LAS VEGAS—At the twice-annual International Lingerie Show, which kicked off a three-day show yesterday at the convention center in the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, retailers and wholesale buyers hit the show floor in search of what's new in the world of intimate apparel, adult toys and accessories. Here are some observations from the first day on the show floor.
Bristols Six has a selection of new designs and patterns in its trademark Nippies line of pasties, including plaid and lace hearts, and hologram and faux-sequined stars. The company is also premiering a new line of plus-size pasties, as well as new bras and garter belts in red plaid and neon colors, and a G-string with foil stars that coordinates with silver star-shaped pasties.
Delyn Chow at Seven ’til Midnight (“...when the fun begins”) pointed out the company's new collection of tutus in vibrant colors, including rainbow, and petticoats. The company is offering a promotional 16-month calendar that also serves as a catalog, and Chow noted that wholesale buyers will be interested in the company's closeout sale on panties.
Brian Howlett at Eldorado said that bright neon colors are the new trend in toys, and there is new interest in anal toys for men. "It's getting huge. There's more heterosexual interest in it. And the toys are more playful," he added, gesturing to the Tenniel-inspired Wonderland vibrators from Doc Johnson.
Howlett also opined that there is less explicit nudity in packaging ("I haven't seen anything with a naked woman on it") and more use of multiple languages on packages.
Wet is releasing its new Uranus lube, for anal use. Available in water and silicone formulations, it's thicker than other Wet formulas "because you need more cushion," said Jennifer Martsolf, vice president of marketing for Wet parent company Trigg Laboratories. "So you can boldly go to the unexplored. For those curious Rover missions."
Nature Lovin' Lubricants showcased its new masculine lines aimed at gay men, including an oil-based masturbation creme, and a glow-in-the-dark lube. "It should be on every college boy's nightstand," said Lou Rivers, CEO of Nature Lovin' Lubricants.
Screaming O has added a lip balm to its Studio Collection of sex toys and stimulating gels disguised as makeup items, and the company has also added a box offering the complete collection. A set of batteries is now available to refill the battery-holder case. Also coming from Screaming O are a toy cleaner that looks like a pen and a four-speed bullet vibe covered n soft plastic.
One Condoms just got FDA approval for their new lubes, the water-based Oasis and the silicone-based Move, the company's Jared Maraio told AVN. "It's bio-compatible, with no harsh chemicals, and condom friendly," The company is also promoting its new Tantra textured condom, with a texture that looks like a tattoo.
At Sportsheets, Tom Stewart is still riding the "Fifty Shades" wave. "We were there before 'Fifty Shades' took off. We've added a masquerade mask, Silky Sash and a crop. We've been selling grey ties and masks by the thousands.
"We've doubled our sales since last year. Our business isn't the same. It's amazing. It's creating opportunities we never had before. I think it's going to continue. We're going to ride the wave, and when the wave recedes the shoreline is going to be higher."
Body Zone is offering lingerie-styled clubwear in neon colors that fluoresces under blacklight. "The club dancers love it, and the ravers really love it," marketing manager Freddy Lula told AVN. "I think we sell more of these to the rave kids."
Jopen is featuring a new line called Key by Jopen. "Affordable luxury" is the byword for the new vibrators and insertables that have MSRPs between $39.99 and $89.99. Featuring silicone shells, multi-speed and pulse vibrations and exotic names like Nyx and Io, the eye-catching line adds an affordable alternative to the high-end Jopen line.
Vibratex is promoting its Tulip, a small vibrator with a variable-speed vibrating silicone head surrounded by four soft silicone petals. Right below the head, the neck lights up when it's in use. MSRP is $29.99.
Evolved Novelties is now the licensee for Adam & Eve lube products as well as their own lines of lube products. The company also has new items in the Kendra Wilkinson "Love Candy" signature line, including lubes and vibes, which will ship at the end of the month.
We-Vibe is introducing Thrill (pictured above), a variation on the classic We-Vibe with a handle and thumb control for solo use. Made with thermoplastic and silicone, MSRP is $169.95.
Distributor Dennis Paradise, watching the action on the show floor, said, "If you're looking for a quote—ask someone else."
The International Lingerie Show will continue at the Rio through Wednesday. Admission is restricted to qualified retail participants.
