 

a sale of the company. 

Additionally, Kellwood Company has 

announced a rise in net sales for the third quarter 

ended November 3, 2007. The company 

reported net sales from continuing operations 

totaled $404.1 million compared to $397.0 million 

in the third quarter last year. Net loss from 

continuing operations was $5.9 million versus a 

net loss of $1.5 million last year. — L.D. 

lululemon up 85 percent 

Lululemon Athletica, Inc. pushed the seaweed 

scuffle with the “New York Times” under the rug 

with the announcement of an increase in net revenues 

for the third quarter. 

The company reported that net revenue was up 

84 percent to $66.2 million. Operating income 

rung it at $11.8 million or 17.9 percent of net 

revenue, compared to $4.7 million in the third 

quarter of fiscal 2006. 

Future plans for Lululemon include the opening 

of 27 new stores in North America, 17 

of which will open during the 

first three quarters. Thirty to thirty-five more are 

expected to open in fiscal 2008. — L.D. 

mothers work sales up 

Mothers Work, Inc., a retailer and designer of 

maternity apparel, witnessed an increase of 2.3 

percent in net sales for November 2007. This 

increase brought net sales to $46.5 million, down 

from $45.5 million in November 2006. 

During the November 2007, the company 

opened four stores and closed nine. 

As of November 30, 2007, Mothers Work operated 

more than 1500 maternity locations, under 

the names Mimi Maternity, Destination 

Maternity and Motherhood Maternity. — G.G. 

maidenform 3q sales down 

Maidenform Brands, Inc., reported a decrease in 

net sales for the third quarter of 2007. Net sales 

fell 12 percent, or $13.8 million, to $100.2 million. 

This was down from $113.833 million in the 

third quarter of 2006. Net sales in wholesale also 

decreased $14.0 million, or 14.5 percent from 

$96.5 million in 2006, to $82.5 million in 2007. 

Wholesale net sales decreased as well, dropping 

11.1 percent from $6.5 million in 2006, to $5.78 

million in 2007. 

Reasons for the decrease in net sales were 

given as an increasingly challenging sales 

environment and a changeover from private 

labels to branded sales. 

Thomas J. Ward, executive officer of 

Maidenform Brands said, “We have implemented 

initiatives that we expect will successfully 

drive the business long-term by focusing on our 

branded sales opportunities, which have 

increased 5.5% year-to-date. However, 2007 has 

been a transitional year.” 

One area that saw increased sales was retail, 

where net sales reached $17.7 million, a $0.4 

million, or 2.3%, rise from the $17.3 million 

reached in the third 

quarter of 2006. An 

expansion of the company’s 

Sweet Nothings 

brand partially offset 

loses and international 

sales increased 26.9 percent. 

For the forth quarter 

and into 2008, 

Maidennform plans to 

launch the new Sleek 

Fit bra, Flexees’ 

Weightless Power, and 

Shapewear Chic product 

lines. 

Maidenform Brands, 

Inc., is an intimateapparel 

company that 

designs and markets 

brands including 

Rendezvous, 

Maidenform, and 

Self Expressions. 

— G.G. 

suriel tapped cfo at ironclad 

Ironclad Performance Wear has hired Avi Suriel 

as its chief financial officer. In his new role, 

Suriel will take the lead in formulating Ironclad’s 

financial strategy as it grows its global markets, 

by focusing on capital structure, budgeting, 

financial reporting and communication with the 

investor community. 

“We’re very fortunate to have attracted Avi 

Suriel to join our company,” said Ed Jaeger, president 

and chief executive officer. “His background 

and credentials will be instrumental in 

fueling our growth through the development and 

management of a sound financial strategy, “ 

Suriel’s background includes positions in 

research and investment banking at Merrill 

Lynch, Morgan Stanley and Smith Barney. Most 

recently, Suriel was senior advisor for several 

start-ups and mid-sized companies. He served as 

COO, CFO and executive vice president for 

business development in the technology, consumer 

products and media sectors. 

Tom Kreig had been serving as interim CFO 

since April 2007. — L.D. 

B 


41

calendar COMPILED 

2008 

january 4-6 

Forplay First 

Annual Sexyland Event 

Renaissance Hotel 

Hollywood, Calif. 

(626) 401-1682 

(800) 353-9029 

forplayinc.com 


Intermezzo Collections 

Jacob Javits Center 

New York, N.Y. 

(212) 759-8055 

enkshows.com 


Surf Expo 

Orange County 

Convention Center 

Orlando, Fla. 

(800) 947-SURF 

surfexpo.com 


Florida Fashion Focus 

Sheraton Miami Mart 

Hotel & Convention 

Center 

Miami, Fla. 

(888) 249-1377 

floridafashionfocus.com 


Bread & Butter 

Barcelona 

Barcelona, Spain 

+49 (0)30 400 44 0 

breadandbutter.com 


Imprinted Sportswear 

Show 2008 

Long Beach 


Long Beach, Calif. 

(562) 436-3636 

eventseye.com 


Texworld USA 

Javits Convention Center 


(212) 944-7400 

lenzig.com 


Interfiliere Paris 

Paris Expo 

Port de Versailles, France 

interfiliere.com 


Salon International 

de la Lingerie 

Paris Expo 

Port de Versailles, France 

lingerie-paris.com 

february 1-6 

NY International Gift Fair 

Jacob K. Javits 



nyigf.com 

february 2-5 

Chicago StyleMax 

The Merchandise Mart 

Chicago, Ill. 

(800) 677-6278 

mmart.com/stylemax 


event & show dates 2007/2008 


february 2-7 

New York International 

Gift Fair 

Jacob Javits Center 


nyigf.com 

february 3-5 

CurveNY 

Penn Plaza Pavilion 


(203) 698 7470 

curvexpo.com 

february 5-7 

New York Shoe Expo 

Hilton New York, 

FFANY member showrooms 


ffany.org 

february 7-9 

11th Istanbul 

Fashion Fair 

CNR Expo 

Istanbul, Turkey 

+90 (212) 465 74 74 

cnr-if.com 

february 8-10 

Couture Fashion Week 

location tba 

+1 (917) 749-8421 

couturefashionweek.com 

february 10-12 

Body Look 

Dusseldorf Fairgrounds 

Dusseldorf, Germany 

+49.211.4396.01 

igedo.com 


Coterie 

Jacon K. Javits 



(212) 759 8055 


ASAP Show 

Venetian Hotel 

Las Vegas, Nev. 

(626) 279-5814 

asapshow.com 


Off-Price Show 

Sands Expo Center 


(262) 782-1600 

offpriceshow.com 


WWIN Show 

RIO Hotel 


wwinshow.com 


MAGIC 

Las Vegas Convention 

Center 


magiconline.com 


Lingerie Americas at 

MAGIC 


(212) 966-5830 

lingerie-americas.com 


Intertex Milano 

Milano, Italy 

info@t-d-f.com 

intertexmilano.it 


CurveNV 



(203) 698-7470 



Indigo Paris 

Paris Nord - Villepinte 

Paris, France 

+33 (0)1 48 63 30 30 



The WSA Show 

Mandalay Bay 


and Sands Expo Center 


(818) 379-9400 

wsashow.com 


Harrogate Lingerie & 

Swimwear Exhibition 

Harrogate Centre 

London, England 

lingerie-show.com 


Lingerie Americas 

Altman Building & 

Pavilion 


(212) 966-5830 



Collection Premiere 

Moscow 

Krasnaya Presnya 

Exhibition Center 

Moscow, Russia 


march 1-3 

HDAC Show 

Americas Mart, Bldg. 3 

Atlanta, Ga. 

hdacshow.org 

(888) 770-4322 

march 3-4 

Mom2b 

Las Vegas Hilton 

3000 Paradise Road 


702-732-5111 

mom2btradeshow.com 

march 2-5 

ASD/AMD Variety 

Merchandise Show 

Mandalay Bay 

Convention Center, 

Sands Expo Center 


(800) 421-4511 

merchandisegroup.com 

march 16-19 

National Halloween & 

Costume Party Show 

Sands Expo & 



(800) 323-5462 

hcpshow.com 

march 27-28 

Intertextile Beijing 

Apparel Fabrics 

China International 


Beijing, China 

+86-10-85229440 

85229463 

intertextile.com 

april 1-3 

Textil North America 

Cobb Galleria Centre 

Atlanta, Ga. 

usa.messefrankfurt.com 

april 5-8 

Chicago StyleMax 

The Merchandise Mart 

Chicago, Ill. 

(800) 677-6278 

mmart.com/stylemax 

april 7-9 

International Lingerie 

Show 

Rio Hotel 


(305) 663-6635 

spectrade.com 

april 8-10 

Material World 

Miami Beach 


Miami Beach, Fla. 

800-318-2238 

material-world.com 

may 4-6 

ASD/ADM’s Atlantic 

Got an intimate apparel industry event and want to let people know? Send us the information for consideration in an upcoming calendar. 

*Boxed entries indicate an advertisement with more event information. 

City Variety 

Merchandise Show 

Atlantic City 


Atlantic City, N.J. 

merchandisegroup.com 

may 6-7 

Off Price Retail 

Summit and Expo 

South Point Casino 



june 3-5 

New York Shoe Expo 

Pier 94, Hilton New 

York Hotel, FFANY 

member showrooms 


800-318-2238 

ffany.org 

june 10-12 

Licensing International 

Expo 

Jacob Javits 



(888) 644-2022 

june 9-11 

SGMA Spring Market 

Sands Expo and 



(202) 775-1762 

sgma.com 

july 10-14 

Miami Swim 

The Raleigh Hotel 

Maimi, Fla. 

(212) 253-2692 

mbfashionweek.com 

july 27-29 

Body Look 

Dusseldorf Fairgrounds 

Dusseldorf, Germany 


august 3-5 

CurveNY 

Penn Plaza Pavilion 


(203) 698 7470 


august tba 

Intima-Moda- 

Baño 2008 

Ifema - Parque Ferial 

Juan Carlos I 

Madrid, Spain 

+34 91 722 5300 


august 17-19 

Harrogate Lingerie & 

Swimwear Exhibition 

Harrogate International 

Centre 

London, England 

lingerie-show.com 

august 22-26 

Off-Price 

Specialist Show 

Sands Expo & 



(262) 782-1600 


Please include a contact phone number, email and web address, if available. Send all submissions ATTN: 

Body Calendar, 617 W. 46th St., New York, NY 10036. Or, email at bodymagazine@gmail.com. 

august 24-27 

ASAP Show 



asapshow.com 

august 25-27 

CurveNV 



(203) 698-7470 


august tba 

Lingerie Americas 

Altman Building & 

Metropolitan Pavilion 


(203) 618-0092 


september 6-8 

Lyon Mode City and 

Interfiliere 

Porte de Versailles 

Paris,France 

lyonmodecity.com 

september tba 

Atmosphere D’ete 

Paris Expo Porte 

de Versaille 

Paris, France 

33 (0)1 43 95 37 00 

pretparis.com 

september 10-13 

Collection Premiere 

Moscow 

Krasnaya Presnya 


B 


43

textile REPORTED 

BY GINA GOLDBLATT AND LIBBY DOWD 

invista adds spandex plant 

With the demand for high-quality spandex 

fibers increasing in the apparel industry, Invista 

Fibers, a company known for spandex production 

as well as other apparel fibers, and treatments, 

has invested $99.6 million into building 

an additional spandex production plant. This 

new plant will be built next to the company’s 

existing one at its Foshan site in China, and 

serve as a 12.5-kiloton spandex plant. 

“These expansions will allow the company to 

exceed previously announced global efforts to 

add approximately 50 kilotons of spandex production 

to the company’s output,” said David 

Duncan, executive vice president of Invista. 

With patents in trademarks such as Xfit Lycra 

fabric, Lycra Freef!t fabric, freshFX fabric and 

Coolmax fabric, Invista has as many 

spandex\elastane-related patents as do all of 

their U.S. competitors combined. — G.G. 

eco-fabrics at texworld usa 

Texworld USA, a symposium sponsored by 

Lenzing Innovations, is to be held January 

22–24, 2008, at the Jacob Javits Convention 

Center in New York City. The focus of the show 

will be ecofabrics, which will include renewable 

and sustainable practices in textiles. Present at 

the symposium will be the Federal Trade 

Commission, which will present its Green 

Guide as well as other industry experts. “We are 

all eager to learn more about what the green 

movement means to the fashion and textile 

industries,” said Tricia Carey of Lenzing 

Innovations. 

To further promote the idea that green textiles 

are here to stay, Lenzing has complied a speaker 

panel to discuss a collection of essays written by 

fashion leaders throughout the world entitled 

“White Papers.” The collection was published by 

Earth Pledge, a supporter of environmentally 

friendly business practices. 

The executive director of Earth Pledge, Leslie 

Hoffman, the publisher of Ecotextile News, 

John Mowbray, the founder of Eco-Innovations, 

Coral Rose, and the sustainability project manager 

of Lenzing Fibers, Michael Kininmonth, 


will all be participants in the panel discussions. 

Texworld USA will also feature speakers such as 

Deltef Fischer, the vice president of Bluesign 

and Carol Meek of Color Portfolio to provide 

participants with a Spring 2009 color forecast. 

Information on the symposium can be found 

at www.texworldusa.com. — G.G. 

chameleon smart fabrics 

Frost & Sullivan research analysts have developed 

garments called wearables that uses smart 

fabrics, which are able to react to external conditions 

and alter their state accordingly. Smart fabrics 

utilize microfiber technology to reduce odor 

and provide strength and durability. 

A convenient way to “power” these garments is 

with solar power, which prompted the development 

by researchers at the University of 

Stuttgart, Germany, of synthetic fibers that generate 

electricity when exposed to light. 

Frost & Sullivan is a growth partnership service 

and research focused company with services 

in consulting as well as a research center. The 

company can be reached at (877) GoFrost. 

— G.G. 

pantone selects year’s hue 

Pantone, Inc., a provider of professional color 

standards for the design industries, has selected 

Pantone 18-3943 Blue Iris as the color of the 

year for 2008. “ 

From a color-forecasting perspective, we have 

chosen Pantone18-3943 Blue Iris as the color of 

the year, as it best represents color direction in 

2008 for fashion, cosmetics and home products,” 

said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the 

Pantone Color Institute. “As a reflection of the 

times, Blue Iris brings together the dependable 

aspect of blue, underscored by a strong, soulsearching 

purple cast. Emotionally, it is anchoring 

and meditative with a touch of magic. Look 

for it artfully combined with deeper plums, redbrowns, 

yellow-greens, grapes and grays.” 

