Wednesday, November 27
Planet Blue Takes It to the Beach
Planet Blue
The boutique chain has introduced a private-label women’s swim line called Blue Life Swim.
Jessica Faulkner: Wardrobe for All Seasons
Designer Profile
Los Angeles–based designer Jessica Faulkner embraces the smart side of clothing. Using her world travels, education, sports background and industry experience, Faulkner creates a well-rounded apparel line filled with sophistication, flirtiness and versatility.
Lola Getts: Plus Size Performance
Designer Profile
Lola Getts is an activewear company that makes functional sports-performance clothing in plus sizes. Founders Stacey Goldstein and Jodi Geiger saw a void in the activewear industry for plus-size styles. As an avid cyclist and yoga participant, Goldstein noticed that women of various sizes in her classes were wearing baggy sweats and white tees.
Lectra Hosts 3-D Tech Demo in LA
Technology
An intimate gathering of Southern California designers and manufacturers turned out on Nov. 14 in downtown Los Angeles to see a demonstration of Lectra’s Modaris 3-D pattern-making software.
Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works Coming to Figat7th
Retail
Two more retail nameplates have signed on to Figat7th, the downtown Los Angeles mall owned by Brookfield Office Properties.
Swim Collective Heading to New Home in August
Swim & Surf
Swim Collective, the 4-year-old West Coast swimwear trade show, will have a new home in August at the St. Regis Monarch Beach in Dana Point, Calif.
Off-Price Demand Fuels Growth for Retailers
Retail
This year is shaping up to be a banner year for off-price retailers, the market segment best known for selling clothes at 20 percent to 70 percent off full price.
The Trend Chasers: Full-Package Production in Downtown LA
Made In America
The Trend Chasers employ 160 people in an 80,000-square-foot facility in the LA Garment District.
Best Dressed Monk to Debut Store, Fashion Line
Designer Profile
When men’s fashion label Best Dressed Monk opens its first boutique in Santa Barbara, Calif.’s exclusive Montecito enclave today, it hopes to give men a sartorial choice between fashion extremes.
LastaShop: Iceland Loves L.A. Fashion
There is an Icelandic business community in L.A. One of its hubs is LastaShop. It makes clothes.
Sullen Clothing: Tattoo You!
You may know Sullen Clothing's T-shirts, but on Dec. 7, it will be producing a gallery show of tattoo art. Get ready.
Tuesday, November 26
Activewear Gets Technical
WearableTech
New Silicon Valley–based activewear brand Athos has incorporated electromyography or EMG technology ( typically used in biomedical applications) into fitness apparel to help the wearer gauge just how effective the workout is.
Monday, November 25
Combat Cotton
Performance Luxury
Trimara Military Technology, a division of Trimera Group, an international branded and licensed apparel company, has introduced (and trademarked) Hellblock, a “military grade flame resistance technology…fused with ultra-soft Pima cotton.
Balls, Backboards and Now Shoes
Spalding Athletic Shoes
Spalding, maker of basketball equipment such as backboards and balls is launching a new athletic shoe collection, which will bow next year.
Saturday, November 23
Swim Collective Heading to New Home in August
Trade Show
Swim Collective, the 4-year-old West Coast swimwear trade show, will have a new home in August at the St. Regis Monarch Beach in Dana Point, Calif.
Friday, November 22
Ron Robinson's New Look
Ron Robinson has long been one of the most prominent retailers at the Fred Segal compound of boutiques. On Nov. 21, he debuted the new look for his StylObjects shop.
RHCreation Wins Big at Fashion Week San Diego
At Fashion Week San Diego, the audience voted for label RHCreation as the best designer label.
Denim Recycling Goes Big
Cotton Inc.'s Blue Jeans Go Green program celebrated recycling a million pieces of denim. It's to help communities in need.
Thursday, November 21
Alchemy Works, a New Multi-Brand Shop, to Downtown Los Angeles
Alchemy Works
Apolis Common Gallery's sister store is a multi-brand shop
Alternative’s New S.F. Store Wants Consumers & Citizens
Retail
After building two stores in Los Angeles, basics brand Alternative, formerly Alternative Apparel, is scheduled to open a store in San Francisco on Dec. 8.
Ron Robinson Debuts 1st Pop-Up Shop at Independent Boutique
Pop-Up Downtown
Robinson opens a pop-up shop at Guerilla Atelier
Industry Voices: Protecting Your Fashion Designs Before Employees Leave
Manufacturing
Innovation is at the heart of the fashion industry.
