LAS VEGAS — The spring edition of the International Lingerie Show is currently underway, introducing a new format that included last night’s revamped fashion show and seminars set for today and tomorrow.
“The International Lingerie Show is excited about the new improvements to our great show,” International Lingerie Show manager Michael Moreira said. “We wanted to give our all our buyers more value in attending our show. We wanted to expand the networking opportunities by revamping our famous fashion show.”
Rather than the traditional runway show that’s entertained ILS attendees for about 20 years, this year show organizers wanted to create more of a party ambience for guests.
The event featured a sit-down dinner with the models showcasing some of ILS’ exhibiting brands cat-walking throughout the ballroom during dinner and throughout the fashion show’s entertainment segments. The event also featured a DJ, dancing and a comedian to keep the party going.
Today’s slate of seminars targeted both the lingerie and pleasure products markets. The sessions included “Selling Plus-Size Market,” “State of the Economy and Future Outlook,” and “The Importance of Having an Online Presence,” among others.
“The panel sessions and topics are all business issues to help all our retailers expand and increase their overall sales to the consumer,” Moreria said. “We truly believe that all attendees are looking to get more out of the trade shows they attend. We wanted to add more things that would help their businesses.”
Eldorado is hosting two seminars at ILS, including today’s “How to Become a Sexual Health Resource in Your Community” with a speech by Kira Manser, the executive director of the Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health. The session invites attendees to “join the sex-positive revolution that is changing the way people think, talk and behave as sexually healthy adults,” and get more information about “how pleasure-focused organizations can become a trusted sexual health resource for adults in their communities.”
Tomorrow, Eldorado founder and CEO Larry Garland will host a session on the value of having an online presence for retailers.
“Having a strong online presence is crucial to building your brand and gaining credibility to attract more customers,” the company says. “The benefits are numerous including brand building, reaching a greater audience and giving your customers easier accessibility to your products. With surprisingly little investment, creating an online presence can really affect your bottom line in a positive way.”
While sporting a new format, ILS also welcomed new and returning vendors, all of which showcased their latest collections.
Magic Silk revealed its 2016 Spring/Summer Supplement, which features six new collections that include Buttercup, Daydream, Angelic Lace, Romance, Purple Haze and Essentials. The Buttercup collection is made of yellow floral lace with aquamarine satin accents. The Purple Haze collection has unique lilac diamond lace detail and is paired with soft, stretch mesh. The Romance collection features fuchsia floral applique and strappy accents.
“Due to popular demand and an increase of appointments, Magic Silk and Male Power have expanded their booth size and added additional tables so more customers can be helped at once,” Magic Silk’s Lori Baker said. “We expect all of our new collections to be a big hit; and for the show to be record-breaking for both brands.”
Male Power also introduced its new catalog with a new look that includs new photography. The company introduced six new collections that include the “Back to Basics” Modal Basics Collections featuring two signature styles — the Lo Rise Enhancer Short and Lo Rise Thong — in three colors, among other collections.
Rene Rofe and Pink Lipstick showcased its latest additions and bestsellers. The company’s creative director Wilson Kello discussed some of the current trends in lingerie.
“I predict the strappy trend will continue to flourish, and that you’ll see a lot more options for inner wear as outerwear; ornate bras and longline bras worn as standalone tops, for instance,” he said.
Seven ‘til Midnight introduced its 2016 Collection alongside the company’s junior line called Spree.
“Styles predicted to do well include our newest lace and geometric pattern pieces, alongside our athletic capsule, and Baby Got Curves collection,” Seven ‘til Midnight’s Lisa Linh said. “We had launched a completely separate catalog for our Baby Got Curves collection, adding in additional styles and most regular styles are available for the Baby Got Curves Collection too.”
Coquette also showcased its latest additions.
“Attendees of the show will be able to get up-close to our new 2016 Main Collection, our limited edition spring and summer collection and our Kissable collection. The Kissable collection is our boxed line of lingerie,” said Margie McLean, who handles marketing and communications for Coquette.
Among the trending topics at ILS was the growth of the plus-size lingerie market. McLean says Coquette has offered plus-size lingerie since 1979.
“We have pieces in all our collections that fit the plus-sized market beautifully,” McLean said. “Coquette has been designing plus-sized lingerie for years and we’ve always had a huge demand for our Diva line. In the last few years we’ve made adjustments to our plus-sized collection to include things that help make the woman feel better and more confident wearing them. From larger straps to widened garters to longer skirts we’ve taken the time to pay attention to what the plus sized woman wants for lingerie.