Blue Iris is also one among the 3,000 colors 

available in Pantone’s line of superior-quality, 

eco-friendly paint. To learn more, visit 

www.pantone.com. or www.pantonepaint.com. 

— L.D. 

brandix apparel city in india 

Brandix India Apparel City, the first one stop 

location for “fibre-to-store” production capabilities, 

is set to open in India and be fully operational 

by the second quarter of 2008. BIAC for 

short was conceptualized with the motives of 

integrative manufacturing processes, maximizing 

the synergy between all parties involved and 

unifying the textile resources of India in mind. 

The Apparel City will be complete with facilities 

in spinning, fabric, accessory and apparel manufacturing. 

Current investment partners include 

Pioneer Elastics of Hong Kong, CMT, and 

Quantum Clothing. While in progress, the 

apparel hub had a temporary location from 

which the company was able to start production 

and increase its workforce to 822 employees. 

Apparel from the facility has been exported to 

customers such as Hanes and Victoria Secret. 

— G.G. 

noyon support lace fabrics 

The French company, Noyon is in the process of 

developing sporty style lingerie fabrics with its 

new support lace textiles, which feature a blend 

of mesh and elastic to provide customers with a 

support lace option and debut in the summer of 

2008. One product is the body-shaping boyshort 

brief made of jacquardtronic lace, can be dyed 

any hue to suit the customer’s desire, as well as 

features a single central seam for a smooth finish. 

The boyshort brief is intended for wear 

under form-fitting apparel, to provide a nonobtrusive 

and flattering under layer. Noyon’s luxurious 

laces also utilize materials such as cotton, 

bamboo, viscose and silk. The inspiration for 

Noyon’s development of sexy sportswear intimate 

materials is the desire to bridge the gap 

between sexy and sporty styles as well as functional 

and decadent fabrications. With Noyon’s 

support lace pieces, women will reap the benefits 

of all of these qualities, as well as be lavished by 

youthful and contemporary designs and color 

highlighting details in colors such as silver and 

violet. Noyon North America, a lace manufacturer, 

is a subsidiary of Lucien Noyon based in 

Calais, France. B 

— G.G. 

mastectomy REPORTED 

M 

astectomy customers are looking for 

items that combine comfort and fashion, 

as well as provide them with the 

feminine individuality they deserve. In light of 

these item qualifications, women have recently 

been in search of larger collections that provide 

variety in colors and styles of mastectomy wear as 

well as versatility. Paralleling the trends in the 

fashion industry at large, expanded color choices are 

being offered in mastectomy as well as seamless and 

lightweight fabrics. In conjunction with the rising 

importance of fashion-forward mastectomy 

options, is the push for increased awareness and 

acceptance in the and out of the market. 

Campaigns such as Feel Your Boobies, a non-profit 

Foundation started by a young breast cancer survivor, 

Leigh Hurst to raise awareness about the illness 

through a catchy and comedy driven catch 

phrase. 

big-seller at owl medical 

Foam-cup bras by Amonena are selling well at 

Owl Medical & Mastectomy in Lewiston, 

Idaho. The new popular bra is a molded foam 

cup T-shirt bra that fits all shapes and sizes. 

“The bra is available in white and nude and the 

customers seem to like it," said sales manager 

Linda M. 

big sellers kimberly ashmand 

At Kimberly Ashmand, a mastectomy brand 

named after its creator and sold at boutiques in 

Massachusetts, the best-selling mastectomy bra 

is the Every Day bra, which is made with soft 

fiber in order to provide comfort and a life-like 

shape. The bra is available in white filigree and 

champagne tulip hues. It also comes with two 

sets of removable straps, one clear set and another 

colored. Another feature is the bra’s pockets, 

which are made of microfiber latex-free elastic. 

The newest bra at Kimberly Ashmand is the 

Cami-bra, which features lace detailing designed 

to compliment low-cut shirts and is equipped 

with removable straps, comes in ivory and pink. 

Both the Every Day Bra and the Cami-bra can 

be paired with matching panties. 

Kimberly Ashmand can be contacted at (781) 

438-5924 or info@kimberlyashmand.com. 


3 new styles at nearly me 

New at Neary Me are three styles in mastectomy 

bras. The first is a lace satin bra with non-elastic 

straps and a V-shaped neckline. The second bra 

is a lace soft cup with lace detailing on the top 

half of it; and the third new option is a jacquard 

soft cup bra composed of a patterned satin and 

completed with a four-hook closure. 

The Nearly Me brand was started by the creator 

of Barbie and former Mattel CEO Ruth 

Handler in 1976. Handler is a breast-cancer 

survivor herself. 

whipped silicon by soft touch 

Soft Touch, a developer of breast prosthesis, has 

come out with a new option called Soft Touch 

Lite that features a innovative lightweight feel 

and streamlined shape. The Soft Touch Lite has 

a modified triangle form, is composed of a 

whipped silicone gel formula and is almost 50 

percent lighter than the full triangle option. 

Encased in a fine polyurethane skin, the item is 

both flexible and durable. The side wings have 

also been made round so as to fit better into 

the curve of a bra. 

The Soft Touch Lite is sold by companies 

such as Cosmetic Garments, which can be 

reached at (877) 548- 5500. 

seamless at entre nous 

At Entre Nous Mastectomy Boutique located in 

Mount Kisco, New York, seamless bra options 

for post-mastectomy women are on the rise. 

“Women are looking for a bra that provides 

symmetry, as oppose to having a seam across the 

center of their chest,” said fitter Lisa Porter. 

Jodee has come out with a seamless bra recently, 

which can be special ordered at Entre Nous. 

According to Porter, everybody is always looking 

for something new. “ 

Style is important as well as comfort and symmetry. 

Finding a bra and prosthesis that work 

together can be a difficult task, while trying to 

satisfy the desire for comfort, style, and symmetry 

simultaneously,” said Porter. For this reason, 

Porter is available at the Mount Kisco location 

for fitting appointments Tuesday to Saturday 

nine AM to three PM. 

rainbow bra at thelma’s 

At Thelma’s Breast Prosthesis in Rochester, 

N.Y. the new popular mastectomy item, according 

to owner Sandy Schwab, is the Rainbow Bra 

by Camp. The bra comes colors such as pink, 

lavender and mint. 

The store has also recently gotten a T-shirt bra 

with a molded cup, whipped silicon prosthesis by 

American Breast Care, as well as lace camisoles 

with built in pockets for light fiber form 

prosthesis. The camisole is available in black, 

white and pink. 

customized prosthesis 

Custom breast prosthesis is on the rise. With 

employee at small mom and pop mastectomy 

stores, such as Wigs ‘n More in Latrobe, PA getting 

certified to fit women for custom prosthesis, 

the desire for personalized and individualized 

products has really taken off. Fitter, Kathy 

Hendrickson, received her certification for custom 

breast prosthesis casting from Radiant 

impressions art studio in Lexington, Ky. Two 

other companies that specialize in custom prosthesis 

are New Attitude Custom Made Breast 

Prosthesis and ContourMed, Inc. 

Irene Healey is the founder and director of 

New Attitude Custom Made Breast Prostheses 

and can be contacted at 1.866.788.4188. 

ContourMed is reachable at (888)301-0520. 

tees at feelyourboobies.com 

New at feelyourboobies.com are two T-shirt 

styles to raise awareness for breast cancer. One is 

a vintage style black tee influenced by 80s concert 

tees, the other features slanted wording on a 

ribbed white tank. Both tops proudly flaunt the 

company’s catch phrase, “feel your boobies.” 

Also available are fitted girls’ tees, a long 

sleeve, and a men’s T-shirt. 

The Feel Your Boobies campaign began when 

Leigh Hurst, a breast cancer survivor designeda 

T-shirts for her friends with the now wellknown 

catch phrase on them. Feel Your 

Boobies’ design team is constantly expanding to 

include artists and designers such as Sarah Shaw, 

Nic Norman, Andrew Hurst and the Cotton 

Sisters, Tiffany, Bridget and Allison Slavin. B 


45

show previews REPORTED 

curvexpo predict’s success 

Four blocks away from the lingerie showrooms, 

CURVENY New York & Boutique Lingerie 

will be open on February 3 through February 5, 

2008 at Penn Plaza Pavilion on 7th Avenue and 

33rd Street with majority of buyers from states 

in the North East and also from Quebec and 

Europe. 

CURVENY in association with its new partner 

Boutique Lingerie is going to attract a very 

large number of buyers, espically buyers searching 

for luxury brands selected by Samantha 

Chang. 

CURVENV Las Vegas takes place concurrently 

with MAGIC between February 14 and 16 at 

The Venetian Hotel. More than 1,100 buyers 

have registered to visit exhibitors including but 

not limited to: Carole Hochman, Warnaco, 

Arianne, Le Mystere, Vera Wang, Elita, Le 

Chat, Wacoal, Madame V. and Hanky Panky. 

Department stores such as Nordstrom, Holt 

Renfrew, Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Neiman 

Marcus, Barney’s, Dillards and Von Maur are 

also registered. Specialty stores from all over the 

U.S. and Canada—Collange Quebec, James 

Vanity Oregon, My Boudoir California , The 

Lingerie Store from Oklahoma, Bare 

Necessities, Trousseau Virginia, Intimacy 

Atlanta—are also on-board for both shows. 

Design of the booths and overall layout is an 

exclusive concept developed for CURVENY 

New York & Boutique Lingerie by a US-based 

European architect. For more information visit 

www.curvexpo.com or call (203) 698-7470. 

— D.C. 

coterie dates have changed 

Fashion Coterie has changed its dates to 

February 10th through the 12th, due to scheduling 

density at the Javits Center in New York 

City. The change in dates has upset many buyers 

and exhibitors who plan on attending 

Project in Las Vegas, which starts the 13th and 

runs until the 15th. “It is better to have these 

dates than no show at all,” said Coleman 

McCartan, who is in charge of outside PR for 

ENK Shows. According to McCartan, numerous 

trade shows are competing for space at the 

Javits Center, cruise ships are constantly occu- 


BY DEENA CAMPBELL, LIBBY DOWD AND GINA GOLDBLATT 

pying the piers and pier construction is taking 

place simultaneously. 

Unique to the Coterie show is the international 

pavilions, with Italy being the largest presence, 

as well as designers from England, France, 

Spain, Israel and Brazil. Providing designers 

that allow retailers to step out of their regional 

markets gives them the opportunity to find new 

and diverse items that their competitors don’t 

have. — G.G. 

winn show sold out for 2008 

The WINN show, which will be held at the Rio 

Hotel on February 11th through the 14th, is 

sold out with an extensive waiting list. Boasting 

an attendance of 520 exhibitors in 820 booths 

with around 3,000 stores in attendance, 

exhibitors will include lines from companies 

such as Flax, Lior and Pak International. The 

show will continue with the late evening on 

Monday, which goes until eight at night and features 

wine and cheese. “What we’ve been doing 

is working quite well, so we aren’t changing anything,” 

said Roland Timney, the WINN show 

director. According to Timney, the show is 

unique among trade shows due to its buyer and 

exhibitor friendly friendliness. “We provide 

exhibitors and buyers with lunch and breakfast, 

as well as daily refreshments in the afternoon, so 

that they don’t have to leave the floor, We make 

it convenient for them and enable our quests to 

see a lot more in less time,” said Timney. 

This year KIDSHOW, a Las Vegas childrenswear 

show will also be at the Rio starting 

on the 11th and overlapping WINN for three of 

its four days. — G.G. 

lingerie americas and m.a.g.i.c 

After a successful premiere in Las Vegas last 

August, Lingerie Americas is gearing up for its 

second installment in which it has teamed up 

with MAGIC International. The show will run 

February 12-15, 2008 at the Las Vegas Hilton. 

The Lingerie Americas section of the event will 

feature fine intimate apparel brands such as 

Aubade, Biatta Intimates, Calida, Carol Malony, 

Chantelle, Freya, Fantasie, Felina, Jezebel, 

Natori, Shirley of Hollywood and Simone 

Perele. 

Later in the month, Lingerie Americas will 

return to the Altman Building and 

Metropolitain Pavilion, but with new dates. Due 

to overwhelming demand from retailers, the 

show will now be held after Valentine’s Day. It 

will run the 24th through 26th of February. The 

New York edition will feature over 200 brands 

including Carole Hochman, Chantelle and 

Natori in addition to others. 

Special seminars for retailers will be hosted at 

both Lingerie Americas events. — L.D. 

off-price buyer initiatives 

At the February Off-Price show, which will be 

held at the Sands Expo and Convention Center 

in Las Vegas from February 10th to the 14th, 

buyer education initiatives will be a primary 

focus. 

According to the Off-Price show marketing 

director Don Browne, seasoned buyers such 

David Abbate, a buyer for Lady Rose Shops and 

show advocate lead tours at the August show. 

“We are trying to expand the Off-Price experience 

by providing buyer education through various 

avenues. Along with the tours, we unveiled 

a TOPS Program at the August show, which 

consisted of trend updates provided to us by the 

International Academy of Design & 

Technology,” said Browne. The TOPS Program 

was developed to help buyers learn the ins and 

outs of the business. 

At the February show, an online showroom 

website from the Off-Price Specialist Center 

will also be unveiled, which enables exhibitors to 

display merchandise year-round and buyers to 

keep up on trends between shows. Targeting 

both new business owners without much retail 

experience, as well as experienced retailers who 

have become comfortable with their age-old tactics, 

the Off-Price show projects the expansion 

of horizons across the board. 

Additionally, Off-Price vice president David 

Lapidos, a former jobber himself, is leading the 

development of a retail advisory board of the 

biggest names in Off-price retailing. These 

companies will dictate the show policies and 

advice the Off-Price show as to how they can 

better serve their vendors and attendees. B 

— G.G. 

activewear 

army pink for world peace 

When Robin Bement began designing apparel 

in 2001 she was working with vintage military 

shirts from the World War II era. While the 

collection was extremely popular, the demand 

for junior activewear was becoming increasingly 

larger and the young designer stepped 

up to answer that call. By 2003, Bement 

relauched Army Pink as a young contemporary 

line of activewear. 

Looking to maintain her original vintage feel, 

she incorporated appliqués, crochet stitching 

and silk screen graphics into the line. Army Pink 

now delivers a line of T-shirts, rompers, hoodies, 

pants and shorts in interchangeable colors and 

prints each season. 

“My style inspiration starts with designing the 

graphics to create a theme for the season,” she 

said. “While designing the graphics I choose the 

color story as well, incorporating those colors 

into each graphic print and then matching the 

graphic with a beautiful silhouette.” 

For Spring 2008, Army Pink is serving up 26 

styles, available in three color ways or two logo 

print options. 

