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How to become a lingerie designer — Getting Started

July 26, 2006 by Danae 

How to Become a Lingerie Designer

Getting started – Can I start my own label?

So, you want to become a lingerie designer. You’ve seen all the amazing pieces from around the world, have had your fantastic idea, and now all you need is to make it a reality. But how in the world does anyone break into this industry? This series aims to help guide aspiring designers through the confusing maze of the lingerie industry, from where to find good research materials to how to find stockists. The series will run over five parts, covering these topics:

  1. Getting started – Can I start my own label?
  2. Learning to design lingerie
  3. Manufacturing your lingerie
  4. Getting in the stores
  5. Marketing your new label

In this first instalment, we get started with the basics – Can I start my own label? What’s involved in working as a lingerie designer? What sort of expenses should I expect, and what sort of work will I do day-to-day?

To find the answers, we’ve quizzed designers around the world, and will be putting special focus on one particular designer: Pamela Joseph, a new designer just starting out with her own range. We’ll follow Pamela’s progress throughout the series, from sketch to sale.

Finding your niche

The first step to building your own label is to think carefully about your collection, and what distinguishes it from everyone else’s. No doubt you’ve already got an idea in your mind of what your label would like to focus on – maybe your line is a new luxury range of pajamas, or a line of cheeky new knickers. Whatever the idea is, the first step is to identify what niche you want to fill in the market, and find out what other brands (if any) are currently filling that niche.

Go with what you know

So how do you find that special niche? In many cases, it’s best to go with what you know. In Pamela’s case, she went with designer larger-cup lingerie, and area of the market usually filled with boring beige and white bras. Pamela’s line brings colour, design, and personality up to cup size M, allowing larger-cup women to indulge in something a bit more unique. Pamela knew about this unfulfilled niche because she wore large cups herself, and personally experienced the lack of variety within lingerie brands. Other large-cup designers like Miss Mandalay and Jodi Gallaer had the same experience, deciding to enter larger-cup sizes after finding nothing that suited their own styles.

Going with what you know is an excellent way to define your niche, as you have a head start in defining your target-market, and can market yourself as an authority in that niche. The Internet allows you great freedom in targeting a very small niche, so don’t be scared to really get specific about what makes you special. Brands like Nippies (designer nipple pasties), Classy Bride, and NuBra (adhesive strapless bras) all do very well catering to one need. You can focus on just making the perfect strapless bra for brides, the perfect push-up bra for smaller sizes, whatever need you’re trying to fulfil This doesn’t mean that your label can’t grow later on, but defining your core selling point early on will help focus your marketing and targeting during your first years of business.

Do your research

Once you’ve got a good idea of what niche you’d like to fulfil, it’s time to start checking out the industry. The first place to start is within your defined niche, to see who (if anyone) is offering similar products to your own. You can start your research online – just define the key words for your niche, i.e. large-cup lingerie and start wading through the results. It’s not terribly glamorous, but a few hours of Googling can very quickly help you get your bearings.

Browse through exhibitor’s lists

Another great place to start is the exhibitors list for lingerie shows, such as Lingerie Americas, Harrogate, and the Lyon/Paris trade shows. The exhibitors are broken down into categories such as Underwear, Foundation, Sleepwear, etc., so you can quickly browse to find brands within your market. All of these shows list their exhibitors (usually with a website) on their main website.

Get lingerie industry publications on a budget

After identifying some of the brands within your target area, branch out a bit more to see how this market fits within the larger industry. There are a number of publications specifically for the lingerie industry, the big ones being Lingerie Buyer, Underlines, Contours, and Women’s Wear Daily. Don’t immediately spend a small fortune on subscriptions to all these magazines, as you’ll simply waste money upfront when it might not be necessary – many of these magazines are available for free if you dig around. Here are a couple of ways to grab a free copy before you subscribe:

• Look for the publisher’s website to see if they offer a free sample copy (Lingerie Buyer offers this).
• Check out a local library to see if they carry the publication – if you strike out, look in a nearby university’s library, as they’re more likely to carry the publication for their students.
• Go and visit a local lingerie boutique, and ask if you can leaf through their copy. It’s a great way to introduce yourself to a potential stockist, and will get you started in all-important industry networking.

Once you get your hands on a free copy, check out the publication to make sure it has the information you need, then look to subscribe. Even then, don’t just fill in the form – many publications will offer discounts during trade shows or if you pre-register online, so call up the publication and ask about discounts throughout the year. You can easily save 20% off your subscription by just asking. If you don’t mind reading online, some publications (like Women’s Wear Daily) also offer a reduced rate for online subscriptions.

