byChez Boutique
byChez Boutique
Winter Wonders and Spring Flings
I’ve been away from this blog for a while—and it’s all good. In fact, it’s great.
To start with, I’ve been traveling—east coast, west coast, down south and back. We’ve been going around our home base of New York too, with our concierge lingerie division. There have been many great opportunities for byChez Designer Lingerie Boutique, and it’s been a lot of fun working on them.
Back in December, we were supposed to do our first big trunk show. But it didn’t feel right, and I thought it best to wait for a better time. OK, a sexier time. And on Valentine’s Day 2013, that’s exactly what we got. More on that later—much more, with pictures and anecdotes aplenty—but for now let’s just say it was a huge success.
Then came Curve NY, the biggest lingerie trade show around, in one of my favorite haunts, Javits Center. I always look forward to it, and it never disappoints. This time was no exception. For me, the visual appeal of everything creates the emotion, a kind of love at first sight. Sometimes I get really caught up in all the wonders these shows have to offer, and that’s not a bad thing.
As always, I got to walk around, see what’s hot and what’s new, and meet exciting designers, interesting retailers and other industry folk. And as the face of my brand, I’m always looking for not just contacts but true connections. I made quite a few this time, and you’ll see their work right here in the months ahead.
I also got to visit The Lingerie Collective at its freshman event. This was truly special: I was lucky enough to meet the designer of the infamous shapewear brand Resultwear. Did I mention she was once Rowland Mouret’s apprentice? Now this is shapewear you want to be seen in…sexy, seductive and enhancing all the right curves.
I was even able to reconnect with Lascivious, the UK-based lingerie company I’ve been obsessed with. It’s been three years since they told me they don’t work with online boutiques, which broke my heart. But now, brand manager Rachel Littlejohn tells me that she’s happy to welcome me as a possible online stockist, that is, if I’m still interested. You bet I am. Stay tuned.
I have to name-drop just a little more. While walking around on the first day of CurveNY, I made a special stop at Olivia Von Halle’sbooth. Luxury/lingerie/lifestyle, take heed, there’s a new silk pajama queen in town. Her latest collection is Asian-inspired, glamorous and chic, and can even be referred to as inner outerwear. Yes, that’s correct. She was open, inviting and welcoming. And I’m saying all this despite the fact that she’s closed to e-boutiques until sometime next year.
I’ll have a lot more to say in my next blog but for now:
Happy shopping!
ByChez Boutique: The First Video
Wow…
Did I have a hand in this? Did I work on a project of such beauty?
Yes, I did.
It was just a few weeks ago that I got to be on a stellar creative team—a great photographer, stunning and classy models, a gorgeous set, and beautiful lingerie. Here’s the result, and I couldn’t be more proud.
In a sense, it embodies everything I’ve dreamed about. For as long as I can remember, I wanted to own my own boutique. I envisioned women of all colors comfortable with owning their own sexiness. I pictured dreamy, luxurious images of beautiful ladies in beautiful intimate apparel. And now, just a few years later, I have my own e-boutique, and I’m working with beautiful ladies wearing beautiful lingerie from my boutique in a beautiful commercial.
As we always say at byChez Boutique. . .Own It!
Styled by byChez: Action!
I wrote a couple of weeks ago about a really cool project I got to work on, but I couldn’t say much more than that. Now I can. Imagine styling two top models in a swanky New York apartment for a luxury lingerie shoot with one of the most respected photographers in the business. That’s what I did.
America’s Next Top Model standout Eugena Washington, designer and model Mel Rose, and photographer Chris LaPointe—they’re very different yet all really good at what they do. I’ve worked on shows, shoots and other events, and even been around a few celebrities, but this was different. I’ve admired their work for a long time, through billboards, magazines, print campaigns and runway shows, but never thought I’d be working directly with them.
So here we go: Steamer on, outfits laid out, we’re ready for a final fit, hair/makeup check, shoes and accessories. Chris lets us know that he’s just about all set up with the cameras. I begin to wrap up the first look. We go from soft to edgy in our takes, and if you’ve worked with photographers and makeup, then you know it’s easier to build on a look rather than have to re-do after every set.