“With print and color options, each season is 

approximately 80 pieces,” explained Bement. “I 

like designs to be simple, comfortable yet very 

flattering with a great color and an Army Pink 

detail to make it special.” 

For example, all of Army Pink’s T-shirts are 

graphic-printed so Bement has included a solid 

100 percent cotton jersey skirt in the same fabric 

to mix and match. Graphics set for spring 

include a tunnel of love scene and an army tank 

carousel. Garments will also bear the signature 

“AP” appliqué with green army men and a tank. 

Green army tanks may be a sign of war, but for 

Army Pink the tank rolls out a message of peace. 

The little marching men painted into sweet 

scenes at ice cream stands and on roller coasters 

maintain the company’s mission, “In support of 

peace worldwide.” — L.D. 

a4 goes green for spring 

This spring, sportswear company A4 is going 

green with a spring awakening in the form of 

Kristiina By A4, an eco-friendly line of active 


wear. The natural line—named after designer 

Kristiina Ratia, a former top international 

model—features soft fabrics that are created 

from certified organic cotton. 

“Green living has become a way of life for 

many people,” says Mark Mertens, CEO of A4. 

“We are proud to create a clothing collection 

that will merge fashion with positive steps 

towards addressing global concerns, and hope 

that eventually others will be encouraged to follow 

in our foot steps.” 

Activewear pieces for women include T-shirts, 

tank tops, pants and shorts available in colors 

such as sea green, sunflower, tomato, navy, sky 

blue, and earth. In addition to the organic cotton 

collection, the Kristiina By A4 line will feature 

dance and exercise fleece pants and zip-up tops 

with thermal characteristic and cooling qualities. 

All activewear from the Kristiina By A4 line 

will be available at select sporting goods retailers 

at retail prices ranging from $15.00 - $50.00. 

— D.C. 

new balance: vital for apparel 

New Balance announced that it has acquired 

women’s active brand, Vital Apparel Group. 

“Our acquisition of Vital gives us significant 

opportunities to accelerate the growth of New 

Balance apparel,” says Rob DeMartini, CEO at 

New Balance. “We take our responsibility to 

drive category growth for our retailer’s athletic 

apparel business very seriously.” 

New Balance is focusing on apparel geared 

toward runners, competitive high school and 

college athletes, and fitness enthusiasts. 

“The Vital team is excited to have the opportunity 

to apply our capabilities and experience to 

help grow New Balance,” says Kerry Kligerman, 

president of Vital. 

In June, Vital signed a licensing agreement to 

develop branded apparel for the New Balanceowned 

Warrior brand. — D.C. 

one world intros activewear 

Imported from Pakistan with embellishments 

of sequins and beads, One World Apparel’s 

new spring activewear collection is ideal for 

the fashionable athletic contemporary woman. 

“Our activewear is very stylish and comfort- 

able,” said Nicole 

Hughes, vice president 

of sales for One World. 

One World’s 

activewear is made of 

50 percent spandex and 

50 percent french terry. 

Nicole Hughes 

Spring ‘08 presents the 

new collection with 

bold prints with popular styles including a daisy 

crop pant, cotton baby ribbed top and an elbow 

sleeve babydoll top. Solids are another popular 

style for One World Apparel’s activewear as 

solid colors prove to be a hot trend in the 

industry. 

“We tested our activewear pieces in 60 stores 

and guaranteed a margin line for the stores,” 

said Hughes. “Before we knew it, our tops sold 

at 44 percent.” 

For more information on activewear and other 

One World Apparel pieces visit www.oneworldapparel.com. 

— D.C. 

dillard’s launches tranquility 

Dillard’s recently launched a new Tranquility 

department, which features yoga-inspired 

multipurpose activewear supporting the 

multi-faceted, busy lifestyle of the female 

Dillard’s customer. This new effort provides 

women with apparel choices that are not only 

functional for the gym, but also versatile enough 

to be worn throughout the day. 

“The launch of Tranquility is a perfect example 

of how we are responding to the changing 

needs of our customer with fashions supportive 

of her active lifestyle and reflective of her contemporary 

attitude,” said Alex Dillard, Dillard’s 

president. 

Inspired by the surge in popularity of yoga, 

Pilates and other such athletic genres, 

Tranquility features six active apparel lines 

known for their style, comfort and function. The 

new department can currently be found in 25 

Dillard’s locations. 

Dillard’s will look to expand the department to 

100 stores for the upcoming Spring ‘08 season 

and into additional locations for Fall ‘08. B 

— D.C. 


47

technology BY 

ag systems updates software 

With more than 350 currently active clients, AG 

Systems said that Perfect Fit, which can run on 

Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, and the Apple 

Macintosh OSX, is a proven technology solution 

for the management of apparel importing, manufacturing, 

and distribution businesses. 

Using “plug-in” architecture, AG Systems has 

provided modules that link to external data 

sources (i.e. web stores, fulfillment centers, handheld 

computers, etc). This setup also allows 

the company to write custom variations of selected 

pieces of the software, so that the program 

can be designed and tweaked for individual 

business processes. 

Recent upgrades to the 

software include 

a built-in report and 

form editor that allows 

users to modify existing 

forms, including adding 

logos and other data. 

Another addition is the 

Alan Grinberg 

support of multiple order 

entry windows. 

“This is an extremely flexible and fun interface,” 

said Alan Grinberg, president of AG Systems. 

“You can be partially through entering an order 

for a customer, open a second order window to 

find an order for a different customer, look at 

inventory levels and run reports, and then return 

to the original order window to continue the 

entry.” 

AG Systems believes a company’s technology 

investment should provide more than just a good 

program. Because technical support is an important 

component, clients can have over-the-phone 

access to programmers difficult problems arise or 

to help explain the design of a new feature. 

“We haven’t any layers of bureaucracy,” 

said Grinberg. 

Recently added clients include RP Design, 

Cynthia Rowley, L Space, and ACE Collections. 

For more information on AG Systems and 

Perfect Fit, call (415) 821-6300, or explore an 

online demo at www.perfect.net. — D.C. 


DEENA CAMPBELL AND GINA GOLDBLATT 

inovis receives top ranking 

Inovis, a provider of on-demand business community 

management solutions, was recently recognized 

as a top-45 software vendor for the retail 

industry by RIS News. 

Companies that appear on the Software 

Leaderboard have demonstrate an outstanding 

focus on enterprise-application development and 

high customer satisfaction. In addition to the 

top-45 ranking, retail executives scored Inovis in 

the top 10 in four performance and customer service 

categories, including: number eight in overall 

performance; number 9 in product reliability, 

and number 9 in quality of service and number 5 

in recommended. 

“The Software Leaderboard is exciting because 

it is direct feedback from our retail customers,” 

said Sean Feeney, president and CEO of Inovis. 

“Our results in performance and customer service 

tell us we are meeting, and in many cases exceeding, 

our retail customers’ expectations in terms of 

innovation, products and customer service.” 

The RIS Software LeaderBoard compares software 

vendors serving the retail industry in a 

head-to-head ranking based on the evaluations 

by senior-level retail executives. Customer satisfaction 

makes up the bulk of the scoring methodology, 

with additional points awarded for retail 

concentration and annual revenue. 

In this year’s survey, 210 retailers cast 928 votes 

for 87 software vendors. Of these vendors, only 

the top 45 made the final list. 

For more information call (404) 467-3000. 

— D.C. 

aria upgrades order form 

Aria Systems, developer of Enterprise Resource 

Planning (ERP) software, has added new features 

to its digital order form (DOF) to make ordering 

simpler and more efficient. 

Aria’s product development team utilized certain 

handwriting recognition characteristics in 

Windows XP for the Tablet PC to make substantial 

improvements in the quality of digital handwriting 

recognition for the DOF. 

Users now have the ability to search for a product 

style or client by hand-writing the complete 

search string, or part of it, in the appropriate field 

on the DOF. The search function is designed to 

return an exact match, or closest approximation. 

Additionally, DOF can integrate with the Aria’s 

4XP ERP Suite to provide an efficient apparel 

sales order processing solution. 

In other news, Aria Systems has a new corporate 

website that features updated content, improved 

navigation, and a new online support system. 

The new website is designed to appeal to Aria’s 

target audience in the middle market of the 

apparel and related industries (companies with 

annual revenues between $10M and $250M). 

For information call (212) 714-1334. — D.C. 

lectra partners with donghua 

Lectra, a provider of integrated technology solutions 

for the fashion industry, announced its new 

partnership with Donghua University in 

Shanghai, China. 

Lectra said that it wanted to strengthen its 

presence and actions toward the world of education 

by setting up two new partnership programs 

that that bring a personalized approach and follow-up. 

The agreement with Donghua University 

was signed within this framework and is the first 

“Privilege” partnership signed by Lectra in 

China. 

Donghua University’s School of Fashion & Art 

Design and Lectra have built a solid relationship 

over the years. Based on a contract specifically 

adapted to the university’s needs, which includes 

a tailored follow-up as well as a very strong joint 

commitment. Donghua University and its students 

will benefit from Lectra’s expertise through 

conferences, internships and support for student 

projects. Lectra and Donghua University will also 

be encouraged to share information and data 

related to best industrial practices, the use of software 

and training materials. 

“In addition to granting the right to use our 

software licenses free of charge, we also give students 

the opportunity to do internship programs,” 

said Harvey Tseng, Lectra’s General 

Manager for Greater China. “We plan to invite 

teachers and students to visit our headquarters in 

France. Lectra and participating educational 

institutions will have the opportunity to cooperate 

on joint development programs to create 

added value for both sides.” 

Donghua’s School of Fashion & Art Design 

provides general education related to textile and 

garment design and engineering for industry, 

with 160 instructors and more than 2,800 students. 

It is also integrating graduate programs 

and developing networks with renowned institutions 

around the world to reinforce its professional 

reputation. For more information call 

(212) 704-4004. — D.C. 

centerstone helps raise profits 

CenterStone Technologies, Inc., provider of 

web-based sales order management applications 

in six languages, has upgraded its iVendix application 

to enable retail dealers and sales reps to 

view online catalogs and up-to-date product 

availability in almost real time, which can allow 

companies to guarantee product availability 

within in two days. Moreover, the Coloradobased 

software company has 

made the program compatible 

with Mozilla Firefox 

“Firefox is really huge for us, 

especially with more and more 

people using MAC computers,” 

said Peter O’Neil, executive vice 

president of sales and marketing 

for CenterStone Technologies. 

“We recently went live and we’re 

excited about all the possibilities.” 

In addition to technological 

advancements, CenterStone has 

managed to acquire more than 8,900 active 

users, garnering $612 million in wholesale as of 

October 2007. Brands that currently use 

CenterStone’s SaaS model and make the company’s 

other solutions available to retail customers 

and sales reps include but are not limited to: The 

North Face; JanSport; Reef and VF Imagewear, 

part of VF Corporation; Under Armour; Helly 

Hansen; Perry Ellis; SmartWool (a division of 

Timberland); Billabong; Smith Optics; O’Neill 

Clothing; Fresh Produce Sportswear; Yakima 

Products; Patagonia Europe; and The Orvis 

Company. 

In September 2007 Dreamgirl International of 

Los Angeles selected CenterStone’s iVendix 

software application to provide a business-tobusiness 

(B2B) online ordering solution for 

more than 5,000 of their retail dealers and sales 

reps in North America. 

As an added incentive CenterStone offers personal 

assistance for sales reps and manufacturers 

who aren’t very tech savvy. With this feature, 

users are walked through the process and given 

one on one help. 

“Our goal is to help 

small mom-and-pop 

shops, as well as larger 

million dollar companies, 

be more competitive 

and save money,” 

said O’Neil. “It has been 

proven that buyers for 

Peter O'Neil 

specialty retailers spend 

more with vendors who have online B2B solutions, 

so if a retailer has access to a manufacturer 

24/7 we help everyone get higher profits.” 

CenterStone has 32 employees who operate 

the company, conduct sales, develop/maintain/ 

customize software installations with clients, 

and provide ongoing customer service. 

CenterStone services range from $50,000 to 

$250,000 per year depending on the needs of the 

client. For more information call (303) 763- 

7325. — D.C. 

polo: agreement with acacia 

Polo Ralph Lauren, Inc. and Acacia Research 

Corp., a developer, acquirer and licenser of 

patented technologies, have signed an 

agreement for a computerized system aimed at 

protecting retailers and consumers from 

credit card fraud. The system logs each transaction 

so that all sales can be tracked for the safety 

of both the company and its customers. 

— G.G. 

singtel aids apparel industry 

Singapore Telecommunications Limited, or 

SingTel, and solution provider The Zymmetry 

Group, formerly MSC Limited, have joined 

forces to provide apparel manufacturers with 

internet-based services including product line 

management, merchandising, purchasing and 

inventory advice. The joint venture enables 

sharing of information among manufacturing 

plants and offices worldwide through the use of 

SingTel’s ConnectPlus virtual private networks 

and Satellite IP service. Virtual private networking 

provides customers with security and 

privacy while discussing business related concerns 

over the internet. 

SingTel also uses RFID technology (Radio 

Frequency Identification) in order to track 

worker performance throughout the production 

process and make adjustments accordingly. This 

type of close-proximity data collection 

allows for increased efficiency 

by reducing error. 

“It can improve factory floor productivity 

by up to 30 percent, with 

savings of up to eight percent,” said 

Chief operating officer of MSC, 

Edgar Tung. 

Another tool utilized by SingTel is 

the Enterprise Resource Planning 

tool, which plugs data into a system 

that manages costs, tracks orders and 

manages inventory. Tung claims an 

online user count over 70,000 and 

over 300 corporate accounts. 

SingTel has built a network of 37 offices in 19 

countries and has websites located at 

www.singtel.com and www.optus.com.au. 

— G.G. 

mackechnie launches website 

Catriona MacKechnie, an intimate-apparel 

boutique in New York, has launched a 

new website, which can be found at 

www.catrionamackechnie.com. 

MacKechnie is the exclusive domestic stockist 

of brands including Pussy Glamore and 

Nightfall by AF Vandevorst. The company 

carries brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Vesperini 

and Courtworth. The store also offers swimwear 

and resortwear by brands such as Eres. 

Milly, and Jets. B 

— G.G 


49

socks REPORTED 

throx: cure for missing socks 

Considering that every washer/dryer has either a 

sock monster or some kind of Bermuda Triangle, 

writer-director Edwin Heaven invented Throx, 

the first socks to come in threes—the perfect 

cure for the missing sock. 

Available at $9 per 

set, Throx comes in various 

styles and themes 

including skulls, peppermint, 

zebras, bowling, 

stripes and golfing. 

