The LYCRA Company, a global leader in developing innovative, sustainable solutions for the apparel and personal care industries, announced today that it has signed a letter of intent with Dairen Chemical Corporation (DCC) to convert  QIRA®—a brand of BDO (1,4-butanediol)—into low-impact PTMEG, the main ingredient in patented bio-derived LYCRA® fiber. Dairen will be the first company in the world to mass produce this low-impact bio-PTMEG at scale. In September 2022, The LYCRA Company and Qore® announced they were joining forces to enable the production of bio-derived L ..read more

From 20th to 22nd July , Maredamare will once again gather the world of beachwear and resortwear in Florence. Within Fortezza da Basso, over two hundred and fifty collections, ranging from global brands to niche labels, reaffirm the international scope of the event, which, on its seventeenth anniversary, stands as an absolute reference in European beach fashion and beyond. LtoR: Raffaella Petrossi & Alessandro Legnaioli Our ambitious development plan, initiated since the last edition leads us straight to the next edition of Maredamare and towards the goals we have set in providing our ..read more

Bluebella Lingerie has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise.  The London-based lingerie company has been recognised for its excellence in international trade. Bluebella’s founder and CEO Emily Bendell will receive the award later this year as well as attending a royal reception. Bluebella, which employs 43 people from its base in Hoxton, East London, was chosen because of its phenomenal growth overseas, which has risen by 263% since 2018 on global sales of £14.77 million. The company was founded by Oxford University graduate Bendell in 2005 and it now has operations ..read more

Underlines was dismayed to learn that Kris Hallenga, the founder of the charity CoppaFeel!, which raises awareness of the importance of young women checking their breasts for early signs of cancer, died at the weekend, aged 38 after being diagnosed with the disease 15 years ago.  The passionate campaigner, from Cornwall, was 23 when she was given the news she had stage 4 cancer that had spread to her spine. We met her early in her journey when she was working closely with leading lingerie brands to campaign that they include CoppaFeel! swing tickets sewn into bras. Kristin and ..read more

In a groundbreaking collaboration, innovative UK-based activewear brand Amazing Jane, is thrilled to announce its partnership with Everyone Active, the premier operator of community leisure facilities in the UK. This partnership is set to revolutionise the way women engage with fitness and activewear, featuring the launch of Amazing Jane concessions in select Everyone Active facilities starting April 2024 and the sponsorship of the transformative Amazing Jane L!VE fitness events throughout 2024. Designed to empower women and foster strong communities, Amazing Jane L!VE will bring together ind ..read more

In May, MAGIC Bodyfashion celebrates its 30th anniversary, a milestone for the brand that has become a leading Total Body Solution brand. This anniversary marks a period of growth, innovation and dedication to supporting women worldwide. Looking back over the past three decades, a sense of pride prevails. In honour of the 30th anniversary, the new Luxury Lace Tape Collection is being launched. This special anniversary collection includes lace variations of MAGIC’s popular body tapes. This unique addition not only offers an elegant and sexy look, but it adds a festive twist to any occasion, ev ..read more

Lounge Underwear has reported a 6% year on year increase in sales and a 33% decline in profit before tax for the 12 months to 30 June 2023, as a result of its investment into store expansion. Lounge reported sales of £67.9 million for the period with a profit before tax of £5.5 million for the 12 months to 30 June 2023 (this is down by 33% when compared with profit before tax of £8.1 million) in the year to 30 June 2022. The company also attributed the decline in its profit before tax to rising costs related to marketing and brand activities. The business has been investing in its store ..read more

Wonderland, London’s tradeshow which is fast becoming a leader in curating exquisite lingerie, nightwear and swimwear for UK buyers, is thrilled to announce a collaboration with Curve New York®.  As a beacon of innovation and style in the lingerie industry, Wonderland has been invited to showcase the finest creations from 6 of Britain’s emerging and established brands.  The showcase will serve as a platform for the brands to present a look from their latest collection, each reflecting a unique blend of design and contemporary flair; and the opportunity to be seen by buyers from over ..read more

This Friday we chat with Michelle Blenkinsopp-Guild, creator and founder of Shell Belle Couture: the luxurious and intricately detailed loungewear, underwear and lingerie label with a distinctive and arresting handwriting. Timeless pieces to treasure… Michelle Blenkinsopp-Guild Your background prior to working at Shell Belle Couture? Shell Belle Couture began in the Summer of 2010 on the tropical Island of Mauritius where I had been living and working for several years. I was Creative Director for a Couture brand working with the most specialist, talented machinists. I still work with the sa ..read more

Pentland Brands, owner of some of world’s most loved sports, outdoor and lifestyle brands, have announced a pivotal change in its executive team with Joe Spies set to become president, Americas, starting this month. This announcement comes as Matt Rock, the current president, Americas, steps down after a 19-year tenure with the company. L to R: Joe Spies and Matt Rocks Matt Rock’s career with Pentland Brands began in 2005 when he joined as sales director for Ted Baker footwear, later advancing to managing director of the brand. His journey saw him taking on the role of global supply chain di ..read more