For more than five years, both Felina and its sister line, Jezebel, have incorporated camisoles, chemises and modal loungewear pieces into its collections. But for fall ‘08, both brands are launching a sleepwear division, and spring ‘09 will see full-scale collections.

The new Felina sleepwear exudes comfort with a 44-gauge needle out modal/lycra fabrication that weights 135 grams. Within the collection, Felina offers light geometric lace trims and vneck silhouettes. Under the Jezebel umbrella are Temptress and Sweet Tart, two groups that add a variety of color and contrasting lace trims. The Temptress collection includes ruched fabrics with iridescent sequins. Created in three silhouettes, the Temptress cami consists of a spaghetti strap silhouette with a fly-away sequined bodice. Sweet Tart, complete with heart-shaped embroidery, is a cami style designed with triangle cups overlayed
with pleats that also fall with a fly-away design.

Afterparty Fall Holiday 2007

“The styling is more fashion-forward,” said Helen Burns, account executive for New York. “We added glamour and more sexiness.” The company reports the decision to launch sleepwear stems from a combination of retailer requests and the company’s overall goals for the future. Both lines are sized small to extra large and are sold in major department stores and specialty boutiques nationwide. — D.C.

Christine Vancouver caters to all

Christine Vancouver, a Canadian manufacture of women’s sleepwear, is launching a fall collection with something for everyone. Known for its luxury pajama sets and long gowns, the company will take fall as an opportunity to reach out to a younger customer.

New launches will include an update on the classic Bijoux and Garbo groups with the more dramatic tones of cranberry and charcoal. “We are known for our long gowns with showstopper appeal,” said Anna Martin, marketing manager for the company. “We are gradually phasing in younger customers through our new collection. There is simplicity in our design that crosses over into different age groups, and through different cuts we are able to offer revealing and conservative looks.”
One thing that sets Christine Vancouver apart from other sleepwear manufacturers is its ability to cater to customers in both the retail and wholesale segment. Martin notes that the company has the ability to customize orders for their retail stores in terms of colors and trims. And for shoppers who don’t find what they are looking for, the retailer can place individual orders for their customers if enough lead-time is given.
While the line’s traditional customer (Oprah not excluded) opts for elegant styles with stretch-lace trim, the new generation of Christine Vancouver shoppers is struck by fashion-forward pieces like the leopard-printed Izzy group and the sultry, scarlet toned Wicked collection, each containing camisole and chemisestyle silhouettes.

Afterparty Fall Holiday 2007

Other design elements inspired by ready-towear fashion lines include ombre silks, kimono
sleeves and bold ethnic prints.
What Martin finds most encouraging is that no group appeals to just one type. “We really cater to women that are looking for quality pieces and are not afraid to wear something that is very feminine and dramatic,” she said.
While her company’s name may lead you to believe one thing, Maryanne MacDougall is not in the event-planning business. Afterparty is a sensual collection of sleepwear targeted toward a sophisticated woman looking to kick back in elegance.

The Canada-based designer was working in the intimate apparel industry when she thought of a concept for her own line. “A line geared towards a more mature customer, cut with gravity in mind,” she said. “Afterparty is made for real women. It is elegant and sexy, but hides areas women don’t want to show off.”
In her collection, MacDougall incorporates silk, poly charmeuse and knits that are flattering and comfortable. Her designs are simple — a combination of functional fastenings and elegant placement.

Afterparty Fall Holiday 2007

Catering to the customer with a “look good, feel good” mentality, Afterparty offers long and short robes, tops that feature adjustable shelf bras and elegant gowns that cross over into bridal.
“When someone comes home from work she wants to be elegant and relaxed,” said MacDougall. “My love is lingerie, and I wanted Afterparty to be glamorous.”
spreegirl’s fall gets retro mod This fall, Spreegirl intimates will push forward
with its retro-modern style in a new look and feel for the girl on the go.
Maintaining the developing trend of transitional intimates, the company has crafted camisoles, lounge pants and rompers that can easily be worn inside or out.
Sticking close to the metallic trend, Spreegirl has introduced Glitz’n’Glam, a group of 80’sinspired
looks threaded with a hint of gold and silver Lurex. The group is offered in a bralette, brief, camisole and romper. “This new body has been amazing,” said Vinh Luong, director of merchandising. “People are nesting more and want something comfortable, fashionable and versatile.”
Heading further back in time, Spreegirl picks up on the retro, hippy feel of the 70’s with its Hipster
group. It features a triangle bikini top in an earthy crochet knit with suede and wood bead trimmings.
Silhouettes are inspired from swimwear and include tie tops and trunk shorts. Hipster is
also part of Spreegirl’s eco-initiative as the collection is made from bamboo fibers.