“Throx makes the 

perfect gift because it's 

Edwin Heaven 

both fun and practical,” 

said Heaven. 

Edwin Heaven is also author of “The World's 

Most Handsome Man” and the inventor of The 

Pet Rubber—the first user-friendly condom. 

For more information on Throx socks, visit 

www.throx.com. 

fox river intros sporty styles 

Fox River will be introducing five new snowsport 

styles that combine Fox River’s high-performance 

and eco-friendly fibers. Fox River’s 

Good Earth collection for skiing and snowboarding 

is made with merino wool and ecopolyester, 

which wicks moisture away, and nylon 

and spandex for warmth, comfort and durability. 

As Fox River's 

women's line continues 

to grow, they are offering 

a new collection 

that features an 

INgeo(corn) blend with 

recycled polyester. 

“This program is very 

Xany Gibson 

extensive and touches 

on all women's spring activities,” said Xany 

Gibson, creative director of Fox River. 

Additionally, the collection has two women's’ 

styles including Fox River’s Diva, a mid-weight 

ski sock made with merino wool and eco-poly; 

and Fox River’s Exclusiva, a mid-weight snowboard 

sock made with merino wool and ecopoly, 

both of which come in black, powder blue, 

50 

BY DEENA CAMPBELL 


lavender and white. 

Moreover, the company is a member of One 

Percent For The Planet (www.onepercentfortheplanet.org) 

and donates five percent of net profits 

on all sales of its women’s specific socks to 

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. 

“The market is going to more and more eco 

components, blending earth friendly materials 

with existing yarn that are now available in 

very current colors—previously, that was not the 

case,” said Gibson. 

Looking to the future, Fox River is hoping 

to expand in the next year into the casual every 

day use sock. 

“Our business continues to be quite strong,” 

said Gibson. “We continue to invest more dollars 

in equipment that not only makes us more 

efficient, but also is good for the environment.” 

Retail prices range from $12-$15. For more 

information call (641)732-3798. 

planet sox sees big growth 

The New York-based company, Planet Sox, 

manufacturers private label, as well as branded 

and character family socks, has—according to 

Mitchell Berlin, director of sourcing and merchandising—they 

grown approximately 25 percent 

in 2007. 

With its proven track record of quality socks, 

and new found growth, Planet Sox is looking 

forward to a spring season filled with stretch jerseys 

with clean looks, patterns, bright colors and 

no-show sport and athletic socks. 

According to the company, the hosiery market 

is expanding into home and outdoor socks. With 

that in mind, the New York-based sock company 

will be introducing a ballet skimmer, a no-show 

sock with soft bottoms, as well as and value packs 

featuring solid bodies and contrasting heel and 

toes. 

In terms of fabrications, for spring ‘08 Planet 

Sox is continuing with polyester, acrylic and cotton. 

Also for the fall ‘08 season, Plant Sox is 

looking into possibly offering bamboo socks, 

said Berlin.“We’re just waiting to see interest 

level, and then we’ll move ahead with decisions,” 

Berlin continued. 

Planet Sox’s distribution has expanded to over 

10,000 doors in the USA and Canada. They are 

carried by chains such as Wal-Mart, Payless 

Shoe Source, Belks, Bon Ton, Mervyns, JC 

Penney, K mart, Nordstrom’s, Family Dollar, 

DSW Shoe, Lane Bryant and Hudson Bay to 

name a few. 

The company receives its inspiration from 

London, Los Angeles and Chicago. Socks retail 

from $4 to $10 per pack. For more information 

call (212) 239-1485. 

‘green’ sticks to stick-e socks 

Libby Andrews, who recently released the 

patented eco-friendly Yoga Stick-e Socks, 

asserted that the industry is going very green for 

‘08 and that products made in an eco-friendly 

manner will be very desirable. 

“Our product is a 

new, patented product; 

there is currently nothing 

else on the market 

that incorporates the 

features and benefits of 

Yoga Stick-e Socks... 

for that barefoot feel- 

Libby Andrews 

ing,” said Andrews. 

“We incorporate exposed toes, a ‘stick-e’ bottom, 

and bamboo fibers for natural antibacterial protection.” 

Andrews also said that the company is looking 

to develop a bamboo towel for yoga, pilates and 

for simple work outs. 

“The towel will provide the natural antibacterial 

protection of bamboo, like the socks, while 

protecting hands and faces from the mats and 

other gym equipment,” said Andrews. 

As for her Yoga Stick-e Socks, Andrews is 

looking to expand across markets for spring; she 

will include children’s sizes, offer martial arts 

versions of the socks, and will offer exercise- 

DVD’s that incorporate the socks. 

Yoga Stick-e Socks retail for $19.95. Andrews 

reported that several people—including Donna 

Karan—are looking to license the product. Yoga 

Stick-e Socks currently has eight international 

distributors and hopes to pick up more at the 

trade show in Munich. For more information 

call (708) 369-5775. B 

puma from united legwear, (212) 391-4143. ISAAC@UNITEDLEGWEAR.COM. 

socks 




bra from spirite industries, (800) 272-6897. email: SPIRITEGARY@AOL.COM.

etail profile 

lingerie at macy’s herald square, nyc 

In 1924, Macy’s Herald Square department 

store began an American tradition with its 

first Thanksgiving Day Parade. Originally 

referred to as the Macy’s Christmas Parade, 

panties, lounge pants and robes. Its floor space 

is decorated in orange and pink and features 

bright pink mannequins and Chinese lanterns. 

Jenni’s youthful style and moderate price point 

the event marked the beginning of the holiday (4 panties for $19.98) are sure to catch the eye 

season and with it, the start of Christmas of a junior buyer. 

shopping for the millions of consumers. 

Other key players include Felina, 

With such a famous parade attached to their Maidenform, Wacoal, Chantelle and Sophie 

name and almost one million square-feet of B. from International Intimates. While 

retail space standing seven stories high, it is no Chantelle warrants its own billing above the 

surprise that the Macy’s Herald Square lin- display rack, Sophie B. and Jezebel lure shopgeriedepartpers 

in by featuring 

ment is a leader 

their most enticing 

in both sales 

styles on man- 

and trends in 

nequins. The 

the industry. 

department also 

Perched high 

carries luxury 

on the 6th floor 

linens from Natori 

at 151 West 

and Waterford and 

34th Street, 

textile collections 

Macy’s intimate 

from Martha 

apparel depart- 

Stewart and 

ment features Macy’s welcomes holiday shoppers with red robes and lingerie. Charter Club. 

big names in 

This holiday sea- 

fashion such as Calvin Klein and DKNY. son, shoppers were able to experience a true 

Upon entering the department, one will find miracle of 34th Street with an array of moder- 

that these brands take up the most real estate ately priced items in the boldest holiday tones. 

on the floor with a full display that includes Flora Nikrooz displayed red silk chemises 

posters, life-size mannequins and multiple while Jezebel showed off black and red bra sets 

racks of merchandise. The Jenni by Jennifer with matching tutu panties. 

Moore line of intimates and loungewear also The lingerie department at Macy’s– jam- 

stands alone when it comes to presentation. packed with merchandise– is far from the inti- 

The line, which is exclusive to Macy’s, mate setting showcased by smaller boutique- 

includes bright colors and fun prints in stores. Simply stepping off the escalator and 

Right, a Chantelle display. 

Below, Calvin Klein stands front and center on floor 6. 

REPORTED BY TED VAYOS & LIBBY DOWD 

around the corner, the consumer is hit with a 

frenzy of bright displays, tables of panties in 

all the colors of the rainbow and racks of bras 

in cup sizes A and beyond. If you think that 

the broad array of intimates will leave the customer 

lightheaded—don’t worry, the retailer 

has conveniently situated a Starbucks on the 

sixth floor. B 

Intimate Brands at Macy’s NYC: 

Calvin Klein 

Chantelle 

Charter Club 

DKNY 

Felina 

Flora Nikrooz 

Hanky Panky 

Jenni 

Jezebel 

Jockey 

Le Mystere 

Maidenform 

Ralph Lauren 

Sophie B. 

Vanity Fair 

Wacoal 

Below, Jenni by Jennifer Moore, a Macy’s exclusive. 

white saki, (212) 213-4848. email: LAUREN@WHITESAKI.COM. 




basics

left, maternity set from condessa, (866) 363-7862. WHOLESALE@CONDESSAINC.COM. 

hustler lingerie, (212) 710-1860. email: ELAN@HUSTLERLINGERIE.COM. 

basics 

new york elegance cami sets 

For spring, New York 

Elegance has come out 

with a full line of brand 

new cami sets in spring 

colors. “Moving forward, 

we are seeing a lot 

of brights in basics, such 

Jeff Rosen as yellow, orange and 

lime,” said Jeff Rosen, 

the company’s vice president. Foil prints remain 

in-style for spring, and prints such as stripes and 

dots are being expanded on further. 

To learn more, contact New York Elegance at 

(212) 685-3088. — G.G. 

whitesaki serves ny style 

New York City has always been a source of 

inspiration for designers. With an assortment of 

characteristics stretching from the graffitied 

sidewalks of Harlem to the shiny bull that grazes 

on Wall Street, the city has always offered inspiration 

a-plenty. 

Lauren B. Mandel, a lifelong New Yorker, 

looked to each eclectic neighborhood of New 

York City and found inspiration for her line of 

panties, WhiteSaki. 

“Each garment has art 

on it that represents the 

vibe of that neighborhood,” 

explained 

Mandel. “I grew up in 

New York and I identify 

with all different neighborhoods 

for many dif- 

Lauren B. Mandel 

ferent reasons. The line 

captures the feel of each neighborhood and what 

makes it unique.” 

WhiteSaki’s first collection includes six styles of 

hipster boy shorts that reflect six different neighborhoods 

of New York. Wall Street, 5th Avenue , 

SoHo, Harlem, Times Square and The Village. 

Currently, Mandel is working with 

International Intimates who is producing her 

line. “In terms of production and sales, partnering 

with an established company makes the most 

sense,” she said. “Since I already had a strong 

REPORTED BY GINA GOLDBLATT AND LIBBY DOWD 

relationship with International Intimates, the 

choice was easy.” 

After Mandel perfects her New York series, she 

plans to move on to a Los Angeles-inspired group 

and from there hit a few international cities such 

as London and Paris. But don't worry if your passport 

is not up-to-date, WhiteSaki is expected to 

launch in selected department stores and specialty 

boutiques this spring. For more information, contact 

Lauren at (212) 213-4848. 

layering options at adea 

— L.D. 

Christina DiPierro 

Known for its basic layering 

tops, Adea will be 

offering new styles for 

spring. 

“The italian micro fiber 

camisoles come in 14 different 

hues ranging from 

basics such as black, white 

and nude, which are our 

heaviest sellers, to 

fashion colors such as 

off white, pink, 

turquoise-blue and 

espresso,” said 

Christina DiPierro, 

Adea’s president. 

The cami is offered 

in two styles, one 

with a built in shelf 

bra, the other with a 

built in underwire 

bra. Both styles have 

adjustable straps. 

New also for spring 

are heart shaped 

necklines in the 

Italian 

line. 

microfiber 

Slips will also be a 

hit this spring, the 

company carries four 

styles. Contact the 

company at (866) 

798-2332. — G.G. 

biatta’s fall basics go retro 

“Basics are no longer your white panty,” said 

Susan Feldman, the senior vice president of merchandising 

and sales at Biatta Intimates. The 

company’s fall basics, which are referred to as 

“classics” incorporate materials such as modal, 

bamboo, shadow stripe, micro-fiber and flocked 

mesh, all of which are embellished with a romantic 

twist to create a luxurious feminine appeal. 

According to Feldman, Biatta’s two fall lines 

have gone retro. The contemporary line evokes 

the romanticism of past decades by encorporating 

embroideries, point d’esprit, laces, and 

stretch satin. Embellishes such as ruffles, tuxedo 

bows and petit roses, lend the pieces a feminine 

mystique. “The junior line has taken its cue from 

the pop art culture, making use of crisp, clean 

primary brights, mod-style placed prints, black 

and white geo prints and graphics” said Kim 

Munoz, Director of design. 

Biatta can be contacted at (800) 417-2689. B 


55

as we went to press... 

fantasy gets rave reviews 

Fantasy Lingerie recently previewed key styles from 

their 2008 costume and accessories line at the Intl 

Halloween Show in NY, and according to Sean 

Monahan, National Sales Manager for Fantasy 

Lingerie, the costume designs, price points, and 

packaging were received tremendously well. 

Customers also reacted positively to the comprehensive 

line of accessories (wings, boas, stockings, ruffle 

shorts, etc). 

“With so many sexy costumes 

already out in the 

marketplace, we knew we'd 

have to do many things better 

to be meaningful to this 

new segment of our business,” 

said Monahan. 

Among the best reactions 

Sean Monahan 

from customers stemmed 

from the new costume packaging 

which features graphics and holographic 

effects. Other meaningful areas were the company’s 

ability to offer Direct Import and Private Label. 

“With 3 factories located in USA, Mexico & 

China, many customers found our price points bet- 


ter and found our local production facilities attractive 

for their late season re-order requirements,” said 

Monahan. 

For more info or to receive the Fantasy 2008 

Costume Catalog, call (818) 897-8009 or email: 

sean@fantasylingerie.net. — D.C. 

american apparel merger 

Endeavor Acquisition Corp.’s stockholders recently 

approved the merger with American Apparel, which 

resulted in Endeavor dropping its name. 

American Apparel is a wholesaler and retailer of 

apparel and accessories for women, men, children 

and babies with an e-commerce website at 

www.americanapparelstore.com. — G.G. 

nap signs cuddl duds license 

Nap Inc. has signed a licensing agreement with 

O’Bryan Bros. Inc. for the Cuddl Duds lable. The 

company will expand the warmwear brand to 

include its first line of sleepear and loungewear. The 

line is set to launch in early fall and will retail 

between $20 and $50. — L.D. 

kellwood promotes walmsley 

Stephen Walmsley, former director of special projects 

at Kellwood, has 

recently been promoted 

to vice president of business 

development and 

special projects. 

Walmsley started at 

Kellwood in 2004 as the 

director of financial 

process improvement and 

special projects. Before 

being employed by the 

company, he held positions 

such director of corporate 

development at 

Douglas Group, a private 

investment banking firm, 

as well as financial positions 

at the Harbour 

Group and 

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

LLP. 

Kellwood markets 

apparel with brands that 

include Vince, Sangria, 

Briggs New York and 

XOXO with a website at 

www.kellwood.com. 

— G.G. 

annabelle joule closes 

Annabelle Joule, a collection of lounge and sleepwear, 

will be closing its doors at 183 Madison. 