Cherokee Takes Liz Lange to India
Manufacturing
Sherman Oaks, Calif.–based Cherokee Inc. struck a licensing deal with Mahindra Retail Pvt Ltd. to sell Liz Lange Maternity apparel in Mahindra’s Mom & Me stores throughout India.
Ralph Barnes to Helm Beverly Center
Retail
Ralph Barnes, operations director at the prominent Beverly Center mall in Los Angeles, has been promoted to general manager, it was announced recently.
Survey: RFID Poised to Hit $23.4 Billion in 2020
Technology
A new survey has RFID—radio frequency identification—technology on track to reach $23.4 billion in 2020.
Brand Building Behind the Scenes
Manufacturing
When a designer is first considering launching a line, the first step may be researching the market and creating mood boards, or it might be shopping for textiles or creating original prints and embellishments—followed by design, patternmaking and samples.
Business-to-Business Technology Solutions for Fashion Are Gaining Traction
Technology
Walk down the trade-show aisles 10 years ago, and most likely every desk had a stack of paper order forms. Today, it’s more common to see customers tapping an iPad to take notes and place orders through an application such as NuOrder.
Fields Report: Sweater Sales Are Jumping
Retail
The big surprise for fall merchandising for juniors is that sweater sales are skyrocketing.
Allen Schwartz Ventures into Young Contemporary and Plus Sizes
Brand Extension
The fashion veteran Allen Schwartz reinvents himself with new collections.
'Crowdfunding': Fashion Finds New Revenue From the Multitudes
Finance
With traditional funding increasingly hard to get, many entrepreneurs are seeking to raise funds on crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter Inc., based in New York, and Indiegogo Inc., headquartered in San Francisco.
Kickstarting a Blue Movement
Made in America
Jake Bronstein, the founder and CEO of Brooklyn-based men’s line Flint and Tinder, has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund The Bluelace Project for made-in-America shoelaces.
Laurie B Stylin' at Marimekko
Finnish design company Marimekko crafted some bright, new looks for Holiday '13, stylist Laurie Brucker gave a talk on how to make the most of the color.
What the Boys Wore at the Movember Party
Manny J of The Gent's Closet Produced a Movember party at The Left Shoe on Nov. 20. Are these guys ahead of the fashion vanguard?
JFK: The Name Lives On
Years after his death, Fashion brands have been inspired by President John F. Kennedy, in a surprise the name of his rival Nixon comes up too.
Wednesday, November 20
Wearable Tech Right from the Printer
Fashion Innovation
Researchers and engineers have developed a way to inkjet-print electronic circuits on a range of materials—including fabric.
Tuesday, November 19
Alternative’s New S.F. Store Wants Consumers and Citizens
Retail Opening
After building two stores in Los Angeles, basics brand Alternative, formerly Alternative Apparel, is scheduled to open a store in San Francisco on Dec. 8.
Monday, November 18
Garrett Leight's Spectacle
Garrett Leight of Garrett Leight California Optical parties for his Abbot Kinney boutique and his magazine Spectacle.
Brooklyn Projects', Glam Girls' Relief for Philippine Typhoon
People around the world have worked on aid efforts to help those made homeless and destititute by Typhoon Haiyan. Brooklyn Projects and a bevy of models and glam girls did their part on Nov. 17.
Friday, November 15
Original Chuck Parties for Its New Styles
The Sayers Club seemed like the backdrop for a spy movie, but Original Chuck held a shindig for its Holiday 13 and Spring '14 caps there.
Where Fashion and Science Collide
Photography
When Dutch macaque anatomist Roxana Kooijmans needed a way to share her collection of monkey brains with other scientists, she turned to a StyleShoots, the tech company that makes an automated photography system for fashion e-commerce sites.
Big Party for 7 Points Boutique
How this for a lot of fashion? The Park showroom not only opened a boutique in downtown L.A. They opened the 7 Points boutique in the Lady Liberty fashion showroom building. That's a lot of fashion.
Thursday, November 14
Fairfax’s Streetwear Cred Goes Global
Streetwear Destination
Los Angeles’ Fairfax Avenue builds worldwide reputation as streetwear capital.
City of Hope Honors Frank Kaufman and Kevin Sullivan at Annual Fundraiser
City of Hope
The City of Hope celebrates its 100th birthday this year.
