Stories for May 2010

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Friday, May 28

Shopping-Mall King

The International Council of Shopping Centers has elected William Taubman, chief operating officer of Taubman Centers, as the chai...

Mall Biz Grows During Recession

The mall industry grew slightly during the recession, according to a study released May 23 by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), but the tough economy drastically scaled ba...

Stop Staring! Launches Retro Activewear

In its early stages, Stop Staring! was born by the young punk-rock version of designer Alicia Estrada’s own clothes, which she made for herself to express her individual style. Stop Staring! h...

BCBG in a Bid to Acquire German Retailer Karstadt

BCBGMaxAzriaGroup announced on May 26 it has submitted a bid to acquire a German retailer....

Rock & Republic Bankruptcy Enters Next Chapter

Major developments have unfolded in the Rock & Republic bankruptcy case....

New O’Neill Girls

Surfwear label O’Neill has hired Cedar Carter for its girls’ marketing division. Carter, who comes to the brand afte...

Connected's Recipe for Not Giving Away the Shop

Steeve Bohbot at Connected BoutiqueRunning a street-level showroom can mean some big headaches. Like wayward fashion people wondering into the showroom and not taking ’Sorry, wholesale only’ as an answer....

One-Stop Shopping for Technology

SPESA, Techtextil and ATME-I co-located trade shows offer preview of what’s to come in apparel technology....

New O#039;Neill Girls

Surfwear label O’Neill has hired Cedar Carter for its girls’ marketing division. Carter, who comes to the brand afte...

Textile Enforcement Bill Introduced to Fight Fraud

For years now, yarn and fabric mills have complained that free-trade agreements designed to bolster the U.S. textile industry have been undermined by foreign yarns posing as U.S.-made to gain duty-fre...

Brando Lawsuit

Joe’s Jeans has been sued by Brando Enterprises for unlicensed use of the Marlon Brando name in connection with a line of l...

Billabong Buys Core Surf Shop Becker Surf and Sport

Becker Surf and Sport, one of California’s leading independent surf retailers, was purchased for an undisclosed amount by Australian-headquartered Billabong International Ltd....

Haiti Help

President Barack Obama on May 24 signed into law a bill that would extend duty-free benefits for some knit and woven products made...

Organic-Cotton Sales

Despite a recession that clipped apparel sales in many categories, global organic-cotton apparel and home textile products saw the...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Danny Roberts Collabortes With Forever 21 So You Can Buy Your Favorite Bloggers (Refinery29)Shops – To Our Delight, Modern Design Mecca A+R Triples in...

New Report Unveils Online Strategies to Drive Retail Sales

New York–based Tobe, a division of fashion and retail consulting firm The Doneger Group, released a May 11 “State of Retail” report listing 10 online-b...

MBFW-Swim Prepares for Sold-Out Event

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, the five-day runway event produced by IMG Fashion, has sold out all 20 slots on the schedule for its July 15–19 run in Miami Beach, Fla. ...

Retail Executives Discuss Future at B. Riley Conference

The beach beckoned, but retail executives had their eyes on a brighter prize: their companies’ futures. ...

Cooper, New Mart and D&A Retain August Market Dates

The Cooper Design Space, The New Mart and Designers and Agents will maintain their original dates for the Holiday/Resort 2010 Los Angeles Fashion ...

Lords of Liverpool Takes Inspiration From The Beatles

With the Lords of Liverpool, all you need is love to launch a new tops line....

Brands Joining Lineup at D&A Paris

Space is filling up for Designers and Agents’ first show in Paris, set for Oct. 1–4 at Galerie Nikki Diana Marquardt in the city’s Marais quarter....

Thursday, May 27

Apparel News Daily Reader

QA: Geren Lockhart dishes on her Francis Bacon-inspired fall collection (Los Angeles Times' All the Rage)Sarah Burton Named Creative Director at...

Wednesday, May 26

Apparel News Daily Reader

Designers – Kristina Lenss of Kristinit Unveils Her New African Print Collection (Mondette)Fashioning an American Idol: Costume designer Soyon An...

