The next International Lingerie Show was held in Paris on January 23, 24 and 25, 2016 at the Parc Expo Porte de Versailles, bringing together nearly 480 brands of women’s and men’s lingerie.
This show is an opportunity to discover the next trends and key pieces for the upcoming Fall Winter 2016-17 season.
An IPSOS poll carried out for the international lingerie trade show reveals that the French pay particular attention to the composition of their lingerie (in 74% of cases), the care conditions (in 63% of cases) and its origin (in 53% of cases). In 71% of cases, the French say they prefer “Made In France” products. Today’s customers are keen to return to more authentic, artisanal lingerie.
The survey also reveals that French women prefer comfortable to sexy lingerie. That they prefer cotton to lace (in 64% of cases), even if the current trend is towards a balance between the two.
Women aged 15 to 24 remain the main targets of the lingerie market, as this is the age group with the biggest budget (of around €188 in 2015 compared with €122 in 2014). This increase is explained by the fact that this age group makes regular purchases of lingerie to always be at the cutting edge of fashion.
This budget increase isn’t just reserved for this age group, as we can see that the French still love lingerie as much as ever, with sales up this year (+1.7% on 2014 excluding hosiery). Despite the economic crisis, the average budget per year for lingerie and hosiery remains stable, at €131 for 2015 (it was €130 in 2014). For lingerie alone, the budget stands at €101 compared with €98.60 in 2014.
What will be the highlights of the Autumn Winter 2016-17 season?
The Autumn Winter 2016-17 season is set to continue the current trend in ready-to-wear lingerie. Lingerie will be comfortable yet sexy, always in an “erotico-chic” spirit. Key products include bodysuits, bustiers and triangular bras, which can easily replace a top. These three pieces are must-haves for all lingerie brands. Silk shorts are making a comeback, and can be worn day or night, as can combishorts.
In terms of materials, cotton, lace and silk are the three main ones we’re going to find, combined to play on transparencies. For luxury lingerie, these three materials are complemented by embroidery on tulle for a more sophisticated look.
Loungewear is also evolving towards day and night use. It’s either more sportswear with jogging suits, or more ready-to-wear with gypsy-style dresses.
Three Graces London dress
Hanro outfit
This year, two universes were presented at the show: the entertainment universe and the sincerity universe.
L’univers distraction is for a sexy, free and assertive woman. This is “show” lingerie, with pieces featuring architectural lines. Particular attention is paid to cleavage, with the use of back lacing for example. This world will feature many “50 Shades Of Grey”-style accessories: feathers, rhinestones, leather and whips… The color range is made up of warm, intense colors: red, black, deep violet and burgundy, the luxury version of red. Emblematic brands such as Agent Provocateur, the instigator of the “assertive” lingerie movement, are to be found in this universe, followed today by brands such as Maison Close and Aubade.
A small selection of red and burgundy
Agent provocateur
Ensemble Maison Close
The sincerity universe is more floral, delicate and refined. It features lingerie that is modern yet vintage in style. A kind of minimalist Japanese elegance, with lingerie created like origami. The sincerity universe can be used as a daytime wardrobe and can therefore be worn on the street. Here, the range of colors is softer, with pastel hues: baby pink, baby yellow, azure blue… Lingerie that’s easy to live with every day. Emblematic brands include: Huit, Madame Aime, Three Graces London, Rosy…
Diesel Women’s Collection
A small selection for the sincerity universe
The men’s underwear market is booming. Boxer shorts still top the sales charts, with briefs coming in second. Comfort and style remain the most important factors.
This year’s show will feature four areas dedicated to retailers, teaching them how to sell better, showcase their products more effectively and tell stories with their products.
This year, the international lingerie trade show awarded its 2016 Designer of the Year prize to two brands: Switzerland’s Hanro, known for its minimalist “less is more” style and understated luxury. The second designer is Willy Hermann, known for his work on circular knitwear and patented “Superfine” fine knits. His company is the market leader in lingerie.
A few highlights from the show:
– Aubade joins forces with Christian Lacroix for a collection.
– The first lingerie collection from French brand Brigitte Bardot.
– Brand anniversaries: Le Chat (70 years) and LEONISA (60 years).
– Lise Charmel has opened a flagship store in Paris for the first time, on rue du Cherche-Midi (400 sq.m. on 3 floors).
– In partnership with Sizzy, Ma P’tite Culotte will be using a body scan booth on its stand, enabling customers to buy underwear that fits perfectly.
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