Monday, June 30
Vision Street Wear’s Double Hit
Call it double vision. Vision Street Wear, the recently relaunched heritage streetwear brand, debuted, count ‘em, two new limited edition capsule brands on June 27 at the ever-so-hip Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles.
Friday, June 27
UPDATE: Dov Charney Now Controls 43 Percent of American Apparel Stock
Manufacturing
Dov Charney nearly doubles the amount of American Apparel stock he owns.
Bebe to Shutter 2b Bebe
Retail
Bebe Stores Inc. announced June 27 that it will shutter its 2b Bebe division in a cost cutting effort that will eventually save the retailer $9 to $10 million annually.
Superbad: Crooks & Castles X James Brown
Call the Crooks & Castles label superbad. It's capsule collection for James Brown biopic Get On Up - The James Brown Story took a bow June 26.
Eyes Wide Open With Ricoh Theta
It was a party for Ricoh Theta cameras at the Kim Sing Theatre June 25. But revelers also took in performances by Taiko Project, Omodaka and munched on food from Ford's Filling Station.
Thursday, June 26
Expanding from Accessories to Apparel
Melody Ehsani
When Melody Ehsani turned from law to fashion, she wanted to capture a niche within the market for hip hop–inspired jewelry, which soon caught the eyes of musicians such as Rihanna, Erykah Badu and Alicia Keys.
Crooks & Castles: After Friend’s Shocking Death, a Collection
Fashion/Designer Profiles
The Spring ’15 looks of Crooks & Castles are in stores, and the streetwear brand’s Fall ’14 styles will be previewed at the upcoming Agenda trade show in Long Beach, Calif., but the Crooks label made one of its most heartfelt statements on June 19.
Industry Voices: Mediation—A Tale of Two Studies
Legal
The power of mediation to resolve disputes is well known in legal circles, but it is not as familiar to the fashion industry.
NRF’s Shay’s Message to Grads: “Be Unreasonable”
National Retail Federation
After sweating through law and business classes, Matthew Shay, president and chief executive officer of the National Retail Federation, a leading retail trade group based in Washington D.C., got his JD and MBA degrees, but his latest degree was easy.
Sequential Brands in Deal to Buy Galaxy Brand Holdings
Manufacturing
Sequential Brands Group is getting ready to double its revenues. The company, which got its start in Los Angeles as a clothing company that has the William Rast label, announced it had signed a definitive agreement to acquire Galaxy Brand Holdings for $280 million in cash and stock.
Vince Announced 2nd Public Offering
News
Vince Holding Corp. received $177 million in an initial public offering in November 2013, and, on June 24, it announced a second public offering.
Juicy Couture Revamping Stores Under New Ownership
Retail
By next year, Juicy Couture will have a series of new concept stores open to reflect the label’s changing directions under new ownership by Authentic Brands Group.
Immediates, Fall and New Resources Key at Fashion Market Northern California
Trade Show Report
The San Mateo Event Center was bustling with activity during the June 22–24 run of Fashion Market Northern California, where exhibitors were showing fashion and accessories lines and buyers were placing last-minute Summer through late-Fall orders.
Hybrid E-Commerce Opens in Los Angeles
Bonobos
Bonobos, a New York–headquartered men’s clothing brand, helped introduce a new retail model when its Guideshops opened in 2011. Bonobos would deliver one-on-one service to those who wanted a bricks-and-mortar store experience, then ship the clothes to the consumer just like other e-commerce stores do.
Eco Blossoms at Ron Robinson
A bunch of eco-friendly labels showed their looks at the Ron Robinson boutique in Los Angeles June 25. Here's a look at a few of them.
New Look at Original Kitson
Storefront remodeled. Time to party with Brian Lichtenberg at the original Kitson flagship.
Get Kitty With It
Pop Culture
Hello Kitty turns 40 this year and to celebrate, parent company Sanrio is hosting its first Hello Kitty Convention—called, of course, Hello Kitty Con 2014.
Wednesday, June 25
The North Face Recycles 1.5 Million Polybags
Retail and the Environment
The North Face takes it polyethylene bags used to ship clothes and recycles them to save the environment.
For the Loud: Marshall Headphones and J.Mascis
There's a tradition of loud rock 'n' roll behind Marshall Headphones. The line of personal electronics lived up to its reputation by producing a June 24 concert by alt rock/stoner rock legend J.Mascis at Hollywood's No Vacancy club.