According to company president, Andrew 

Gutmann, the company will not renew it’s lease 

after the new year. — L.D. 

off-price hires show director 

The Off-Price Specialist Center has hired Julie 

Ichiba as its executive show director. In her new role, 

Ichiba will lead the Off-Price group on all products 

and services. She brings with her 21 years of experience 

in trade show management and sales with 

industry leaders including Smith, Bucklin & 

Associates, Reed Exhibitions, Advanstar and VNU 

Expositions. 

Additional responsibilities for Ichiba will include 

spearheading business development for exhibition 

and sponsorship sales, expanding the buyer community 

to include new audiences and sectors, and 

strengthening ties with current Off-Price buyers and 

top buying groups. 

Inchiba will take an active 

role in the launch of the 

new Off-Price Retail 

Summit & Expo that is set 

to take place May 5-7 at the 

South Point Casino & 

Hotel in Las Vegas. The 

Summit is an unprecedent- 

Julie Ichiba ed Off-Price event connecting 

the leading off-price 

buyers with the show’s more prominent vendors. 

The next Off-Price Specialist Show will be held 

February 10-14 at the Sands Expo & Convention 

Center in Las Vegas. To learn more, visit www.offpriceshow.com. 

— L.D 

fipo group gets happy bunny 

CopCorp Licensing reports that FipoGroup A/S 

has been granted the right to make and market It’s 

Happy Bunny t-Shirts, underwear, socks, and nightwear 

throughout Denmark, Norway, Sweden and 

Finland. For more information visit 

www.copcorp.com. — D.C. 

liz claiborne to close township 

Liz Claiborne plans to close its distribution center 

near Allentown, PA in February. This closing will 

eliminate between 600 and 800 positions and put 

around 230 employees out of work. The reason Liz 

Claiborne gave for closing the Upper Macungie 

Township location is the company’s decision to 

focus on its best-selling brands, thereby reducing 

costs. B 

— G.G. 

men’s 


hustler enters men’s market 

Hustler Lingerie is expanding their empire to 

include men’s underwear. The line, set to launch 

in April of 2008, will include more than 70 styles 

such as novelty boxers, cotton rib briefs and performance 

sport microfiber. 

“Hustler’s own Larry 

Flynt is a constant 

inspiration to us,” said 

company president 

Elan Rofé. “His unrelenting 

fight for freedom 

of expression is 

simply epic. We took 

Elan Rofé 

those core American 

values and translated them into dynamic 

graphics, colors and cuts that speak to the 

Hustler in every man.” 

Rofé and his design team see their customers 

displaying confidence and integrity in themselves 

and have matched the product to their needs. 

“They want a well-made undergarment that 

reflects that pride,” he said. “The underwear 

is designed to fit, flatter and last, so once 

our customer get his hands on it, he’ll keep 

coming back.” 

birds aims for best boxer title 

When you think of high-end apparel, brands 

like Dolce & Gabbana and Armani come to 

mind. When you picture a banquet of fine 

gourmet foods it may include caviar and filet 

mignon. When you think of fine men’s underwear, 

husband and wife team Michael and 

Megan Papay are hoping to you will think of 

Birds Boxer Shorts. 

“When it came to luxury boxer shorts, we 

could not name one that was the end-all and beall,” 

said Megan Papay, chief executive officer. 

In order to fill a void in the market, Papay and 

her husband designed two styles of boxer shorts 

—Classic Fit and Custom Fit—crafted from a 

luxury fabric. The Classic Fit boxer is made from 

a beautiful Sea Island cotton in a 160-thread 

count. The short features a flat-front waistband 

with mother-of-pearl buttons on the waistband 

and fly, a reinforced roomier seat and a shorter 

leg length. Birds’ second style, The Custom Fit, 

is a remodeled version of a 1940s style pair of 

underwear. This style features a curved yoke and 

a small elastic gathering in the back for a more 

tailored fit, a longer leaner leg for less bunching 

and a roomier, reinforced gusset. The Custom 

Fit boxer also features mother of pearl buttons 

and is crafted from Sea Island Cotton. 

Birds Boxer Shorts made its first market 

appearance this fall and has already made a significant 

impact on the industry. 

“We have gotten some really great feedback on 

the shorts, people are really enjoying them,” said 

Papay. “Part of what we are playing up to is the 

returning to classics and to dressing dapperly. It’s 

not about throwing on a wrinkled oxford and 

jeans but about taking time in the morning to 

get dressed in a crisp shirt, and we wanted to add 

that something extra.” 

Birds Boxer Shorts are currently being retailed 

in specialty stores in the Sausalito, Calif., area 

where the company is based including Button 

Down and American Rag. The handmade styles 

are currently retailing for $76. 

“Our focus right now is solely on boxer shorts,” 

said Papay. “We want to be known as the best 

boxer short in the world so we are sticking to 

boxers and perfecting everything we have.” 

TREND UPDATE 

This fall menswear will be hit with a burst of color 

and prints. Companies are incorporating retro 

looks, sporty styles and graphic designs so that no 

man will find himself stuck with the ‘basics blues’. 

MEY BODYWEAR: 

For Fall 2008, the German bodywear manufacturer 

has introduced three new groups that carry 

an up-to-date image. The Gentlemen’s Club 

group will consist of basic briefs and T-shirts in 

black and titanium. Styles will be subtle, often 

including faint pinstripes. 

A group of sleepwear will feature mix-andmatch 

styles in indigo, mocha, jeans blue and 

fume. New eye-catching details include minijacquards, 

elegant stripes and geometric designs. 

Late deliveries will be geared towards the 

urban man, which is reflected through the color 

palette that includes, caviar, fog and grapes. 

Fabrics will include a high-quality 

cotton/micromodal. 

GO SOFTWEAR: 

Go Softwear is introducing new novelty prints 

that feature artwork from aspiring artists for fall 

2008. According to marketing manager Michael 

Davis, the new styles are an initiative from the 

company to incorporate art and underwear. 

“The theme is celebrating art,” said Davis. “We 

are keeping it fun and not too serious.” 

The company will also be introducing a line of 

boxers for the 2008 fall season. 

“This is the first time we will be getting into 

boxers,” said Davis. “We are known for briefs in 

all different color ways but in the fall we will be 

doing boxers and also incorporating the artwork 

into the group.” 

Go Softwear will also continue its line of basic 

styles and colors. After making a name for itself 

with brightly colored fashion styles, the company 

will be launching white and black this spring 

and gray for 2008 fall. 

“From the beginning we didn’t want to be a 

basics company,” said Davis. “But moving forward, 

people are looking to us for them.” 

To learn more about the upcoming collections 

contact the company at (213) 623-4424. 

C-IN2: 

Creative director, Gregory Sovell is continuing 

with bamboo fabrics and bright colors for fall 

2008. While rumors may be flying that bamboo 

is on its way out, Sovell claims otherwise. “We 

are selling every piece we can get our hands on,” 

he said. “People may think that bamboo is dying 

down—but not here!” 

Prints will also be important this fall for C- 

IN2. The line is incorporating bright pattern 

with and 1980s retro feel. 

“We kept the colors bright for fall,” said Sovell. 

“In seasons past we have gone to a much darker 

palette and the collection got more serious in the 

fall and winter. But people have told us that our 

colors sell so well when they are bright and 

cheerful, ” 

To find out more contact the company at (212) 

254-3604. B 


57

dancewear 

When it comes to shopping, dancers spend more 

time and money on their stage clothes than anything 

else. When a girl steps into the spotlight, she 

wants to look nothing less than her best. 

BODY Magazine spoke with top retailers in 

the market to find out what their customers are 

requesting in respect to dancewear basics, elegant 

gowns, flirty 2-piece sets and shoes. Retailers 

spoke of their customers’ favorite companies and 

their must-have items for the spring season. 

THE BOURBON STRIP TEASE: 

Despite the warm temperatures on Bourbon 

Street in New Orleans, part-owner and manager 

of Bourbon Strip Tease Ed Azemas has been 

selling a lot of legwarmers this season. 

“Leg warmers are the 

hottest thing for us 

right now,” he said. 

“From fishnets to warm 

thick ones, I have no 

problem selling them 

all.” 

Skirt lengths are a dif- 

Ed Azemas 

ferent issue for the 

retailer. “There is a back-and forth-issue 

between really short skirt and the booty shorts,” 

he said. “One thing is certain, “they all want 

their butts hanging out.” 

Dancers visit The Bourbon Strip Tease for 

brands such as Body Language and Body 

Zone Apparel. Azemas attributes their 

popularity to the lines’ dancer-friendly fashions 

and moderate prices. 

“Our customer looks for the price and she 

relies on the guys who work here to help find 

what she needs,” he said. “Dancers come in for 

an outfit they can make money with.” 

SECRETS LINGERIE: 

According to Eileen Lomando, owner of Secrets 

Lingerie in Peoria, Arizona, affordable 

dancewear made from high-quality fabrics will 

never go out of style. While her customers are 

always looking for innovative designs, the 

majority of purchases can be attributed to the 

well-made basic pieces such as those from Body 

Zone Apparel. 

“Body Zone has the best basics,” said Lomando. 

58 



They are an excellent company and stand by 

their product. I have been selling Body Zone for 

years and girls still come in with their original 

pieces, because the product is so well made.” 

Lomando’s customers also shop Body Zone 

because the pieces are easy to mix and match. 

“Everything is interchangeable,” she said. “And 

they have all different tops. My customers are 

sick of the triangle top. They want something 

innovative.” 

Secrets customers also 

make requests for 

Lingerie Liquidators’ 

Almost a Virgin, Hot 

Girl Exotic Dancewear 

and Patty Love. 

“My average customer 

is a dancer between 

Eileen Lomando 

the ages of 18 and 30 

and she likes to look good,” said Lomando. To 

help them out, she turns to G Bangers line of 

dance and clubwear. “G Bangers has nice innovative 

stuff with stonewear and metal accessories. 

They are not afraid to mix it up.” 

In the future Lomando hopes to see manufacturers 

hang onto their best sellers a bit longer 

than they have been. 

“If it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” she said. 

“Manufacturers are always switching out their 

line in order to stay innovative, but I wish they 

would carry the best sellers as a basic instead of 

cancelling them out.” 

After Lomando stocks up on basics at the next 

market, she will focus on finding fresh pieces 

with an original feel. By staying away from more 

mainstream looks, she feels her product offering 

will please her growing customer base. 

“Too many companies are going mainstream 

and mainstream won’t make you stand out 

in a crowd.” 

CLUB GEAR: 

This spring, dancewear retailer, Club Gear is seeing 

great success from brands such as J. 

Valentine, Electric Lingerie, Hustler Apparel, 

Body Language Fashions, Sexxy Brazil, Nom de 

Plume, Hot Girl, Sexy in Miami and Body Zone. 

“My clients love the fabric, style, color and 

specific fit of these brands,” said buyer and styl- 

ist, Holli Kinnaman. 

“Each designer provides 

excellent quality at reasonable 

prices, stays upto-date 

with the current 

trends and is always 

willing to customize.” 

Holli Kinnaman 

Club Gear has also 

done well with 

Penthouse Lingerie boxed sets and skirts and 

track suits from Serious, Inc. 

Kinnaman states that thongs and garters are a 

year-round must-have for Club Gear. 

“These girls are always in need of thongs and 

garters,” she said. “Mostly black, white, red, hot 

pink and baby pink to match the thong and 

garter along with the dress.” 

Recent top requests include knit legwarmers, 

funky knee-highs and thigh-highs in bright colors 

featuring sexy lace ribbon trims. As for 

accessories, “girls are requesting sexy gloves to 

match their outfits along with sultry, small, 

beaded handbags to hold their must haves.” 

This spring, Kinnaman expects things to get 

shaken up a little. 

“I anticipate lots of new color combinations 

and a blending of rich tones this spring such as 

deep purple with fuchsia, dark slate blue with 

different shades of pink and turquoise and yellow 

with a hint of light blue atop gold accents. 

Graphic pink and orange will definitely make a 

statement this spring,” she said. “The robot computer 

look with a twist of metal punk is going to 

be a hot fad. This summer, bathing suits will have 

a sophisticated 1950s retro look with the simple 

hues of nude, white, black and brown. These colors 

flatter every skin tone and look very urbane.” 

To complete the ensemble, Club Gear offers an 

extensive line of footwear. Customer favorites 

include Ellie Shoes, “because of the deep padding 

on the insole and the width at the base,” said 

Kinnaman. “They are by far the most comfortable 

enduring shoes on the market.” Club Gear also 

carries stilettos, boots and sandals from Highest 

Heel and looks forward to offering the new Vivid 

shoe line from Global Footwear Partners. To 

learn more about Club Gear, contact the company 

at clubgear@comcast.net. B 

body zone apparel, (212) 213-1330. email: INFO@MCPETEINC.COM. 




dance

delicate illusions, (949) 497-7422. email: INFO@DELICATEILLUSIONS.COM. 

april cornell for martha m, (888) 33-APRIL. email: MARTHAM1@MAINE.RR.COM. 




sleepwear

april dancer by frances smiley, (212) 685-8881. email: PAT@PATLARKINSALES.COM. 

right, from bamboo nights, (203) 698 1339. email: JESSICA@COOLBLOSSOM.COM. 

triangle lingerie, (516) 431-5649. email: DEBBIE@TRIANGLELINGERIE.COM. 

right, frances smiley, (212) 696 1339. email: ZCARRION@CLAUDIADRIGGS.COM.

ight, sex symbol, (714) 833-1600. email: SMDIST@SBC.COM. 

shirley of hollywood, (800) 421-9359. email: ERIC@SHIRLEYOFHOLLYWOOD.COM

financial roundtable 

Another year is upon us, and for many an opportunity to switch to an new bank or factor. 

Why should an apparel company consider switching to, or staying with, your firm in 2008? 

Howard Moore 

Executive Vice President 

CAPITAL BUSINESS CREDIT LLC 

Entrepreneurship. At Capital 

we believe there is a need in 

the apparel industry for a 

return to providing entrepreneurial 

capital. We take the 

time to understand our 

client’s business models and 

then we structure financing 

Howard Moore 

programs to meet their individual 

needs. It is an entrepreneurial approach that 

goes beyond lending to finding creative solutions and 

pursuing opportunities. 

Our relationship with our clients is based on trust, 

quick decisions and an in-depth knowledge of their 

business. Whether a client is dealing with our New 

York, Los Angeles, Charlotte, Fort Lauderdale or 

Hong Kong office, they will work with experienced 

individuals who will be proactive in helping them solve 

problems and take advantage of growth opportunities. 

