Thursday, January 30
Kingpins Puts LA Show on Hiatus Until July
Trade Show
Kingpins—the boutique denim trade show with editions in New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong—is putting its Los Angeles show on hiatus while it concentrates on launching its newest show in Amsterdam.
Venue Finds New Home at the Cooper Design Space
Trade Show
There was a new venue and high energy for the second edition of the Venue trade show, which ran Jan. 29–30 on the 11th floor of the Cooper Design Space in downtown Los Angeles.
Industry Voices: Mediation or Arbitration: What’s The Difference?
Legal
When people disagree, they have choices on how to resolve their dispute. They can lawyer-up, file a lawsuit, and let a judge or jury decide who wins. They can also try to resolve the matter between themselves, they can engage in arbitration or they can go through mediation.
Chico’s Soma Intimates Enlists Customers in Charitable Bra Donation Effort
Retail
Soma Intimates, the intimate-apparel retailer owned by Fort Myers, Fla.–based Chico’s FAS, is collecting new and “gently worn” bras for the latest edition of its “Giving Is Beautiful” campaign, which will benefit the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV).
D&A to Open L.A. Show on Sunday Beginning in March
Trade Show
For the upcoming Los Angeles Fashion Week Fall ’14 season, Designers and Agents will open its show on Sunday, March 16.
New AAFA App Provides Industry Insight and Avenue to Share Industry Issues
Manufacturing
Members of the apparel industry are on the front line of many industry issues, such as proposed trade agreements and pending legislation, but often they have limited access to elected officials to voice concerns or share their insight. Now there’s an app for that.
Tukatech Launches 'Tip of the Week' Contest with Prizes Up to $5,000
Technology
Los Angeles–based technology solution provider Tukatech has introduced a new contest to encourage Tukatech users to visit the company’s Tip of the Week page.
P.J. Salvage Founder and Creative Apparel Director, Mickey Sills, 55
Mickey Sills, 55
Seven months after being diagnosed with cancer, the apparel veteran passed away on Jan. 28.
Customs Expert Tom Gould Joins ST&R Law Firm
Import & Export
After more than a decade running his own customs consulting business in Los Angeles, Tom Gould is joining Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, a law firm that regularly advises apparel and textile companies in California.
NRF Says No to Obama’s Call for Minimum Wage Increase
News
In the 2014 State of the Union address, which was given Jan. 28, President Barack Obama issued a call to business leaders and politicians at the state and local level to boost the minimum wage in order to strengthen the economy.
Lauren Moshi Marks 10 Years of Fashion
Lauren Moshi
The Lauren Moshi brand of T-shirts was touched by a beginner’s luck that never faded.
Retailers, Brands Brave Snow to Scout Denim Trends at Kingpins
Kingpins
Despite inclement weather, the boutique denim trade show was held at The Tunnel in New York’s Chelsea district.
Texworld USA Draws a Crowd Amid Snowy Weather
Texworld USA
New York saw more than a foot of snowfall on opening day of the Jan. 20–23 run of Texworld USA.
Fashion Market Northern California Starts 2014 with A Big Buzz
Trade Show Report
SAN MATEO, Calif.—The first Fashion Market Northern California trade show of 2014 buzzed with business during its Jan. 26–28 run at the San Mateo Event Center in San Mateo, Calif., which is a 20-minute drive south of San Francisco.
Swim Collective Has a Solid Show With Plans to Move in August
Swim Collective
Retailers hunted for anything that hinted of newness at one of the year's first swimwear shows.
Wednesday, January 29
Now is So 70-Years Ago, Just Ask Pete Seeger
Styles from 70-years ago are at the height of current fashion. It got me scratching my head. Is there a poverty of new ideas among designers? Is it a protest against a society that is changing too quickly? Or is that you don't try to improve on perfection?
Tuesday, January 28
Azul by Moussy in U.S.A.