Tuesday, May 25

Barney Would Love It Here

The color gods have spoken and decided that purple is one of the vibrant hues we'll all be wearing this spring, along with amparo blue, tomato puree and pink champagne.And guess what? Somebody was llistening when the Pantone trend predictors...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Sex (and the City) in the Window at Decadestwo (Racked LA)Surf Wear By Way of Williamsburg (Wall Street Journal) Giles Deacon for Emanuel Ungaro? (The...

Alex Perry--Australia's Celeb Designer Du Jour

SYDNEY, Australia—Alex Perry is Australia’s go-to designer for the red carpet. And when J-Lo, Rhianna and Eva Longoria Parker come knocking, it’s clear that your star has risen from Down Under....

Monday, May 24

Stop Staring! Launches Retro Activewear

Even rockabilly girls need workout clothes. A preview of Stop Staring!'s new activewear line. There’s a contingent of stylish individuals that wear their hair as if they just rolled out of bed, put on something that was...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Shops – Feeding Birds Warms My Heart with Homemade Knits, Aprons, Vintage and Adorable Shop Kitty (Mondette)Nice but...

Friday, May 21

Retail Forecasting Becomes Increasingly Dependent on Technology

Planning can take some of the risk out of running a company. However, businesses have had to do extra hustling in the increasingly unpredictable fashion market in the past couple of years....

New Lucy Executive

There’s a new president at Lucy Activewear. Shaz Kahng has taken over the top position, replacing Michelle Lantow, who left...

Feet First

Lifestyle brand BB Dakota is getting into the footwear business with a new shoe collection that launches for Holiday 2010. Gloria ...

Zak: Forward Concept Made Wearable

Zachary Kaufman got an early start in the apparel business. At 16 years old, he was promoted to a buyer at the now-closed boutique Body in Encino and Beve...

New Finance Guy

Premium-denim line J Brand has named a new chief financial officer, who will be working with the company’s new investors. E...

East Meets West at Refinery29 Shopping Party

Select pieces donated by designers for a silent auction to help benefit the Housing Works charityNew York–based fashion blog Refinery29 covers the latest trends and captures the essence of NYC street-style and the go-to places for shopping...

Project Trade Show Architect Sets Up L.A. Shop

Clara Winston and David WinstonPart of the fun of the Project Trade Show is checking out the sleek, science-fiction look of the premium trade show’s furniture. And it looks like Los Angeles is going to get many more chances to get comfortable with...

Employee Sues Macy's for Discrimination at the Department-Store Chain

A former employee of the Macy’s department store at the Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, Calif., has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court accusing the Cincinnati-ba...

Skate Chain on the Comeback Trail

Almost one year after high-profile skate chain Active Ride Shop declared bankruptcy, a new ownership is finding out whether it can recapture the mojo that made the Mira Loma, Calif.–based comp...

SDI Targets New Hardware and Software to Apparel Industry

SDI Industries, the Pacoima, Calif.–based logistics provider, has been busy implementing some of its latest offerings—a new sorter ideal for distribution centers focusing on e-tail fulfillment ...

Novice Retailers Gamble on Echo Park as Their New Frontier

When new retailer Tristan Scott took a gamble on opening a boutique in Los Angeles’ burgeoning Echo Park neighborhood, he felt he was taking more than a leap of faith in August 2009 when he took his fi...

Jane Oh: Classic Little Black Dresses

For her debut self-titled collection, designer Jane Oh used solid black fabrics to let the details and form of the garment do the talking. The line’s centerpiece is the little black dress and items to ...

New President for Guess Asia

Guess? Inc., the Los Angeles–based label known for its stylish denim and apparel, has appointed Kitty Yung as president of Guess Asia. She starts June 21. ...

Licensing Show Prepares for June Expo

The licensing industry—and those looking to learn more about it—will be heading to Las Vegas for the June 8–10 run of the Licensing International Expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Cen...

Southern Comfort

Saks Fifth Avenue announced it would be closing its 33,000-square-foot department store in Charleston, S.C., on July 17. But the s...

Licensing Resource Guide

New Generation Computing Inc.reg; (NGCreg;) is a leading provider of PLM, Global Sourcing, ERP, and CPSIA software solutions. NGC recently introduced its ARMS (Analytics and Report Managem...