Network, Network, Network!

Trade publications will be a great resource for familiarising yourself with the industry, but nothing is more valuable than good old-fashioned networking. Pamela cites networking as her most important tool in these first steps, citing trade shows such as Lyon/Paris and Harrogate as invaluable for establishing connections, finding out about her market, and just learning the tricks of the trade.

Get thee to a trade show!

Trade shows are the vital meet-and-greet locations for the lingerie industry, getting together designers, retailers, and even the textile industry in some cases. The major shows in Europe are Paris (early in the year), Lyon (in the summer), and Harrogate UK (both early and summer). In the US, Lingerie Americas in New York is a major event, and there’s also a show in Las Vegas. If you’ve never been to a lingerie trade show, they can be pretty intimidating on a first trip, and not without their set of unspoken rules. Photography is strictly regulated at trade shows to prevent design theft, and you’ll find that many labels will create closed-box displays governed by a mean-looking receptionist to prevent prying eyes from seeing their new collection. At Knickers, we’ve always found the “new designers” section of these shows the most open to chatting and swapping ideas – in Lyon and Paris, look for the “Spicy Garden” section, or check your trade show booklet for a similar area. Some designers may still be understandably wary about potential competition nosing around their collection, so try haunting the cafés and other coffee/eating areas around the show, and approach designers in a more relaxed environment. We’ve found the lingerie industry to be incredibly friendly, and many designers will go out of their way to help you out or point you in the right direction.

Keep track of your contacts

People will be your most valuable asset in any business, so take care to keep track of people you meet and note their information. Over time, this contact list will serve as an invaluable tool to help you find suppliers, ask questions, and generally do your business. A simple Excel spreadsheet can get you a long way in keeping track of contact phone numbers and e-mails, or you could keep it as simple as a Rolodex. Gentry Lane of Gentry de Paris has three massive Rolodexes she hauls to trade shows, full of cards she’s been collecting since she started out in business. Unless you’re already using it, resist the temptation to splurge on expensive CRM software, and find a method for recording contacts that will easily fit into your activities so you’re sure to always do it.

Join networking groups

Many cities will have specific groups dedicated to just getting together to network – here in Edinburgh we have Magpie, a monthly get-together of a variety of businesspeople where everyone can just mingle and swap business cards. It’s a great way to make connections without feeling awkward about whipping out your business card, and is usually a lot of fun too. Every business will need a variety of support, from finding a cheap accountant to looking for manufacturing or a PR agency, and these events are perfect for making those connections. Try looking around Craigslist for your city or search for “networking events,” and then just sign up for the first meeting. You never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll gain from the event, but you’re guaranteed to do better than if you hadn’t gone at all!

Find some support

Once you’ve defined your niche and got a good idea of the industry around it, you can seriously start thinking about how your business will operate and finish off your business plan. You don’t have to have a business plan, but it’s a good idea, if for no other reason than to help you focus your goals and consider all the aspects of your business. Luckily, you can find a lot of support for these initial steps in planning out your business, and maybe can even get a little start-up capital.

UK business support

In the UK, Pamela had a wide range of support available, and cited Business Link as a favourite resource while getting started. The Business Gateway, the Prince’s Trust and Business Link are all fantastic resources for getting you started down your path. These services are free to help develop new businesses in the UK, and have a wide variety of tools to get you started. You can take questionnaires to help you define which areas of business you need to focus your efforts on, can download sample business plans to get an idea of how they work, and can meet with a business advisor to help you write your plan and get you connections in your first year. The old adage of “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” is still true, so these business mentors during these first steps can help you make important connections and guide you away from early mistakes.

If you’re under 25, you may also be able to get a one-time grant of £1000 or a low-interest loan from these support services – but promise us you won’t spend it on stationary! Check out the Business Gateway and Prince’s Trust for more information.

US business support

In the United States, the Small Business Administration is the first stop for free advice and support, offering a variety of guides on what to consider when first starting your business. Your local Chamber of Commerce will also serve as an invaluable resource, offering you support and connections with fellow local businesses to help you get started. For resources within the fashion industry, large-cup designer Jodi Gallaer recommends the Garmet Industry Development Association, and Fashion Incubators from both Dallas and Toronto. Each resource is specific to its area, but the general information will prove valuable for all readers. Similarly, the Fashion Incubator blog is a fantastic resource for all designers, giving practical advice and offering a friendly environment for conversation.

Small business grants in the US are much more decentralised than the UK, and there are a variety of federal and state grants that you can apply for. The Small Business Administration has a list to help you get started, but your Chamber of Commerce should be able to point you in the right direction as well. Don’t be shy about asking for help, that’s what these organisations are there for!