Japanese brand Azul by Moussy is sold at more than 99 shops in Japan. It will make its American debut at MAGIC MARKET WEEK shows Project and Magic.
Monday, January 27
Zooey + Tommy + Macy’s
Fashion Collabs
Actress and singer Zooey Deschanel has teamed up with the Tommy Hilfiger Group to create a capsule dress and accessories collection called To Tommy, From Zooey.
David Yurman Opens New Store at SoCal Shopping Center
Retail
Westfield Topanga shopping center welcomes a new David Yurman store.
Friday, January 24
Modern Archives vs the Basics
Modern Archives line makes 1980s and mid-century inspired basics fashions, we also loved their blog on unconventional wedding dresses.
Collab Again: Banana Republic x Marimekko
Summer Capsule
Banana Republic will release a collection created in partnership with Finnish design house Marimekko in May.
Thursday, January 23
RVCA Joins Forces With Model for Capsule Collection
Swim & Surf
RVCA, a leading boardsports and fashion brand out of Costa Mesa, Calif., recently announced its first capsule collection with a model since its popular collaboration with model and actress Erin Wasson for Spring 2009.
New Exec at Levi's
Manufacturing
Craig Nomura is moving from Williams-Sonoma Inc. to Levi Strauss & Co. as the new executive vice president and head of global retail.
Del Amo Fashion Center Makes Way for New Addition
News
The retail lineup at the Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, Calif., is starting to look a lot like musical chairs. At the end of the month, boutiques will begin relocating to other areas of the mall so construction can begin on a new two-level section of the north mall.
In Search of Newness at the ISS Show
T-Shirts & Tech
The name of the game for the T-shirt crowd this year is discovering a fresh take on blank tops.
Wednesday, January 22
RAW'S Designer of the Year
Brooklyn, N.Y.’s Corvus +Crux label wonRAW:natural born artists Fashion Designer of the Year.
Tuesday, January 21
Monday, January 20
Alternative’s Foodie Debut
The debut of Alternative’s new boutique in San Francisco’s stylish Hayes Valley last week was a Bay Area foodie event.
Kitson Opening in Las Vegas in May
Kitson to Las Vegas
Kitson, the trendy Los Angeles boutique, is gambling that Las Vegas will be a big winner for the retail chain.
Friday, January 17
Apparel and Textile Executive Ed Woods, 80
Obituary
Longtime apparel and textile industry executive Edward Woods died on Jan. 1. He was 80.
Exhibitors up 17 Percent at Première Vision Preview New York
Première Vision NY
Designers lined up in the cold as Première Vision New York and Indigo New York showed the work of textile and accessories designers from 15 countries.
Retailers, Brands Scout for New Tech at NRF's Big Show
Trade Show Report
This year’s National Retail Federation Big Show offered the usual frenzy of meeting, greeting and selling as retailers checked out the latest in technology.
Smell Ya’ Later
Fashion Tech
An instructor at Parsons has created a watch that tells you what time it is with smell.
Epson Introduces 64-Inch Sublimation Printer and Solution
Epson America Inc.
Epson is expanding its dye sublimation offerings with the Epson SureColor F7170.
Thursday, January 16
Fashion Law Boot Camp Headed to San Francisco
Legal
For the first time ever, the Fashion Law Institute in New York is partnering up with Levi Strauss & Co. in San Francisco to offer a six-day intensive fashion law course geared to fashion professionals, attorneys, and law and design students.
Fashion Valley Names New Marketing Director
Retail
Christopher Lane was named director of marketing and business development for Fashion Valley, the Simon Property Group’s regional mall in San Diego.
Port Traffic Predictions This Year Indicate a Healthier Economy Ahead
Finance
If cargo container volume at the nation’s ports is any indication, 2014 should be a good year for retailers.
Economists Say a Tough Year Can Only Lead to a Much Better 2014
Finance
Apparel manufacturers and clothing stores are taking stock of 2013 and shaking their heads.