Tuesday, June 24
Carlo Pazolini – Global Citizen
Trademarked as an Italian venture, founded by a man from Eastern Europe, the Carlo Pazolini company calls itself a global company, and on June 24, it opened its first West Coast boutique at the Beverly Center in Los Angeles.
Mediation: A Tale of Two Studies
INDUSTRY VOICES
The power of mediation to resolve disputes is well known in legal circles, but it is not as familiar to the fashion industry. The cases often fall into one of two categories: disputes that are driven by emotion more than legal issues and disputes that are based in legal issues where emotion is less of a factor.
Monday, June 23
After Friend’s Shocking Death, A Collection
Crooks & Castles
Crooks & Castles' Spring '15 styles will bow at the upcoming Agenda trade show in Long Beach, Calif., but the label made one of its most heartfelt statements on June 19.
Dov Charney Wages War to Stay on at American Apparel
In a filing on June 23 with the Securities & Exchange Commission, Dov Charney, the ousted American Apparel founder, president and chief executive, said he met with a group of shareholders last week who want him to continue running the company, and he will fight to stay on.
Friday, June 20
Amour Vert Opens First Store in San Francisco
Retail
Eco-apparel company debuts first-ever store in San Francisco.
Thursday, June 19
Wrangler Puts a Price on Premium: About $20
Denim Report
Greensboro, N.C.–based denim maker Wrangler has introduced a new line of jeans, twill and shirt for millennial men who want fashionable clothing as an affordable price
Finishing Touch
Findings & Trimmings
Buttons, trim, ribbons, closures and zippers complete the look. Here are some of the latest offerings from several findings and trimmings suppliers.
Fashion Meets Function in New Men’s Collection Designed by Henry Duarte and Pepper Foster
Monkey Sports
Set to debut in September, the Monkey Sports menswear collection will include more than 200 styles, including denim, T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, woven shirts, sweats, shorts, track pants and underwear.
California-Made T-shirts
Daydreamer
Laura Glover designs understated knit tees that combine both comfort and style into one. Her Los Angeles–based brand, Daydreamer, features soft tees that combine effortless, California style with a rock ’n’ roll, bohemian vibe.
Digital and Technical Skills in Demand for Fashion and Retail Industry
Retail
The good news is fashion and retail companies are hiring at the same rate—or higher—than last year. That’s the word from the recently released “2014 24 Seven Salary & Job Market Report.” tk
Pajama Game
Love + Grace
After more than 20 years in the loungewear business, Julie Zipperer wanted to make comfortable pajamas for women, but she did not want to make another “boyfriend” look.
Cherokee Strikes Alliances in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada, China
Manufacturing
Sherman Oaks, Calif.–based Cherokee Inc. struck several new alliances that will take the company’s lifestyle brands further across the globe.
New Licensing Partners Announced for Saban Brands’ Julius Jr. Character
Manufacturing
“Julius Jr.” is a new pre-school children’s TV series that debuted last September on Nick Jr., part of the Nickelodeon network. Saban Brands is signing agreements with a host of licensing partners this year and next to make tons of Julius Jr. products.
South Korean Thread Plant to Open in Costa Rica
Manufacturing
With an eye on taking advantage of the free-trade agreement between Central America and the United States, a large South Korean apparel and textile company is building a $50 million thread mill in Costa Rica.
Delays Mount in Retrieving Cargo at Port of LA
Import/Export
Truck drivers are waiting as long as five to six hours to pick up cargo at some terminals at the Port of Los Angeles.
Stitch Labs: Fashion Advice from a Nuclear Scientist
Technology
Levey’s company, Stitch Labs Inc., headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, recently released a new platform for its online inventory program that has a focus on the fashion business.
UPDATE: American Apparel Board Votes to Oust Founder
Manufacturing
In a stunning move, the board of directors of Los Angeles–based American Apparel Inc. voted June 18 to suspend founder, President and Chief Executive Officer Dov Charney, naming John Luttrell as interim CEO.
Speedo Joins Forces With Red Cross
Swimwear
Speedo will be the official licensee of the American Red Cross in a certain category.
