Comexposium USA offered their first in-person Curve New York trade event on August 1-2, 2021 after a 1-year hiatus. Known in the industry as the premiere intimate apparel & lingerie event, the show had a new venue downtown at Spring Studios, an event space home to The Tribeca Film Festival along with many fashion events. 75+ international brands presented their Spring 2022 collections including Andres Sarda, Marie Jo, & Prima Donna who returned to Curve after many years, along with lingerie favorites: Anita, Chantelle, Cosabella, Elomi, Only Hearts, Simone Pérèle, Wacoal etc.  500+ buyers shopped the open floor plan including key retailers:  Bra Genie, Busted Bra Shop, Her Room, LSL brands, Neiman Marcus, Petticoat Lane, Saks Off 5^th, Town Shop, Victoria Secret & Walmart.

The new venue and ability to connect in person had both buyers & brands raving. “Beautiful venue, great to see beautiful lingerie! Love the connection & being back in NY!” said retailer Karen Fritts of Lorettas Intimates. Margo Hall of The Bra Spa expressed similar sentiments “Loved the passion of the vendors and the buyers. The excitement was palpable and contagious.  Loved that we all learned from each other”. Vincent Nasserbakht of international distributor Easton (Aubade, Gossard, Dita von Teese, Falke) remarked “Thank you for organizing such a fantastic, expertly executed event. The in-person element of Market was an immeasurable value-add after seasons of remote business. Curve NY was a celebration of the resiliency of the industry in the face of unprecedented challenges. Thank you for hosting the much-needed reunion!”

The highlight of the Curve event was an invitation only Welcome Back Party hosted by Journelle on Aug 1st. A portion of the evening was dedicated to the NPD x Curve Excellence Awards, which recognized the outstanding work of the industry’s retailers, brand representatives and innovative labels. A total of 14 crystal trophies were awarded, with 7 awards given by NPD to brands for:

#1 Selling Bra in the US 12ME May 2021 – Warner’s Easy Does it – Wire Free – RM3911

#1 Selling Average Figure Designer Bra in the US 12ME May 2021 – Natori Bliss Perfection

#1 Selling Designer Sports Bra in the US 12ME May 2021 – Wacoal 855170

#1 Dollar Growth Designer Bra Brand in the US 12ME May 2021 – Tommy Hilfiger

#1 Digital Native Growth Brand in the US 12ME May 2021 – Adore Me

#1 Dollar Growth Designer Panty Brand – Felina

#1 Dollar Growth Moderate Panty Brand – Fruit of the Loom

The Curve portion of the ceremony acknowledged & awarded the following 7 industry leaders:

Instagram Excellence – Winner: Ashley Tucci of Aristelle

Body Positivity – Winner: Milly Hopkins & Cynthia Decker of Livi Rae Lingerie

Journalistic Excellence for The Intimate Chat Series – Winner: Ellen Lewis of The Lingerie Brief

Philanthropic Excellence – Winner: Judy Masucci of Levana Bratique

2021 Lingerie Influencer – Winner: Kimmay Caldwell of Hurray Media

Education Excellence – Winner: Colleen Ruby of Anita

Outstanding Leadership – Winner: Laurel Nash of Eveden

“After a year of Covid restrictions, everyone was excited to come together to celebrate.  The awards ceremony united our lingerie community and brought awareness of its individuals who are making an impactful difference.” says Kirsten Griffin. “With the intimates market focus on product innovation, and with consumer engagement continuing to drive strong sales that outperform the overall apparel industry, it was a great time to celebrate the winners and market leaders in the industry,” according to Todd Mick, Executive Director of Fashion Apparel, The NPD Group.