Cherokee Acquires Tony Hawk Brands
Manufacturing
Looks like Cherokee Inc. is going to be getting a little air with two new brands, Tony Hawk and Hawk, which it acquired for $19 million in cash.
Etnies Next Step: Expanded Clothing Line
Etnies Apparel
For much of its more than 20 years in business, Etnies mostly sold footwear for skateboarding.
LA Market Beats Expectation as Buyers Stock Up on Immediates and Higher-End Goods
LA Fashion Market
The recent January market exceeded expectations for many showroom owners and reps.
Donola Under The Gunn
Another year, another fashion reality series. In 2014, the reality series is Under The Gunn, and former L.A. shopkeeper Isabelle Donola will be among the show’s competitors striving for fashion glory.
Tuesday, January 14
Wahoo's Fish Taco on History: Stick It!
Wahoo's Fish Taco is one of the surf industry's favorite places to chow down, but its first restaurant also serves as one of the surf industry's most unique musuems.
Fashion Law Boot Camp Headed to San Francisco
Education
For the first time ever, the Fashion Law Institute in New York is partnering up with Levi Strauss & Co. in San Francisco to offer a six-day intensive fashion law course geared for fashion professionals, attorneys, and law and design students.
Monday, January 13
Celebrating 20 Years of DC Shoes
DC Shoes reissues the Lynx model to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Popkiller’s New Store: Pop
Popkiller has been selling fashions with a rock 'n' roll and Japanese pop culture look. Get ready for its new brand, naturally called "Pop."
Cherokee Acquires Tony Hawk Brands
M&A
Cherokee, the Sherman Oaks, Calif., company that has a stable of brands that include Cherokee, Carole Little, Liz Lange and Sideout, bought skateboard-centric brands Tony Hawk and Hawk from Quiksilver in a deal that closed on Jan. 10.
Party On, Ace Hotel
Ace Hotel had a soft opening on Jan. 6 that was too mild for one of the most highly anticipated projects in the fashion district. The hipster hotel made amends on Jan. 11 with a rager of a dance party.
Friday, January 10
Talking Sex and Fashion Photography
Elle magazine creative director to open the floor on sex and fashion photography
Tiffany & Co Illuminated
Filmmaker Matthew Miele will illuminate the world of Tiffany & Co., starting with a documentary on company founder Charles Lewis Tiffany.
Thursday, January 9
T&A Showroom
Showroom Profile
Tim Padilla and Alfred Davis opened their T&A Showroom more than five years ago in the 824 Building, the wholesale building located just north of the intersection of Ninth and Los Angeles in the Los Angeles Fashion District.
Core Showroom
Showroom Profile
Nestled on the 10th floor of the Cooper Design Space, Core Showroom is stepping out on its own, moving to suite 1014 after sharing space in suite 1008 for a few years, said Jillian Kirk, Core’s owner.
Bob Ditchik and Associates/The H.E.M. showroom
Showroom Profiles
The Jan. 13–16 run of Los Angeles Fashion Market will be the first market for Bob Ditchik and Howard Meyers in their space at The New Mart after the two spent decades—three for Ditchik and two for Meyers—in the California Market Center.
Vertigo Showroom
Showroom Profile
The Vertigo showroom has only been open in the Gerry Building for a few months, but the line has been around for decades.
FactoryLA Incubator Closes Its Doors
Manufacturing
After running an indie operation that championed the cause of locally designed and produced clothing and accessories, FactoryLA has closed the doors to its store and fashion incubator, located in the heart of the LA Fashion District.
Loehmann’s to Close All Stores
Retail
After 93 years in business, off-price retailer Loehmann’s is closing.
All Star Execs Mandy Fry and Summer Rapp to Helm New Surf Brand
News
The newest women’s label in the surf industry will be run by an all-star team.
