Latvia Hosts its Lingerie Forum

The forum was hosted by the mayor of Liepaja, Mr Uldis Sesks, and the director of the LIAA, Mr Andris Ozols. Speakers included key figures within the international lingerie industry including the Editorial Director of Intima magazines Mrs Francesca Spinetta, who gave a keynote speech and an informative overview of the current global lingerie trends. Another speaker Anton Dell, founder of Anton Dell Fashion Consultancy, provided an analysis of what makes brands successful and how to attract agents in the new markets. Meanwhile Jonathan Jacobs who has worked in the retail and manufacturing industry for over 30 years, spoke about the challenges of entering new markets and how to overcome the obstacles of entering the mature UK lingerie market. Lastly, the popular Dutch blogger Edith Dohmen spoke about the growing role played by social media in brand development, and how it can help lingerie firms reach their customers. Other notable speakers included the Chairman of the Board of Association of Latvian Lingerie Manufacturers Mr. Jurijs Hadarovičs, as well as Mr. Mikhail Uvarov, President of the Association for the Support of Manufacturers and Retailers of underwear and legwear, who spoke about the major changes in the Russian lingerie market.
The textile sector is a cornerstone of Latvian industry, contributing 4.4% to the country’s GDP, and lingerie production in Liepaja plays an integral part as the city hosts more than 70 manufacturers and brands. Among them is Lauma Fabrics; operating out of a 107,639 ft2 building in Liepaja, along with their newly acquired factory in Germany, it produces textiles and lace for big European names such as Triumph, Chantelle and Van de Velde. They also continue to supply growing Latvian lingerie brands that are fast expanding to new markets in Europe and beyond.
Guests were also invited to visit some of Latvia’s other large textiles and lace factories, which include Lauma Fabrics, V.O.V.A, Orhideja, Rosme, who produce their own lingerie and swimwear brands, plus private labels for the famous European brands; buyers discovered the established Latvian brand Lauma Lingerie, plus the young, ambitious and fashionable lingerie and nightwear brand, Amoralle.
The forum facilitated networking opportunities between Latvian and foreign companies who engaged in an afternoon of B2B meetings. The first Lingerie Industry Forum also featured a catwalk where the guests were able to admire the latest collections from Latvian lingerie brands such as Stefi-L, Nikol Djumon, Orhideja, Glora, Roksa, Novella, V.O.V.A, Rosme, V.I.P.A, Regina N and Gracija-Rim, most of whom are from the city of Liepaja. The Lingerie Forum is undoubtedly a very useful event for Latvian manufacturers to expand their business in both the Russian and European markets.