Lingerie Francaise Showcases French Lingerie Trends at Central Park Boathouse
The lingerie industry is a vibrant and growing sector, contributing significantly to the global fashion market. In the United States alone, the lingerie market is expected to reach $15 billion by the end of 2024, driven by innovative designs, sustainability efforts, and the increasing trend of lingerie as outerwear.
On August 5th, 2024, the Central Park Boathouse in New York City transformed into a haven of elegance and sophistication as Promincor – Lingerie Française and DEFI hosted the “French Lingerie Event.” This prestigious gathering brought together eight iconic French brands—ANTIGEL, AUBADE, CHANTELLE, CHANTELLE X, EMPREINTE, LISE CHARMEL, LOUISA BRACQ, and SIMONE PÉRÈLE—to present their Spring/Summer 2025 collections.
The event was a sensory delight, featuring detailed floral lace, a kaleidoscope of colors, see-through sets, high-waisted panties, and boyshort panties. Guests were treated to a luxurious experience in the Lake Room, where they enjoyed drinks, Beef Wellington, lobster rolls, and a wonderful selection of desserts.
A Closer Look at the Brands:
Established in 1998 by Maison Lise Charmel, Antigel is known for its vibrant colors, original patterns, and ultra-comfortable materials. The brand emphasizes sustainability, incorporating recycled materials and ensuring environmental respect in its production processes.
Since 1958, Aubade has embodied French chic with its premium lingerie collections. The brand aims to boost women’s confidence and seduction, offering well-made styles that flatter the female figure without compromising on quality or comfort.
Chantelle, an international family-owned company since 1876, combines aesthetics, functionality, and innovation in its lingerie. Chantelle X, the high-end fashion label, brings a fearless creative spirit to the world of lingerie.
EMPREINTE
Empriente creates high-end lingerie and swimwear for women who seek both aesthetics and comfort. Known for its unique fit and high-quality products, the brand offers trendy colors and limited editions that boost confidence and embody French chic.
Renowned globally for its haute couture spirit, Lise Charmel epitomizes French luxury lingerie. Established in the 1950s, the brand combines exceptional craftsmanship with advanced technologies, creating well-fitting models in both standard and larger sizes.
Louisa Bracq combines comfort and seduction, fit and aesthetics in all sizes. The brand designs and produces its embroidery autonomously, interpreting contemporary urban culture in its lingerie collections.
Founded by a visionary lingerie-maker, Simone Pérèle revolutionized the lingerie landscape with avant-garde techniques and daring creations. The brand offers a lingerie wardrobe that reflects sensuality, color, freedom, transparency, and elegance.
Trends and Innovations:
The event highlighted several emerging trends in the lingerie industry. New fabrics like recycled materials and organic cotton are becoming more prevalent, reflecting a growing commitment to sustainability. Colors ranged from pastel shades to vibrant hues, and styles included everything from high-waisted panties to see-through sets, showcasing the versatility and innovation in lingerie design.
My First-Hand Experience at Curve New York 2024
CURVE NEW YORK REUNITED THE INTIMATE APPAREL INDUSTRY AT JAVITS CENTER
Curve featured over 200+ international lingerie brands across three major North American cities this summer. Exhibiting brands united to showcase their SS25 collections along with creative activations like fashion shows, wellness programming, and speed dating for buyers and retailers to connect.
The Curve New York trade show brought the world of intimates together, featuring categories including lingerie, swim, and athleisure from over 200+ brands at the Javits Center. As an editor attending this premier event, I witnessed firsthand the energy and innovation that filled the River Pavilion. Buyers and industry professionals gathered from across the coasts to place orders on the industry’s best brands for Spring/Summer 2025 collections. Curve provided a unique platform for retail buyers and industry professionals to create new business, discover upcoming designers, network, and attend VIP events.
A Diverse and Dynamic Showcase
Curve, a division of Comexposium, is held bi-annually in New York and Los Angeles, as well as annually in Paris with partner show Salon International de la Lingerie. Additionally, a Canadian regional summer show, Curve Montreal, takes place on August 11-12, 2024. Buyers and press can register for Curve’s final show in Montréal here.
“Our New York show was an absolute success. It was phenomenal to be in the River Pavilion at the Javits Center once again with many returning brands such as Simone Perele, Aubade, Cosabella, CALIDA, Ana Ono, and many others,” stated Raphael Camp, CEO of Comexposium. “A great highlight this season was the entrance of our new brands. We introduced over 30 new brands to the Curve show floor this season and have significantly broadened the selection for buyers at Curve shows and will continue to do so. For instance, Seco Seco includes eccentric designs, while Skin has great options for organic cotton basics. Curve embraces all facets in the world of lingerie and intimates. It’s sophisticated and sexy at the same time. We take pride in being a premier destination for a diverse and exciting range of options for all our attendees, introducing them to a myriad of brands from across the globe.”