Action: Eugena is up first. I have her in an Ivory Bridal set from Valery. When reviewing this collection at the CurveNY trade show, I remember being stunned by it. I’m stunned again when I see her in it. The pussy willows and Eugena are a perfect—she moves very naturally, effortlessly, as if she’s in a field and the wind is blowing through her hair. It certainly doesn’t feel like we were in an apartment in New York City. I’m in awe.
Up next is Miss Mel Rose. She’s a ball of fire—full of energy, she lights up a room. I decide that her first take will be in Valery as well, but it’s different look—something soft enough for the daytime but hard enough to roll at night with a glamorous edge. A black balconnet bra designed with lace, tulle and a laddered affect with the matching hi-waisted panty. This playfully edgy set definitely has a retro-vibe to it. These women are rocking it!
The two merge and complement each other in everything…pose, outfit (with a bit of my help), look, personality. This is the essence of teamwork and, boy, am I happy that they chose me as Creative Director and Stylist.
So here’s a sneak peek at just some of the pictures. But it doesn’t end there.
Next up, it moves! We have our own byChez Lingerie Boutique commercial—and if I say so myself, it’s beautiful. Own it!
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- byChez Designer Lingerie Boutique
Open House at byChez
This is my first Lingerie Open House, and I’m nervous.
After all, this isn’t really a showroom. It’s my home, and I want to make sure that everyone feels welcome. I’ve filled the room with a calming and lavender scent, and there’s some great music playing–cool, melodic, like sitting on the beach during a beautiful summer afternoon.
Right there in my living room are two rolling racks set up with my babies: beautiful, endearing intimate apparel from Clo Intimo, La Fee Verte, Elle Macpherson, Samantha Chang, Valery Prestige and Fleur of England, with the newest entries from Claudette andFortnight Lingerie. I’m ready!
The guest start arriving, and my friend Angelique, who helps with everything, greets each with a glass of Rose’. I step up and take them around. They’re in my world now, and I love them for it.
It’s not only about lingerie–we like our guilty pleasures, don’t we? My dear friend (I’m blessed in this department) Kate Bazazian of Katy’s Kakes has come up with an unbelievable array of glam deserts: chocolate covered cake lollipops, almond petite fours, pink whoopee pies(yes, pink) and strawberry cheesecake and crumbled graham. Oh, yeah…these ladies are in a sweet and sinful place.
Now, back to the real fun. The lingerie is sorted by the most popular categories: Luxe, Classic, New Arrivals, Current and Sale. There’s something for everyone, though budget really isn’t necessarily an issue for these lovers of fine knickers, who shop by impulse. I’m there for them as they browse the gallery, giving tips and background. I also offer personalized bra fittings for anyone who needs it, which is everyone(did you know that 85% ofAmerican women who go to a fitting find that they’ve been wearing the wrong bra size?) I’ve prepared my bedroom for this purpose, with fresh-cut flowers and a screen they could step behind.
At first everyone is behind the screen, but the feeling of sisterhood soon settles in, and comfort replaces privacy. I’m quickly styling and fitting five or six women at one time! It’s like we say at byChez Boutique, it’s an intimate affair–own it! These ladies sure did.
You know that our goal at byChez Lingerie boutique is to be a one-stop shop, so we have some other kinds of fun too: posh pleasure objects (for entertainment only) from Lelo, the Swedish based market leader in this special area. There’s an interactive table with three of Lelo’s most popular releases, fully charged and ready to go. And I’ve highlighted Motives for LaLa Cosmetics, the new make-up line from LaLa Vazquez, former VJ and now wife of Knicks star Carmello Anthony. The guests are gong crazy–disposable lip gloss, eye shadow applicators, just gorgeous. And soon, it’ll be right here.
As they leave, I make sure each guest has a personal and handmade gif bag from me. Wish I could tell you what’s in it, but I won’t–come to the next one and get your own. I know I’m having another byChez Boutique Open House soon. It’s just too good!
Lady On A Mission…
When you go to a big trade show like this, you need a strategy. Otherwise, you can get lost just visiting one booth after another. Each one has its share of creative energy.