Start planning your expenses

In your business plan, you’ll need to outline a rough idea of expenses in your first stages of business – we found that for Pamela, her biggest initial expenses were production of samples and travel. Attending trade shows will be an important first step in starting your own label, so you should budget for a trip to New York, the UK or France for the biggest western shows. These shows happen twice a year (once for Spring/Summer, once for Autumn/Winter), so plan ahead and book your tickets early to cut down costs. Also take advantage of the discounted reservation option these trade shows offer for hotel rooms, but again be sure to get in there early. Go ahead and sign up for frequent flyer programs as well, because between trade shows and visiting your manufacturers, travel’s going to be a pretty important part of your business!

All this talk about business, and we haven’t even started on the lingerie yet! Our next article, “Learning to design lingerie,” will go into the details about how to learn this difficult craft and how to find the resources you’ll need to support you. Until then, good luck with your first steps!

We are currently working on the next chapters for this series and hope to bring these to you very soon. In the meantime you can contact us if you have any questions!

84 Responses to “How to become a lingerie designer — Getting Started”

  1. lisa on December 28th, 2008 11:32 pm

    just wanted to add that getting lingerie manufactured in China is the cheapest way to go, it seems. I plan on doing it soon.

  2. Mandy on December 30th, 2008 6:01 am

    does anyone know of any good manufacturers? i am struggling to find any!

  3. prerna on February 22nd, 2009 6:34 am

    wel i m a 20 yr old grl 4rm kol, ovr here i have seen girls shopping their lingeri 4m the street shops which is vry cheap in quality, they give a vry odd shape to the breast, so i want to design for those girls who can purchase their bras in vry low cost, but it will give them a perfect shape.. and their body will look walla……….

  4. Nicole on February 23rd, 2009 4:51 am

    Lisa,

    Anyone can answer this that has an accurate answer. When you say China is the cheapest, can you narrow that down a bit? Like how do you comparison shop? Where do you find the manufacturers? How do they give you a price since each item is somewhat different? Where do you get material, lace etc. suppliers? I am researching like crazy and I’m not coming up with anything helpful. What information can you give me on starting. I am starting from scratch! Do you have to sketch your stuff and make a sample one, do you sketch it and send it to a pattern maker? Where do you get sizing information? Where do you get things like underwire for bras and things? Any help that anyone can be I would really appreciate. I want to start right away. Anyone know how much it takes roughly to start? Do most manufacturers in other countries speak english — fairly good? How do you get a trademark or copyright the name of your line? Does anyone know how to be a retailer of adult toys also?
    Thanks for any help!!
    Nicole

  5. Nicole on February 23rd, 2009 5:43 am

    Knicker Girls,
    Danae:

    Your series of articles aren’t all here. This is it! What happened. I really want to read all of it. The next article is partial. You stated in this article “Our next article, “Learning to design lingerie,” will go into the details about how to learn this difficult craft and how to find the resources you’ll need to support you. Until then, good luck with your first steps! ” Please let me know where I can read the entire series. I noticed on the second article others have had the same problem. It is so interesting know we are frusterated. It’s good, must have, helpfull info. Help us out!!!!

    Nicole

  6. Spencer on February 26th, 2009 9:33 am

    We are a lingerie manufacturing company in China. Please contact us for more info.

  7. Anastasia on March 9th, 2009 8:11 am

    If the price is the object of your research you’d be better of manufacturing in China. You can’t beat 5$ a day labor cost and with good marketing the sky is your limit. I mean, look at Victoria’s Secrets new Italian line, even though the label says “Made in China” I’m sure it means made in little Italy in Shanghai or little China in Rome or was it some of the Chinese laborers speak Italian? Well, anyway, my point is that with a good marketing plan you’ll sell snow to Santa Claus on a Christmas Day. Why not, every other little thing made in China. But, if quality is on top of your list you might want to look a little harder. Depends on how you visualize your line, what standards you want to set. Do you want to take pride in your product? I do. It’ll take a little longer to get on your feet, but as soon as the customer realize what you’re selling, he’ll keep coming back to you and it’ll worth it in the end. The easiest way to start manufacturing would probably be to find a Chinese manufacturer (online, trade shows), find a good selling lingerie line, change some details, threads, colors, etc. and start the production. They can make really good replicas. I’d ask for some samples first, catalogs, definitely, referrals, the company has to be established. By all means, I am not an expert and I don’t manufacture anything. Just my point of view.