Australia's Fashion Week Celebrates 15 Years of Style

SYDNEY, Australia—With 15 years under its belt, Rosemount Australian Fashion Week has become the premier showcase for designers from Australia and the Asia Pacific region. ...

Split Acquired by Life Distribution

Life Distribution in Santa Ana, Calif., has acquired the Split surf-lifestyle clothing brand and will relaunch its young men’s and girls’ collections. Terms of the deal were not disclo...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Street fashion: Rose Bowl Flea Market (Los Angeles Times Image)Events – 7 for All Mankind Fetes Collab with Jonathan Adler (Mondette)Neiman Marcus fills its...

Alex Perry - Australia's Celeb Designer Du Jour

Alex Perry is Australia’s go-to designer for the red carpet. And when J-Lo, Rhianna and Eva Longoria Parker come knocking, it’s clear that your star has risen from Down Under.An Alex Perry Spring 2010/11 gown on the runway at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, photo courtesy of AuLifestyle/ Marie ClaireWith a European heritage, Perry has a flair for occasion. Think glamorous runway shows on the Queen Mary 2 or this season’s dramatic affair on a sound stage at FOX Studios with over 1,000 people in attendance. Perry’s name is synonymous with luxury and glamour, and his jeweled corsets, tailored...

Thursday, May 20

Apparel News Daily Reader

Shops – Collette Brings Well-Priced Fashion Finds from Korea to West 3rd (Mondette)Brides – Tavin Adds Vintage Bridal Collection to Its Roster of Goodies...

Wednesday, May 19

Ever, Kenneth Cole, Hot Topic Stores Announced for New Santa Monica Place Mall

Santa Monica Place's Center Court area in its last phase of constructionAs the Santa Monica Place retail center in Santa Monica, Calif., starts its last phase of construction before its Aug. 6 debut, the highly anticipated mall...

Free-Trade Agreement Activity Heats Up

The free-trade winds are starting to blow a little stronger now that retail sales around the world are improving. ...

Design a Bikini, Win Some Stuff

With such a small amount of fabric and major functional qualifications (must cover the appropriate womanly body parts and stay put, flattering fit, waterproof, cuteness factor), swimwear design is an ultimate exercise in problem solving. Two surf lifestyle...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Handbags 2.0. Iconic accessories brand Coach taps three SoCal fashion bloggers (plus one New Yorker) to custom-design their "dream" handbag. (Style Section....

Tuesday, May 18

Rock & Republic Hires New Top Exec

Rock & Republic, the financially strapped Los Angeles denim company that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on April 1, has hired denim specialist Rick Spielberg as its new chief ...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Dudes With Style Party On Jack Spade's Lawn (Racked LA)Art Gallery and Popup Encourages You to SHFT How You Think (Racked LA)Shops – First Look at Library on...

Monday, May 17

FarFetch.com Comes Stateside

FarFetch.com is further extending its reach into the U.S. e-tail marketIn the ever-growing age of the Web, it’s more important than ever for boutiques to have an online presence. U.K.–based FarFetch.com sells high-end and...

Smashbox Owners Talk About Esteacute;e Lauder Buy

Cosmetics success seems to run in the Factor family....

Apparel News Daily Reader

Designers – Rocker Glam Looks by Falguni Shane Peacock (Mondette)Laura And Kate Mulleavy Hang With Martha Stewart For A Special Siblings Episode (Refinery29)Fashion...

Friday, May 14

Egeck Named President of True Religion

Michael Egeck, the former president of VF’s Contemporary Brand Coalition and chief executive for VF’s 7 For All Mankind brand, will join Vernon, Calif.–based True Religion App...

Dollar for Flood Victims

Goodlettsville, Tenn.–based Dollar General Corp. donated more than $200,000 in cash and merchandise to help victims of the ...

Elie Tahari Opens First California Boutique

Fashion brand Elie Tahari runs seven boutiques on the East Coast, and this summer the New York–based contemporary label will open its first in California....

