(Filed Under Wholesale Swimwear News). BODY Magazine Publisher Nick Monjo interviewed CURVExpo’s Laurence Teinturier regarding the renowned trade show’s expanding swimwear presence.

Nick: How has the swim portion of your show been growing from show to show?

Laurence: In New York, we have grown to an impressive offering of 76 of the top designer swimwear brands on the market — a significant increase from the 23 that exhibited at CURVENY in New York last August 2010. To date, swimwear is representing 25 percent of the total offering at CURVENY. This August 2011 marks the official launch of swimwear in New York, speaking to the demand of a new, focused and efficient environment for swimwear brands. Now in its second year, swimwear in Las Vegas is bigger and better than ever. Featuring 110 of the top designer swimwear brands under one roof, CURVENV in Las Vegas has become the destination to present and purchase swimwear on the West Coast. From 60 swimwear brands last August 2010, the CURVENV Las Vegas swimwear exhibitors now represent 43 percent of the total offering this August 2011.

Nick: How have the department store swim buyers been embracing the show?

Laurence: Both shows are well-received by the swimwear industry as they provide them with a professional, classy and designer-focused environment to conduct business in. As New York is “home” to the best department stores and CURVENY New York takes place during the important swim market week, it is a natural development. In regards to Las Vegas, the department stores tested the environment last August and the offering of brands this August in Vegas speaks for itself — the department stores have made CURVENV Las Vegas the swim destination on the West Coast.

Nick: There are several swim trade show events in the U.S. and Europe. How does CURVE stand out from these other events?

Laurence: CURVExpo was the original lingerie trade show and is the only lingerie and swimwear trade show that reaches the entire North American market. We go beyond being just a trade show — we are an industry partner that provides diverse and useful events to our exhibitors and retailers alike. From presenting the spring/summer 2013 trends and our unique fashion shows at the Crazy Horse Paris to our exclusive partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), CURVExpo exceeds expectations and speaks to the industry’s needs.

Nick: What are the reasons that swim buyers would benefit from your shows as opposed to others? What about exhibitors?

Laurence: At both locations, we have created a community with both the buyers and vendors to remain in touch year-round. This is done through — but not limited to — our social media outlets and website where exhibitors can share their news and speak with buyers, while buyers can utilize both to book appointments via our website. No other trade show does this! Buyers also enjoy complimentary lunch and taxi reimbursement every day at CURVENV Las Vegas.

Nick: What kinds of support do you offer swim exhibitors?

Laurence: Year-round marketing support from complimentary features such as daily news, social media exposure, customized invitations to send to buyers and additional exposure via dedicated e-cards.

Nick: What kinds of support do you provide swim retailers?

Laurence: Besides a classy and comfortable environment to work in, buyers are able to gain knowledge via unique seminars including trends like spring/summer 2012 and resort 2013,  social media, merchandising techniques — each is dedicated to improving sales and image in the retailers’ stores.

Nick: You make a point of tracking trends; can you give us a summary of swim trends you expect to see at your upcoming shows?

Laurence: In terms of colors: solid saffron, stripes and folk prints. For accessories: many buttons, charms and buckles. For shapes: the high-waisted bottom, V-neck cut, high-leg brief bottoms, corset effects and the popular bustier look.

Nick: How many exhibitors do you expect?

Laurence: As of July 14, 2,789 had pre-registered for CURVENY and 2,224 had pre-registered for CURVENV in Las Vegas, which takes place three weeks after the New York show. 



Nick: What else would you like to add about your swim show?

Laurence: Our swimwear show has been a collaboration with many industry professionals to create a show for both the buyers and vendors that allows them to conduct business in an environment that they desired. We created our swimwear show as an extension of our vendors and buyers to best adapt to the fast-paced, changing tastes of the industry. Swimwear is an obvious extension to the already strong offering of lingerie as 50 percent of lingerie stores do carry swimwear — these buyers only shop CURVE!

The following is a list of swimwear brands showing at CURVExpo. Brands marked with an asterisk are showing exclusively at CURVE: 1 Sol Swim, A.Che, Acquavit, Aerin Rose, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Agua Bendita, Agua de Coco, Amoena Swim*, Andres Sarda Swim, Anita Swim, ANK Swimwear, Antigel Swim*, Aqua di Lara, Aquarella Swimwear, Bamboo Island, Bandita Couture*, Be Creative, Beach Bunny, Beach House*, BECCA by Rebecca Virtue, Betsey Johnson Swim, Body Glove, Boudoir London, Byron Beach*, Caffé Swimwear, Cala Ossidiana*, Calixta, Captiva*, Carioca, Carmen Marc Valvo*, Charmline, Chio di Stefania, Christina, Cia.Maritima, Clubbe Bossa, Coco Contour*, Coco Rave*, Coco Reef*, Cosabella Mare*, D’Amore Swim*, Daniel Hechter*, Daniela Corte*, Desigual, Desiree Nercessian, diNeila Brazil, DKNY Swim*, Eberjey Swim, Ellipse*, Fantasie Swim, Fantasizer, Freya Swim, Gabar*, GoldenFish Swimwear*, Guria Beachwear, Happy Endingz Eco-Swimwear*, Huit, Jacqueline Arnaud, Jag, Jantzen, Jo de Mer, Jordan Taylor, Juicy Couture Swim*, Karla Colletto, Kechika, Key Leaf, Kooey, Koral, KUNY Barcelona, L*Space, Laura Beach*, Le Doux, Le Soleil, Le Soleil Bébé, Lejaby*, Lemons & Limes, Lenny, Leonisa*, Letarte, Lidea, Lisa Riedt*, Lise Charmel Swim*, Lucky Brand, Luli Fama, Maaji, MagicSuit, Marc by Marc Jacobs Swim*, Maria del Carmen*, Marie Meili, Marlies Dekkers Swim*, Maryan Melhorn, Masquenada, Mia*, Michael Kors*, Milly Cabana, Mimi Holida Swim, MiracleSuit, Natori Swim, Nina Ricci Swim, Ondademar, Panache Swim*, Parah*, Perry Ellis, Petite Letarte, Phax, PilyQ, Pitahaya Swimsuits*, Playful Promises Swim, Point Conception, Poko Pano, Pull-In, Qiss Qiss, Rasurel Swim*, Retromarine, Rica Swim*, Roxanne*, Saga Swimwear*, Saha, Salinas, Sauipe, Sauvage, Seafolly, Sea Lion by Ari Dein*, Shan, Silhouette Solution, Skye, Sorella Swim*, STUD, Suit Yourself Bikinis*, Sybaris*, Syrup Swimwear*, The Little Bra Company*, T.H.E. "Life" Swimwear, Topanga by T.H.E., Touché, Valery Swim, Veronica Brett*, Vitamin A, Vix and Zinke Swim*.

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Published 07-15-2011 by Katherine Rautenberg