Here’s (some of) what stood out for me:
So much is seasonal. Spring/Summer is cool, chic, sexy and effortless—the paint palette varies, with brights, neons, neutrals and pops of color here and there. But there’s something eve more special about Fall/Winter. The colors are bold, strong, jewel-toned and rich. They scream luxury. That’s so me (and you?).
I had already played dress up on the first day (as I mentioned in my last blog), but the next day was just as sultry. This was my first time at events outside the trade show floor, and it hit me the moment I walked into the lobby of aka Hotel: I was with my peers. I’m dressed NY chic (but comfortable), and I’m channeling my inner equestrian, on a great stallion draped with the most beautiful silks and laces ever. I was ready!
First, I met with the guy helping me with my business strategy. We had a quick chat before the evening’s activities began—all business, of course, but a whole lot of pleasure as well. Then, it was off to the Producers Club a few blocks away for the highly anticipated lingerie designer showcase and social media seminar. There were designers, media, business people, PR people, retailers, e-boutiques, models wall to wall: the people that I’ve admired and followed online, all now face to face.
There was a Q&A session after the seminar. The questions came hard and fast: do you need to hire a PR Agency for exposure, how does an e-boutique get a blogger to write about them, what’s the best way to take advantage of all the new social media networks, etc. It was fun, work and education, all in one.
A special shout-out to all the people who made this happen: The Designer Lingerie Showcase was hosted by Luis Parades of The Lingerie Journal and co-hosted by Moira Nelson of Bra La Mode. One panelist who I enjoyed was Treacle Tart, founder of The Lingerie Addict, a blog I read everyday.
That’s who I met, now on to what I saw. Starting tomorrow, I’ll give the details on what’s new, what’s cool, and what’s timeless.
Lingerie Wonderland
Maybe the best thing about launching bychezboutique.com is that I get to meet so many talented people who share my passion. And that’s one of the many great things about Lingerie Fashion week which just ended in New York.
I’ve been before, but this was the first time I felt like I truly belonged. I have a business, a presence, a clear and distinct voice.
Everything seemed even BIGGER this time than last year. It was held in the North Wing of the Jacob Javits Center, New York’s hub for trade shows, and it was top-of-the-line and state-of-the-art.
The site plays host to many kinds of shows, and it gets customized for each one. This time it was luxuriously white, from the booths and the tents to the VIP and lounging areas, everything was draped in white. There was a media cafe designed with laptops for blogging, live Tweeting, posting pictures on Pinterest, Facebook and other social media needs. I took full advantage of all of this—it’s important to share this awesome experiences with my Intimate Apparel Enthusiasts as each ‘ta-da’ moment unveils itself.
By the time I’d walked the floor on the first day, I’d seen so many new designers. Some had been ‘trending’ for a while, and I’d made sure to follow them, but here I could finally see their intimates up close and personal.
Many of the booths had their own style. Some were plain, others were very extravagant—it was almost like being in a speakeasy nightclub or a luxury boutique. One booth, Claudette, I fell in love with had an explosion of color— all bras and panties in vibrant neon, hot pink, electric blue, opulent green and lined with leopard print. Love Claudette, they had white lacquer mannequins dressed in lingerie. There was even exquisite chocolates and water at each table for our indulgence. It was amazing! It was all so cool, like floating in a pool of creativity.
Starting tomorrow, I’ll give the details on what’s new, what’s cool, and what’s timeless.
Stay tuned.
byChez Lingerie Boutique Sneak-Peek SS12 Collection
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- Valentine’s Day, lace, vintage, bridal, sexy, luxury, elegant,
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- Vintage lace, inner outerwear, chartreuse, sea green, acqua, lace slip, boyshort, lounge
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- Lace, vintage, inner outerwear, elegant, soft, spring, summer lingerie
byChez Designer Lingerie Boutique Holiday Guide…Week 1-The Ideal Lover
What’s on your list?…
Featured Designer: http://www.samanthachang.com
Samantha Chang Leavers Lace Victoria Bralett in Deep Purple
Samantha Chang Leavers Lace Eloise Brief in Deep Purpe