Interview With Rose Panicali, Avenue Body

Avenue has always been known for carrying quality and reasonably priced plus-sized women's clothing. But nothing goes better with a great-looking outfit than wearing some shapely and seamless lingerie underneath. The store's Sexy Secrets Collection offers women a chance to smooth and control their body's trouble spots with a few simple pieces of shapewear.

Rose Panicali, vice president of Avenue Body.

Rose Panicali, vice president of Avenue Body, the company's line of plus size lingerie, recently took some time from her busy schedule to chat with LoveToKnow Plus Size about the Sexy Secrets Collection and what it can do for full-figured gals.

Sexy Secrets is a line of women's seamless shapewear made exclusively by Avenue for plus-sized ladies. Made from a nylon/spandex/cotton blend, these pieces feel cool and comfortable against the skin while giving you a smooth look. Lingerie items include:

• Bike shorts: Regular and hi-waist; sizes sizes 14-32; in mocha, black and coffee
• Briefs: Shaping, firm control and hi-waist; 14-32; in black, mocha, nude and coffee
• Body suit: Seamless; sizes 14-32; black and mocha
• Body shaper: Moderate control; sizes 38C-46C, 40D-46D, 40DD-46DD; black
• Long leg shaper: Seamless; sizes 14-32; black and natural
• Crop and tank tops: Seamless and shaping; sizes 14-32; black, white and mocha

Tell me about the Sexy Secrets Collection

"Sexy Secrets is our shaping solutions collection. The seamless styles are more about smoothing, containment and comfort. Looking great and feeling great in your clothing. The control pieces target specific body areas to basically reduce body measurements. For example, a tummy control garment would reduce your circumference."

Why did Avenue decide to design this type of lingerie?

"All woman at some point in their lives use solution products. The plus-size woman may have slightly different needs...so designing for her was a necessity. For example, thigh rubbing which causes chaffing is a real problem for the plus size consumer. Our high-waist thigh shapers are therefore very well-received. We also focused on making the product attractive as well as user-friendly. No negative connotation about wearing a piece of Sexy Secrets....unlike positioning it as a girdle."

How does the quality, sizing and pricing compare to other national brand names of shapewear?

"We are producing high quality, high functioning garments that are moderately priced and affordable. We continually compare our assortment with the competitions'. We are very proud of our offering."

When did the Sexy Secrets Collection hit Avenue stores?

"The collection offered currently has been in stores since the winter of 2006. It has been well-received. We would like to share the secret of Sexy Secrets with more consumers who may still be apprehensive about this category of product in general."

Are there any other pieces of shapewear that could be included in this collection?

"We always continue to explore additional fabrications. Testing and product development [are] continuous."

How will this lingerie help plus size women feel better about the clothes they wear over these sexy pieces?

"Clothing is allowed to glide away from the body. Back fat is suppressed. Panty lines are eliminated. Inches are reduced. All achieved with the least amount of discomfort possible."

Are there any styles of clothing that fit or look better with this type of lingerie? Are there any styles that should be avoided?

"Shaping pieces can really be worn with all types of clothing all-year round! It really is a small investment to make to receive a tremendous return. Once she experiences the product...she will be converted."

Can these items be purchased only online or at a store as well?

"Yes. The entire Sexy Secrets collection is available online."

In general, what type of lingerie do women shop for at Avenue?

"Our customer has responded to our entire assortment of bras, panties, shapewear and sleepwear, as well as our Sexy Nights collection for special evenings."

Overall, what types of lingerie are the best sellers at Avenue?

"Our bra business has had the most traction. We cater to a wirefree, lightly padded and wired for support customer. The focus again is always comfort, functionality, and beauty!"

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