Each of our offices has local credit and lending authority, 

which enables us to respond quickly to our clients’ 

needs and opportunities. At Capital, our clients meet 

with decision makers who are hands-on and engaged 

while also being thoughtful and consultative. We are 

well suited to keeping clients on a steady course 

towards long-range profitability. 

Capital is committed to serving the apparel industry 

and prides itself on offering our clients a broad range 

of services that make a bottom line difference. In addition 

to accounts receivable and inventory financing we 

provide a variety of unique products including acquisition 

financing, ESOP loans, intellectual property 

loans, mezzanine debt, letters of credit financing, high 

risk customer credit protection, vendor payables discounting 

and seasonal over advance financing.” 

Gene Knapp 

Vice President, Factoring 

COFACE NORTH AMERICA 

“Coface Credit Management North America 

(CCMNA) is a relatively new entrant into the United 

States factoring industry. While being backed by 

Coface, a multinational, multibillion dollar giant in the 

credit insurance, collections and information services 


industries, CCMNA was only introduced in the U.S. 

in January 2007. 

We believe in building our relationships in factoring 

the same way we have in credit insurance -- one relationship 

at a time. We are the new kids on the block so 

we'll try harder, with better service at competitive 

prices, all the while relying on our international presence 

to provide value now and in the future for our 

clients. 

Coface prides itself on delivering personal service 

while also offering clients the convenience of online 

computer access. The company has a flexible credit 

department with many years of risk management experience 

in the credit insurance field. These strengths 

help Coface benefit clients in every field, including 

apparel. We're leveraged on all fronts: credit, collections 

systems, and service to provide clients with a 

superior opportunity to partner with a factor that 

wants to grow their business as much as they do themselves. 

It's really a great win-win for everyone. 

If you have any questions, please contact me at (212) 

389-6468. 

Stephen Giannetta 

National Sales Mgr. – E.V.P. 

WELLS FARGO CENTURY 

“The reasons that an apparel 

company should stay with 

Wells Fargo Century are the 

same as those who are contemplating 

switching to our 

factoring group in 2008. 

“Wells Fargo Bank, 

N.A., the only “AAA” rated 

Stephen Giannetta 

bank in the United States 

today, provides stability that appeals to our factored 

clients as they themselves face economic difficulty and 

uncertainty. While many of our competitors are 

encountering financial woes and may not be of investment 

grade, Wells Fargo continues to offer the security 

and support of a highly profitable bank and the benefits 

of a low cost of funds.. 

Secondly, Wells Fargo has a global presence that 

offers “one stop shopping” for most of the financial 

products and services these companies need. From 

credit cards to cash management to trade finance services, 

Wells Fargo’s multi-faceted capabilities allow our 

apparel clients to efficiently manage both operational 

growth and internal issues. 

Wells Fargo Century is also best suited to do business 

with importers due to our unique vision of trade 

finance. Most middle market entities are importers, 

with many utilizing documentary letters of credit as 

instruments to purchase product. Unlike other banks 

and factors, Wells Fargo Century opens letters of credit 

directly via our online system. In addition, we do 

not reserve for outstanding L/C’s; consequently, a 

client’s credit line is not impacted and more availability 

is realized. 

Finally, Wells Fargo Century has a longstanding history 

of both client and customer service. We understand 

the apparel industry and have an entrepreneurial 

approach to dealing with all of our clients. Wells 

Fargo’s support to our clients in both good times and 

‘lean’ times make us the premier lender of choice.” 

Don Morrison 

Executive Vice President 

GMAC COMMERCIAL FINANCE 

“GMAC Commercial Finance (GMACCF) is 

absolutely the right choice for firms in the apparel 

industry in 2008. Our industry expertise will be critical 

to our customers and prospects as we expect 2008 

to be a year of great uncertainty and volatility in this 

vertical market. There are two key drivers. First, the 

economic environment being faced by U.S. retailers 

will likely have a trickle down impact on apparel manufacturers, 

wholesalers and distributors. Second, is the 

expectation that access to the credit and credit insurance 

markets will continue to be restricted, particularly 

for middle-market businesses. Traditional structures 

that in the past have been readily available at ever 

declining prices may no longer be available for these 

businesses. The fear is that apparel firms may face 

reduced access to affordable financing and credit risk 

protection at a time when they are reporting negative 

financial trends. Challenging times like these requires 

a steady, highly experienced, cycle-tested lender. 

GMACCF is such a firm. 

The environment going forward will also require 

creative relationships between apparel firms and their 

financing partner. GMACCF has armed our 

Commercial Services Division with the products, people 

and resources required to meet the needs of appar- 

el firms in this challenging environment, by implementing 

some of the most flexible and creative product 

structures in the working capital financing market. 

We have enhanced our credit management processes 

to provide direct linkage between our client’s needs to 

borrow and obtain credit coverage, along with our 

best-in-class service capabilities. 

We have also developed key partnerships that allow 

us to be more creative in structure and pricing. These 

relationships allow us to look deeper into the working 

capital structure of apparel firms and provide unique 

‘one stop’ financing solutions tailored to meet the 

needs of our clients and prospects. 

GMACCF continues its commitment to servicing 

Donald Nunnari 

Senior Vice President 

MERCHANT FACTORS CORP. 

“The apparel industry 

encompasses a large segment 

with many product 

categories.Most of our 

West Coast clients are 

contemporary womans 

apparel companies and 

Donald Nunnari denim companies.It's no 

secret that denim has peaked and sales have leveled off 

or even decreased.Their is a saturation of product in 

the market and intense competition from powerful 

foreign retailers like H & M and Zara. 

“The strategy we advise is to keep your inventory 

lean and your overhead low.Don't speculate to any 

large degree.This is nothing new.The manufacturer 

must execute their plan,deliver a quality product,on 

time to the marketplace.As important,a product the 

market is looking for.If companies lack the capital to 

grow or the talent in certain areas,they should look to 

combine their talents by merging with others. 

Hopefully 2008 will see the industry emerge with 

some great new fashion styles that will lead to incresed 

buyer enthusiasm and sales.” 

Gene Sica 

Senior Vice President 

DCD CAPITAL, LLC 

“This past year has been a year of uncertainty for 

apparel companies as a result of a sluggish U.S. econo- 

clients by investing more in our client-facing technology 

(CHOICE) and processes than any other factor. 

These strategic investments allow us to provide unparalleled 

service and support and provide our clients with 

easy access to critical information that may give them 

that differentiating edge in the face of unprecedented 

competition. 

Looking forward to 2008, GMACCF believes 

apparel firms will be faced with several critical and 

unique challenges and will be well advised to select a 

financing and factoring firm that will support them 

through a challenging period. GMACCF’s creative 

solutions, innovative products and experienced 

resources make us a wise choice.” 

my. It was a year of higher 

food and gas prices, the 

continued slide of the dollar, 

sub-prime mortgage 

woes, and tightening of 

credit by banks which led 

to massive layoffs. I believe 

that the beginning of a 

Gene Sica 

recession is already here 

and this will stretch into 2008 as consumers are cautiously 

optimistic when it comes to spending their disposable 

income. This has been further complicated by 

the downturn in the housing market contributing to 

unemployment. Job growth next year will likely be curtailed, 

as the apparel sector especially small businesses 

will have less access to bank credit. Our trade deficit 

with China continues to grow at an alarming rate as 

China has not taken positive measures in appreciating 

its currency. In order to alleviate our economy from 

falling into a deepening recession, the Federal Reserve 

has been cutting interest rates with the hope to stimulate 

borrowing. 

After a robust Thanksgiving week, many consumers 

are waiting for the last minute to shop for Christmas 

as stores have started to offer sharp discounts in order 

to lure shoppers. I think come the end of the year we 

will see an increase in mark down money in the retail 

sector ultimately negatively affecting vendors. 

I believe that 2008 will prove to be “survival of the 

fittest” for vendors. In order to survive merchants need 

strong connections with retail buyers. They need the 

Peter J. Micara 

Vice President/Business Manager 

NORTH FORK BANK 

“North Fork Bank takes a local-community based 

approach to banking & it is now partnered with the 

strength of Capital One Bank with assets of $150 billion. 

In the heart of the Fashion District, we have more 

branches than any other bank offering a full array of 

personal & business services. 

We uniquely tailor services to the fashion industry. 

As a seasoned banker, I would be more than happy 

to call on you directly & would personally serve your 

banking needs.” 

2007 will be remembered by many in the apparel industry as a tough year. As one who 

has seen hard times come and go in this business, what advice can you offer apparel 

firms today? What strategies are working for some? What are the bright spots in 2008? 

right combination of strategic partnerships and cost 

effective production and selling capabilities. Starting 

with the new year vendors need to be conscious of how 

much inventory they should carry, staying lean is better 

in the long run.” 

Stanley Officina 

President 

ULTIMATE FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS LLC 

“I believe in the basic concept 

that one should not be 

distracted by the flavor of 

the minute. 

Whether it’s the apparel 

industry, the stock market, 

or real estate the most successful 

have been basic to 

Stanley Officina 

their goals and principals 

over the long term. 

Keep knocking on doors, believe in your product and 

pay attention to the market permutations, but don't 

make snap decisions based on them. Wait a day or two 

before making dramatic changes in your business. 

Remain flexible but not overly reactive. 

2008 will be another interesting year. Elections, oil 

prices, conflicts around the globe and as this year, a 

never ending supply of pundits to explain why change 

took place yesterday but they need to see what tomorrows 

weather will before making a firm forecast. 

“Hind sight is always 20/20. Make adjustments as 

necessary but don't veer to far from your basic course.” 


B 

67

loungewear & robes 

green bug bites lazylifestyle 

Rafi Ashkenazi and Eyal Partush, co-founders 

of the brand LazyLifestyle have proven to lead 

anything but a lazy lifestyle. This spring, 

Ashkenazi and his team will kick into high gear 

with a line of environmentally friendly crossover 

loungewear. 

“We are introducing the green concept by 

using 100 percent organic oatmeal for spring 

2008, and mix organic cotton with recycled soda 

bottles for fall 2008,” said Ashkenazi. “The 

spring collection will bring to life wild zebra 

print burnouts, sublimation and unique silhouettes 

like racer backs and oversized sweatshirts.” 

“We hope the market will gain a better understanding 

of our intimate streetwear concept— 

multi-functionality in design through simplicity 

of silhouettes and colors,” said Ashkenazi. 

To learn more, contact Ashkenazi at (323) 

842-2747. — L.D. 

christine v. gives detail & color 

After 30 years in business, Christine Morton, 

president of Christine Vancouver continues to 

maintain the detail and workmanship that’s 

come to be her signature. 

Known for high-end 

detailing on long gowns 

and loungewear, 

Christine Vancouver is 

introducing Asianinfluenced 

loungewear. 

“We aren’t using 

many prints for our 

Christine Morton 

spring collection; 

rather, we are color blocking with a bunch of different 

colors,” said Christina McLaren, marketing 

director for Christine Vancouver. 

And unlike many loungewear companies that 

are just getting into eco-friendly pieces, 

Christine Vancouver has always made efforts to 

save the environment. 

“We’ve cut down on plastic bagging and hangers,” 

said McLaren. “We use only natural fabrics 

and everything is environmentally friendly; there 

is no waste in what we do.” 

For the fall ‘08, Christine Vancouver presented 

silk loungewear showing in velvet and burnout 

in rich colors such as raspberry and grape. 

In other news, Christine Vancouver is featured 

on the cover of the January issue of “O 

Magazine.” The company can be reached at 

(604) 922-0350. — D.C. 

enchanted melts into chocolate 

New York-based high-end loungewear company, 

Enchanted Robes and Spawear, will introduce 

chocolate-colored robes and nightgowns 

for spring. 

“I want Enchanted Robes to be known as the 

Godiva of the industry,” said Janice Grossman, 

president and designer of Enchanted Robes and 

Spawear. “We are a couture line and what better 

way to represent the big color for fall.” 

With the chocolate theme, the company said it 

will manufacturer chocolate-colored silks, cashmere 

robes and nightgowns. 

“Different views will always be popular,” said 

Grossman as she discussed the various themes 

the company has played with. “The chocolate 

theme piggybacks of the candy theme from 

spring ‘08.” 

“Experimenting with candy for spring was a 

lot of fun,” said Grossman. “We presented bubbling 

colors, bubble gum and peppermint. 

Spring for us, is all about sweet smelling, bubbling, 

passion candies.” 

For more information call (212) 239-4600. 

— D.C. 

pajamagram intros dropseats 

The Vermont-based PajamaGram Company is 

introducing old-fashioned Red Drop Seat 

Pajamas for the whole family. 

The union-suit style pajamas are made of a cotton 

rib knit and are available with three-snap 

dropseats, full-snap fronts and with feet made skid 

proof by treads. The pajamas are packaged in an 

organza hatbox along with a “Do Not Disturb” 

sign and lavender sachet. 

Every pair of Red Dropseat Pajamas can be 

made personal by adding a name to the “back 

end” dropseat. And for an added incentive, there 

is even a matching pair for the family dog. For 

more information call (800)GIVE-PJS — D.C. 


classy bride’s business expands 

The crew at Classy Bride is gearing up for the 

2008 wedding season. The brand has stocked its 

newly expanded facility with all their best-selling 

products in addition to a slew of new additions. 

“We introduced cotton terry loungewear, 

specifically the ‘Happily Ever After’ resort robe 

and ‘The Mrs. Jogger’,” said Bridget Morh, vice 

president of Classy Bride. “We also introduced 

the ‘Here Comes the Bride’ line which includes 

a camisole/hot short set, a camisole/pant set and 

a chemise/thong set. The fabric is cotton/spandex 

and printed with ‘here comes the bride’ with 

bridal images like a shoe, bouquet, necklace, 

hearts and engagement ring.” 

As for their best-sellers, Classy Bride has carried 

over the bridal print cotton jersey line. The 

collection includes a babydoll, matching lowrise 

bikini and cropped pant. The line will also continue 

to offer the popular printed poplin wedding 

cake pants. Currently available in blue or ivory, 

the look will be offered in pink as well this spring. 

With a larger product offering than ever and 

more space to work from, Classy Bride has been 

expanding into international markets. 

“We are getting more and more requests 

from different countries, especially in Canada,” 

said Morh. 

To learn more about the company’s new products, 

contact them at (866) 925-2779. B 

— L.D. 

fall loungewear 

trends 


what’s on everyone’s lips... 

