The Best ofIntima & Swim Edit
60 Years of The Underfashion Club
06 February 2018
The Femmys will take place tonight at the luxurious Cipriani 42nd Street. This is a very special edition of the gala as it marks The Underfashion Club's 60th Anniversary
As we look forward to the anniversary edition of The Femmy Gala tonight, The Best of Intima Edit looks back over the past editions and the history of this important organization. Previous honorees of The Femmy Gala have included our very own Editorial Director, Francesca Spinetta, Designers Donna Karan and Josie Natori, retailers Neiman Marcus and Victoria’s Secret, manufacturers Carole Hochman Design Group and Maidenform, and industry notables Eileen West and Elle Macpherson.
In February of 1958, a group of 7 female professionals in the corset and brassiere industry filed to incorporate as the Corset and Brassiere Women’s Club, Inc. The first person to sign the Club’s incorporation papers was its first president, Jean Gordon.
The Club’s original purpose was to foster communication among women engaged in the corset and brassiere industry; to encourage their participation in all aspects of the industry through education and the dissemination of useful information; and to obtain greater recognition for the work of women in the industry.
In 1963, under the leadership of president Mercy Dobell, the Club changed its name to The Underfashion Club, Inc. and hosted the first “FEMMY” Gala at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. Now an annual event held at the landmark Cipriani 42nd Street, the FEMMY Gala celebrates and recognizes the achievements of Intimate Apparel industry leaders and generates the monies that enable the Club to fulfill its charitable mission.
In 1985, under the leadership of president Norma Reinhardt, the Club officially opened its membership to men (with the first male president, Ronald Ross elected in 1990,) and expanded its purposes to include the establishment and promotion of internship programs, scholarships, and the funding of courses related to fashion underwear at institutions of higher education. The primary beneficiaries of the Club’s funding were students at the Fashion Institute of Technology and High School of Fashion Industries.
In 2004, the Club sponsored its first Student Design Contest featuring the work of Fashion Institute of Technology seniors with an intimate apparel specialization. Since 2006, the contest has been an integral part of the Femmy Gala, highlighting the Club’s commitment to “education today for a better industry tomorrow,” and providing significant cash awards to the winners, thanks to the generosity of companies such as Clover Group International, Regina Miracle International, and Stretchline Holdings Ltd.
Today, The Underfashion Club, Inc. is the preeminent organization within the Intimate Apparel and Underwear Industry devoted to its health and vibrancy by supporting education to attract new talent to the industry; providing members with learning opportunities and enabling enrichment of member careers through professional growth; and providing leadership for the operation of the industry.
Companies such as Delta Galil, Gelmart International, KOMAR, The Natori Company, MAS Design, Vandale Industries and Wacoal America Inc. have long been supporters of the Club’s internship program, and students who started as interns have found employment with these and other corporate industry leaders.
An essential part of our industry, in the last five years alone: $550,000 in scholarships, $150,000 in internships, and $120,000 in awards and grants.
The Anniversary Edition
Featuring one of the queens of the sector, Dita Von Teese the anniversary edition will proudly honor:
Target
Texco Hook & Eye Tape LTD.
Donald R. Allen, Jr.
It will also Celebrate 60 Years of the Lycra Brand and host the 15th Annual Student Design Contest. Don't forget that the winners of the latter will be featured in a photo shoot in the summer edition of The Best of Intima.
Please see gallery below to view a bigger version of the image to the left
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