  8. Lala on March 16th, 2009 9:44 pm

    To Anastasia – did you know that when you buy garments with the label “Made in Italy”, it is often so that the item is made elsewhere… but that the very label/tag is produced and sewed on in Italy. It’s a way of making the garments more exclusive… and they don’t lie.. technically.
    ~ L.

  9. keisha on March 19th, 2009 12:26 am

    I was wondering if I would need any other type of Business License to get started and would the Manufactors need to see it?

  10. Omer Saleem on March 26th, 2009 9:21 pm

    Dear Nicole,

    If you are still intrested in your own label or brand, then i think you and me can go together. I am from Pakistan and i can easily provide you turn key solution.

    If you are still intrested then do contact with me. I hope everything will become fine.

    Thanks.

    Omer Salee.
    00-92-321-6835589
    omersaleem@gmail.com

  11. Sushy on March 31st, 2009 5:30 pm

    Hi there all you lingerie designers. I’ve been designing my own lingerie for the past two years. I found business link, to be a complete waste of my time, as they were not taking me seriously and my mentor has said that it is simply a hobby of mine, well maybe intially, but I’m bloody serious and have ploughed plenty of my own money into this. And I still haven’t sold any just yet!! Anyway, I’m just about to start manufacturing my designs. Personally speaking, I don’t
    find that China to be all that cheap, considering the distance, time and barriers to communication. You will definitely need a an agent, someone who speaks english at a good level of communication, particularly written. I think also that China has the world’s loin’s share of lingerie manufacturing. What is to stop them from hiking their prices in a few years down the line and holding everyone hostage, because they can. I suggest someone closer to home. They have fantastic lingerie manufacturers in Turkey, Tunisia and Oman of all places. I’m hoping to get mine manufactured in Thailand, where I have seen the manufacturers and have liked what I saw and the price is very competitive. I went on to learn
    how to make bras my self in the end, as it was proving to be so expensive for my sample and besides I couldn’t get any one to do the samples for me last year for love or for money. I also visited The America’s Lingerie fair last year in NY. I was quite disappointed by it, it was the same old same old except for one designer whom I hadn’t heard of. But like the article states, find your niche, and don’t give up, we have such a fantastic tool at our fingertips, the internet. I did most of my research on google. If anyone has any specific questions regarding my quest for my own label, then I would be more than happy to answer them if you want to email me on funkpro@gmail.com
    Good luck!
    Sushy

  12. amanda on April 19th, 2009 4:43 pm

    Hi,

    im wondering if any body would know of a good lingerie design course to go?
    im based in london and am searching around but can only find a limited choice!

    many thanks guys x

  13. Alison on April 20th, 2009 6:26 pm

    Hi Amanda,

    There are a couple of courses at the London College of Fashion
    a beginners course for lingerie and swimwear and a lingerie workshop – hopefully this will help, but let us know if you need any other information!
    Alison

  14. Shawn on April 21st, 2009 12:34 pm

    I would also like to know what happened to the rest of the articles – I am very keen on designing lingerie and swimwear.

    I have found a fantastic site on stretch fabric pattern making – http://www.patternschool.com. I am now looking for something similar for lingerie designing. Anyone?

  15. flower on May 9th, 2009 2:40 pm

    Hi where can i find a Manufactor or designer in turkey?

  16. Brian on June 7th, 2009 5:08 am

    Here is one of the best sources to actually start a lingerie business. It’s called LingerieAnswers.com I’ve been in the industry and this would help anyone who’s starting. Visit http://www.lingerieanswers.com/lingerie/index.html

  17. adega on June 26th, 2009 12:29 pm

    please i support nicole in her enquires. how do i get materials, etc to start

    i live in nigeria so i too want know.

  18. Ram on July 4th, 2009 10:24 pm

    I have connections in India who would be happy to provide manufacturing of your designs, I am based in the UK and run a couple of businesses here and will be only too happy to venture into a new business with a serious person.

    I can help with production, packaging and shipping to the UK ready for selling. You would need to be able to have a marketing plan and be able to show how you will sell the products and who to.

    I can get the products manufactured in small quantaties to start with and should cost us very little to get the business moving.

    If you are serious about the business then contact me and we can work out a plan to get a production run made and shipped ready for market testing.

    If you think you could work with someone like me then get in touch with your proposal.

    email your proposal or business plan to ram@ponex.co.uk

  19. caroline van loon on July 28th, 2009 12:55 pm

    Hi everyone,

    I am starting my own lingery brand, however I am seeking for a highly talented lingery designer.

    I have a business finance background, so I am looking for a creative partner in the business I am setting up.