Foot Traffic Down, but Xmas Business Beat E-Comm Forecasts, Survey Finds
Retail
While business headlines for the 2013 Christmas holiday season have been mostly downbeat, the 2013 holiday season beat forecasts, according to prominent market-research company ShopperTrak.
Disappointing December Sales Reports Brings Mixed Reactions
Retail
The 2013 holiday retail season was tough, but that’s the only thing the industry can agree on.
Reed Exhibitions Buys Capsule
Trade Show
The Capsule trade show has joined Reed Exhibitions’ portfolio of more than 500 events around the world, including the Agenda trade show, in which Reed acquired a stake in 2012.
Agenda Buzzes with Heavy Retail Traffic
Agenda Trade Show
Agenda, the first trade show of the year, started on a robust note.
Eden Eco and Little Eden: Eco-Friendly Swimwear for All
Eden Eco & Little Eden
Emily Fioravanti is inspired by her years living in Santa Cruz and surfing iconic West Coast surf spots.
Staples USA: Los Angeles Label Has Been Focused on Domestic Production for More Than Three Decades
Staples USA
Staples USA is making its clothes in LA even though 97.5 percent of garments sold in the United States come from overseas.
Marine Layer: Specialty Fabrics, Specialized Fits
Marine Layer
Michael Natenshon switched careers and revved up what may be a new wave in T-shirts.
Ortiz Industry: Performance Gets Professional
Ortiz Industry
Ortiz Industry has the sophisticated look of a contemporary men’s and women’s line but is engineered to perform.
The Clio Awards Get their Fashion On
Creative Competition
The Clio Awards, the international advertising, design and communications competition, will launch a new awards program just for fashion, beauty, retail and accessories.
Columbia Sportswear Reveals Uniforms for Olympic Freestyle Skiers
Columbia Sportswear designs uniforms for freestyle skiers from the Olympic teams representing the U.S., Canada and Russia.
Wednesday, January 8
Epson® Quality and Reliability, Now in a Dye-Sublimation Printer
SPONSOR BLOG
The Epson name has long stood for the very highest standards of print performance, quality and reliability. Now, we’re putting our expertise into an exciting new suite of purpose-built garment printers.
Wearable Cork
Alternative Textiles
A Portuguese champagne cork maker has developed a process for making cork flexible enough to sew into accessories.
Designers Sue Wong and Kevan Hall at LA Jewelry, Antique & Design Show
LA designers to present their fashions at prestigious show at the LA Convention Center.
Tuesday, January 7
New CEO at Not Your Daughter’s Jeans
Executive Moves
On Jan. 7, Robert C. Skinner Jr. was appointed the new CEO of Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, a blue-jeans company now called NYDJ and based in Vernon, Calif.
FactoryLA Incubator Closes Its Doors
Made in LA
After running an indie operation that championed the cause of locally designed and produced clothing and accessories, FactoryLA has closed the doors to its store and fashion incubator, located in the heart of the LA Fashion District.
Monday, January 6
First Look at DTLA Ace Hotel
Fashion District denizens have been long anticipating the debut of the Ace Hotel at 929 S. Broadway, and on Jan. 6, the newest location in the hipster hotel chain had a soft opening. Ace welcomed passersby into a hipster world that was both wonderful and a bit weird.
Meet the New Agenda Lids
At its every show, Agenda works on limited edition caps with its vendors. Here's a look at the new caps, which will be given to Agenda VIPs.
The DL Pop-Up: Notes From a Designer Blow-out
Beverly Hills pop-up shop, The DL, is selling more than 30,000 designer garments that it acquired from a foreclosure sale. The crew working at The DL is only now finding out what they got.
All-Star Surf Execs Naude, Fry and Rapp to Helm New Brand
It was announced on Jan. 6 that top women’s beach and surfwear designers Mandy Fry and Summer Rapp will partner with Paul Naude, former president of the Americas division of Billabong International LTD., to develop as yet unnamed women’s lifestyle brand.
