Navigating the Industry: Essential Trade Shows for Lingerie and Swimwear Designers

Today, we're embarking on a virtual expedition of some of the most awe-inspiring and well-attended fashion industry events as it relates to product design + development.

We’ll start by entering the world of lingerie and swimwear shows, exploring places where you can unearth new intimates brands, spot emerging trends, source exciting trims and materials, and ignite your creative spark. This week, we’ll cover the big intimates + swim shows and next week I’ll follow it up with a post about some of the more general shows you can attend. 

The guest list at these events is an exceptional resource for discovering and researching fresh suppliers, especially if you need something ultra-specific or are dipping into more general sourcing.

So, tie up your most fashionable laces, and let's dive headfirst into the fashion circuit! 👠

Lingerie + Swim-Specific Shows: 

1. Curve | Dates Vary | Paris, Las Vegas, New York, Montreal

Usually held in January and July, Curve is the leading trade show for intimates and swimwear, showcasing everything from luxury lingerie to cutting-edge swimwear designs. With editions in Paris, New York, Las Vegas, and Montreal, Curve is a fantastic opportunity to spot the latest trends, connect and rub elbows with industry professionals, and gain insights into the evolving world of intimates and swim. Don't miss their trend presentations and expert panel discussions for invaluable insights into the future of the industry! 

2. Interfilière | Dates Vary | Paris, New York, Shanghai

Interfilière is a renowned international trade show that brings together lingerie and swimwear fabric suppliers, manufacturers, and designers worldwide. Held in Paris, New York, and Shanghai, this event is the go-to place for sourcing innovative materials, discovering upcoming trends, and networking with industry insiders. Usually held in conjunction with Curve, you can hit both shows if you head to Paris or New York. If you want to elevate your designs with the latest fabrics and technologies, Interfilière is a must-attend event. I particularly love how they set up their curated content — it's very visually exhilarating to be in the space with this show!

3. Salon International de la Lingerie | Dates Vary | Paris, France

Salon International de la Lingerie Salon International de la Lingerie is a prestigious trade show in Paris, France. This event showcases leading international brands' latest trends and innovations in lingerie, swimwear, and loungewear. It's a great opportunity to network with industry professionals, attend insightful conferences and workshops, and stay updated on the latest trends in the intimates and swimwear sectors.

4. Evolution | January + July | New York, Los Angeles

Evolution is a concept lingerie show featuring smaller and independent intimate apparel brands. It’s an industry event for professionals in the lingerie and swimwear business but mostly exhibits smaller and independent brands. Evolution serves as a platform where brands, designers, buyers, and industry insiders come together to showcase, discover, and discuss the latest trends, designs, and developments in lingerie. It’s similar to the Curve show but slightly smaller in scale. It’s great for networking, finding new designers, educational sessions, and discovering new products. 

5. Miami Swim Week | July | Miami

Miami Swim Week is the premier fashion event for swimwear and resort collections, held annually in the vibrant, beach-front city. Established in 2008, this event showcases the latest trends in swimwear and resort wear from established and emerging designers from around the globe. Filled with runway shows, trade fairs, and parties, Miami Swim Week is a major platform for fashion, celebrating diversity, inclusivity, and body positivity, and is widely regarded as the swim fashion event of the year.

6. Cabana | July | Miami

Cabana is usually held concurrently with Miami Swim Week, a curated luxury resort swimwear trade show. This show is relatively new, and it frames itself as the beachwear industry’s new buying experience, seamlessly fusing inspiration and commerce. With an ambiance mirroring the laid-back yet luxurious style of its locale, Cabana Show showcases a hand-picked selection of high-end products in a warm and approachable setting. It’s an excellent platform for designers to display their latest collections to a global audience, including major buyers, influencers, and fashion thought leaders.

7. Mode City | Dates Vary | Paris, France

Mode City (also known as Unique by Mode City) Mode City, is a major swimwear, lingerie, and activewear trade show held in Paris, France. This event brings together thousands of industry professionals and showcases a wide range of products, from luxury swimwear to innovative sportswear. With runway shows, trend presentations, and networking opportunities, Mode City is a must-visit event for anyone in the swimwear and lingerie industry.

8. London Swimwear Show | Dates Vary | London, UK

London Swimwear Show The London Swimwear Show is an annual trade show held in London, UK, that focuses on swimwear, beachwear, and resort wear. This event attracts both established and emerging brands, offering an excellent opportunity to discover new collections, spot trends, and network with industry professionals. The London Swimwear Show also features expert talks and panel discussions, providing valuable insights into the world of swimwear and beach fashion.

9. MarediModa | Typically held in November | France

MarediModa is a prominent European trade show dedicated to beachwear, swimwear, and lingerie fabrics and accessories. Held annually in Cannes, France, this event attracts top-tier suppliers and designers looking to source high-quality materials and spot the latest trends in fabrics, colors, and prints. MarediModa also hosts a prestigious design contest, celebrating the talents of up-and-coming designers in the swimwear and lingerie sectors.

To wrap it up — these fashion events offer an invaluable wealth of inspiration, brand discovery, and knowledge about the latest trends in the industry. Taking a deep dive into these shows will broaden your horizons and open up a world of connections within the realm of intimates and swimwear fashion.

By marking your presence at these events, you will find yourself better equipped to stay ahead of fashion trends, uncover new brands, and source limitless inspiration for your own designs. So, mark your calendars, pack your most stylish outfits, and prepare to embark on an exhilarating fashion journey that spans the globe! 🌍

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