    I am based in London.

    If you think you are very talented in designing lingerie or have a lot of knowledge regarding the manufacturer side.
    Please contact me on carolinevanloon@hotmail.com

    Kind regards
    Caroline

  20. leslie on August 9th, 2009 11:46 pm

    starting a new line underwear need manufacture.Thanks Leslie

  21. Mansi Lal Sawant on October 12th, 2009 6:56 am

    I’ve heard Vietnam also has low manufacturing costs.
    I’m starting a lingerie business in India. If there are exporters from China, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand on this forum; would be happy to connect to them.
    Please contact me on mansilalsawant@rediffmail.com

  22. Estelle on October 23rd, 2009 9:57 am

    I am going to be starting a small, luxury lingerie line to be sold online (and hopefully in stores later on) and need someone who is able to manufacture my designs at low-cost.

    Please contact me on e.puleston@hotmail.co.uk

    Thank you

  23. Michael David on November 5th, 2009 6:24 am

    Want to be a designer? you need to love the product!
    And to keep the quality high you must have control over the production.
    If you are in the UK have it made in the UK, USA, make it there.
    Quality without compromise keep it close and love what you do.

  24. Annika on November 10th, 2009 12:21 pm

    If anyone needs a freelance lingerie designer, I have great ideas, please get in touch!

  25. Jane on November 16th, 2009 4:23 pm

    I’m fr graphic art design, advertising background, I don’t know why I’m always passionate to start off designing my own lingerie label somewhat in future and make a 1st appearance in my local scene, now i’m researching to start of my foundation in lingerie design.

    Btw, I based in Malaysia. Manufacture wise i think still ok. Anyone could kindly share and advise me do email me ya ;)

  26. kari on November 19th, 2009 3:13 am

    hello, my name is kari an i am in the process of designing an selling my own lingerie line! can u give me any tips such as step by step to being successful an wht i can expect to pay a clothing manufaturer to start with a small bulk of clothing? any information would be greatly appreciated! thank you!

  27. Sandy on December 8th, 2009 3:48 am

    I am starting my own business, will run a small callection early 2010, I have my own designs and will manufacture them in Colombia SA, is probably just as cheap than china but i feel quality is better.. I think China and vietnam are for the big picture as far as production, not for starters, though I found Colombia to be very competitive in the industry..

  28. mingtao on December 14th, 2009 9:07 am

    hi,I am from China mainland and is making some different lingeries in styles .I have lower cost and hign quality and high reputation.welcome to give cooperation to me .I trust I should be a honesty friend with each other.
    my msn:queenpen@live.cn.I am waiting for you .

  29. Sexy Pants on December 28th, 2009 7:38 pm

    Fantastic article. I wish I’d have had this kind of information before I started designing Lingerie, would have saved me years of heart ache. I design for a large company now (won’t name them) but still long to go it alone.

    Might just try again……

    Thanks

  30. Joy on January 3rd, 2010 10:06 pm

    Message for Annika – you said you’re a freelance lingerie designer – fantastic! I’m looking for someone with wisdom in lingerie design to help me. Would it be possible to talk on email please? I’m on joy.matthews@dmwgroup.co.uk Thanks in advance – Joy

  31. Bea on January 11th, 2010 12:31 pm

    Hi Amanda,

    http://www.lingeriemasterclasses.blogspot.com/

    I went to a workshop last October , which was fun and very professional.
    They also do offer corsetry workshops etc.

    http://www.morleycollege.ac.uk started running some basic lingerie classes, since last summer.

    I wonder if anybody could give some feedback on De Montfort University?
    Courses are rather pricy, so is it worth it?

    cheers

  32. Ann-Marie Stephenson on January 11th, 2010 5:19 pm

    Hi everyone, I started my own website a few months ago as a retailer, however I am also looking into designing and manufacturing my own range. I have lots of great ideas but I’m in need of help to find a manufacturing company in the UK and starting my own lingerie label. If anyone has any advise on this I would be most grateful.

    Best wishes

    A-M x

  33. Ann-Marie Stephenson on January 11th, 2010 5:22 pm

    Also does anyone know of places online that sell unusual high quality fabric?

    Thanks

    A-M x

  34. Linda on February 1st, 2010 6:24 pm

    Hello I made my lingerie and sold it in my own store now I am looking to do it with another party I can't sew anymore and have a great lingerie line that nobody has out there yet! I have been to numerous shows and again nothing is out there I would like to run with somebody if you are intrested.. drop me a line hellogorgius@comcast.net many Thanks,

  35. Frances on February 5th, 2010 2:48 pm

    I have been a successful lingerie designer for 20 years, and I would be glad to help any aspiring designer – I have a new blog dedicated to it

    http://francessmily.com/how-to-become-a-lingerie-...

