The CEO of Comexposium US on what makes Curve the leading B2B marketplace for intimate apparel and swimwear in North America, and why Italian brands keep finding an audience there

Raphael Camp is CEO of Comexposium US, the company behind Curve, the trade show for the intimate apparel and swimwear industry that runs every season at the Javits Center. We spoke with him ahead of the New York edition, which opened August 2 and runs through August 4.

For those who might not be familiar with it yet, what is Curve, and why does it matter so much to the intimates industry?

Curve is the leading B2B marketplace for the intimate apparel and swimwear industry in North America. Every season, it brings together brands, buyers, retailers, media, and industry leaders to do business, launch new collections, strengthen partnerships, and identify emerging opportunities in the market.

What makes Curve so important is that it brings every part of the industry together in one place. Buyers are looking for new brands, brands are looking to expand their retail footprint, and everyone is looking for insights into where the market is headed. Curve creates the environment where those conversations turn into real business.

Curve has become known as the premier destination for the intimates industry. What does it feel like to watch it grow into that role year after year?

It’s extremely rewarding, because our success is measured by the success of the businesses that participate in the event. Every season we see brands launching new collections, opening new retail accounts, expanding into new markets, and building relationships that continue long after the show ends.

We’ve also seen Curve grow alongside the industry itself. As consumer expectations evolve and retail continues to change, we’ve expanded the event to include more education, more networking opportunities, and more platforms for brand discovery. Our goal has always been to create an event that delivers real business value, and that’s something we’re constantly working to strengthen.

If you had to describe the energy of Curve New York in just a few words, what would they be?

I’d describe it as dynamic, productive, and forward-looking. There’s an incredible amount of business happening throughout the event: buyers are discovering new collections, retailers are meeting with both established and emerging brands, and conversations are focused on what’s next for the industry. There’s a genuine sense of momentum, because everyone is there with a shared goal of growing their business and preparing for the seasons ahead.

What role does Curve play in helping smaller or emerging lingerie brands find their audience?

Supporting emerging brands is an important part of Curve’s mission, because today’s emerging designers are tomorrow’s established brands. Programs like Object of Desire were created to give those businesses greater visibility, by introducing them directly to retailers, buyers, media, and industry decision-makers who are actively looking for new products and fresh perspectives. Beyond the showcase itself, Curve gives these brands access to buyers they may not otherwise have the opportunity to meet, helping them build relationships, open new accounts, and accelerate their growth.

For many young brands, one successful show can significantly change the trajectory of their business, and we’re proud to provide a platform that helps make those connections possible.

Curve brings together brands from all over the world. How do you see international, and especially Italian, lingerie brands fitting into that global picture?

International brands are essential to the Curve experience, because they bring innovation, craftsmanship, and new perspectives to the North American market. Buyers today are looking for differentiated products, and international brands play a significant role in meeting that demand.

Italian brands, in particular, have built a global reputation for exceptional quality, technical expertise, and premium design. They consistently attract strong interest from North American retailers looking to offer their customers distinctive products with a clear point of difference.

One of Curve’s greatest strengths is its ability to connect those international brands with the right buyers. We provide a platform where brands can expand their presence in North America, develop new retail partnerships, and position themselves for long-term growth in one of the world’s most important markets.

Looking ahead, what’s your dream vision for where Curve could go in the next five years?

Our focus is on continuing to grow Curve as the industry’s most valuable business platform. That means expanding opportunities for brands and buyers to connect, investing in educational programming that addresses the challenges facing today’s retail landscape, and creating more ways for our community to engage with Curve throughout the year, whether that’s through content, digital initiatives, or new international partnerships. Our objective is to deliver value well beyond the three days of the event.

Ultimately, we want Curve to remain the first place brands think of when they’re looking to grow their business, and the first place buyers come to discover what’s next.

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