Hips and Curves Interview
If you’ve always wondered why I love Hips and Curves, it’s because I am familiar with a lot of plus lingerie that’s either “naughty” (vinyl and tacky) or “boring” (high-waisted and full-coverage). Hips and Curves is one of the few companies in plus-size lingerie that bridges the gap. Brava, I say! Here’s are some updates from Rebecca Jennings, CEO of Hips and Curves.
Q: How has Hips and Curves changed over the past year? It’s been a while!
Hips and Curves: Since we talked, we’ve had so many changes! The most exciting news has been the response to our new H&C Signature designs. They’re beautiful, sexy – and exclusive so you can’t find them anywhere else, which of course, I love. The price points on some of these items are a little higher, but the quality is exquisite, and we’re finding that people don’t mind paying for quality and really great design.
Q: What are your bestselling styles right now?
Hips and Curves: Anything from our H&C Signature Collection is hot—we’ve actually had people yell at us on the phone when we’ve sold out of something too quickly. We’re beginning to anticipate the demand better to remedy that. We knew the line would be successful but we were surprised by how successful. I know it sounds like I’m bragging but I’m just really enthusiastic and passionate about it. One of our specialties is finding out what’s lacking in the market, what our customers want but can’t find – and giving it to them. It makes us feel great.
Q: How are you addressing lingerie trends at Hips and Curves? It must be somewhat different than the lingerie world.
Hips and Curves: We’re finalizing holiday now, which is always strange because the weather is warm and summer is just starting. Even after 10 years I never quite get used to it. As far as trends go, we follow them to a certain extent but we don’t get too caught up in following what’s popular. We just do what we think is pretty and would look and feel good on curvy figures. We consider what our customers would want. We prefer to start trends rather than following them.
Q: How can budget-minded shoppers make the most of Hips and Curves?
Hips and Curves: When new designs first come in we sell out quicker than we can keep it in stock most of the time. We have waiting lists for the next shipment. We’re working on getting our products to market quicker, but we also want to make sure we don’t compromise on certain things: Our design aesthetic, brand, or responding to our customers’ needs.
Q: What recommendations do you have for women who need to wear shapewear in summer?
Hips and Curves: There are a couple of options. You can just wear something flowy, loose and romantic with a super-sexy thong underneath–and skip the shapewear. If you need shapewear for a clingy, form-fitting outfit during the summer, choose something a lighter weight style that offers moderate support, like our colored Sculptz. They offer a good balance between lighter weight and moderate support.
Q: The best “going-out bra” you offer would be the…?
Hips and Curves: Definitely the U Plunge Bra. It’s totally sexy by itself with a pair of black panties and thigh highs–or with a blouse unbuttoned really low so your cleavage shows. It has convertible straps too so it works great for halter dresses, halter tops or low, plunging necklines. And it still gives you a lot of support–we’ve had fun doing lots of testing ourselves here in the office.
