Written By Patricia Ann Parenti
Curve is a tradeshow about women’s lingerie, loungewear, sleepwear, activewear and swimwear that was held in NYC at the Javits Center on February 4-6, 2024. New trends: full coverage briefs are making a comeback but don’t worry the thong is here to stay; unlined bras that have underwires but no padding or fiberfill for nipple coverage. The bras are in sheer fabrics, that have seams across the middle of the cup horizontally, and another seam from middle of the cup on the bottom right above the underwire, to the center seam to make the cup confirm to shape of the breast without any extra fabric so the cup lies smooth across your breast. Some examples are in the first pic collage photo. Corsets/bustiers were seen in many collections in satin and lace with front lacing to be worn as ready to wear or under a partially unbuttoned blouse to show just a hint of lace and of course in the bedroom. Sexy, luxurious, silky, lacey are the best words to describe what I saw at the show. WWW.CURVEXPO.COM
SCARLETTE GASQUE
The theme of the collection is “luxury and corsetry created to awaken your inner showgirl.” The collection was named after her 2 great grandmas. Colors are sweet and sugary that look good enough to eat in silk fabrics and the fashions are made in Romana for the highest quality. This is luxury collection that has some unique features in the corset such as metal spiral boning with curved ends so they won’t poke through the ends of the casings unlike the usual plastic boning does which has happened to me. The collection uses Swiss embroidery, Italian lace, and pearls from Japan and bows for all out feminine appeal.
The robes are double faced in silk trimmed with faux fur to make you look like an old Hollywood star. Garters on corsets are detachable and garter belts match panties and bras. Panty styles are bloomer, cheeky, Brazilian, boy short, thong with sizes XXS – XL. For all out glamour you might want to try corsets adorned with pearl strands (can be removed for washing) that are a special edition made in London as seen in the pink style in my photo. The collection is priced from $65.00 – $920.00. If you want to look like a burlesque star from the 1940s and 1950s than this line of beautiful lingerie is for you. The website has a chart where it shows you how to measure for the correct fit in the corsets. WWW.SCARLETTGASQUE.COM
IVY SWIMWEAR
Lace swimwear that is lined, applique embellished and meant to be worn in or out of the water. One of the styles I thought was very practical was the off the shoulder style with removable sleeves for the water and to go out at night you can put the sleeves back on (see the upper left-hand side of the of the photo). Top styles are triangle bra with push up removable pads and has a center front clasp to fasten , strapless, halter, and off the shoulder. Bras are adjustable with sliders to make it tighter or looser. One of the cute bottoms has a gathered seam up the back that enhances a smaller butt. Notice the side strings in my photo that adjust to make the bottom go higher or lower.
The designer started the collection she couldn’t find swimwear for slim petite bodies. As a fashion industry expert I recommend this collection for petite, slim, small framed woman with a smaller bust. The bust pads used in this collection will push your breast together to make them look larger too. This collection will make a smaller gal feel empowered as a woman. Bathing suits are sold as sets at this time only. Sizes are S M L and priced at $70.00 – $120.00 for the set. WWW.IVYSWIMWEAR.COM
ENTOS
The concept of the collection is “how you feel on the inside is how you present yourself on the outside.” This is a family business that has been around for 30 years but the daughter started the lingerie business because she had sensitivity to fabrics so she wanted to start a line of lingerie that the fabrics felt good on her skin. I had the pleasure of interviewing the lovely mother and daughter team at the show. Since the start of the brand, it was elected favorite new brand at Curve Expo and one of the styles is the cover of the current issue of Revealed Magazine (lingerie magazine to the trade). The collection is inspired by Claude Monet paintings and the lace is inspired by water lilies where you can see it in the embroidery on tulle fabric.
The fabrics are European but the collection is made in the family-owned factories in Mexico. Classic colors used are wine, forest green, black white and navy in a polyester charmeuse embellished with lace trim. Styles are bomber jackets, chemises, robes, bralettes, panties, pajamas, bodysuits, thongs and garter belts. Bras sized XS – S, S -M, M -L, L -XL and clothes XS, S, M, L, XL. Priced $150.00 – $350.00. They have a store in Leon, Mexico or shop on the website WWW.ENTOSLINGERIE.COM.