THE 2026 JURY

THE BEST OF INTIMA AWARDS GALA 2026

An unforgettable night celebrating the best of specialty retail

On August 3, 2026, New York’s Tribeca Rooftop welcomed over 250 guests for the Best of Intima Awards. Independent lingerie retailers from across the United States and Canada joined the Jury Brands for a memorable evening of celebration, recognition and shared pride in the achievements of specialty retail.

Beyond the excitement of the awards ceremony, the gala brought boutiques and brands together in an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie, celebrating the talent, dedication and personal connections that make this community so special.

LEONISA — CELEBRATING 70 YEARS

Seven decades of innovation and craftsmanship

The Best of Intima Awards 2026 paid special tribute to Leonisa on its 70th anniversary. Founded in Colombia, the company has grown into an internationally recognized intimate apparel brand, distinguished by its commitment to innovation, craftsmanship and quality.

A four-time winner of the Best Shapewear Brand recognition in The Best of Intima’s annual Best-Selling Brands & Styles Survey, Leonisa has built lasting relationships with specialty retailers.

The anniversary recognition was presented to Octavio Quintana, CEO of Leonisa, during the New York gala by Mara Ursu.

THE BEST OF INTIMA AWARDS 2026 — WINNERS

Eight awards, eight outstanding boutiques

Parmi les 100 boutiques lauréates, cinq ont particulièrement retenu l’attention du jury par la qualité du travail accompli, la cohérence de leur projet, leur expertise et leur capacité à évoluer tout en restant fidèles à leur identité.

Eight outstanding boutiques took center stage at the 2026 Best of Intima Awards, each recognized for a distinctive contribution to North American specialty retail.

From exceptional customer service and creative retail initiatives to community engagement and digital communication, the awards reflect the many qualities that make independent lingerie boutiques such an essential part of the industry.

BEST STORE USA

GENALISA LINGERIE
Nyack, New York, USA – Gena Lisanti
Award presented by Emma Pake, Creative Director of Panache.

The art of the perfect fit
Founded in 2009, Genalisa Lingerie has built its reputation on expert bra fitting and a highly personal approach to customer care. Its extensive selection caters to a wide range of sizes and individual needs, including post-mastectomy fittings.
At the heart of the boutique is a commitment to making every woman feel comfortable, understood and confident, creating the trust and loyalty that bring customers back.

BEST STORE CANADA 2026

Barrie, Ontario, Canada – Tamara Disaverio
Award presented by Laurel Nash and Christina Gengo, Global Sales Director and Sales Director for North America at Wacoal Europe (A me risulta che sia Eveden) representing Freya.

Confidence begins with the right fit
Founded in 2019, Bliss Beneath has made body positivity and expert bra fitting the foundations of its approach to lingerie retail. The boutique welcomes women of all ages, shapes and sizes, combining personalized advice with an inclusive selection of lingerie and swimwear.
Education is central to its philosophy. From fitting consultations to practical advice shared through digital channels, Bliss Beneath helps women better understand their bodies and discover the confidence that comes with comfort and proper support.

FORTY WINKS
Cambridge & Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Rachel Wentworth & Meredith Amenkhienan
Award presented by Andrea Gaines and Linda Sagman, Co-founders of Goldie & Lulu.

A fresh perspective on luxury lingerie
Founded in 2010 by two friends with a shared vision of lingerie retail, Forty Winks has developed a distinctive approach that combines carefully curated collections, expert fitting and an inviting, relaxed atmosphere.
From independent designer labels to beautifully crafted everyday essentials, the boutique makes room for both fashion and functionality. Its expansion to a second location in 2025 reflects the success of a retail concept where personal service, individual style and the pleasure of discovering lingerie go hand in hand.

BEST OF INTIMA’S CHOICE 2026

LITTLE BLACK BOW
Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada – Lindsay Alexander
Award presented by Francesca Spinetta, Founder & Editorial Director of The Best of Intima.