    I'd be glad to answer any questions….

  36. Jayne Bailey on February 9th, 2010 9:05 am

    Hi there i am interested in getting some bra set samples made up, please advise me on how you could help me in any way. Kindest Regards, Jayne.

    Please e mail me at ladyjb9905@yahoo.co.uk

  37. Dishi on February 10th, 2010 10:22 am

    Hi,

    Can you email me on dishi.kaur@gmail.com so that we can discuss further. I am very interested.

    Thanks

  38. Maxine on February 13th, 2010 4:20 pm

    Hi Nicole.
    Do you still need a manufacturer?
    I am a freelance lingerie specialist and am in the processs of setting up a small lingerie production line in South East London.
    If you are based in the UK then this can be beneficial to you in regards to communication and travel. I aim to build the bridge between sample runs and bulk production in eastern countries, being flexible in timescale and quantities.
    I understand the difficulty in finding suppliers and and various info. Once graduated In Contour Fashion I began producing a label for a couple of boutiques, I had the sames struggles as you because fabric manufacturers require minimum orders of 400 or more meters of lace etc. Theres a fabric and trimmings supplier I go to who has helped me a lot and is based in the UK if you want his details. Theres also another great trimming supplier in the UK.
    I won't ramble on.
    If you need a lingerie or corsetry pattern cutter, grader, seamstress, designer etc or to learn any more about what I do then please don't hesitate to get in touch.
    Regards
    Maxine
    maxine.wells23@googlemail.com

  39. Maxine on February 13th, 2010 5:17 pm

    Hi Bea,
    I went to DMU and absolutley loved it. It's the most advanced course in the world, and industry specialists, even when from another country, are impressed when you tell them where you graduate from. Not that I'm saying it's a definate path to success as the industry is small but you definatly stand a little further from the crowd when you have the title.
    There was mixed opinions from my course mates, some saying it was badly run etc but I think most Uni's are, according to friends of other uni's.
    I'm really happy I went as you gain really broad skills and cover everything. You also get live breifs which involve producing collections for well known companies with the possibility of getting your stuff into production.
    Hope this helps, maybe someone else can give their opinion on it too….
    Max

  40. Maxine on February 13th, 2010 5:21 pm

    I provide a wide range of lingerie services with my own london based studio. I aim to have a small lingerie production line up and running in a month or two . Contact me: maxine.wells23@googlemail.com to discuss.
    Regards,
    Maxine

  41. Keala on February 15th, 2010 11:04 pm

    Hi does anyone know of lingerie construction classes in New York?

  42. Nabila on February 17th, 2010 8:06 pm

    Hi Frances,
    I saw your website and your collections are beautiful.
    I want tips and advise on becoming a lingerie designer. How do I start?
    my email address is……talk2nabs@hotmail.com
    Thank you

  43. Frances on February 19th, 2010 11:35 pm

    Yes, you can go to Exotic Silks exoticsilks.com

  44. Annabel on February 20th, 2010 4:39 pm

    Hello Annika. Where do you live?

  45. Tony on February 25th, 2010 7:41 pm

    hi all, I'm looking for a female lingerie disgner, she may reach me at : saudi-broker@hotmail.com

    Thanks :)

  46. Jane on February 25th, 2010 7:31 pm

    Hi, anybody out there have experience in designing a Bra..? with matching briefs…. We are looking for a stylist/ designer for a new line..

    Contact me.. please.
    jlvforu@hotmail.com

  47. Gagan on February 28th, 2010 10:13 am

    Hi. I represent a Lingerie Manufacturing company based in Noida(next to Delhi) in India. We specialise in manufacturing high end upmarket lingerie products like Knickers, Babydoll dresses, Cami, Bras, bedjackets etc. We are already manufacturing for our clients in Australia and France. We have added on our production capacity and are looking for new clients. Please drop in an email at kdcpl@airtelmail.in . Thanks, Gagan

  48. Fannie on March 17th, 2010 2:06 pm

    Hi, I am planning to open my boutique in Montreal, Canada, and I want to offer my clients some "soft cup" bras, at a resonable cost. You can reach me at fstamour76@hotmail.com for more info.