O.C. Garment Factory Fined for Back Wages

A U.S. District Court judge ordered an Orange County, Calif., garment factory to pay its employees nearly $173,000 in back wages plus pay nearly $25,000 in penalties....

Apparel News Daily Reader

Street Style: Cerre's First Birthday Party (Style Section L.A.)Ann Taylor previews its Fall line at Soho House (Style Section L.A.) Events – Texture,...

Pushing the Edge on Style at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week

From swimwear to eveningwear, Australian designers have a decidedly unique flair for style. At Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, which just wrapped up in Sydney, a variety of fresh looks turned up on the runway for Spring/Summer 2010/11. Zimmermann Spring/Summer 2010/11, photo courtesy of aulifestyle/MarieClaireDeriving inspiration from the country’s laid-back lifestyle and rich...

Shop & Dine

The latest edition of our biannual tribute to inspired stores and elegant eateries ...

ShockBoutique.com Aims to Treat Shoppers Like Celebrities

Based in Hermosa Beach, Calif.,

True Moves

Vernon-based True Religion Apparel opened a 1,765-square-foot store at Los Cerritos Center, the upscale shopping center in Cerrito...

K-Swiss’s French Direction

Westlake Village–based footwear brand K-Swiss added French tennis player Gael Monfils to its tennis roster. Monfils is the ...

Traveling for Business

Trade exhibitions take their shows on the road to develop new markets....

K-Swiss#039;s French Direction

Westlake Village–based footwear brand K-Swiss added French tennis player Gael Monfils to its tennis roster. Monfils is the ...

New Swim Trade Show to Debut in Miami

Salon Allure—a new boutique swim, fabric and resort trade show—will debut July 17–20 at the W South Beach hotel in Miami B...

VF Fined for Unverified Health Claims

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that VF’s Outdoor division, which includes the Reef and Vans action-sports brands, has been fined $207,500 for all...

Recession Changed the Game for Visual Display

With the economy showing signs of recovering, phones are ringing again at offices of visual-display companies. But their way of doing business has changed, said Brad Somberg, president of Burlingame,...

Global Sourcing Panel Spotlights Undervaluing of Imports

Miscalculating the value of textiles and other imports is a growing problem at the nation’s ports and one that U.S. Customs and Border Protection is increasingly addressing, said Janet Labuda, CBP’s dir...

CMC Announces New Dates for August Market

The California Market Center announced the new dates for Holiday/Resort 2010 Los Angeles Fashion Market and the L.A. Kids Market will be Sunday, Aug. 8 through Wed...

The Way We Wore Opens in NYC

Designers from brands Polo Ralph Lauren, Pucci and Michael Kors have all asked Los Angeles retailer Doris Raymond for inspiration. ...

Boyfriend/Girlfriend: Rachel Pally's New Concept

Rachel Pally is launching a lifestyle concept with her new line, Boyfriend/Girlfriend. Created in collaboration with her boyfriend, Kevin Circosta, the new line evokes the carefree lifestyle...

Cotton On Comes to California

Australian retailer out to conquer U.S....

Taking a Stand Against Swipe Fees

A coalition of 134 national and state associations joined forces to endorse a piece of legislation aimed at reining in excessive d...

International Trade in Los Angeles Has Bright Future

Cargo coming through the various ports in Los Angeles plummeted 20 percent in 2009. But it’s a different story this year. ...

Anchor Blue Charts New Direction

Tom Sands is making big denim promises. ...

Riviera Club: California Boy's Life

The three fellows behind Riviera Club are walking models for their own line of clothing. With offices in Santa Monica, Calif., and Santa Barbara, Calif., and the birth of the brand’s concept c...

Thursday, May 13

Party On, Gonz

Mark your calendars - May 28, Space15Twenty, 7-10 p.m., urban beach bash. Gonz! is back and ready to party. And, since founder Rick Klotz said the collection is inspired by an "all-encompassing party vibe," we're guessing that means good...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Designers – Valerj Pobega Launches T-Shirt Line GreigeNoir (Mondette)A Fashion Show Where Candy Is Worn, Not Eaten (The New York Times)Browns' New Exhibit makes talent like John Galliano,...