• Organic loungewear 

• Velvet fabrics 

• Silk and milk loungewear 

• Mod prints 


68 

set by wild bleu, (877) 365-7228. email: HROCKEY@WILDBLEU.COM. 




loungewear

on left, cool sets, (877) COOL-ZZ2. email: LNIELANDER@COOLSETS.COM. 

erin braxton, (212) 685-8881. email: PAT@PATLARKINSALES.COM. 

body couture by romar, (212) 736-9555. email: MIICHAELCOHEN@ROMAR.COM.

industry report REPORTED 

We asked different 

retailers one question, 

and this is what they had 

to say: 

Developed the Store’s Website 

“Developing my website has expanded my market, especial- 

ly around Christmas. It also introduced us to a younger mar- 

ket. I find that while 

older women are more 

emotional and want to 

see the product they are 

buying. Whereas 

younger women do not 

‘shop’ in the traditional 

sense, which is why we 

are adding e-commerce as well.” 

— Paul Brodie and Carol Boyko- 

Brodie of Bocana in Canada. 

Held a Faux Grand-Opening 

72 

BY VICTORIA MONJO 

“What was the most successful innovation 

affecting your store this year?” 

“I held a grand-opening for three 

days when really, it wasn’t our grandopening. 

We have been in business for 

12 years. 

“We advertised it in newspapers and 

through mailers, then we went out and 

bought food and champagne. 

“There are many people who go to 

the mall while we’re located downtown. This event brought in new 

people who lived in the area. It has given us a burst of energy and 

resulted in increased sales.” — Zenna Morris of Sheer Pleasure 

Two important things 

happened which 

improved business for this 

California retailer. “We 

did a mailing of a fridge 

magnet featuring our own 

graphic girl doing yoga in 

a sportsbra and we mailed 

it all over, 10,000 magnets 

in all. Also important was 

an article written about us which was carried by five 

local newspapers. — Monica Gibson of Creative Woman 

in Monrovia, CA 

Increased Personal Meet-and-Greet 

“Out greatest innova- 

tion this year was 

increasing the personal 

‘meet-and-greet/exit.’ 

This way our customers 

feel welcome when they 

come in, and they feel 

appreciated when they 

leave. It also empowers 

our employees.” — Ross and Billie-Jo Winner with Bill Brady, all of Lovestuff. 

The company operates six stores, and brought 12 employees to the last 

lingerie shows in Las Vegas as a reward. 

“I wrote a book” 

— Rebecca Apsan of 

Le Petite Coquette. 

Oprah’s Bra 

Intervention 

“Oprah’s bra intervention made people more cognizant 

of their body. Many people were in the wrong size bra. 

Oprah had two shows and two re-runs on the subject 

and I saw people react very strongly. It’s not an age thing 

either, I’ve seen everyone from 17-70 become more 

aware of their body because it can change your life. 

Being comfortable translates to being more confident.” 

Mailed out 10,000 Magnets — Ronna Johnstone of Knickers ‘n Lace, Inc. 


“We Changed 

our Style Mix in 

Bras” 

“We adjusted the 

style mix in our 

bras. We increased 

the ‘every-days’— 

the basics—in our 

mix. We also 

increased the awareness 

of fit in bras 

and we now place a greater focus on that. “ 

— Marjorie Bower of the Lingerie 

Shoppe of California. 

“Fashion Colors” 

“Fashion col- 

ors have been 

our number 

one important 

change, 

or innovation. 

But also 

very important 

has been 

advertising in local newspapers and 

magazines. — Amber Ezell of 

Ali’s Fine Lingerie 

event report 

Carole Hochman is a name known to many: the 

$150 million company that encompasses an 

impressive array of brands: OnGossamer Oscar de 

la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Betsey Johnson and 

Jockey. Perhaps less familiar, is Carole Hochman 

herself and the eponymous label. But Ms. 

Hochman is about to change that with a clever, 

multi-layered and well thought-out strategy. 

Above, Carole Hochman next to her 

Spring collection. Below and right, 

Hochman’s bedroom illustrating her 

philosophy on sleeping well. 

"People know me through the different brands, 

but not that many people know my brand. We're 

now placing a greater emphasis on the Carole 

Hochman brand," she stated. 

Hochman is coming at it from different angles. 

For one, she launched a website in early December, 

just for the Hochman brand. The site, which carries 

her motto "live well sleep well," features shopping 

capabilities among other facets. Hochman 

said, "E-commerce is also about my relationship 

with my costumer. I want to reach my customers 

directly without having to go through the department 

stores," although the brand is carried by 

stores such as Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom. 

Continued Hochman, "I've been on QVC for 10 

REPORTED BY VICTORIA MONJO AND TED VAYOS 

carole hochman: live well sleep well 

years and it's great for me to have that close connection 

[to my customers]." The new website 

reflects this closeness. It features a look into 

Carole's life through photos of her home, family, 

and friends. It also offers her answers to questions 

posed by customers, as well as tips for the home 

and life. The inspiration for this intimate connection, 

Carole at least in part attributes to her QVC 

customers, who she explained, "love to talk back." 

The site will be developed further still, with 

plans for a newsletter as well as webcasts so that 

customers can speak to Carole directly. Already the 

company is sending a thousand emails a day enticing 

customers to visit the site. 

A second brand awareness and marketing coup by 

Hochman is a book on sleeping well, on which is 

currently working and which she has titled the "Gift 

of Sleep." "Sleep is an issue in this country-and this 

book will be about getting a good night's sleep." The 

book is slated to come out next fall and Hochman 

hopes that it will become an important guide on 

what to do "before you go to a sleep clinic." 

Part of Hochman's philosophy is investing in 

sleep. She explains that this happens through rituals 

that allow you to fall asleep faster and, to sleep 

better and longer. To achieve this, she shared the 

details of her own ritual, which includes spraying 

her sheets with linen water every morning, utilizing 

'just the right kind' of humidifier (SlantFin, if 

you would like to know), as well as sleeping in the 

right kind of sleepwear. Hochman is very sensitive 

to people's different likes when it comes to sleepwear, 

and this is manifested in her line. The classic 

Carole Hochman line is meant for "every woman," 

therefore it spans the gamut in design: from pajamas, 

to nightgowns to babydolls. The line, which 

consistently retails between mid $50s to high $70s, 

features soft pima cotton and, for Spring 2008 

shows subtle pinks and blues as well as floral 

prints. Comfort and soft feminine designs are the 

defining characteristics of this line. However, in 

order to reach a broader (and younger) audience, 

Hochman introduced the Carole Hochman 

Midnight line which was launched at Lingerie 

Americas this past August. Midnight is more fashion-forward 

and glamorous. And yet, the line still 

adheres to the comfort and natural fiber concept 

found in the classic line. Midnight uses cotton or 

Modal and stays away from synthetics. Some of 

the cottons are organic, Carole explained, "I'm an 

all cotton line…organic is becoming a part of it." 

When asked about alternative fibers such as bamboo, 

milk or carbon, Hochman acceded that they 

have or will be used in the line, so as long as the 

fiber is natural. "I have a holistic approach," looking 

for fibers which regenerate themselves. "We 

are considering bamboo fabrics and a 'bean' fabric. 

As it stands, we're playing around with the alternative 

fabrics. All is better than polyester, which a 

lot of people are still using. But, that is not at all 

where my head is," said Hochman. 

The Midnight collection is currently at 

Nordstrom, and according to Hochman, it enjoyed 

first week sell-throughs of 30 percent. The line 

features dark, "contemporary sophisticated" colors, 

with pieces often trimmed in silk. It goes through 

a design changes 12 months a year, exploring different 

color stories. 

When asked what her next step will be, 

Hochman stated "underwear." The underwear collection 

"will follow more of the Midnight sensibility 

rather than the classic group," and is expected 

to be launched within a year. 

A more immediate but big change at the company 

is the re-doing of the Carole Hochman, Oscar 

de la Renta and OnGossamer showrooms, starting 

in February. Naturally, with the big focus on her 

own brand, Hochman is ecstatic to have a showroom 

dedicated just to her brand. "It's a huge 

change for us…now I'll have my own showroom. 

I've shared a showroom with Dior and Oscar for 

ever; this change is very exciting." Executives at 

the company can also expect a pleasant change: 

they will be moving to a new floor. The changed 

showrooms are slated to open just before the May 

market, and place the company on the fifth, sixth, 

seventh, 11th, as well as half of the third and 

fourth floors at 135 Madison Avenue. B 

CAROLE HOCHMAN • www.fmmg.com

etail profile 

You know the saying, “If you want something 

done right you have to do it yourself.” For 

Alison Rubke and her mother Gail, owners of 

Faire Frou Frou boutique in Los Angles, the 

saying hits close to home. “While reading 

European fashion magazines we saw that there 

were so many beautiful lingerie brands, but no 

stores carried them,” said Rubke. Instead of 

pouring over the pages of French Vogue, Rubke 

and her mother set out to bring these European 

lingerie brands to the U.S. 

Derived from the French expression, “faire du 

frou-frou,” meaning, “to show off,” the name of 

the store calls to feminine and flirty women in 

its Studio City, California neighborhood. “We 

try to let people know that our store is a destination 

for those who want something unusual 

and different,” said Rubke. “We do sell basics, 

but we wouldn’t be a specialty boutique if we 

just carried the same merchandise you would 

find at a department store.” The store carries 

European brands that are hard to find in the 

U.S. such as Madame V, Parah, Guia la Bruna 

and ID Sarrieri. Rubke is hard pressed to pick 

just one best seller in her store. “My high-end 

customer is looking for something different,” 

she said. “They want matching sets and brands 

like ID Sarrieri, Damaris and Courtworth do 

really well.” 

Other up and coming brands that do well for 

Faire Frou Frou include The Lake and Stars 

74 



faire frou frou in studio city 

and Undrest. 

“When we first met 

Maria, we knew 

right away we wanted 

to work with 

her,” said Rubke of 

Undrest’s designer, 

Maria Paz Navales. 

“Her line is so sweet 

and feminine and 

the price point is so 

good it sold like 

crazy. We knew it was cute, but we had 

no idea!” Navales recently worked with 

Alison and Gail to host her first trunk 

show at the boutique and has also 

designed an exclusive Faire Frou Frou 

collection in the boutique’s signature 

pink. 

To match their collection of 

European lingerie, Alison and her 

mother have decorated the store with 

French antiques such as crystal chandeliers 

and large mirrors that are all 

for sale. The walls are painted in a pale pink 

and the floors feature a light green and white 

checkerboard floor. “A lot of lingerie stores 

have the same cookie cutter design, but we 

wanted to create a visual experience,” said 

Rubke. “We want people to stay, not to feel 

overwhelmed by a mess of bras.” With racks 

full of inventory that is so pink and pretty, 

Rubke and her mother just want to show it off. 

B 

event report 

B 

Boutique Lingerie London’s first show 

has “been a major success, with a 

large concentration of buyers from 

luxury boutiques, department stores 

and websites attending, all of whom 

Somme Chic coverup, and Myla. 

REPORTED BY TED VAYOS AND SAMANTHA CHANG 

boutique show now held in london also 

Myla’s sales team. 

Renae Pilkington and Chris James from Papinelle. 

enjoyed the intimate and relaxed 

atmosphere,” reported Samantha 

Chang, the show’s organizer. A variety 

of niche exhibitors presented their 

collections at this London version of 

Hannah Lindsey of Commando. 

Alicia Wade from Somme Chic. 

Samantha Chang’s designs on both mannequins. 

Claire Judge from Aloe. 

the show. 

“Stylists, trade and consumer press 

were also present and found many 

new designers to report on in upcoming 

features, said Chang. 

Fleur T England. 

Nicky Adamo from Julianne. 

Renee Claire from Bedhead. 

LONDON BOUTIQUE SHOW • www.fmmg.com

SQUARE CLUB EVENT • www.fmmg.com 

event report 

OOn Thursday December 6th the Intimate 

Apparel Square Club hosted a holiday 

party for the children at NYU Medical 

Center’s Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation 

Medicine. The patients at the Rusk 

Institute/NYU Medical Center are the beneficiaries 

of the IASC’s ongoing fundrais- 

REPORTED BY TED VAYOS AND LIBBY DOWD 

rusk institute’s holiday party 

ing efforts. This year, IASC president Steve 

Chernoff suited up in Santa gear to deliver 

presents to the “Rusk Kids.” While the 

kids munched on McDonald’s Happy 

Meals, members of the IASC enjoyed a 

lovely Italian dinner at Trattoria Alba following 

the event to install it’s 2008 officers. 

Christopher Sickles of NYU Medical Center, Barry Ross, Jon Broz and Dr. Herb Zaretsky. 

Artie Nathan, Dr. Matthew Lee and Bob Nathan. 

Lance Whitaker with Steve Chernoff as Santa. 

Barry Ross, with Richard Murray. 

Gary Hughes was tapped president, Lance 

Whitaker as first vice president, Victor 

Vegas as second vice president, Adam 

Masry as secretary and Mary Beth Budd 

as treasurer. Rosa Chamides presented the 

President’s Award to outgoing club president, 

Steve Charnoff. — L.D. 

Roslyn Harte, Steve Chernoff and Rosa Chamides. 

Justin Chernoff of 

Rago Foundations. 

Barry Ross and Heather Jaboor. Richard Murray, Dr. Matthew Lee, Dr. Herb Zaretsky and Barry Ross. 

Anita Yau, Dr. Joan Gold and Mimi Sia. 

Marcos Melendez, Shani Thornton, Santa, Lisa Del Guidice, Yuzuko Yoshii and 

Shakisha Cox, all of the NYU Medical Center. 

Edgar Trinidad of 

Fineberg Publicity with 

Libby Dowd of BODY. 

Anita Yau of ACE Style 

and Dr. Herb Zaretsky. 

Alice Papazian and Gary Mimi Sia and Roslyn Harte 

Hughes of GH Lace. 

Norma Reinhardt, Rosa 

Chamides and Harriet Lubash. 

retail profile 

Nestled into Brooklyn’s Mill Basin neighborhood 

is The Secret You, a French-inspired lingerie 

boutique that caters to local women 

looking for one-of-a-kind lingerie and 

swimwear items. The shop’s owner, Victoria 

Talyansky, a resident of the neighborhood, 

found the area was lacking an intimate apparel 

boutique that offered top-notch service and 

high- end products. 

The 800 square-foot 

shop was modeled 

after typical French 

lingerie boutiques. Its 

gold, burgundy and 

black furniture is 

warm and inviting 

with just the right 

Victoria Talyansky 

touch of femininity. 

This year Talyansky celebrated “Black 

Friday” by opening a larger, 1,000 square-foot 

boutique at 4091 Hylan Boulevard in Staten 

Island, N.Y. With her new store, Talyansky 

hopes to reach a broader customer base and to 

offer those customers more than she was able 

to with her one store. 

