<![CDATA[Apparel News Blog]]>

<![CDATA[Apparel News Blog]]> http://www.apparelnews.net/blog en-us <![CDATA[Vintage Show at the Queen Mary in Long Beach by Deborah Belgum]]> http://www.apparelnews.net/blog/detail?id=2099 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. And it's in one of the most appropriate places for this kind of thing, the very old Queen Mary, which was launched from England in 1936 and has been a part of the Long Beach shoreline since the late 1960s when it stopped sailing the ocean blue. Check out some of the particulars about InspirationLA. Last year, the show had about 2,500 visitors. The organizers are expecting a crowd of about 3,000 this year.

]]> 2012-02-07 18:03:57 <![CDATA[Primary School by Alison A. Nieder]]> http://www.apparelnews.net/blog/detail?id=2097 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. Pictured: Textile Secrets International, Taiana Blu and Ascher Fabric Concepts We recently touched on the trend in our My Fair Lady accessories shoot. Pictured: Melie Bianco, G.S. Harris and Betsey Johnson Our Ethnic Chic accessories trend in Waterwear magazine included this awesome Mara Hoffman bag. Mara Hoffman Then I found it in the latest CB2 catalog and on the Anthropologie web site. J Crew has it on their homepage--but admittedly, that yellow is very green. But in J Crew's bridal section I found another example, in...

]]> 2012-02-06 18:56:47 <![CDATA[Are You Ready for Some Football Couture? by Alison A. Nieder]]> http://www.apparelnews.net/blog/detail?id=2095 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! Tom and Lorenzo have the scoop (and snark) on the fashion. Okay, let’s go to the video tape:

]]> 2012-02-06 12:31:01 <![CDATA[Farewell Hillary Rush Boutique by Andrew Asch]]> http://www.apparelnews.net/blog/detail?id=2094 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.

]]> 2012-02-03 21:27:14 <![CDATA[Billabong's Roadside Attraction by N. Jayne Seward]]> http://www.apparelnews.net/blog/detail?id=2093 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. Retailers from across the country flew in to check out the latest collections from Billabong, Element, Nixon, RVCA, Sector 9, DaKine, Von Zipper, Xcel, Honolua Surf Company, Kustom and Plan B. In addition to showrooms, there were themed marketing installations for media and buyers to view the latest looks. Throughout the various brands, there was a mix of style and innovation with special collections, artist collaborations, eco-projects and technology. Billabong cleverly displayed its Designer’s Closet and Whitewash collections, which were created to push the fashion edge. The brand’s typically...

]]> 2012-02-03 19:07:56 <![CDATA[Don Cornelius and Soul Train's Old School 70s Style by Deidre Crawford]]> http://www.apparelnews.net/blog/detail?id=2091 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.” The show premiered in 1970 and quickly became a sensation, running until 2006. As an iconic writer, producer and host, Cornelius introduced a multitude of influential black artists, including The Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin. During its heyday in the 70s and 80s, the show was looked to not only for the latest dance moves, but also the funkiest fashions, the influences of which can still be seen today. Three-piece suits were big, colors were bright and bell bottoms were king. And who knew Rosie Perez, Carmen Electra, Nick Cannon and MC Hammer were all former Soul Train dancers? Photo courtesy of...

]]> 2012-02-02 19:13:28 <![CDATA[Stila Loves L*Space by Rhea Cortado]]> http://www.apparelnews.net/blog/detail?id=2090 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. We love the illustration of the unmistakenly L*Space fringe bikini on the cover and even better, it's totally idiot-proof to apply with a how-to guide on the inside cover. Pick one up with a matching bikini at Diane's Swimwear or Everything But Water.

]]> 2012-02-02 17:02:08 <![CDATA[First Look: Andrae Gonzalo Gowns by Alison A. Nieder]]> http://www.apparelnews.net/blog/detail?id=2086 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. Dubbed “multiple occasion,” the latest collection, including the Andrae-designed looks, will bow at the Feb. 21–23 run of Coterie in New York. Andrae and his team recently sent some images of the gowns he designed—as well as a few “Andraeisms” about the collection and Andrae’s fashion philosophy. For example: Multiple layers of chiffon suggests: “I'm whimsical, but delicately confident.” Sumptuously draped matte jersey says: "I'm literally well-armed, beautifully...

