Mode City: Paris Lingerie and Swimwear Show 2013

MODE CITY: Paris France  

Hot Looks in Lingerie and Swimwear Trends for 2013:

By Pikke Allen 

Even though the weather was a bit cold in early July in Paris, the lingerie and swimwear trends for 2013 sizzled at MODE CITY. 

This is the largest European showcase for this fashion category. The opening “White and Gold” party at the luxurious Rothschild mansion in Paris’s 8th held the night before, set the tone of luxury for this show. 

Trends in French lingerie, are beautiful workmanship, exquisite materials and styles all made in France, with foundation structures that are as romantic as they are sexy.  ”Save the Queen” an Italian swimwear brand from Florence was Saluted as the show’s officlal brand “Designer” of the year for the show and co-hosted the party where champagne flowed all night long.  

CHANTAL, and other French houses most Americans are familar with that are carried in luxury department stores like Neiman Marcus. The arrival of the larger busted woman who for many years was the “forgotten” demographic in lingerie was showcased in a number of collections. Other stand out lingerie brands were “Lucile” who created a house of fashion and lingerie in Paris, New York and London at the opening of the 20th century. Her great granddaughter has revived the original “esprit” of the family business with gorgeous silks, satins and ribbons all made in England. The “sexy” and the “proper” are mixed together in charming combinations in this collection.  Many Lingerie Brands showed a sense of vintage history, with higher cut bottoms that reached above the waist with a 1950s Marilyn Monroe “pin up” styling. For many years the “Brigitte Bardot” ideal of a slim woman with a smaller bust line was the French standard. But, it’s clear that the more voluptuous woman has arrived and her curvaceous form has swept the lingerie markets.  

Bathing suits also took on a varied approach with the Brazilian Bikini always a favorite along with suits designed by English designer at “Hoola” for the larger busted woman and the French bikini, still a mainstay of the industry in both knitted and printed styles. There is no substitute for a European bathing suit, born on the coasts of the Riviera in both Italy and France.  Brazilian design was featured at LIMONADA and KIMINIS made entirely in Brazil featuring the season’s hot brazillian colors.  New trends in these categories went from neons, to metallics, to prints and suits that had jewelry attachments or accessories to customize their appeal.  Another major trend was the bathing suit that also worked like shapewear, slimming, tucking, hiding and enhancing the figure.  This was a welcomed addition to the show that was dominated by small string bikinis that can only be worn by the very youngest demographic.  There was alot of options for women over the age of 35 which going forward, will be an age group that will soon dominate the markets.  

Along with lingerie and bathing suits the third major category was suit covers and beach dresses. This category is an important part of any swimsuit line as it adds another point of view to a collection.  A stunning array of brands featured the delicious “Indian” inspired caftans, or halter dresses that tied over matching suits.  Bright colors with ethnic details like beaded trims and borders were a highlight of many collections with jewels and sparkles that were gorgeous. These pieces could be worn for cocktails after a swim in that magic hour before you slip into your disco dress for a night of dancing. 

The men were also a major category and for the first time, the “Metro Man” has many choices in the swimwear and shape category.  The hot new suit was the shorter “80s style” board short that could be worn with comfort in a variety of bright colors.  The French espadrille was also a highlight, many older companies reviving their traditional brands and presenting the classics in new colors and styles. This shoe is famous the world over and it was great to see its timely revival. 

New fabrics and technology are a key feature of the shapewear industry. A number of top fabric companies from Italy, German, Switzerland and France presented textiles that not only breath and work like fine couture fabrics but have unique properties. These new fibers work to improve skin tone, temperature, and even infuse collagen into the wearers own skin.  The technology that works hand in hand with the shapewear industry is what makes lingerie and swimwear a category that continues to evolve into the future age. 

For more information about this show, MODE CITY you can go to the website at www.modecity.com. 

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Costumes required at Palms’ ‘Midsummer Lingerie Masquerade’ – Las Vegas Review

It’s time for one of my favorite events of the year, Saturday’s “Midsummer Lingerie Masquerade” at the Palms pool. It’s a costume affair where both men and women get all dolled up.

Yes, the word “lingerie” is in the title, but this isn’t just another “Pimp ‘N’ Ho Ball” where women wear nothing but G-strings and pasties.

“Midsummer Lingerie Masquerade” is, um, uh, more tasteful.

Here’s just one example: A few years ago, I interviewed a married couple from Texas. The husband was nearly in black-tie (and mask). His wife had spent hundreds of dollars on a sophisticated, sexy, handmade dress.

But if you are a woman and you consider yourself fairly “ho”-y, do not fret: You can just wear simple lingerie and a mask.

“It’ll be all the same debauchery,” says N9NE General Manager Bronson Olimpieri, and then he issues this reminder: “Costumes are required.”

The most popular male masks are “Eyes Wide Shut” sorts of masks, covering the nose, eyes and a bit of the forehead.

Women often wear more bedazzled masks.

You’ll also see the usual assortment of 50 roaming models and performers (jugglers, painted-body models, “go-go fairies” and such) in sensual or striking costumes, between party props.

The music for this sixth installment is open format, meaning a mix of electronic, pop and hip-hop, from DJs Mark Stylz and Alie Layus.

If you’re Richie Rich, or a group sharing expenses, you can rent daybeds for six to eight people for $1,500 and up. Cabanas for 10 people and more start at $2,000.

But if you’re recognizing the recession, a straight-up ticket fetches $125.

Whatever the case, make sure you walk around and mingle. “Midsummer” is a pretty friendly crowd.

Doors open at 9 p.m. Bars serve free booze from 9 to 11 p.m. The party usually gets packed by 10:45 p.m. or so, and it doesn’t peter out until 2 a.m.

Your ticket then gets you free entry into Rain nightclub, ghostbar lounge and club Moon.

The Palms is piggybacking other weekend events around this event. In other words, the dayclub and nightclub activities all weekend will be tied in with “Midsummer,” at least in name.

So Cobra Starship DJs today at Ditch dayclub, which is at this very same Palms pool every Friday. Jazzy Jeff DJs tonight at Rain.

Mike Attack DJs Saturday during the day at the pool dayclub. Sex Panther DJs Saturday at Moon. Rusko begins a resident DJ gig Saturday night at Rain. And Brett Rubin DJs Sunday at the pool.

Olimpieri expects more than 2,000 women to spice up “Midsummer,” partly because of comps that have been set up through the hotel’s VIP-lady program.

“The girls love to dress up, and they love to get out there and show it off,” he says.

“It’s sexy but it’s a little classier. You’re gonna get your girls running around half naked. But you’re gonna get a lot of costumes that are more elaborate,” Olimpieri says.

“It will be crazy like last year.”

I don’t doubt it.

Doug Elfman’s column appears Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Email him at delfman@reviewjournal.com. He blogs at reviewjournal.com/elfman.

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