Ariela & Associates International, a New York-based intimate apparel company, has purchased Curvy Couture, a plus-size intimate apparel brand dedicated to boosting women’s confidence.
“This is a new era for women in business and I am thrilled that Curvy Couture will continue to be women-owned,” Ariela Esquenazi, CEO and president of AAI. “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with the accomplished Dora Lau, founder of Curvy Couture, and the talented Evora Russell. I look forward to what the future holds, driven by our varied and unique core competencies and shared vision of empowering curvy women with confidence and style.”
Lau, who founded Dora L International Inc. in 1991 and has served as CEO and president for the past 18 years, will continue to lead the design vision of Curvy Couture, working closely with Esquenazi. Russell, who has been a part of the Dora L. International team for the past 17 years and a vital force in the founding and growth of the Curvy Couture brand, will join AAI as vice president of sales and marketing for Curvy Couture. Joining Russell will be several members of the Curvy Couture marketing team.
“Curvy Couture was created for the woman that knows she deserves intimates that are beautiful, comfortable, sophisticated and supportive,” Lau said. “Wearing a Curvy Couture bra makes you feel sexy and confident, knowing that you look your best. I am looking forward to a new future for Curvy Couture as AAI takes this much-loved brand to the next level.”
Ariela & Associates International was founded 26 years ago by Esquenazi with the idea of providing women with fashionable lingerie that provides figure solutions at affordable prices. AAI is one of the largest privately held lingerie companies in the country, selling more than 60 million garments a year under numerous national brands, including Smart & Sexy and Fruit of the Loom.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.