New Collection From a Second-Generation Goldschmied
Emm Gold: Luxe Streetwear
Luxury streetwear from a second-generation Goldschmied.
Agenda Plans Expansion on All Fronts
Trade Shows
Last August, the Agenda trade show expanded to include a Las Vegas edition. In 2014, plans are even more ambitious for the event, which focuses on the action-sports, surf, streetwear and contemporary fashion markets.
New California Swim Trade Show Riviera by CurvExpo to Launch in 2014
Trade Shows
California is getting a new swimwear trade show next year when Eurovet, the European trade show organizer and owner of CurvExpo, launches Riviera by CurvExpo in August.
StyleShoots Opens LA Showroom at Cooper
Technology
StyleShoots, the system that simplifies still-life product photography, has a new home in Los Angeles.
Wasteland’s New E-commerce Site, More Editorial, More Brands
Retail
Wasteland, the Los Angeles–area specialty-store chain, relaunched its e-commerce site recently. The retailer’s co-founder Cheryl Cohen hopes that the new website will bring Wasteland’s unique point-of-view to the rest of the world.
Interim Executive Director Takes Over at the Port of Los Angeles
Import & Export
Gary Lee Moore has stepped in as the interim executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, replacing Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, who earlier announced she would be retiring at the end of the year.
Halladay: Denim Built for Comfort
New Resources
The owners of newly established women’s contemporary line Halladay, Greg Duzian and Azi Tchatalbachian, have worked in the fashion industry for more than 25 years. The two have covered everything from design to product development, sales and marketing, production, and sourcing.
It’s Not Just a Bag: Brand Building at Trade Shows Is All in the Bag
It’s Not Just a Bag
Trade show bags are becoming more important.
Former Levi’s Exec Joins True Religion
Manufacturing
Vernon, Calif.–based True Religion Apparel Inc. named Mary Alderete chief marketing officer, overseeing the brand’s marketing strategy for retail, wholesale, international and e-commerce.
Juicy Heads to Kohl’s
Retail
One month after Juicy Couture was purchased by Authentic Brands Group from Fifth & Pacific (formerly Liz Claiborne Inc.), the Southern California brand is heading to Kohl’s.
SIMA Image Nominees Honor the Best-in-Class Surf Brands
Swim & Surf
Surf Industry Manufacturers Association released a list of its nominees for its 2013 Image awards on Nov. 14.
Revolve's 10 Year Anniversary Party!
After 10 years of pioneering e-commerce, what do you do? If you are Revolve Clothing, you party at DBA, a new West Hollywood club
There’s Stylish, and Then There’s Army Stylish.
Authentic Apparel
Authentic Apparel is launching a collection of “army style” clothing, which is officially licensed by the U.S. Army.
John Varvatos' Rock 'n' Roll Confidential
Rock 'n' roll fashion has been called everything from highly influential to sexy and a minor eyesore. Designer John Varvatos catalogs the whole hullaballoo of rock fashion in his new book
Wednesday, November 13
Shop & Dine: Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Miami, Dallas, Las Vegas
Shop & Dine
Restaurant and boutique suggestions for your next trip through the trade-show circuit.
Service Minded: Trade Shows Gear Up to Draw Attendees to the 2014 Shows
Trade Shows
With a recovering economy underway, trade shows are poised to see increased attendance in 2014. California Apparel News checked in with several trade show organizers to see what new programs they have in place to attract new and returning attendees. Some are expanding their buyer amenities and incentive programs. Others are offering retailers more opportunities to research the market before the show. And some are highlighting their seminar programs and entertainment offerings, or remerchandising the show floor and adjusting the schedule.
Tuesday, November 12
New California Swim Trade Show Riviera by CurvExpo to Launch in 2014
Swim & Surf
California is getting a new swimwear trade show next year when Eurovet, the European trade show organizer and owner of CurvExpo, launches Riviera by CurvExpo in August.
Thursday, November 7
Sample Sales Resources
Resource Guide
This listing is provided as a free service to our advertisers.
Ström: Model Turned Designer Launches New Denim Line
Ström
Erika Stromqvist set out to create a clean and simple denim line.
Meehan Joins Volcom as New President of North America Region
Surf & Swim
Leading boardsports brand Volcom has created a new executive position. On Oct. 31, the company announced the appointment of Kevin Meehan as the inaugural president of Volcom’s North America region.