Wednesday, May 12

Apparel News Daily Reader

Coco Comes to L.A. (Style Section L.A.)Lovemade hosts a new Saturday night dance party at Ecco Lounge (Style Section L.A.)Highlights From Chanel's...

Tuesday, May 11

Taylor Jacobson Styles Tobi Lookbook

San Francisco–based contemporary fashion e-tailer Tobi employed the sartorial skills of stylist Taylor Jacobson for a Spring lookbook featuring Jacobson’s denim collaboration with Kasil paired with handpicked selections sold on the site. The...

American Apparel: Let Your Fingers Do the Talking

The marketing mavens at American Apparel, that Los Angeles company known for its blank T-shirts and eye-catching print ads, have come up with six new colors for the company's line of nail polish launched not that long ago.My favorite is the...

Happy One-Year Anniversary to Cerre

Cerre will toast its one-year anniversary on May 13 by sharing some discount love. Using Italian hides, silk and cashmere and artisanal-quality craftsmanship, the clothing and accessories by Flavie and Clayton Webster is the...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Look Book Love: Fidelity Denim Fall '10 (FabSugar)Sheep and Waffles Go Hand-in-Hand at Moods of Norway (Racked LA)Cameron Silver captures the chic side of denim (Los...

Monday, May 10

Apparel News Daily Reader

Events – Face Hunter’s Book Signing at Lead Apron (Mondette)Exclusive First Look: American Apparel's New Summer Nail Polish Collection...

Maggie Barry, Sterling Capricio Get Gala at Rock The Runway

Maggie Barry design at Rock The Runway. Photo by James Hickey Art Institute of Orange County’s end-of-the-year event, Rock The Runway, seems to get more fabulous every year. An estimated 3,000 people dropped by the third annual Rock The Runway on May...

Friday, May 7

Obituary: Shoe Designer Elisa Ferare, 65

Shoe designer Elisa Ferare died on April 25 after a long battle with cancer. She was 65. ...

SPESA Resource Guide

Alvanon, Inc.145 West 30...

Denim Brands Continue to Expand, Sometimes Outside of Denim

Established denim brands continue to search for newness and are finding ways to broaden their reach, whether through new fabrications or sister brands that capitalize on a brand’s expertise while pushi...

April Sales Mixed as Economy Continues to Recover

April retail sales were mixed, scuttling hopes of a brisk economic rebound. ...

SDI Forum Encourages Communication, Innovation

LAS VEGAS—Logistics and supply-chain executives from a variety of industries gathered to discuss best practices, corporate culture and logistics strategies April 28–30 at the Four Seas...

More Changes at Guess

Alice T. Kane resigned from the Guess board, citing a “potential differing interest between [Guess and her employer, Zurich Financial Services] that is unrelated to her service as a board membe...

Wal-Mart Settles Environmental Case

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. agreed to pay a $27.6 million settlement resulting from charges that the retailer violated California environ...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Muted Majesty. Roam, a sophisticated new L.A.-based collection for jet-set gals, makes its mark. (Style Section L.A.)Aprons: Back in fashion? (Los Angeles...

Retailing With RFID

Retailers are experimenting with radio frequency identification’s applications beyond the warehouse. ...

Delays in Shipping as Economy Recovers

U.S. apparel manufacturers have started to see last year’s elusive shoppers begin to replenish their closets—and overseas factories are busy pumping out clothes for stores that in March saw double-digit...

William Rast: Partying to Success

Trace AyalaThere are store parties. There are meet-and-greets with designers. Mix the two and it may create some cash and a lot of customer goodwill for a brand. That’s what Trace Ayala hopes the monthly "Thursday Night With Trace" event will do for the William Rast...

Frederick’s Dives Into Swim

New York–based Frederick’s of Hollywood Group Inc., the parent company of the iconic Los Angeles–based linger...

Frederick#039;s Dives Into Swim

New York–based Frederick’s of Hollywood Group Inc., the parent company of the iconic Los Angeles–based linger...

Billabong Collaborates With Invista

Consumers will get a chance to design a swimsuit for Irvine-based Billabong and Maya Gabeira, its surf team rider, thanks to a new...

