November 2007

In This Issue

	The Bra is 100 years old this year!
	Newsworthy Notes
	Underworld Factoid

In Our Next Issue

	Give the Best Lingerie Gifts This Holiday Season
	Holiday Lingerie Trends with the WOW Factor

I love a party!  Whether it's a birthday, an anniversary or a holiday get-together, nothing lights up your life like a celebration.  This month we pull out the party favours and salute the 100th Anniversary of the bra!  Plus, the festive season is just around the corner.  If you're planning to purchase a sexy, revealing dress or top, then check out our pro tips for selecting the perfect strapless bra.

THE BRA IS 100 YEARS OLD THIS YEAR!

What is the most used item in everyday life that requires as much engineering and design as a bridge?  A bra!

Delicate fabric, exquisite details and curve-hugging cups make the bra an ultimate symbol of femininity, but behind the fragile exterior lies tough design, grueling construction and complicated science.  There are over 40 components of a bra.  Here's a snapshot of the history and evolution of the bra.

The Beginning Earliest bras were metal corsets...ouch!

1907 Vogue introduces the term "brassiere", based on the French word meaning "upper arm".

1910 Socialite Mary Jacob fashions a backless bra from two handkerchiefs, a ribbon and a bow.

1922 Bandeau-style bras give the flappers' boyish looks, then Ida and William Rosenthal with Enid Bisset, fashion a bandeau with cups that separate and celebrate the breasts.

1928 The first bra is available in different cup sizes.

1939 The word bra is added to the English dictionary.

1942 Bras with adjustable bra-strap fasteners are introduced.

1959 The invention of LYCRA® fiber creates a revolution in comfort and fit, seaming is a key feature.

The 60s Bra burning and freedom-loving, braless women are everywhere; bras with less structure become popular but seamed bras are still mainstream.

The 70s Advancements in LYCRA® fiber technology allow for the creation of more modern shaping as bra styles evolve to present day; seamless bras become popular under knits.

Did You Know...
* Each woman owns an average of six and a half bras.
* Over 4 million new bras are created on average every day.
* Consumers spend around $16 billion a year on bras.
* In the last 15 years, the average bust size has increased from 34B to 36C.
* Women's breasts can range from 10 ounces to 20 pounds.
* A 1.6-ounce bra has to support all shapes and sizes in between.
Source: NBC/TodayShow.com

NEWSWORTHY NOTES

On October 16, I was a guest on Breakfast Television, which was amazing for two reasons.  First, I had the opportunity to talk about the topic that's nearest and dearest to my heart...bras!  And to tell viewers about the history of this amazing garment, as it celebrates its 100th Anniversary this year.  Secondly, I was thrilled to have the chance to meet host Dina Pugliese, whom I have always admired.  She is such a pro and was so enthusiastic and interested to learn about bras!

On October 17, I was a guest on Toronto's 99.9 Mix FM, The Mad Dog and Billie Morning Show, to talk about bra-fittings and the 100th Anniversary of the bra.  As Billie and I discussed breast sizes and bra styles, Mad Dog listened raptly and commented, "I LOVE this topic, this is the best interview I've ever heard!". Isn't that just like a man?

UNDERWORLD FACTOID

Choosing the perfect strapless bra is easy when you know how.  Your strapless bra should look just like your regular bra when it's on, meaning it should not create a line at the top of the bust.  The most important thing to remember is, you can't go by the size of your regular bra.  There are two key steps ... first select a smaller back or band size.  This gives more lift and support.  Second, a larger cup accommodates the breast's fullness, which alleviates the 'sausage' appearance.  Always try on a strapless bra, it's worth the time it takes.

Simone Pérèle Paris - Fidgi available in ivory, nutmeg and black, $139   Marie Jo - Avero available in ivory, cognac and black, $139   Chantelle - Senso 2705 available in sand and black, $99

Until next month!

Liliana