Last week I met with a group of intimate apparel professionals to discuss the improvements needed in the industry. Andrew Sia, Publisher of Intimate Apparel Journal, headed the discussion along with his wife Mimi. As a founder of Ace Style group, a vertically-integrated women’s intimates manufacturing business covering garments, fabrics, trims, printing, retailing, wholesale, and franchising, Andrew’s established background and experience has allowed him to recognize the disconnect between all levels of the industry and in-turn create a solution. From recent graduate students, to buyers, to factory workers, it obvious that a common thread and understanding of standard practices is absent. In other words, there is no standard go-to resource that one could be educated on the technical, marketing, manufacturing and design techniques. This creates a problem in our industry.
Everyone at the meeting unanimously agreed that the Intimate Apparel Journal (IAJ) is the vehicle that will solve this issue. IAJ will ultimately create a common dialogue within the industry and in turn connect the American, European and Asian markets. At the luncheon Julia Poteat, assistant professor at Parsons The New School for Design, spoke of the possible use for IAJ in her student’s curriculum. As a new instructor at FIT teaching at the Center for Professional Studies in June, Andrew Sia believes the journal is a great resource for all students studying in the industry. I spoke of how IAJ would greatly help buyers and store owners understand why samples can not be produced over night or why certain fabrics can not be used for specific purposes. Not everyone in the industry understands these simple concepts, which is why a dialogue must be started.
Every article in the journal may not always speak directly to a specific area, but it will serve as a learning tool for students, and an industry resource for professionals to keep up with trends and reports. I look forward to seeing the success of the journal along with world-wide discussion it will create in the industry
I was delighted to attend the “FACES AND PLACES IN FASHION” Lecture Series presented by the Office of Alumni and Faculty Relations at FIT on May 5, 2014. The distinguished panel of lingerie professionals was moderated by FIT Alumna Karen Bromley, Principal of the Bromley Group.
Most of the panel is on the UNDERFASHION CLUB’S Board of Directors, but also includes graduates of FIT and other top leaders from the world of Intimate Apparel. They gave detailed information about the Intimate Apparel industry and also a peek into each of their extensive backgrounds. read more
Tuesday evening the membership committee hosted a terrific presentation, “Building Your Professional Network With LinkedIn.” The event, organized by Tristine Berry and Victoria Vandagriff, was held at Fashion Group International in NYC. There were 70 people in attendance, including 14 new members. Tristine introduced Guest Speaker, Author and Career Coach, John Crant. John addressed the audience focusing in on the strategic benefits of LinkedIn.
I was initially a bit wary; I already have over 1,300 connections on the site. But besides being thoroughly entertained, I learned several LinkedIn secrets that turned my perspective about the purpose and potential of the site around. This mega networking machine is a great way to promote a business. It is a communication powerhouse that cannot be ignored. And there is no doubt, that for anyone searching for a career change, it is the premiere go to social media tool available today. John’s expertise is well documented both on his website at www.selfrecruiter.com and in his book “Self Recruiter® Changing the Rules.” read more
On March 18th, Karen Bromley of the BROMLEY GROUP led an energetic panel of experts for the UNDERFASHION CLUB’S PR event, “PR & THE BOTTOM LINE”.
The panelists included: read more
I don’t think one more person could have fit into the space that had the Lingerie Fashion Night “IN” on February 24th. The fashion show was presented by CURVExpo at the TriBeCa Skyline Studios. Everyone that attended was treated to a vast array of brand names that presented as little as 2 looks to a mind boggling 18 looks. Aubade, Natori, LeMystere, Arlotta, LOU, Maidenform and Fantasie were just some of the 50 plus brands that were represented. There was excitement and sizzle. The colors and styles were scrumptious and so was the food!
TIANHAI LACE USA HAS NEW PRESIDENT
New York, NY, March 10, 2014 read more
If you have even the slightest interest in lingerie, then Jean-Paul Gaultier at the BROOKLYN MUSEUM was an exhibit to see. From start to finish this gallery of fashion was chock full of inspirational ideas, not just for the lingerie enthusiasts, but for all fashionistas.
His mastery of different cultures and combinations in his dresses, coats, and suits were just as awe inspiring…..there were dozens of visual delights in his denim, plaids, prints, velvets, leathers and pinstripes. read more
We will leave all the official feedback from the Femmy Awards Gala held last night at Cipriani’s to the home page wrap. You will be able to see it all; and for sure with much more professional photos. But we attended this stellar party last night – hats off to Karen Bromley and Barbara Lipton who co-chaired the event. The preparations were flawless and it showed, so we decided to give you a Femmy wrap up appetizer. read more
Ellen Lewis wrote up her final thoughts about the Salon De Lingerie show in Paris last week on her blog, Lingerie Briefs! See what’s trending in Fall 2014 on her post:
Paris Wrap ~ Salon De Lingerie Fall 2014
“It was nice to see some of our North American resources doing brisk business: PJ Salvage, Hanky Panky, Cosabella, Affinitas, Eberjey , Rago, Va Bien and the Kenan Group to name a few. Their booths were extremely busy proving that perseverance in the International market works if given time read more
Roslyn joined the Underfashion Club in 1969, when it was an organization for women only and the membership was less than 30. She received a lifetime achievement Femmy in 1997. Past officer, board member, co-chair of the program committee, and an active participant of the SAIG committee. Born on the Lower East side, as were both of her parents; growing up and studying design at a Brooklyn high school (tough Brooklyn girl). Her birthday is October 31, 1924, our Halloween witch.
Roslyn graduated in 1941, and worked at Vogue magazine until 1946, when she answered an ad in WWD and came into the industry as a designer of Lady Duff Trousseau Lingerie. Started her own contract studio in April of 1954 (60th anniversary coming up). Started the studio as Roslyn Harte Lingerie Originals, limiting to 3 non-competitive clients at one time. read more