  49. Ashley W. on April 11th, 2010 2:43 am

    Hello everyone. My name is Ashley and I am 22 years old. I have been working in the lingerie business for several years now and have decided that I would love to design bras myself. Though I thrive in retail, I feel I would be better suited for the design process. I have so many ideas for bra designs its insane, however I have absolutely no idea how to make my designs into a reality. I am from a very small town in Tennessee and there are no resources here to help fuel my dream. If anyone has any advice or suggestions for me please do not hesitate to tell me! Best wishes.

  50. subhasish on April 13th, 2010 6:38 pm

    hi prerna,
    i am looking for designers contacts me at subhasish.kolkata@yahoo.com

  51. subhasish on April 13th, 2010 6:35 pm

    hi Annika

    I was looking for a good designer you can contact me at subhasish.kolkata@yahoo.com

  52. Mia on April 20th, 2010 3:41 am

    Hello my name is Mia And i looking for a lingerie manufacture please contact me with your information. my email address is miaakilah@gamil.com thank you ,
    mia

  53. trade lingerie on May 3rd, 2010 4:14 pm

    You are looking to start up a lingerie online store, well its not as easy as it seems, alot
    of good and bad quesitons to ask yourself, if you have found a supplier the first thing you should do is google them, with google maps as this is a sure way to find out if they are for real, so many people have sent money to companys they have never checked out and lose the lot, with google maps, you can find out where they are what type of area they are in and if its going to be a spam.

    By doing this way you will find out if they are on a housing estate or work from a flat.
    its the easyest way to find out where they are and cost nothing, at trade lingerie google us on google earth with the post code ox25 6hx and you will see what i mean, we sell lingerie and costumes, and sell all over the world. we can be found athttp://www.trade-lingerie.com

  54. trade lingerie on May 3rd, 2010 4:18 pm

    we import lingerie ie corsets babydolls and costumes from china if you are interested you can have a look at our sitehttp://www.trade-lingerie.com

  55. natalie on May 6th, 2010 7:43 pm

    london college of fashion do a summer course- morley college do a weekend pattern course

  56. natalie on May 6th, 2010 7:39 pm

    Hi

    I am a lingerie designer been in the industry for just over three years. I work for a supplier designing lingerie for one of the UK largest retailers. Would love to start my own label but dont currenly have the start up funds. I am looking for a new challege, I am currenly working part time designing, sourcing fabric and working with factories in china and sri lanka. im looking for a new challege, if anyone would like a part time designer or would like to work on starting a label. feel free to contact me- natalie

    nataliepaul50@hotmail.com

  57. Robert on May 10th, 2010 2:36 pm

    Hi Annika, I am looking for a freelance designer that I can work with possibly over a long period of time. I have already sourced materials (haven't seen it used in lingeri before) and it will be very easy to source manufacturing bases. I know how they operate, I have good contacts in China and speak Chinese. I am looking at sleep wear primarily eg. babydolls.

    I need some designs and some help with material selsction so designs can be sent and samples made, then when they come in some QC. Maybe there will be more opportunity than just freelance work in the future.

    Contact me on 07950859338 or email rbutchins@live.co.uk

    Best wishes

    Robert

  58. natalie on May 12th, 2010 10:12 pm

    hi were are you based- im looking for soe freelance work been designing lingerie for four years

  59. Terry on May 18th, 2010 3:46 pm

    Natalie i have sent you an email can you read it and either reply by email or by phone.

    Thanks

    Terry

    sonyblueray@hotmail.com

  60. Terry on May 18th, 2010 4:05 pm

    Hi Francis

    I am looking to get started to and would very much like some advise on getting samples made up and how to promote the product.

    Thanks

    Terry

    sonyblueray@hotmail.com

  61. Terry on May 18th, 2010 6:34 pm

    I am looking for someone with the knowledge of the lingerie business to work with on creating a new label if anyone is interested.

    Sonyblueray@hotmail.com

  62. Plaxedes on May 20th, 2010 11:51 am

    I am planning on starting a lingerie retail store and am looking for suppliers. I’m in Harare,Zimbabwe. Manufacturers out there,here’s your chance to penetrate the Zim market!!!

  63. Plaxedes on May 20th, 2010 12:02 pm

    e-mail me on plaxie06@yahoo.ca

  64. Terry on May 28th, 2010 1:35 pm

    I am looking for a lingerie designer all that is is required is their expertise and knowledge so i am able to start a new label and brand.

    The financial side and costs i will take care of.

    i can be contacted at sonyblueray@hotmail.com

    Thanks.

  65. Stephanie on June 3rd, 2010 1:29 am

    Hello All,
    I am in the process of starting an online lingerie business catering to a specific niche. I have had much difficulty finding quality manufacturers that can make my designs, or that have some designs that I could sell.

