IN FORM®

By Adam Welsch
Cupid Intimates

Periodically, the news media expose unethical labor practices being used in factories throughout the world.  Sometimes the problems involve child labor; other times, unsafe working conditions, unreasonably long hours or low pay, or even the physical abuse of workers.  Often, such stories are publicized because they involve world-renowned companies, celebrity owners, or well-known endorsers.  However, for every case connected to a famous brand or entertainer, there are likely a multitude of others involving companies and products of which most people have never heard.  And while such cases today, more often than not, occur in less-developed nations, we shouldn’t forget that unsafe factory conditions, as exemplified by the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911, were common in the United States until the early part of the 20^th century.  And unfortunately, sweatshops can still be found in America today. (more…)

By MaryJo Kosisher-Demski
Cupid Intimates

You’re late, you’re late, and it’s not for an important date.  Congrats – you’ve just been told you’re about to be a momma!  Now, you’re facing nine months of turbulent emotions, topsy-turvy hormones, odd cravings, baby names, strangers patting your expanding belly as if you’re the Buddha, and other crazy changes you just can’t fathom – such as breasts growing to an unbelievable size.

While I’ve yet to take the dive into motherhood myself, I have plenty of friends who are moms or moms-to-be.  And to my vexed amusement, for many of them, my connection to the intimate apparel industry has somehow morphed me into a cross between Dr. Ruth Westheimer and Jack Welch.  At the expense of TMI, they’ve offered great “real world” observations about lingerie and shapewear, including opinions about which products need to be improved upon for the masses. (more…)

By MaryJo Kosisher-Demski
Cupid Intimates

My mom’s always been a certified game show junkie (and a Bingo junkie as well, but that’s a whole separate posting).  Thanks to this addiction, as well as the fact that we only had one TV, I spent an inordinate amount of time watching quiz shows during my formative years.  “Family Feud;” “Card Sharks;” “Treasure Hunt;” “Concentration” – you name it and I’ll know it.  Why the game-show reference in an intimate apparel blog?  Just utter the word “bra” to fifty randomly-selected people and almost as many different mental images will spring into their minds, depending on their age, cultural exposure, reproductive state, gender, etc.  It’s almost like “The $25,000 Pyramid” where players attempted to guess a series of words based on descriptions given to them by their teammates.  Since there are many different types of bras, let’s decipher some of the most common: (more…)

By Adam Welsch
Cupid Intimates

It’s awards season.  Perhaps you’ve already seen the 2010 Golden Globe®, People’s Choice, Screen Actors Guild, and/or Grammy® Awards shows.  Few people will miss the Academy Awards® in early March.  But how many of you know that the 2010 Femmy Awards were presented last week?  “The Emmy® Awards?” you say.   No, not the Emmys® – those for Primetime TV will be presented at the end of August.  The Femmys. They’re presented each year by The Underfashion Club, Inc. to members of the intimate apparel industry for their achievements.  This year’s Femmy Gala took place at Cipriani 42nd Street in Manhattan on February 2nd. (more…)