The 2018 Best of Intima Award Winners

On July 29th, The Best of Intima magazine held the 14th edition of its annual Gala Awards ceremony, The Best of Intima Awards at New York City's elegant Tribeca Rooftop. This invitation-only gala dinner marks one of the lingerie industry's most essential and anticipated events. A selection of key industry leaders came together for a cocktail hour overlooking the Hudson River, followed by an elegant 3-course sit-down dinner accompanied by live jazz music. Our esteemed jury, formed of representatives from twenty-five of the world's most renowned intimate apparel brands, put forward 232 nominees for consideration. When the votes were counted, 33 finalists emerged, spanning four categories: European Flair, for a boutique with a continental feel and a strong selection of imported brands; Reference, exemplary stores with a broad, comprehensive product offer; Personal Touch, for a retail space that reflects the individuality of its owner and a close relationship with its clientele; and finally, The Best of Intima's Choice, for those stores that won the hearts of our editorial team.

The 2018 Jury comprised of representatives from the following twenty-five prestigious brands: Anita, b.tempt'd, Bravado, Chantelle, Commando, Cosabella, Curvy Kate, Elomi, Empreinte, Felina, Freya, Hanky Panky, Hanro, Le Mystère, Leonisa, Lise Charmel, Maison Lejaby, Montelle, Natori, Panache, Simone Pérèle, Skarlett Blue, TC, Triumph, Wacoal. 

Francesca Spinetta, Co-owner and Editorial Director of Intima magazines, welcomed guests before introducing Danny Koch, owner of the landmark New York store Town Shop to officially open this year's awards ceremony. 

The 2018 Best of Intima Awards Winners by Category are: 
Reference – JOY All Things Underthings 
Personal Touch – Chantilly Lace 
European Flair – À La Mode Intimates 
The Best of Intima’s Editorial Choice – Flirt Boutique 
Best American Store of the Year – Anna Bella Fine Lingerie 
Best Canadian Store of the Year – Diva Lingerie and Swimwear 
Bravado’s Best Maternity Bra Retailer Prize – Breakout Bras

This year saw the addition of three new categories: the Best American Store of the Year and Best Canadian Store of the Year awards were established to recognize the diversity of retail across North America by honoring stores with the highest number of nominations per country. Finally, we also chose to recognize visionary stores who are doing things in a new way, honoring their efforts and the fresh insight they bring to this field by creating the Trailblazers category. This exciting stand-out classification is dedicated to those retailers who are thriving in today’s fast-changing market thanks to their innovative approach and out-of-the-ordinary features or services.

The winners of the Trailblazer award were invited onto the stage with the brands who nominated them. Together, they presented to the audience just what makes their store stand out from the crowd. The first team to take the stage was made up of Liliana Mann, owner of Rêve Rouge, accompanied by Kerry O’Brien and Alex Kondracki from Commando. Next, Dana Wilson, owner of the very new store Yes She Can!, took the stage with Johanna Torkelson from Cosabella for the second Trailblazer award. The final Trailblazer of the evening was La Lingerie, whose owner Katherine Bice and her two managers took the stage with Kathryn Shaw from Elomi. 

Additionally, to ensure that our loyal readers and supporters around the world were included in the festivities, the most dynamic parts of the evening were broadcast live on Instagram, while photos from the event circulated using the hashtag #thebestofintimaawards, which remains searchable for those who would like a glimpse of the event! Browse the photos of our cocktail hour, dinner and award ceremony on The Best of Intima's Facebook page or download them in high-resolution from our Flickr.

1. Tom Wolff, President of Bravado Designs, presents Bravado's Best Maternity Bra Retailer Prize to Breakout Bras
2. Congratulations to all of our winners!
3. Danny Koch, owner of Town Shop, as opening speaker
4. Francesca Spinetta, Editorial Director & Co-owner of Intima Media Group, presents The Best of Intima's Choice Award to Flirt Boutique
5. Tom Wolff (President of Bravado Designs), Sonja Winther (President of Chantelle), Francesca Spinetta (Editorial Director & Co-owner of Intima Media Group), Dean Cooper (Commercial Director of Wacoal Europe), Kerry O'Brien (Founder & Designer of Commando), Joy Haizen (Managing Director of Anita), David Komar (CEO of Komar Intimates)