    I have spent several months researching this industry and finding what is needed for my business and the missing piece right now is finding a quality manufacturer that I can work with to produce my designs at a fairly inexpensive price. They would be in small quantities to start..

    If anyone has any information that can help, I would be greatly appreciated.

    I can be reached at steph76rose@yahoo.com
    Kind Regards,

  66. Ranjna on June 4th, 2010 9:42 am

    Hi Annika,

    Are you still doing your freelance lingerie designing? I'm working on my own line and would love to see your ideas. Are you in India? Email me at javanibeauty@yahoo.com
    Thanks,
    Ranjna

  67. Trissha on June 5th, 2010 2:02 am

    Hi . I am looking for a corset designer trissha (dot) CA

  68. Emma Cook on June 12th, 2010 7:00 pm

    Hi Annika
    I'm starting a new business with bras for a specific market. I am not a designer, but know from experience how I want my bras to look and feel.
    Where are you based? I am in UK.
    Please email me on Emma.Cook1@hotmail.co.uk
    Thanks

  69. Emma Cook on June 12th, 2010 7:03 pm

    Hi
    I am looking for a female lingerie designer. I am manufacturing a selection of bras for a specific market but I am not a designer.
    If you are freelance please contact me with approximate pricing. Emma.Cook1@hotmail.co.uk
    Thanks
    Emma

  70. MICHELLE on June 15th, 2010 4:16 am

    HI SANDY,HOW DO YOU EVEN FIND A MANUFACTURER?

  71. Neva Shabazz on June 16th, 2010 11:58 am

    I'd like some prototypes made up for some briefs that I designed. It is not on the market and would like some samples made of it before full manufacturing. Could you do something like this?

  72. Elaine on June 19th, 2010 1:37 pm

    What is your e mail Plaxedes?

  73. coralie on June 29th, 2010 3:32 pm

    Hi,
    I am a just graduated fashion designer from paris by the end of july I ll be ending 7 month of internship at Chantal Thomass,
    I would love to moove to london to start my career in lingerie,
    if you are interesting on knowing more about me, please feel free to contact me at: llucia.coralie@gmail.com.
    best regard,

    coralie

  74. Angela on July 5th, 2010 8:18 am

    Hi, I am also looking for a manufacture. my email is admin@Msundercover.com

  75. sam on July 7th, 2010 8:25 am

    hi all i work with a lingerie manufacturing firm, we are looking to hire the services of a professionally trained patternmaker/ or a pattern making firm dealing specifically with lingerie!

    if there is anyone out there who can help by giving some names/ numbers/ site address i would really appreciate. mainly intrested in some body from turkey, sri lanka, thailand/ honkong, or mainly from south east asia.

    hope to hear from some one.

  76. SAM on July 7th, 2010 8:31 am

    hi all i work with a lingerie manufacturing firm, we are looking to hire the services of a professionally trained patternmaker/ or a pattern making firm dealing specifically with lingerie!

    if there is anyone out there who can help by giving some names/ numbers/ site address i would really appreciate. mainly intrested in some body from turkey, sri lanka, thailand/ honkong, or mainly from south east asia.

  77. Uzo Abba on July 13th, 2010 3:22 pm

    Hi Jane,

    Sent you an email. Please get back to me.

    Thanks

  78. Christine on July 13th, 2010 3:28 pm

    Hi Tony,

    Sent you an email. Please reply.

  79. Christine on July 13th, 2010 4:21 pm

    Hi Natalie,

    I sent you an email. Please read and reply.

    Thank you
    Christine

  80. Christine on July 13th, 2010 4:33 pm

    Hi Terry,

    Sent you an email. Please read and reply. Thank you.

  81. Christine on July 13th, 2010 4:46 pm

    Hi Coralie,

    Sent you an email. Please read and reply. Thank you

  82. Alison on July 16th, 2010 8:55 am

    Just to let you all know, we also have Knickers Community where you can also discuss with and meet fellow lingerie lovers and upcoming designers. It's currently free to join – just go to http://knickers.ning.com/

    Alison

  83. Sultry Lingerie for Women to Heat up those Hot Summer Nights with your sweetheart or just for you. NSFW | Blashionista on July 25th, 2010 5:24 am

    [...] Want to be a lingerie designer. [...]

  84. Caitlin on August 27th, 2010 5:55 am

    Hi my name is Caitlin and I am looking at starting my own lingerie line in Australia. I would like to know the processes of having lingerie manufactured from my designs, as well as whether your manufacturing includes finding the correct materials to make the bras too. Please contact me on caitlin-curran@hotmail.com
    Thank you

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