Reed Buys Capsule
Acquisition
Add the Capsule trade show to Reed Exhibitions’ portfolio of more than 500 events around the world, including the Agenda trade show, in which Reed acquired a stake in 2012.
Sunday, January 5
Snob Shack's Mix
Talk about interesting mixes. Snob Shack, a newish store on Los Angeles’ Melrose Avenue sells “pre-loved” designer bags and new designer eyewear frames for a discount.
Friday, January 3
Resort Season in Southern California's South Bay
2014 Waterwear
In Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach, Calif., swimwear is a year-round business.
2014 Swim Shorts Resources
2014 Waterwear
Emsig, Eco Swim by Aqua Green, Heather Blond, Manglar and more waterwear resources.
Capturing the Style of the Endless Summer
2014 Waterwear
The reintroduction of vintage surf brands seeks to recapture the excitement of surfing's apparel pioneers.
Tom & Teddy: Father-and-Son Boardshorts
2014 Waterwear
Tom & Teddy is a premium swimwear brand that was created for men and boys—fathers and sons, uncles and nephews—to celebrate their bond and mutual love for the water. The contemporary active swim line includes colorful printed trunk shorts made with a snug-fit elastic waistline and mid-thigh length offering an elevated boardshort.
Mi Ola: Swimwear With a Pura Vida Sensibility
2014 Waterwear
Swimwear designer Helena Fogarty has about 15 years of fashion experience under her belt and has worked for top brands such as Chanel, Ferragamo and Zac Posen, as well as Harper’s Bazaar.
Mia Marcelle: Swimwear on the Vine
2014 Waterwear
Amber Wagner’s idea for her new swimwear label, Mia Marcelle, designed in Napa Valley, Calif., had been fermenting for some time.
Cheeki Swim: Reversible Chic
2014 Waterwear
In launching her swimwear collection, Cheeki Swim, Rosie Davenport was inspired by her globetrotter lifestyle as well as her California coast upbringing.
Thursday, January 2
The United States Is Manufacturing More Apparel Than in Recent Years
Manufacturing
Apparel production in the United States saw an 8.5 percent jump in 2012 over 2011 as American shoppers focused more on buying domestically made clothing.
Retailers See Mixed Holiday Business
Retail
Consumers waited until the last minute to shop for holiday gifts. The surge of consumer traffic created a 1 percent sales increase for the final week of December over the previous week, ending Dec. 21, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Weekly Chain Store Sales Index. The index was released on Dec. 31.
NYDJ’s Leslie Singer to Head Kellwood’s New Sam Edelman Division
Manufacturing
Former NYDJ executive Leslie Singer has been named president of Sam Edelman Apparel, a new division at Kellwood Co., formed through a new partnership between Kellwood and Sam Edelman, which is owned by the Brown Shoe Co.
Industry Voices: 10 Immigration Tips for California Employers in the Fashion Industry
Legal
It’s no secret that the fashion industry is a labor-intensive business in California that is fueled by the availability of foreign workers in various sectors of the industry.
Cross Colours Bringing the Brand Back
Cross Colours
Carl Jones will officially relaunch Cross Colours at the Jan. 7–8 run of the Agenda trade show in Long Beach, Calif.
The Store of the Future
The Store of the Future
Industry insiders weigh in on the future look—and function—of bricks-and-mortar stores.
Bloomingdale's Going All Out for Chinese New Year
Several Bloomingdale's stores will celebrate Chinese New Year with pop-up shops and more.
Agenda: Get Ready for the Hoods
For years, Agenda trade show has collaborated with its vendors on special caps for each of its individual trade show. Now the prominent trade show is doing collaborations on hoodies.
Wednesday, January 1
3-D Footwear: Custom-Fit Comedy Fodder
Fashion Tech
Shamees Aden has created a 3-D printed shoe made from a “a synthetic biological material."