New and Noteworthy Attractions
This season’s new attractions included a bridal booth, a contest collaboration with the London-based show Wonderland featuring a fantastic group of British brands, and a boudoir show featuring burlesque dancer Pearls Daily. The bridal booth offered a perspective on how boutiques can integrate new brands and bridal accessories amidst the upcoming bridal season. The Wonderland collaboration gave exposure to smaller British brands, offering them an opportunity to generate business in America. The boudoir show provided entertainment while inspiring shop owners with styling tips for frequently shopped items. These new exhibits served higher purposes to engage and inspire attendees.
“Eveden has been a valuable partner at our New York shows, presenting daily runways and our Fit School workshops with Freddy Zappe. Our other panels were incredibly innovative, including tips on customer care with a panel of experts in the lingerie field and inventory planning. This season, for the first time, we began Speed Dating between our VIP buyers and selected brands. This allowed our brands to have meaningful conversations and ample networking time with our special buyers,” noted Camp. A special guest appearance at the New York show was Jos Berry, owner of Concepts Paris, who hosted a talk on the last day and took the time to peruse the show floor.
Trends and Innovations
“Many buyers come to Curve to observe the trends that brands set. This season, we saw Spring/Summer 2025 collections with many neons and bright colors that welcome the eccentricity of summer. Buyers then take these trends back to their stores and relay them to retail shoppers. That’s how it all starts,” said Camp.
Special Events at Curve
Between market appointments, attendees enjoyed panels, keynote discussions, and lavish activation experiences. Topics included:
- The Secret Sauce for Consistently Driving Sales Results in Lingerie co-moderated by Michelle Krick of The Modern Retailer and Brady Hansen, Director of Sales at Clientbook.
- Inventory Planning: How to Thrive Rather than Survive hosted by Michael Alic, Management One.
- Signs of Change hosted by Jos Berry, owner of Concepts Paris.
- Fit Workshops & Bootcamp: Revolutionize Retail Success by Learning How to Fit Every Body Type hosted by Freddy Zappe (of Elomi, Fantasie, Freya, and Goddess).
Clientbook sponsored the keynote event, “The Secret Sauce for Consistently Driving Sales Results in Lingerie,” for buyers, featuring industry specialists who shared insights and strategies for improving lingerie sales.
Curve NY also featured a massage activation hosted by World Spa, where attendees enjoyed complimentary 15-minute chair massages to relax and enhance their show floor experience, between appointments. Additionally, the new “Speed Dating” sessions provided a unique networking opportunity for new brands and buyers to connect. Jos Berry hosted an exclusive panel on changes in the lingerie industry.
Introducing New Brands
Buyers were presented with 30 upcoming, new-to-market brands and designers at the New York August 2024 show. Accessory brand Appeeling entered Curve vivaciously with their body-positive boutique pasties along with body jewelry, while Maison Louve presented a taste of French Haute Couture with artisanal and on-measurement designs. Other brands introduced as the Curve NY Class of 2024 included: &HER, BEWICKED, Caramì, Cisô Atelier, Donella, Eva Bitzer, Fürstenberg, Imbali, Just Sexy Lingerie, Raggianti, Láu De Lá, LETI FITWEAR, Little Women, Lokal Swim Co., Main Street Loungewear, Maison Close, Odette Ancel Paris, Okko, Olive Surf, Seco Seco, SKULPT, SKYTIGHTS, The Bloomi, The Little Bra Company, Timer Lingerie, Weiss, and ZHILYOVA.
Collaborations at Curve
- Lingerie Briefs Salon continued its collaboration with Lingerie Briefs at this season’s NY show, spotlighting emerging lingerie brands curated by this esteemed lingerie-focused outlet.
- Bridal Booth showcased renowned brands including Aubade, Lise Charmel, Cosabella, Mucci, and others, inspiring elegance and romance for the wedding season.
- Pearls Daily Boudoir Activation featured actress, burlesque dancer, and model Pearls Daily performing live, wearing several Curve exhibiting brands.
- Curve NY x Wonderland debuted a collaboration with the London-based intimates trade show, Wonderland, featuring 10 established British brands. Buyers voted for their favorite brand, with the winning brand receiving a complimentary booth at Curve NY’s February 2025 show.
- Eveden Runways showcased daily runways with the latest SS25 trends from their portfolio of brands including Freya, Fantasie, Elomi, and Goddess, and hosted daily Fit School sessions.
