CurveNY February 2016
The CurveNY trade show on February 21st – 23rd, 2016 gave 350 lingerie and swimwear brands a platform to showcase their Fall/Winter 2016 collections at the Javits Center in Manhattan. The environment was improved with a royal purple carpet to match the theme of the show, plenty of rest areas with new furniture, and goody bags with water and healthy snacks to refuel visitors and exhibitors between appointments.
There were a great variety of brands on the show floor this season. New brands that have only been around for a few months were exhibiting alongside brands that have been in the industry for over a century. The cost of a single garment ranged from under $30 to nearly $1,000, appealing to buyers at all price points. Manufacturing styles among the exhibitors included authentic vintage methods from the 1940s to techniques inspired by the latest 3D printing technology.
The intimate apparel industry continues to become more inclusive with each passing season. The body types targeted by the exhibitors present included svelte bodies, plus size bodies, and curvy bodies with a marked increase in interest for larger cups. Men’s underwear is a growing segment of the industry, giving men more options for comfortable, expressive underwear. More attention is being given to variety in skin tones, inspiring brands to provide more “nude” hues in intimate apparel and hosiery.
Stylistically, intimate apparel is leaning towards a minimalistic aesthetic like most of the modern fashion world. Popular trends include extra straps, scalloped lace edges, and mesh panels as cutout details. Sustainable materials are gaining traction as more consumers actively seek eco-friendly products. Demand is rising for functional garments such as sports bras, as athleisure dominates the new year of fashion. We’re looking forward to seeing what’s in store for the future of the intimate apparel industry!