]]> 2012-02-01 12:55:44 <![CDATA[Victoria Lurves Kittens by Alison A. Nieder]]> http://www.apparelnews.net/blog/detail?id=2087 Another hat tip to Fashionista, which landed an exclusive to the fashion video debut of Victoria Beckman’s new diffusion line, Victoria. The ridiculously stylish and fun video is loaded with super-cute clothes—and kittens. No idea why, perhaps in a nod to the line's cute cat-print dress. It's all part of the video's quirky-cute charm. And besides, who doesn’t like kitten videos? Enjoy!

]]> 2012-02-01 12:55:44 <![CDATA[Fashion Industry: Feel Like a Natural Woman? by Alison A. Nieder]]> http://www.apparelnews.net/blog/detail?id=2085 Natural Model Management When it comes to model sizes, what exactly is “normal”? Katie Halchishick has been a plus-size model and a quote-unquote normal model and now owns Los Angeles-based modeling agency Natural Model Management, founded “by models for models,” with the mission to “[values]models and their natural build and body size and encourage models to find a healthy balance in life and in their bodies.” Fashionista has a fascinating story about Halchishick, her career and the controversy over models’ weight. The article includes this startling quote from Halchishick during her size 8 days: “As I got smaller I had to wear fat suits and padding, and that worked [keeping clients] for a while.” Fashionista also has images, pictured below, of the model-turned agency owner in her many sizes over the years. What do you think? Is the fashion industry ready for “natural” sizes?

]]> 2012-02-01 11:35:35 <![CDATA[Soul Train: Iconic Music and Iconic Fashion by Alison A. Nieder]]> http://www.apparelnews.net/blog/detail?id=2084 “Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius died today. Seems like a good time to remember the influence his iconic show had on music and fashion.

]]> 2012-02-01 11:12:21 <![CDATA[Alternative Hearts Peach Kings and Glitter n'Glue by Alison A. Nieder]]> http://www.apparelnews.net/blog/detail?id=2083 Alternative Apparel will kick off Valentine’s Day a little early with a Valentine’s Day-themed party at their flagship store on Abbot Kinney in Venice. The Feb. 11 event will be hosted by Glitter N’ Glue blogger Kristen Turner and will feature a performance by L.A. band The Peach Kings. The event is free—but the first 20 to show up with an invitation will receive a free DIY item courtesy of Glitter n’ Glue. Everyone will receive 20 percent off Alternative merchandise at the event. The party runs from 2-5 p.m. at 1337 Abbot Kinney Blvd. To RSVP, email abbotkinney@alternativeapparel.com.

]]> 2012-01-31 17:40:49 <![CDATA[S.F. Designers in Residence Named by Deborah Belgum]]> http://www.apparelnews.net/blog/detail?id=2082 Drum roll please.... The first batch of designers headed for the new "Designers in Residence" program housed inside the Macy's at Union Square have been named. The six designers, who all live in San Francisco but come from spots around the world, will be the first lucky ones to take part in the just-launched Fashion Incubator San Francisco, which has an incredible program. The designers get workshop space inside Macy's offices where they can create new lines and showcase their collections to store owners and other buyers. Experts in the San Francisco fashion and economic development communities will lead training sessions and workshops for the designers. Topics will range from business planning, brand marketing and image creation to line costing and design critiques. The executive director of Fashion Incubator San Francisco is Jeanne Allen, co-founder of the apparel design company called Jeanne-Marc. Allen is working with fellow FISF board members Diane...

]]> 2012-01-31 16:20:51 <![CDATA[Dari Parties With Cusack, Driver and O'Keefe by Andrew Asch]]> http://www.apparelnews.net/blog/detail?id=2081 John Cusack with Jodi Lyn O'Keefe at Dari. It’s awards season, and members of the the Cusack acting clan showed up at Dari one of our favorite L.A. area boutiques. The reason for the shindig was the debut last week of the “Q” jewelry collection. It was designed by actress Jodi Lyn O’Keefe, a Cusack family friend. Other celebs who showed up included Minnie Driver. Last year O’Keefe debuted a fashion line called Queen George. From left, Ann Cusack,Minnie Driver and Jodi Lyn O'Keefe.

]]> 2012-01-31 15:17:00 <![CDATA[Rodarte on Buffy via Tavi by Alison A. Nieder]]> http://www.apparelnews.net/blog/detail?id=2078 Perfect thing to stumble across right before the weekend. Tavi Gevison’s online magazine Rookie has a feature written by Rodarte designers, Laura and Kate Mulleavy, in which the two designing sisters discuss their favorite episodes of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” This is geeky and good on so many levels. For those of you with a really long Netflix queue, the two offer this helpful warning: “Spoilers like crazy throughout.” The series ended in 2003. If your queue is that long, you’re as good as housebound.

