catching up on the news

Good Morning,

messing around & trying to get caught up on some things:

reading the latest lingerie news I found this new industry report:

• U.S. Market for Women's Intimate Apparel (Lingerie).

This US$3300 report examines the changes in the lingerie industry over the past 20 years.

SUMMARY

This report is an in-depth look at the U.S. market for women’s intimate apparel, estimated at $9.6 billion in 2007. In the past 20 years, lingerie has blossomed from a commodity into a huge money-making segment of apparel retailing, thanks in large part to lingerie retailing pioneer and marketing machine Victoria's Secret. Many merchants at major department stores and a slew of catalogs, including Newport News and Spiegel, and e-commerce businesses, including Figleaves.com and Barenecessities.com, are now cashing in on the lingerie bonanza.

Even specialty stores that have never done lingerie in the past are developing strong lingerie alliances, whether branded or private label. Other retailers, recognizing that the lingerie market has higher profit margins than regular apparel, are launching new lingerie lines and giving their older products a makeover. Lingerie vendors are focusing more on their alliances with lingerie specialty stores as compared to department stores.

This report analyzes the competitive landscape of the market, profiles the major lingerie makers and retailers and discusses their key business strategies. It also analyzes the major trends prevalent in the lingerie market. The information contained in this study was compiled from both primary and secondary research, including consultation with industry experts, on-site inspections of major retail outlets, analysis of information from trade press, apparel and organic-product trade associations, retail journals, marketer publications and press releases, and other relevant sources. Sales figures are based on a comprehensive evaluation of various current market estimates and growth trends.

Deborah Marquit designer

• About the company; Deborah Marquit has been enjoying the limelight of the lingerie world since 1984. Marquit designs and manufacturing space located at at 158 west 15th St. in New York City.

Marquit is the designer of the fluorescent lingerie line.

Her establishment is one of the few independent designer lingerie shops that flourish in New York City.

You may also see her collection on-line at: www.deborahmarquit.com

Deborah Marquit
couture lingerie
158 West 15th St.
New York City 10011
212-478-3092
store hours: 11:am - 7pm
Monday- Saturday (closed Sunday)
www.deborahmarquit.com

• the vital stats of the first Miss America in 1921 were 30-25-32. In the 1970s, it was 34-21-34
• Indian women are different from American women in customs related to breast shape & skin exposure. The Times of India reports that Indian women--especially top-level celebrities do not want to model swimwear or lingerie in public advertising due to concerns of modesty & to avoid shame. "They walk the ramp in contemporary and traditional attire, they reveal loads of skin without ado, but walking the ramp in bikinis or lingerie is a strict no-no for Indian models". However, there is a seeming contradiction in the Times article discussing the shape of the breast for 2008: "The bosom has changed its shape! It’s not being pushed up, anymore! But being allowed a bit of natural gravity. Too much of a boob thing, is a turn-off. The official breast of 2008, is soft, subtle and natural. And not, pushed up, in your face".

Such statements seem to oppose each other as one shies away from public display of sexuality & the other promotes that same sexuality. There is some alignment in the modesty of swimwear modeling & minimizing breast shape away from arrogant shapes. But, still, I need to sit with these developments & continue to collect data. Especially when India is one of the largest lingerie markets & gets plenty of google time.

American, European, Indian, Chinese--these are the trend-setters to watch in underwear fashion.