“Because of its size we are able to do many 

more things,” she said. “Anything that people 

ask for, we will do. Now that we have the space 

for a better customer and service-oriented 

store, there is no word ‘no’ in my vocabulary.” 

Talyansky is able to provide shoppers with 

personal assistance, and she promises to never 

sell the same item to more than one customer. 

“I love working with my customers. I look at 


the secret you expands in nyc 

what people are 

wearing and I keep 

in contact with my 

clients to see what 

they want,” she said. 

“I know my clients. 

I know what size 

they are, what they 

wear and what they 

bought. When I go 

to trade shows, Ibuy 

for my clients.” 

In addition to 

taking note on 

which styles she 

sells to each of her 

Above and below, the Brooklyn, and Staten Island location respectively. 

clients, Talyansky 

orders smaller quantities 

of each size 

and style. 

“Everyone here 

knows each other 

and I would not 

want these women 

to be wearing the 

same thing.” 

The women who 

shop at The Secret 

designer brands such as Gottex, Wolford, 

You range from high-school students looking Chio diStefania D. Most recently, Talyansky 

for a unique bathing suit to wealthy women added emerging designer, Claudia Fong to her 

looking to spend more money on the perfect roster of swimwear. 

T-shirt bra. 

“This was the first time she was showing and 

“Very few women lately have asked for sexy I spent half the day with her,” she said. “Her 

lingerie,” said Talyansky. “They all want swimwear is so stunning. The bikinis are beau- 

shapewear and T-shirt bras. Women don’t tiful and so wearable. Most swimwear look 

want sexy lingerie anymore. They want a bra good on the model but not everyone is a size 

you can’t see under their clothing.” 

two.” Women will also find T-shirts from 

Talyansky directs these women to well-fit- Bejeweled by Susan Fixel, sparkling sandals 

ting bras from Le Mystere, Chantelle and from Flex Flops and embellished cashmere 

OnGossamer. For larger sizes, Talyansky has sets from Ethnic Revolution. “I’m like a fish,” 

found her customers respond well to she said. “If it sparkles, I’ll take it.” 

Conturelle’s bras. 

Feel free to contact them at 

Swimwear is one of The Secret You’s mostrequested 

items. The racks are stocked with 

the.secret.you@hotmail.com. B — L.D. 

JANUARY 2008 BODY • WWW.FMMG.COM 77

etail profile 

It’s been two years since a California earthquake 

damaged intimate apparel boutique Fanny 

Wrappers, but president Terry Treves has landed 

on her feet. After operating her business for 

months with a damaged ceiling, air conditioning 

and lighting, the retailer has lifted her shop 

from the ashes and is ready to unveil its new 

look. While the appearance 

of Fanny Wrappers 

may have been far from 

ideal during construction, 

Treves reported 

that business went 

on as usual. 

“The construction has 

not hurt my business so 

far,” she said. “In fact, 

I’m having the best year 

ever and I’m going on 

24 years in San Luis 

Obispo.” 

Fanny Wrappers has 

1,900 square-feet of 

space, of which 1,500square-feet 

are designated for retail space. 

Treves fills her racks with goodies from Wacoal, 

Felina, Hanky Panky and Honeydew Intimates. 

She also exclusively carries the entire line of P.J. 

Salvage and sleepwear manufacturer, Wendy 

78 

fanny wrappers of california remodels 



Glez. In general, Treves found that her customers 

shop less for high-end lingerie and more 

so for molded cup T-shirt bras from Wacoal; 

Hanky Panky thongs for every day wear; and 

Spanx High Power and Power Panties made 

popular by Oprah Winfrey. 

“Over the last 5 years I have really seen the 

intimate business expand in 

foundations,” said Treves. 

“Molded smooth bras by far 

are still the leader, but 

lighter molds are being 

requested. So many fabrics 

in outer wear are a form of 

jersey or modal. These fabrics 

require the undergarments 

to be smooth so no 

bumps or ridges show 

through the garment.” 

In addition, Fanny 

Wrappers boasts a section 

of sexy lingerie styles from 

Dreamgirl and Shirley of 

Hollywood and an adult toy 

section. The store has also benefited from the 

explosion of sexy Halloween costumes. 

“Halloween costumes have grown to be my 

biggest month of the year, even bigger than 

Christmas,” said Treves. However, with pop-up 

stores taking a share 

of the business this 

last season, she is 

eager to see how the 

market will develop. 

“How many ways 

can you twist the 

looks of a nurse, cop 

or a school girl?” she 

asked. 

Treves prides her 

store on carrying a broad array of product and 

staffing skilled and knowledgeable bra fitters. If 

this does not set it 

apart from the others, than the name alone 

should do the trick. “Fanny Wrappers doesn’t 

take itself too seriously and its name sets the 

stage. It’s ever-changing four large display windows 

in the main corner of downtown San Luis 

Obispo create the image of what’s inside the 

doors of 799 Higuera Street.” B — L.D.

HALLOWEEN SHOW N.Y.C. • www.fmmg.com 

event report 

TTransWorld recently hosted the 

International Halloween Show at 1115 

& 1134 Broadway in New York City. 

The show gathered together all the 

major costume players for four days at 

the beginning of December 2007. Buyers 

Mike Tsai and Ken Friedman of Leg Avenue. 

Christopher Scharff, Janet Teller, Eric Ehrens and 

Amanda Wasvary of Dreamgirl. 

Ji Hyun Yoon and Laurel 

Brown of Seasonal Visions. 

John Campbell and Scott 

Morris of Morris Costumes. 

transworld’s halloween show in n.y.c. 

Al Giaimis of HSBC with 

Doug Kelly of Citibank, and 

Marc Beige of Rubie’s. 

REPORTED BY TED VAYOS AND LIBBY DOWD. 

in attendance were the first to see the 

2008 collections from several top brands 

including Dreamgirl, Forplay and 

Rubie’s. Each company showcased best 

sellers from seasons past as well as new 

styles to satisfy the trendiest of party- 

Marina Keator and Ellen 

Renger of Ellie Shoes. 

Sean Monahan of Fantasy Lingerie. 

goers. Highlights included: a twist on 

last year’s best-selling Wizard Wanda 

from Dreamgirl; a sexy geisha with 

adjustable hemline from Forplay; and a 

porn star style from Hustler Lingerie. 

— L.D. 

Houman Salem of Forplay. 

Warren Berkowitz of Forum Novelties; David Imhoff, senior EVP worldwide 

for New Line Cinema; Maggie Young of Rubie’s and Edward Bolkus, 

VP of New Line Cinema, product development and merchandising. 

Primrose Boon of Forplay. 

Stephanie Balmer, Howard Beige, EVP of Rubie’s, Lisa 

Morris, and Sarah Pavin, all from Spencer’s. 

Ann Siegel of HalloweenMart.com, Fred Pittella of 

Jeanne Tu and May Leung of Seven ‘till Midnight. Forum and Heather Siegel of HalloweenMart.com. 

Meredith Abraham, EVP of AnytimeCostumes.com, Jerry Beck, president of 

Charades and Shelly Aboulafia, president & CEO of AnytimeCostumes.com 

Stephen Stanley of Disguise, Chairman of the Board for 

the Halloween Industry Association with models. 

Cheryl Kerzner, VP 

of product design and 

marketing for disquise. 

Alan Geller, executive vice president 

of Fun World with his model. 

Darlene and Danny Gurganus 

of Danny’s Trix and Kix. 

Wayne Baker of Frank Bee 

Costume Center with model. 

Tom Fallenstein of Costumes Galore, Leanne Fong of Pleaser 

USA and Julie Fallenstein-Johnson, VP of Costumes Galore. 

Danny Stein, Michael Stein, Jennifer Hillstead all of Cinema Secrets with 

Mark Lewis of Jokers Masquerade. 

Darlene Gurganus, Jeanne Tinari, Sirlei Waterhouse and Mrs. Beige. 

Jeff Coppens, 

president of 

Living Fiction. 

Ellen Gelb, Florence Chung, Virginia Szczepanski and Maxine Beige all of Rubie’s. 

Basia Slimak, Tava Carson and Diana 

Clements of Princess Paradise. 

David Beige of Rubie’s, 

with Elena Cucharo. 

Harold Roth, model, Robert Kamin from Forum, model and Arthur Savarese. 

Scott Darvin of Rubie’s, Linda and Isaac Sagman of Suzette’s. 

Bryan Gamza, Elan Rofé and Wilson Kello of Hustler Lingerie. 

Marty Knudstrup of Coquette, with Carmen Torres of La 

Casa De Los Trucos and Dave George of Coquette. 

Below, Eva Chrysanthou, Arthur Savarese of Rubie’s, Curtis 

Sigretto and Holly Bowling, both of Halloween Express. 

HALLOWEEN SHOW N.Y.C. • www.fmmg.com

INTERNATIONAL INTIMATES SHOWROOM • www.fmmg.com 

event report 

OOver the past few yers, International 

Intimates has been renovating its showroom 

space at 180 Madison Avenue. The 

expansion includes a state-of-the-art 

showroom solely dedicated to Hustler 

Lingerie with 1,500-square-feet of mer- 

Hustler Lingerie 

president, Elan Rofé. 

REPORTED BY NICK MONJO AND LIBBY DOWD 

int’l intimates expands showroom space 

chandise. A private photo studio and 

office suites put the total over 5,000square-feet. 

“Already we have a steady 

inflow of buyers, magazines, and other 

interested parties,” said Hustler Lingerie 

president, Elan Rofé. “We expect a near- 

constant schedule of appointments in 

2008.” International Intimates has also 

renovated the entire 8th floor for its 

Victoria’s Secret division. “We are now 

the largest tennant in the intimate 

apparel building,” said Rofé. — L.D. 

REPORTED BY TED VAYOS AND LIBBY DOWD 

event report 

rubie’s opens their largest showroom 

R 

Rubie’s Costume Company opened its 

new showroom on December 3, 2007 

during the International Halloween 

Show. The new location occupies the 

entire ninth floor of the Halloween 

Tower at 1115 Broadway, and spans 

21,750-square-feet, the largest in the 

Rubie’s costume footwear line 

includes licensed products. 

Rubie’s state of the art private conference 

rooms are equipped with flat 

screen 47” LCD monitors, and have 

accomodations for large buyer groups. 

company’s history. 

The showroom, which features all of 

Rubie’s product lines, is designed to 

reflect various New York City neighborhoods, 

including Central Park, China 

town and Times Square. The showroom 

also features Coney Island’s famous 

Warren Berkowitz of Forum Novelties standing 

at the entrance of the Coney Island Fun House. 

David Imhoff, senior EVP worldwide and Edward 

Bolkus, VP of product development & merchandising 

for New Line Cinema. 

Pat Cacciola poses with the new Halo 3 collection. 

boardwalk area complete with Nathan’s 

hot dogs. Each area of New York showcases 

a different group of costumes 

including Rubie’s Secret Wishes 

Collection, as well as licensed products 

such as the new Batman, Indiana Jones 

and High School Musical films. — L.D. 

Howard and Marc Beige pose with the new 

High School Musical collection. 

Howard Beige shows off the sexy Secret Wishes collection. 

Above, Rubie’s 

showroom features 

street signs to help 

buyers navigate their 

way around the different 

product areas. 

Central Park Section of showroom. 

RUBIE’S SHOWROOM • www.fmmg.com

etail profile 

Grand Central Terminal is always filled with a 

constant hustle and bustle of commuters and 

travelers. It was there in 1999 that Margo 

Andros opened a 337 square-foot lingerie 

boutique that captures trendy, fashion-savvy 

convenience while offering busy travelers access 

to intimate gifts and forgotten must-have 

items. 

As shoppers seek refuge 

from the commotion, they 

enter an environment that 

is warm, friendly and 

visually stimulating. The 

fashion-forward lingerie 

boutique provides well-lit 

displays for bras and 

panties, and a floor plan 

that has a by-category 

flow, which leads the customer 

towards: basic 

panties and bras, hosiery 

and accessories, sleepwear, 

seasonal intimates and 

loungewear/yogawear. 

“We aren’t a theme store, we just represent 

brands that we think are good,” said Andros. 

“ They [shoppers] come here because they 

can’t find what they want in Bloomingdale’s.” 

The chic boutique offers high-end brands 

such as Betsey Johnson, Chantelle, PJ 

Salvage, Elle Macpherson and Wacoal. While 

The Pink Slip receives a high volume of 

Hanky Panky, Eberjey, Only Hearts, 

Cosabella and Spanx purchases, Andros 

believes the hot up-and-coming brand isn’t 

out yet. 

“Cosabella is strong because of its great 

designs, and Eberjey has awesome fashion 

that looks great, but the next HOT brand 

hasn’t hit the scene yet,” said Andros. “In 

order for a company to be hot or improve, 

they have to examine what they’ve done well 

and try something innovative.” 

84 

the pink slip adds style in classy way 


REPORTED BY DEENA CAMPBELL 

Although new brands come and go, one 

thing that remains constant are the loyal Pink 

Slip customers who come with various 

shapes, sizes and personalities. Ranging 

from 25 – 60 years old, Andros reported, 

The Pink Slip shoppers are often brand conscious, 

classically seductive and very modern 

in their points-of-view, attitudes and 

lifestyles. Moreover, loyal male shoppers 

come out 

in force during the holiday season when they 

shop for their girlfriends and wives. 

“We try to make customers laugh and 

enjoy themselves,” 

said Andros. “It’s 

especially important 

for men to 

feel comfortable, 

so we try to figure 

out the woman 

he’s shopping for 

and help him 

select the perfect 

gift.” 

Unlike most lingerie 

boutiques 

who live by the 

rules and ramifications of 

proper measuring, The Pink Slip goes 

against the grain and believes measuring is 

a bunch of hype. 

“All sizing is not standard so give us the 

time to put you in the dressing room and try 

on 4 or 5 bras to find the perfect one,” said 

Andros. “Women think 

they know their size, but a 34B in one 

brand isn’t the same in another. It’s 

about taking the time and having fun 

with the experience!” 

Although the The Pink Slip adheres 

to a ‘no measure’ philosophy, they do 

however advise that breasts should not 

spill out or bulge from the cups of a bra, 

and that underwire should rest on a 

woman’s rib cage—not on breast tissue—both 

in the front and the sides. 

Buyer Margo Andros for The Pink 

Slip can be contacted at (718) 767- 

0469, or via email at dearmargo@thepinkslip.com. 

To shop at The Pink Slip online visit 

www.thepinkslip.com or shop at the lingerie 

boutique and revel in the experience at 

107 E. 42nd Street MC81, York, NY 

10017. Call (212) 949-9037 for more information. 

B 

— D.C.

january 2008 - FMMG.com

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