Alberini Stepping Down at Guess

Carlos Alberini, president and chief operating officer of Guess? Inc., is stepping down from his position to take the co-chief exe...

MyNines Gathers Sample Sale Offerings to Create a One-Stop Shop

With the number of online private sample sale sites continuing to grow, one Web startup is hoping to ease the process by gathering sales all in one place. ...

From Geek to Chic

Web-based companies look to new technologies and new business models to grow....

AAFA's New Committee Focuses on Supply Chain and Product Innovation

In this competitive world, where more apparel and footwear is produced overseas, the American Apparel & Footwear Association is merging two committees into one to streamline its product i...

Ed Hardy Fans, Get Ready for Ana.M Design

Ana.M Design boutiqueSipped an Ed Hardy energy drink? Banished foul odors with an Ed Hardy air freshener? You have Regis Mijatovic to thank for these products. Mijatovic, a friend of Ed Hardy owner Christian Audigier, holds the licenses for the energy drinks, the air...

Thursday, May 6

A Dramatic Scene in Sydney

From the Sydney Opera House to Fox Studios, the cityscape of Sydney is a dramatic backdrop for Australian designers.Romance Was Born, photo courtesy of The VineWhile most of the shows during Rosemount Australian Fashion Week are being held at the Overseas Passenger Terminal overlooking the Opera House (stunning),...

Nailing It

In a past life, I wrote for a beauty-salon trade pub that focused on nails. It was as awesome as it sounds. Most of the time I wrote business and health articles (how to price a new manicure, how to maintain a...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Sneak Peek! Garance Doré For Club Monaco, Fall '10(FabSugar)Picking the Best of Spring's New Style Books (Wall Street Journal) Art, Kitsch and...

Wednesday, May 5

Apparel News Daily Reader

Shops – Lake Boutique, Now on Silver Lake Boulevard (Mondette)Decadestwo Teams Up With InStyle.com (Daily Front Row) Chris Benz: Relationships are...

Fashion Intersects With Interior Design on La Cienega

As seen in the showrooms and homes of fashion designers, many of those blessed with the gift of discerning the difference between run-of-the-mill cotton and Supima long staple yarns while blindfolded can also argue the finer points...

Prada's Gala Return to South Coast Plaza

Prada South Coast Plaza's debut partyGucci, Chanel, Dior, Ferragamo. The whole crew of iconic heritage brands maintains big boutiques at South Coast Plaza, yet there has been no Prada boutique at the Costa Mesa retail center since the 1990s, and its absence was noticed, said philanthropist...

Gen Art Shutters, Cites Loss of Corporate Partner

Gen Art founders Ian Gerard and Stefan Gerard have announced that they are shuttering their 16-year-old organization, which focused on providing a launching pad for emerging talent in fashion...

Designer's Artwork Blossoms in New York

Michele Bohbot in front of a flowery canvasWho knew that behind that Bisou Bisou label was an accomplished artist whose canvases have been recognized by art dealers and critics alike.Michele Bohbot, one of...

Tuesday, May 4

Rosemount Australian Fashion Week Kicks Off in Full Color

Color, color and more color. It was a festive beginning for Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, which kicked off this week in Sydney.Camilla, photo courtesy of AuLifestyle/MarieClaireIt’s a landmark year for the event, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Bag Lady: Talking Eco-friendly fashion with ReMade USA's Shannon South (SFIndieFashion) The Red, White, and Blue Carpet: The Met's

Monday, May 3

Apparel News Daily Reader

Whit's Fall Collection Outfits The Grown-Up Hipster (Refinery29)Celebrities and jewelry: Learning their lines (Los...

Manhattan Beachwear Lands Nanette Lepore Swim

Manhattan Beachwear, the Cypress, Calif.–based swimwear maker, has signed a licensing agreement with Los Angeles–based contemporary brand Nanette Lepore. The Nanette Lepore Swim coll...

Beverly Center Macy's Checks Style List

From left, Nick Verreos, Daniella Clarke and Rachel PallyRetail was entertainment on April 29 when designer, Project Runway alum and occasional Apparel News blogger Nick Verreos hosted The Style List at the Impulse department at Macy’s in Los Angeles’...