About Underfashion Club, Inc.
PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE
BY WALTER COSTELLO
Walter Costello, President
The 2011 Femmy Gala was a resounding success, with hearty congratulations and thanks to 2011 honorees: Clover Group International, Ltd., Jos Berry, Groupe Chantelle, Cupid Intimates, and Belk, Inc. We are so proud of, and grateful to the honorees and the intimate apparel community here and abroad for the support given to the Underfashion Club and our efforts to promote “education today for a better industry tomorrow.”
A large part of the Club's commitment to education is in support of the Intimate Apparel students at the Fashion Institute of Technology. The student design contest held in conjunction with the Femmy Gala is a key part of that commitment and, as was once again evident, there is a great deal of talent emerging at FIT. All of the contest participants deserve our sincere congratulations especially the winners: 1st place, Amy Bittner; 2nd place, Nathalie Quirin, and 3rd place, Elizabeth NeSmith. Kudos to SAIG committee co-chairs Suzanne Beck and Victor Vega for delivering an outstanding contest, and to FIT Professor Alexandra Armillas for her guidance
and dedication.
I'd also like to thank Regina Miracle International Ltd. and Stretchline Holdings Ltd. for generously contributing $10,000 in cash awards for the three contest winners and additional three finalists. The top three winners will receive a photo spread in The Best of Intima Magazine thanks to Intima editor Francesca Spinetta. The beautiful and creative spread is shot by Andrei Jackamets, who has been so supportive of our efforts for many years.
As you can imagine, the Femmy Gala requires months of planning and attention to detail. Congratulations to this year’s co-chairs: Rosa Chamides, Karen Bromley and Barbara Lipton. Special thanks also to Club administrator Karen Koopman.