]]> 2012-01-27 17:51:29 <![CDATA[You're a Funny One, JCP by Alison A. Nieder]]> http://www.apparelnews.net/blog/detail?id=2076 JCPenney has been a lot of things in its 110-year history: Western merchant, discount retailer, purveyor of trendy fashion and catchy jingles, lone department store in my Grandma’s town in Colorado (“See if they’ve got it at Penney’s,” she used to say.) Now we can add one more: Funny. The Plano, Texas–based department story kicked off its new no-sale pricing strategy with an ad campaign that pokes fun at department stores ubiquitous “Big Sale!” strategy. JCP’s new policy doesn’t exactly end promotions at the company’s 1,100 stores, but it does streamline the process a bit. In recent years, American department stores have been hosting a seemingly endless cycle of sales. With this move, JCP seems to be stepping off that crazy merry-go-round. Beginning Feb. 1, JCP will offer three tiers of pricing: everyday, regular prices; “month-long values”; and “best prices,” which will be offered on...

]]> 2012-01-27 13:06:39 <![CDATA[Wilde, Awad Win Los Angeles Fashion Council Contest by Andrew Asch]]> http://www.apparelnews.net/blog/detail?id=2075 Victor Wilde displaying parachute dress from his Fall 2012 season. There was a big editorial kerfuffle when the British Fashion Council produced the LONDON show ROOMS designer showcase in L.A. in October. But L.A. designers will return the favor by decamping to London on Valentine Day’s Week and presenting City of the Angels style during London Fashion Week. Leading the showcase will be winners of a Facebook contest which was produced by the Los Angeles Fashion Council. The names of the winners were announced this week. And who were LAFC’s FB contest winners? Meet Victor Wilde and Jen Awad. Hopefully, you remember them, because both showed their idiosyncratic looks at past Los Angeles fashion weeks. Wilde will bring the Fall 2012 season for his Bohemian Society line to London. He’ll show dresses constructed out of parachutes and flags as well as velvet brocade jackets. Awad will show 10 of her Fall/Winter 2012 styles to the British capital. “It is a...

]]> 2012-01-27 11:08:15 <![CDATA[Poshmark Goes Hollywood Glam by Deidre Crawford]]> http://www.apparelnews.net/blog/detail?id=2074 Mobile fashion company Poshmark is hosting its first live Posh Party next Thursday, at The Crescent Hotel in Beverly Hills. The shopping event is open to the public and will feature “a young, hip mix of LA's most fashionable folks, bloggers and designers,” said Joanna Riedl, a spokesperson for Poshmark. The Northern California company is the inventor of the Poshmark mobile app, which enables people to sell items from their closet with just a few taps of their phone – sort of like a personalized online consignment shop. The app was designed by founder and CEO Manish Chandra, who wanted to help his wife find a way to get rid of unwanted impulse purchases. Users can take a photo of any item they want to sell and post it to Poshmark from their phone, then it’s promoted to Poshmark’s mobile fashion marketplace by the company’s editors. People can also share their postings through Facebook and Twitter or repost other users' items. The Posh...

]]> 2012-01-26 16:09:49 <![CDATA[Fashion Girls Say the Darndest Things by Alison A. Nieder]]> http://www.apparelnews.net/blog/detail?id=2073 Apparently, there’s no end to the “sh*t” meme. We stumbled across this one today. And I have to admit, it's pretty spot-on. And funny even with the sound off. It plays a bit like the drag performance of ‘Ab Fab,” which, come to think of it, is something I’d pay to see. (I’m talking to you, Cavern Club players.) And if that’s not enough for you, there’s a sequel.

]]> 2012-01-26 12:14:35 <![CDATA[The Way We Wore Store in Expansion Mode by Deborah Belgum]]> http://www.apparelnews.net/blog/detail?id=2071 Doris Raymond finds it hard to believe she has been in the vintage clothing business for 30 years now. But sales have been so successful that she is looking for another store location to complement her 3,500-square-foot The Way We Wore store that has been around for eight years at 334 S. La Brea Ave. "I would like to stay in the La Brea corridor," said the veteran vintage clothing collector who specializes in apparel from the 1890s to the 1970s. "While I am visualizing this right now, I don't need to do anything until the end of the year." However, she is looking for retail location tips that would help deal with her inventory overflow. "Because of my voracious appetite for shopping, I buy faster than I sell. I need to go into therapy, but that's another story." Right now, Raymond is putting everything on her first floor on sale until Feb. 12. "Because of my horrible addiciton, I need to have things on sale," she explained....

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