About Curve
Curve is the leading trade show for intimate apparel and swimwear in North America, with events in New York, Los Angeles, and Montreal. Top brands, buyers, and industry influencers come to Curve to create business relationships and learn about the latest fashion trends and industry shifts. Curve is produced by the Comexposium Group.
About Comexposium
Comexposium Group, an event management company, organizing events and fostering communities around professional activities and passions. Comexposium offers diverse experiences spanning more than 10 key sectors, including Retail, Digital, Healthcare, and Fashion. It is dedicated to creating exceptional experiences, networking opportunities, and business growth.
Attending Curve New York 2024 was an enriching experience, offering a comprehensive view of the intimate apparel industry’s future trends and innovations. The vibrant atmosphere, engaging panels, and dynamic exhibits truly made it an event to remember. As the world of lingerie continues to evolve, Curve remains at the forefront, bringing together the best in the business to celebrate and drive the industry forward.
In this exclusive interview, StyleLujo.com’s Editor, Joseph DeAcetis, sits down with Raphael Camp, CEO of Curve, the largest North American trade show for lingerie. They discuss the dynamic collaboration between Lingerie Francaise and Curve, the innovative designs and collections debuting at the upcoming events, and the future of the lingerie industry. Readers will be intrigued by the strategic synergies between these prominent shows, the unveiling of new-to-market brands, and insights into cutting-edge technological advancements in lingerie design.
Joseph DeAcetis: How does Lingerie Francaise collaborate with Curve, the largest North American trade show for lingerie? What synergies exist between the two events?
Raphael Camp: Overall, the collaboration between Lingerie Francaise and Curve leverages their respective strengths through a series of strategic synergies that enhance both events’ reach and impact within the lingerie and intimate apparel markets. Both Curve New York and the Lingerie Francaise Fashion show are scheduled to take place simultaneously during the NYC August market week. This coordinated scheduling allows for a comprehensive showcase of the best of the French lingerie and swimwear, facilitating a more holistic experience for buyers and press influencers.
Joseph DeAcetis: Can you highlight some of the most innovative designs and collections attendees can expect to see at the Curve trade show and Lingerie Francaise event?
Raphael Camp: Curve will feature collections across various categories, including lingerie, swimwear, resort wear, activewear, and wellness products. This diverse range reflects the evolving needs of the market and consumer preferences. The Curve Class of 2024 will introduce 30 new-to-market brands and designers, including innovative concepts like Appeeling, offering body-positive boutique pasties and body jewelry, and Maison Louve, presenting French Haute Couture designs. Part of the experience of coming to our show is our innovative way of promoting new trends. This season, Curve will present a burlesque performance by Pearls, featuring international brands including the French high-end brands, Atelier Amour and Maison Close. Curve will also present a dedicated Bridal Lounge, showcasing specialized collections from renowned French brands like Aubade, Lise Charmel, and Simone Perele.
Joseph DeAcetis: Can you tell us about the origins of Lingerie Francaise and the vision behind the event?
Alain De Rodellec, President of Promincor – Lingerie Francaise: The Association for the Promotion of Corsetry Industries, represents eight prestigious French brands united by a set of common values: ANTIGEL, AUBADE, CHANTELLE, CHANTELLE X, EMPREINTE, LISE CHARMEL, LOUISA BRACQ, and SIMONE PÉRÈLE. Its objective is to allow member brands to express themselves with a single voice not only in France but especially on the international scene, in order to promote the excellence of French Lingerie to professionals and the general public. This effort includes participation in trade shows and salons under a single banner, as well as the organization of fashion shows, press conferences, immersive events, and cultural events such as exhibitions, publications, and retrospectives.
Joseph DeAcetis: What are some of the latest technological advancements in fabric and design that are being showcased at this year’s Lingerie Francaise event?
Alain De Rodellec, President of Promincor – Lingerie Francaise: Innovation, creativity, and research are only part of the equation. Our trade is predicated on the use of the most refined and sophisticated textiles. Each lingerie designer creates according to their particular trade secrets, but ultimately, they breathe life into their dreams and creations through the expert use of these textiles. French Lingerie is rooted in a unique and rich cultural heritage and, above all, superior trade expertise. Brands are all endowed with exceptionally robust creative know-how. They must consistently surprise the consumer, awaken desire, and spearhead trends while simultaneously creating new, seductive, and comfortable lines that proactively meet women’s needs.
Joseph DeAcetis: How is the lingerie industry addressing sustainability, and what initiatives is Lingerie Francaise taking to promote eco-friendly practices?
Alain De Rodellec, President of Promincor – Lingerie Francaise: Lingerie Française promotes lingerie that is committed to respecting all women along with their freedom to be, to appear, to think, and to act, to respecting the planet with a sustainable, eco-responsible commitment (ethical values, CSR strategies, bio-sourced materials, circular economy…), to respecting quality with long-lasting product sustainability, and to respecting society with a commitment to causes that have meaning.
