We popped by lingerie and swim trade show Curve Expo at New York’s Javits Center this week (August 6-8, 2017), and walking the show we were taken by a handful of brands whose presentation, design and point of of view was one of being designed by women for women.
First up is Australia-based Silent Arrow, a swimwear, lingerie and activewear label spearheaded by Kelly Barett whose tagline “Lingerie for True Rad Girls” caught our attention. Barett spoke to us about the challenges of finding cool breastfeeding-friendly bras and blending a sense of versatility where edgy, sporty and fun can co-exist. Silent Arrow’s mission includes giving back (each purchase generates a donation of cotton undies to a female centered organization) and the brand has plans to create an editorial with Philly rapper Chynna Rogers.
Lingerie label Amoralle is a high-end line whose decadent luxury appeal is palpable. Designed by Ines Ozola, the label was launched in 2008 and artfully straddles the line between lingerie and couture with intricate, hand-constructed lace, silk and velvet silk garments. Amoralle is currently available in boutiques in Dubai, Free People’s Bhld, as well as store.amoralle.com.
Made in limited quantities in Paris, Paloma Casile, is all about creating sensual eco-conscious lingerie. With a design background working for brands like Chantal Thomass and Cadolle, her line is anchored on edgy black and white pieces with fabric and hardware sourced from eco-conscious manufacturers in France. Stocked in various boutiques in Europe, Asia, and Japan Paloma Casile is also available at palomacasile.com/eshop.
Karen Mabon’s line started with the creation of bold and colorful illustrations. Launched in 2013, the U.K.-based line has has collaborated with the likes of Colette, Smirnoff Vodka, Lush Cosmetics and others on signature scarves and graphics. With a successful expansion into a collection of silk pajamas, Karen Mabon is adding swimwear and homewear to her brand repertoire for spring 2018. Karen Mabon is available at karenmabon.com.
Check out additional images below.