Funny, Valentine's Day gets the world thinking about underwear, a traditional gift that suggests the possibility of frilly moments of intimacy. Just in time for the season, there's a new source for lingerie laces and satins. Pour Elle & Lui (For Her & Him) opened this week at Towson Town Center, and it's not for her and him to wear, but for her to wear and him to appreciate. The French have a talent for lingerie, as they do for cooking -- delicious but never heavy-handed. A bit of this, a -- of that and voila! a saucy confection.
The shop is the brainchild of Phillip Martien, a transplanted Parisian now living in Baltimore who says his wife has had to shop in Paris to get the quality lingerie she is accustomed to. He thought Baltimore was ready for a shop that deals with imported underpinnings exclusively.
It's his first venture in retailing, but he's undaunted, and he's French.
"I saw what people were selling, and I thought it was time to bring the quality and sensuality of French products to women here," he says. As the name implies, it's not just women he plans to pamper at the shop. The dressing rooms built for two are set up so that a couple can share the experience.
The decor is built on a red-white-and-blue theme, tricolors shared by America and France. But if you wonder whether that brings to mind saluting or seducing have no fear, the stock is all prettiness from manufacturers such as Chantal Thomas, Lejaby and Aubade. Women may not want to wait for their Valentine to get the message. For more information, call (410) 339-7331. Manager Evelyne Schwab, a fitter with many years experience in the business, can explain the European sizing and labels. The charming French accent is infectious.
There's a new supermodel at Saks Fifth Avenue. Her name is Frannie, and she's the new mannequin. She's been sculpted to more closely resemble today's woman. Tall, lean and athletic, but with curves. No wigs and glaring makeup for her, just a finely sculpted face and a suggestion of coiffure. Saks stores will, over time, retire bone-thin "older girls" for the newer model.
The National Association of Fashion and Accessory Designers has a new chapter in Baltimore County. The group, which is a support organization of professional African-American designers, plans an April 9 gala and fashion show at the Forum to mark the event.
The clothes at the show will be judged by a panel of experts, and those that qualify will also be presented at the national show at St. Louis this summer. Designers who are interested in affiliating with NAFAD or seeking more information may call (410) 265-1834.