The Lingerie Americas New York Show, Feb. 2007
Text and photos by J. Ecochard
If there’s anything to persuade today’s young Hollywood types to give up their often photographed ‘in commando’ ways…meaning, wearing no underwear…it would have to be a stroll through the aisles of this lingerie packed trade show.
The 200+ purveyors of lingerie, sleepwear and shapewear covered a host of sensuous cuts and fabrics for all body types. Beginning with high-end brands such as Aubade, La Perla, Le Mystere and Huit, these Europeans showed stunning neutrals and jeweled tones pieces made from lace, silk and mixed fabric (cotton, spandex, lycra etc) in well cut bras, thongs, bikinis and briefs. As to be expected when the undergarbs are still made in the Continent’s own factories, the fit and finishes (less frilly than past seasons) are superb.
America’s own luxe designs included super sexy silk bras and thongs from New York’s line Vagin Pouvoir. Additionally, big fashion labels like Donna Karan, Vera Wang, Betsey Johnson and Badgley Mischka have all licensed their names, creating lingerie brands that would work well under the fashions being shown concurrently on the runways during New York’s Spring 2007 Fashion Week.
In the shape/bodywear category, whatever part of one’s physique needs holding in or emphasizing, there were plenty of solutions on display.NuBra continues to help women defy the laws of gravity with its tropical hued and neutral toned seamless bra cups sans straps. Spanx sheer wool/spandex leggings and hosiery in cocoa brown, navy and black offer just the right amount of control without feeling bound up like a sausage. Nursing moms feeling feminine despite baby spit-ups should check out the simply glam nursing bras in black and white zebra print from Glamourmom or the plush Italian fabric bras from Bella Materna, that offer all the support and freedom, nursing or pregnant women need. And ladies craving the absolute most divinely comfortable fitted lace cami, short sleeve tee or string bikini, should seek out Kura, an extensive bodywear line made from breathable, super combed Turkish cottons.
Lastly, in the just plain fun category, Shirley of Hollywood, a multi-generation family owned business of accessibly priced, sensuous garments debuted colorful intimate apparel designs with lots of sparkles and sheer chiffon fabrics in regular and plus sizes. Lornnie Louie's silk vintage inspired prints transformed tap pants, bras and even aprons…into garbs that could work as sleep or day wear. And Canada’s Ginch Gonch had pistol toting male and female models walking about in cute blue and white plaid cotton briefs with bright red waistbands that work for the young at heart, if not physique.