Joseph DeAcetis: There has been a growing trend of wearing lingerie as outerwear. How has this trend influenced design and marketing strategies within the industry?
Alain De Rodellec, President of Promincor – Lingerie Francaise: Lingerie is the ultimate accessory for self-confidence. Today, women are independent and buy lingerie to please themselves. Multi-faceted women are free to play up different aspects of themselves based on the moment, their desires, and their needs since the most beautiful seduction is all about being oneself. This is the type of lingerie that can inspire every universe. As a chameleon-like product, lingerie is no longer hidden, but instead flaunted in a world that is changing as fast as it is. Let us celebrate a feminine garment and seductive item par excellence, that has transformed over the centuries and, thanks to changing mentalities, helped women’s bodies evolve to keep in step with the metamorphosis of society.
Joseph DeAcetis: How has the lingerie industry evolved recently, and what factors have contributed to its growth?
Alain De Rodellec, President of Promincor – Lingerie Francaise: Times change, women evolve. Lingerie, hidden beneath clothing, has always paradoxically revealed the many aspects of our society. So it’s no coincidence that 2017 saw the emergence of new communication campaigns by lingerie brands, in a complete break with the codes of yesteryear. Lingerie is a photograph of its time. Lingerie embraces all social transformations and feminine revolutions. A veritable cursor of history, lingerie highlights the desire of men for women, of women for women, and today of women for themselves. From the undergarment we hide to the one we show off, from the useful product to the fashion accessory, from lace to underwiring, from the corset to the sports model, lingerie is plural in the image of the contemporary woman.
Joseph DeAcetis: What do you see as the future of the lingerie industry in terms of design, sustainability, and market trends? How is Lingerie Francaise preparing for these changes?
Alain De Rodellec, President of Promincor – Lingerie Francaise: Lingerie is part of every woman’s daily life around the world, whatever her body type, skin color, or country of residence. It will beautify, reassure, support, and transform her. It also inspires and reinvents itself every season in line with trends and the whims of designers. Lingerie reveals its codes as trends change. This is the advent of a female dichotomy. Women don’t want to be stuck in a single posture. They have multiple facets and are proud of them: free to show off their extra pounds or not, free to feel beautiful in lingerie designed just for them, free to be strong or weak, femme fatale or normal, free to dream.
Joseph DeAcetis: What are some of the current consumer trends in lingerie, and how are brands adapting to meet these demands?
Alain De Rodellec, President of Promincor – Lingerie Francaise: It’s a time to be measured. We’re giving a voice back to women, who have never been so in control of their seductive power. The body becomes the subject and less the object. We’ve shown so much that advertising images are now all about suggestion. The body is more dressed than unclothed. We no longer demand perfection or unreal sublimation; we accept roundness, finesse, androgyny, and imperfections.
Joseph DeAcetis: The lingerie industry is a lucrative business. Can you provide insights into the revenue generated by the lingerie market in the USA last year?
Alain De Rodellec, President of Promincor – Lingerie Francaise: The United States market, more attractive than ever, is drawing in French companies. The apparel sector represents a $370 billion market. Exports of daytime lingerie by Promincor – Lingerie Française brands to the US market increased by 12.48% in 2023 compared to the same period the previous year. French exports of daytime lingerie to the United States by Promincor – Lingerie Française brands represent 14.47% of their total export sales.
Conclusion:
The French Lingerie Event at the Central Park Boathouse was not only a showcase of exquisite lingerie but also a celebration of the heritage, creativity, and innovation of French brands. As the lingerie market continues to grow, events like this highlight the industry’s evolution and its dedication to combining tradition with modernity.
About the Author:
Joseph DeAcetis is a visionary in the world of fashion, renowned as the best wardrobe stylist and art director of his generation. His impressive accolades and unmatched expertise set him apart in the industry. Joseph covers the intersections of style, culture, art, and fashion, with a particular emphasis on the evolving status of menswear.
Throughout his illustrious career, Joseph has penned award-winning columns for top-tier publications such as Esquire, People Magazine, Robb Report, and Playboy. His profound insights and engaging narratives have made him a leading voice in fashion journalism.
Most recently, Joseph served as the creative fashion director for Forbes Media, where he excelled as both a critic and reporter. His extensive body of work highlights the importance of dressing for success and explores how technological advancements are reshaping the fashion industry. Joseph’s authoritative yet approachable voice continues to inspire and influence fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
Comments, questions, or feedback? Email me at jdeacetis@gmail.com.
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