HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - Shirley of Hollywood's "Divine for 2009" collection of affordable, fashion-forward lingerie is revealed in the company's newly released Big Book. The 176-page tome is filled with all-new looks that build on the 60th Diamond Anniversary Collection released in 2008.
The models displaying the collection are the winners of the "60 Years of Sexy" model-search contest the company hosted last year.
"We've built on the momentum of our year-long ‘60 Years of Sexy' celebration in 2008 to put together the most daring, dramatic and divine Shirley collection ever for 2009," said Shirley of Hollywood president Roy Schlobohm. "This year, it's a special thrill to have the winners of Shirley's Sexy Model Search join the ranks of other beautiful models who have appeared in the pages of our famed catalogs. We're proud to have them join the Shirley family."
The winner of Shirley's first-ever Sexy Model Search, Brandi Reed of Miami (sponsored in the contest by Play Things), makes her Shirley modeling debut on the back cover of the 2009 Big Book wearing Shirley's Stretch Dot Lace Chemise. Inside, she appears in Shirley's Bridal Collection.
Sexy Model Search runner up Ashley Lowe of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (sponsored by Naughty But Nice), is featured on the front cover in Shirley's Heavy Satin and Lace Corset.
More than 500 aspiring models from across the U.S. entered the contest in hopes of winning a Shirley modeling contract. Prizes included a glamorous Hollywood photo shoot for Shirley's 2009 collection, styling in Shirley's lavish lingerie, professional photos for their portfolio and an appearance in Shirley's famed catalogs, which are distributed worldwide.
The top 20 finalists attended a weekend celebration featuring Shirley's Sexy Model Search Finale Fashion Show at Sheraton Cable Beach Resort and Crystal Palace Casino Ballroom in Nassau, Bahamas, last September. The young women were introduced during a private pre-event dinner hosted by billionaire fashion designer Peter Nygard.
The 2009 collection is a prize-winner itself, according to Dana Walczuk, Shirley of Hollywood's director of design.
"We're showing off corsets, corsets and more corsets, plus all new ready-to-wear items, including more skirts, pants, sexy blouses and dresses than ever before, along with all the Shirley lingerie women and men love," she said.
In Walczuk's estimation, standouts from the 2009 collection include:
- A knit trio with built in slightly padded bra, beaded halter straps, shirred bust and side lace panels in black, hot pink print or natural print. It's available in three styles: a long knit gown that ties in back for greater fit, a knit chemise with gathered front and a knit top that pairs beautifully with jeans, pants or skirt for on-the-town wear or with matching knit thong or knit boy short for at-home lounging.
- A stretch satin corset with sash-style bow in front, separating hook-front metal busk and lace-up ribbon back.
- A heavy satin strapless corset and G-string with exposed spiral boning, corded lace-up front and back with metal hook busk and elasticized strappy front.
- A new "sparkle, shine and shake it" lined sequin and beaded fringe group consisting of a "Dance with Your Star" chemise, a two-piece triangle top and thong panty, and a teddy in stretch mesh.
- A shirred-knit, off-the-shoulder version of the classic little black dress with ties at shoulder, elasticized cuffs and hem.
- A goth-inspired Skullduggery Corset with a metal zipper front and lace-up ribbon back.
- Shirley's chiffon ruffled blouse with elasticized sleeves, contrasting stitching and pearl buttons.
- An edgy satin-and-chain "Make it Metallic" group including softly padded underwire bra, a strappy G-string, a pleated satin miniskirt with chain accents (including removable chain garters) and a chemise.
"More than 90 percent of our corsets cross over from the bedroom to the boardroom or nightclub, [so they're perfect merchandise] for both intimate lingerie or ready-to-wear stores," said Eric Schlobohm, Shirley's international director of sales and marketing. "We're receiving rave reviews from our buyers."
Added Roy Schlobohm, "At Shirley, every product is a labor of love. We handpick our own fine fabrics and design every garment to meet our high-end specifications, just like my Dad, Herman Schlobohm, did back in 1948 when he founded Shirley of Hollywood. We treat every customer as a cherished member of the Shirley family, because that's what we are: a family. We keep business as personal as the lingerie we sell."
For more information about Shirley of Hollywood and its collections, visit the manufacturer's website at ShirleyOfHollywood.com. To request a 2009 Big Book, call (800) 421-9359 or email the company.
