As July comes to an end, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on a major milestone for IHUOMA. From July 14th to 16th, our small and new luxury lingerie brand, inspired by the beauty and strength of Black women, participated in the Wonderland Trade show.
An Enriching Experience Amongst Industry Giants
Wonderland London was a fantastic platform for IHUOMA to showcase our collections. It was truly inspiring to be among many established names in the luxury lingerie, loungewear and swim and resort world. The trade show took place at the opulent venue 1 Marylebone in London and was electric to say the least, providing a perfect backdrop for us to debut our brand.
Connecting with Buyers from Around the Globe
One of the highlights of the trade show was meeting buyers from boutiques and major department stores, not only from the UK but from around the world. Introducing IHUOMA to such a diverse and discerning audience was fantastic. The positive feedback about our collections was overwhelming, and it was really encouraging to see the interest from potential stockists both locally and internationally.
Finalist in the Wonderland / Curve NY Competition
We are also excited to share that IHUOMA was named a finalist in the Wonderland / Curve NY competition. As a finalist, one of our designs will be displayed at the upcoming Curve NY show in August. The winner, chosen by visiting buyers, will be awarded a stand at Curve NY in February 2025. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to quality and design, and we are grateful for the opportunity to further showcase our brand on such a prestigious platform.
Embracing Growth and Learning
Participating in Wonderland London was a valuable learning experience for our budding brand. We learned so much about the luxury lingerie market and how we can better position ourselves within it. One of the crucial aspects we reviewed was our pricing. As a brand that works with a small atelier in the UK, we are committed to ensuring our artisans are paid a fair, living wage. Additionally, the cost of our premium silk fabrics, bespoke embroidery, and other components sourced from France has risen.
Adjusting Our Prices for Quality and Sustainability
To maintain the exceptional quality that you, our customers, and supporters, have come to expect from IHUOMA, we have made the difficult decision to adjust our prices. Effective September 1st, our prices will increase to reflect the rising costs of production and to continue supporting our skilled artisans. We understand that this is a significant change, and we hope you appreciate that with excellence comes a certain cost.
Looking Forward to a Bright Future
Our participation in Wonderland London has left us more excited than ever about the future. We are eager to expand our presence and gain stockists not only in the UK but across the globe. The connections we made and the feedback we received at the trade show have strengthened our resolve to continue creating luxurious lingerie that celebrates and empowers Black women.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. We look forward to sharing many more milestones with you as we grow and evolve.
Warm regards,
Annabelle
Founder, IHUOMA