Showcasing the latest in the big business of skimpy, several designers will hit the runway on Friday during the inaugural Lingerie Fashion Week.
In what is billed as the first week devoted exclusively to the industry, six designers will present their fall/winter collections in New York, shelling out anywhere from $3,000 to $12,000 apiece to participate. The event marks a departure from relying solely on the trade-show-centric model that many brands are used to, where new product is unveiled at twice-yearly gatherings that occur in February and August.
"In the past, the intimate apparel industry has had trade shows," said Lauren Rich, the event's founder. "Just like Fashion Week happens twice a year, the trade shows happen twice a year. They're the path to buyers and getting into stores."
Designers who did want to put on runway presentations often found it difficult to build substantial buzz during the hectic New York Fashion Week that displays the latest in women's wear and men's wear.
"The options so far for lingerie and intimate apparel brands were to do your own runway show anytime throughout the year or try to collaborate with a designer during New York Fashion Week," Rich said.
In what is billed as the first week devoted exclusively to the industry, six designers will present their fall/winter collections in New York, shelling out anywhere from $3,000 to $12,000 apiece to participate. The event marks a departure from relying solely on the trade-show-centric model that many brands are used to, where new product is unveiled at twice-yearly gatherings that occur in February and August.
"In the past, the intimate apparel industry has had trade shows," said Lauren Rich, the event's founder. "Just like Fashion Week happens twice a year, the trade shows happen twice a year. They're the path to buyers and getting into stores."
Designers who did want to put on runway presentations often found it difficult to build substantial buzz during the hectic New York Fashion Week that displays the latest in women's wear and men's wear.
"The options so far for lingerie and intimate apparel brands were to do your own runway show anytime throughout the year or try to collaborate with a designer during New York Fashion Week," Rich said.