Where expertise builds lasting connections
At Little Black Bow, expert bra fitting is at the heart of the customer experience. The boutique combines a thoughtfully selected range of lingerie, sleepwear and loungewear with a welcoming atmosphere and attentive, personalized service.
What sets Little Black Bow apart is its ability to extend that expertise beyond the fitting room. Through clear, educational content and consistent communication on social media, the boutique helps customers understand their choices, strengthens relationships and encourages in-store appointments.

BEST COMMUNITY SUPPORT 2026

CONFIDENTIALLY YOURS
Champaign, Illinois, USA – Alexandria Stewart
Award presented by Joy Hazen, Managing Director of Anita USA.

A legacy of care
Founded in 1982 to support women recovering from cancer treatment and surgery, Confidentially Yours has remained faithful to its original mission while evolving into a comprehensive lingerie and swimwear boutique.
Its expertise in post-mastectomy fittings, breast prostheses and specialized garments gives the store a role that extends well beyond traditional retail. Under Alexandria Stewart’s leadership, this commitment to women’s wellbeing continues through practical assistance, compassion and active involvement in the local community.
More than four decades after opening, Confidentially Yours demonstrates how a specialty boutique can make a meaningful difference at particularly important moments in women’s lives.

BEST CREATIVE RETAIL EVENT 2026

LA PÊCHE LINGERIE
Manchester Center, Vermont & Keene, New Hampshire, USA – Katherine MacLauchlan & Julie Isaacs
Award presented by Kristin Bear, Founder & CEO of Kilo Brava.

Turning retail into an experience
At La Pêche Lingerie, events are an opportunity to bring lingerie into unexpected conversations. The boutique develops initiatives that combine creativity, education and collaboration with local professionals.
Among them, The Art of Fit brings together lingerie fitting and professional photography, inviting women to discover a different perspective on their bodies. Other in-store activities extend the boutique’s role beyond shopping, creating occasions for discovery, conversation and shared experiences.
This imaginative approach gives La Pêche a distinctive place in its community, transforming everyday retail into something customers can actively participate in.

BEST SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVITY 2026

LACE & DAY
Buffalo, New York, USA – Emily Constantine Doren & Holly Constantine Ortman
Award presented by Dario Casalini, CEO of Oscalito.

Making expertise part of the conversation
Founded in 2015 by two sisters with very different professional backgrounds, Lace & Day has developed a lively, approachable voice that reflects its unconventional beginnings.
Its digital communication takes the mystery out of lingerie shopping, addressing practical questions about bra fitting, garment care and wardrobe choices with an engaging, down-to-earth tone. Through educational articles and social media, the boutique makes specialist knowledge accessible beyond its fitting rooms.
This ability to combine useful information with a recognizable personality gives Lace & Day a distinctive presence in the digital world of independent lingerie retail.

BEST NEWCOMER 2026

TUTTI BELLISSIMA INTIMATES
Buffalo, New York, USA – Emily Constantine Doren & Holly Constantine Ortman
Award presented by Dario Casalini, CEO of Oscalito.

A new beginning, a personal vision
For Beata Takahashi, opening Tutti Bellissima Intimates marked an unexpected new chapter. Born in Poland and raised in the United States, she began her professional life working with children and individuals with autism before discovering the intimate apparel industry.
After gaining experience in a bra-fitting boutique, she decided to create a store of her own, turning a professional setback into an entrepreneurial opportunity.
The result is a thoughtfully designed space, with elegant interiors, spacious wheelchair-accessible fitting rooms and a carefully selected range of lingerie. Drawing on her previous career, Beata has created a boutique where accessibility and individual attention are integral to the retail concept.
Tutti Bellissima illustrates how a fresh perspective and a personal journey can bring new energy to independent specialty retail.

BEST IN LILAC — SPECIAL RECOGNITION

DARLIN’ LINGERIE
Kathryn McGinnis
Selected by The Best of Intima editorial team, this distinction celebrated a guest whose interpretation of lilac captured the spirit of the evening. The award was presented by Denise Capano, Digital Editor of The Best of Intima.