“From personal experience, being plus sized, I don’t like being left out of a market. I want to buy the same cute things that smaller girls are able to buy. What I like about Coquette plus-sized lingerie is that the Diva collection is taken from the same designs as our average sized collections. I can wear the same bustier as someone smaller than me, it’s just been made to better support me.”
Xgen Products unveiled new products that will be available for order within the next couple of months. The company’s Lapdance collection now includes body jewelry in a rose gold finish, as well as bestselling styles in a white color that’s black light reactive and styles featuring rhinestones. Lapdance also has added seven new styles of shoes.
“We are selling a ton of pasties, so we’ve also added styles with sayings and tassels to the Peekaboos range,” Xgen Products’ Andy Green said.
Xgen’s Secrets range of vibrating panties also has been expanded to include plus-size styles.
“Unlike toy manufacturers, we are a lingerie company that can offer plus-size styles,” Green said.
Xgen also debuted the WandPlus collection of Bodywand massagers. The new plugin vibes come in three designs. Bodywand also introduced the new Honeymoon and Bed Roses kits and the Bodywand 360, which features a spinning silicone head.
Fleshlight showcased its newest additions to the Fleshlight Girls collection, which include the molds of Riley Reid, Eva Lovia and Annika Albrite. The company also introduced a new addition to its Fleshlight Boys range.
“Trenton Ducati is the newest Fleshlight Boy in a long time,” Fleshlight Wholesale Manager Andrew Ortega said. “We’re also showcasing our bestselling Original Pink Lady Value Pack that includes lube, wash and the Fleshlight Shower Mount.”
Sexsation was among the new exhibiting brands at ILS. The company offers a selection of Sex Glides, Sexsation Cream and more, available in a range of flavors and are made of organic ingredients.
“Eldorado currently distributes the products nationwide,” Sexsations’ Sam Khayat said. “All of our products are for male and female sex enhancement.”
Another new company showcasing at ILS is Uvee, a sex toy storage unit featuring a patent-pending germicidal UVC light system that kills up to 99.9 percent of germs. The company offers the Home Play and portable Go Play units that recharge toys and discretely locks them away.
“Uvee kills harmful bacteria and sanitizes toys to avoid infections and STDs,” Uvee’s Thaya said. “The larger Home Play edition was recently added to accommodate larger toys like the Magic Wand.”
Eye of Love debuted new sizes of its popular Love of the Run pheromone perfumes, as well as pheromone-infused miniature candles.
“We have a lot of new products in the works,” Eye of Love’s Jacqui Chowaiki said. “Look out for them this summer.”
Hustler Toys showcased new additions to its range for men and women.
“The Vibrating Porn Star is our newest life-size stroker for men, as well as the B-Cup titties — while other masturbators use extra-large breasts, we are giving men a more natural-looking option,” Hustler Toys’ Elan Rofe said.
Dr. Joel Kaplan exhibited at ILS with the company’s new directors Sam & Judith on hand to introduce KaplanCare — a new comprehensive customer care program that provides live training, troubleshooting and product warranty.
“We know that it can be complicated to understand our products, especially with the penis pumps,” Sam said. “Through KaplanCare we’ll be on hand to answer any questions and offer replacements.”
Impulse Novelties, home of the Closet Collection and Black Door, showcased its new affordable range of pleasure products called Girl Code, as well as the Manola bendable vibrator. The unique toy features dual motors and its flexible shape allows it to adapt to any body types and preferences. Impulse Novelties’ Kim Airs and Sara Hentcy were on hand to accept pre-orders.
Eden introduced new clear bottles for its range of lubricants. “We had been hearing from our customers that they wanted to be able to see the product, so we’re introducing new bottles,” Eden’s Ofir Cohen said.
Representatives of AdultShopping.com, a provider of free white label e-commerce solutions, hosted a booth at ILS where they offered live demos. The company also held contests to give away a Windows 10 laptop and $1,000 in customizations for their online store.
Tyes by Tara unveiled new packaging for its range of sexy fashion accessories that include new chokers and garters. The company’s founder Tara Christine said her most popular item is the Kinkette Nip Tyes non-piercing nipple jewelry.
“Girl’s don’t want anything that’s permanent and guys really like them too,” Christine said. “We see them buying them for their girlfriends a lot.”
