This week, I had the fortune of breaking from the daily grind to cover CurveNY in pursuit of all things pretty. The last trade show I attended was in 2009, during my internship at Colour & Trends, a trend forecasting company for accessories brands. Thankfully, I learned how to navigate a trade show there – this one would have been very overwhelming if I hadn’t. I usually stroll by all of the suites before chatting with anyone, and this time I was stunned by the number of live models! There were ladies prancing around in their underwear like it ain’t no thang. This doesn’t happen at accessories trade shows, so kudos to them.

FLUORESCENT ESSENCE

Aside from that, there were three trends this season that spoke to me. First and perhaps most apparent was the number of pieces in neon. I especially lusted after the racks at Claudette. It’s always great to have a pop of unexpected color underneath it all, no? She’s always buzzin’ just like… neon! Yes, I am shamelessly quoting John Mayer.

Brands from above: (clockwise from top left): Lola Haze (chemise), Claudette (panties and bras), Jenna Leigh (teddy), Claudette (more panties and bras), Samantha Chang (robe) and Fleur of England (chemise).

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PRINTS CHARMING

You don’t have to scout prints like this – they demand attention! La Fee Verte’s robe had such a fun, whimsical starry print – and in colors that are universally (pun intended) flattering. ARI DEIN’s chemise just took my breath away; I did a few double takes before I noticed that the design on top was actually suspended over the v-neck, an unexpected and sexy detail. Gem stones were the inspiration behind the pieces at Beautiful Bottoms (pictured on the left). In full disclosure, I’d much rather don one of those beauties than an actual gemstone any day.

Brands from above (clockwise from top left): Beautiful Bottoms (chemise), Beautiful Bottoms (teddy), La Fee Verte (robe) and ARI DEIN (chemise).

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INSIDE OUT

And last but not least, lingerie designers are interpreting the ubiquitous innerwear as outerwear trend in a fresh way – they are designing lingerie to be worn as outerwear on purpose! A few seasons ago, when innerwear as outwear started trending on the runways, it was manifested with sheer blouses revealing lacy bras and pretty camisoles. Now, it seems that many of the pieces can be maneuvered and worn as tops over dark denim skinnies, sheer shirts or as part of a corporate business outfit. I’d certainly wear the Zinke teddy under a fitted pencil skirt with a cardigan. I also think that Kriss Soonik’s top over jeans or under a skirt with some stockings would be very sexy. What girl doesn’t love multi-tasking clothes?

Brands (clockwise from top left): Jenna Leigh (tank), Kriss Soonik (top with garters), Zinke (romper) and Lola Haze (chemise/dress).