CaliforniaApparelNews.net

Designer Andrew Christian in a 2008 photo, via Andrew Christian Inc.

Underwear and sportswear manufacturer Andrew Christian Inc. said its First Amendment rights were kicked to the curb.

Corey Lynn Calter, Fall 2012, photo courtesy of Joe Kohen/Getty Images via Zimbio.com

California designers continue to make a statement at New York Fashion Week. Corey Lynn Calter helped kick off the Fall '12 season with a colorful presentation today at Pier 59 Studios.

Calling all vintage fashion buffs. There's a big show for you coming Feb. 10-11 at the Queen Mary in Long Beach.

More than 100 booths will be set up, with 60 of those selling vintage fashion. This is the third year for InspirationLA  taking on all things old. Think shoes, shirts, pants, dresses, purses.

Like Legos, only fashion

I've got primaries on the brain—and I’m not talking about the presidential race. I’m talking about primary colors. Lately I'm seeing everything in cheery shades of red, blue and yellow. The best part about this trend is the range of variations---from soft pink, sky blue and butter cream shades to vibrant marine, tomato and lemon hues.

I covered it as a textile trend earlier this year.

Madonna donned her best Valkyrie-wear for her Super Bowl performance

Actually, it was Givenchy and included at least four wardrobe changes and a cast of famous friends singing along, including Cee Lo Green, M.I.A., Nicki Minaj and the LMFAO guys.

Word from Facebook is that L.A.'s own Rami Kashou designed the gold and ivory gowns that opened the Vogue segment of the show. Congratulations, Rami!

Rami Kashou's gold and ivory gowns--front and center!

Hillary Rush

Hillary Rush is closing her Hillary Rush boutique March 1 and Los Angeles will lose another talented retailer from the bricks-and-mortar scene.

Unfortunately for Los Angeles, this influential retailer on 8222 W. Third Street said she thanked the city of Angels for seven-great –years of business, but was ready to go. Find out why in her interview which will run in Apparel News the week of Feb. 10.
 

Billabong celebrated the launch of its Fall 2012 collections in true surfer style. From Jan. 31 to Feb. 3 the company showcased its stable of brands beachside at the Surf and Sand Hotel in Laguna Beach. The mega-company’s trade show event, titled The Roadside Attraction, was created for marketing and sales - and there was plenty of time for some after hours fun.

Don Cornelius. Photo courtesy of vibe.com

In honor of Don Cornelius's passing, a tribute to the TV icon and some of the funky fashions the show helped popularize.

Known for his sharp dressing and smooth baritone, Don Cornelius launched a dance and music phenomenon with his hit show “Soul Train.”

It’s supposed to be winter right now in Southern California, though the thermometer has read otherwise lately. When those overcast clouds decide to arrive, the new Stila Loves L*Space makeup palette is a handy cheater trick to getting that sun-kissed glow. L*Space swimwear designer Monica Wise was showing the compacts at the recent Swim Collective show and said she picked bronzey blushes and a rosey lipgloss which make for a “natural beachy” tan.

Let’s start with the bad news. L.A. designer Andrae Gonzalo has moved to New York. (Hmph, where’s Andrae, indeed.)

The good news is, he’s still sending his scoops out west. (Thank you, Andrae! Sorry for using the image above--but the T-shirt was too perfect to pass up.)

The Otis graduate, “Project Runway” alum and, ahem, former Los Angeles designer is designing for New York–based eveningwear line Mikael Aghal.