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Nowadays, we give awards for just about everything - actors, films, music videos, fashion, people who think they can sing (American Idol), models, people who think they can dance (that’s pretty self explanatory). And the list goes on and on. One of the most recent awards ceremonies - the lingerie awards - brought out some little known designers to represent some of the lesser appreciated items women put on every day. And if you think about it, it probably makes a little more sense than making a wannabe singer from the Midwest, the next big sensation.
The awards were started by Ben Yedder, the publisher of intimate apparel industry magazine Contours. The event, known as the Contours International Lingerie Awards (CILA) recognizes the creative efforts and advances of the top lingerie companies and designers in the U.S. and over seas.

The event took place this month in New York and featured a fashion show, showcasing top designers. The designers ranged from better-known brands likeWacoal and Le Mystere, to smaller lines like Marlies Dekker - and even a lingerie maternity line. More than 80 designers entered, representing eight countries. The winners of categories like “Best T-Shirt Bra,” “Best Day Wear,” “Best Nightwear Glamour” designated by a panel of industry members - including designers, models and executives.

Some companies were finalists in multiple categories. The CEO of Le Mystere says he was a little surprised they didn’t win “Best Innovative” for their bra that’s specifically designed for augmented women. He said the company “had a doctor who spent over 10 years getting it to fit perfectly.” The company did win “Best Bridal” this year.
Other winners included John Galliano for “Best Fashion Couture,” Marlies Dekker for “Best Fashion,” Chantelle for “Best Technically Innovative,” and Wacoal for “Best Seamless.”

A lingerie show may not seem as exciting as Fashion Week, or the debut of the fall or spring line, but considering underwear and lingerie are the foundation of about 50% of the population, the styles that are debuted and the awards that are won in this realm will probably end up meaning more in womens’ day to day lives. Which is why we’re actually glad there are awards like “Best Robes / Loungewear,” “Best D+,” and “Best Control/Shapewear Glamour.” Those titles may sound less glam than some of the offerings in the more mainstream fashion world, but it sure beats watching a guy jump over 15 chairs because he thinks he’s got talent.