Nike Names New VP of Action Sports
Surf & Swim
Beaverton, Ore.–based athletic footwear and apparel giant Nike Inc. named Scott LeClair its new vice president of Action Sports, which oversees the action-sports category and Nike division Hurley International LLC.
British Designers Return to LA to Show at London Show Rooms
London Show Rooms
The British Fashion Council returned to Los Angeles.
October Sales Stronger Than Expected
Retail
“Sales trends are seemingly back on track,” said economist Michael Niemira regarding business in October.
USA-ITA Changes Its Name After 24 Years
Import & Export
When the U.S. Association of Importers of Textiles & Apparel was launched in 1989, the United States had only one free-trade agreement and apparel was made mostly in this country.
Surf Industry Veteran Lian Elyse Murray, 54
Surf & Swim
Surf-industry pioneer Lian Murray passed away at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, Calif., Nov. 3 after suffering from a severe asthma attack, according to a statement from her family. She was 54.
Gap Inc. Names New Head of Global Supply-Chain Division
Retail
Gap Inc. has promoted Sonia Syngal as head of the company’s global supply-chain division, replacing Colin Funnell, who is retiring.
Buhler’s Werner Bieri, 60
Textile
Textile executive Werner Bieri died on Nov. 2 after a long battle with leukemia. He was 60.
Lazr Footwear Show Returns to Cooper for Third Run
Lazr Footwear Show
The Lazr trade show ran at the Cooper Design Space in Los Angeles.
Billabong Sells West 49
Surf
In a little more than a month after it named a new chief executive officer, the beleaguered parent company of Irvine, Calif.–based Billabong announced that it has sold the Canadian chain of stores West 49 Inc. to YM Inc., which is headquartered in Toronto.
Glendale Galleria Unveils New Renovation
Retail
Glendale Galleria is unveiling the most extensive renovation in its 37-year history in Glendale, Calif., on Nov. 8.
Bloomingdale’s Puts Focus on Brands and Glam at New Glendale Store
Bloomingdale's opens in Glendale
The store opened Nov. 8 at the Glendale Galleria retail center.
Wednesday, November 6
October Sales Forecast From Ugly to Good
RETAIL SALES
As forecasts for October sales roll in, predictions range from lousy to better-than-predicted.
The Art of Giving Back…Packs
Fashion + Philanthropy
Give Will, the foundation created by Will Leather Goods Founder and Creative Director Will Adler, has set a goal to give away 100,000 backpacks over the next five years to underfunded public schools nationwide.
Tuesday, November 5
Seafolly Opens First US Store in Newport Beach
Retail Opening
For its first stand-alone U.S. store, Australian swim brand Seafolly headed to Newport Beach.
Monday, November 4
Topshop's Holiday Party
Topshop
Topshop marked an early party for the upcoming holiday season. Erin Wasson and Mandy Moore were among the VIPs bringing in the cheer.
Surf Industry Veteran Lian Murray, 54
Obituary
Surf industry pioneer Lian Murray passed away at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, Calif. Nov. 3 after suffering from a severe asthma attack, according to a statement from her family. She was 54.
Billabong Sells West 49
Surf Sale
In a little more than month after it named a new chief executive officer, the beleaguered parent company of Irvine, Calif.–based Billabong announced that it sold Canadian chain of stores West 49 Inc. to YM Inc., which is headquartered in Toronto.
Buhler’s Werner Bieri, 60
Obituary
Textile executive Werner Bieri, former president and founding chief executive officer of Buhler Quality Yarns, died on Nov. 2 after a long battle with leukemia.
Cosabella Pairs Up with BeachMint for Exclusive
Next year, Cosabella will be offering a new collection exclusive to BeachMint, based in Santa Monica, Calif.
Tarina Tarantino Gets Crafty With New Book
Tarina Tarantino
Fuchsia-haired designer Tarina Tarantino has talked to a lot of journos during her 18-years of business. Now she tells her own story.
Friday, November 1
Next step for Designer Courtney Cady: Bagtazo
After stints interviewing rock stars, producing runway shows and manufacturing fashion, Courtney Cady debuts jewelry line Bagtazo.
Meehan Joins Volcom as New President of North America Region
Executive Moves
On Oct. 31, Volcom announced the appointment of Kevin Meehan as the inaugural president of the company's North America region.