Wednesday, June 18
American Apparel Board Votes to Oust Founder
The board of directors of Los Angeles–based American Apparel Inc. voted to suspend founder, President and Chief Executive Officer Dov Charney, naming John Luttrell as interim CEO.
Suffering for Fashion Isn't New?
Vintage Fashion Trends
Bata Shoe Museum in Canada unveils one of the more interesting exhibits on fashion.
Tuesday, June 17
Project Ethos Heads East
Emerging Artists
Project Ethos is hitting the road later this year with stops at New York Fashion Week, Chicago and Miami.
Monday, June 16
So What Is the Latest Denim Trend?
Denim World
Everyone seems to be rolling out the same fabric for a new look in denim.
Friday, June 13
Glendale Galleria’s Same Day Splash
Same day delivery service is something that many companies are scrambling to offer, and General Growth Properties Glendale Galleria recently debuted its own same day service.
Pickett Takes A Bow
Many Californians have not seen San Diego-headquartered line Pickett yet, but the line's founder Jennifer Pickett hopes to build a bigger profile to the line. She held a preview of the line at Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood on June 12.
Save This Dance!: Diesel’s Jogg Jeans
Diesel wants to prove that you can dance in jeans. Give a welcome to Diesel's Jogg Jeans
20 Years in Business? That’s Cause for a Sale!
Shop Local
Owl Talk, one of my favorite neighborhood shops in northeast LA is about to turn 20. And owners, Kathleen and Sharon Kroner, are hosting a sale this weekend to celebrate.
Party for Stance’s New HQ
Stance opened a new headquarters in San Clemente, Calif. The beautiful and dangerous of the surf and skate set dropped by a debut party to welcome the new Stance HQ.
Mini Couture
Fashion Exhibition
Dior recently unveiled a new travelling exhibition of 60 couture pieces made in miniature, in homage to a 1945 exhibition of French haute couture.
Thursday, June 12
Immediates and Final Fall Orders at LA Fashion Market
Trade Shows
Los Angeles Fashion Market was busier than expected for many showing at the California Market Center, The New Mart, the Cooper Design Space, the Gerry Building and the Lady Liberty Building, as well as exhibitors showing at Designers and Agents, Brand Assembly and Select.
Birkhold Leaves Bebe
Retail
Steve Birkhold resigned as chief executive officer from Bebe Stores Inc. after spending 18-months trying to turn the mall-based contemporary retailer around, according to a company statement released June 12.
INDUSTRY VOICES Technology: The Fashion Course You Can't Live Without
Technology
The next big name in fashion might be sitting in a U.S. classroom right now. But when that student walks across the stage to accept his diploma, how can he ensure his designs eventually walk the runway?
With PLM, Evy of California Gets a Jumpstart on the Design Process
Technology
For many apparel companies, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software is seen as a tool to aid in production. But when Evy of California added NGC’s NGC PLM about two years ago, the company found the software changed the way the design department operates.
Honorees Steinberg, Zaffaroni Help Raise more than $500K
National Jewish Health Fundraiser Ball
The apparel community turned out to honor CIT Trade Finance’s Debbie Steinberg and Roth Capital Partners’ Paul Zaffaroni and raise funds for National Jewish Health at the Black and White Ball, held at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills.
True & Co’s New Science of Bra Sizing
Technology
The quest to make a better bra is never ending, and San Francisco fashion tech company True & Co. believes that it has designed the big data way of making a bra with a spectacular fit.
New CEO at AAFA
Manufacturing
The American Apparel & Footwear Association, the Arlington, Va.–based apparel and footwear association, named Juanita D. Duggan its chief executive officer, replacing Kevin M. Burke, who left AAFA in January after 13 years with the organization.
“More Urban…Fashion Forward” Phenomenal Threadz Opens in Inglewood
Retail
When Marena Downs bought a building in the 2600 block of West Manchester Boulevard in Inglewood, Calif., being a property owner had not been the first item on her list of things to do.
Inside the New Shop
JET John Eshaya
The John Eshaya brand got a little bigger when he recently opened a boutique for JET John Eshaya at 8369 Beverly Blvd. in Los Angeles, near the city’s Fairfax District, where the designer grew up.
Huf Skates Back To Fairfax
Update
Prominent Los Angeles–headquartered skate lifestyle brand Huf will revive its retail operations and open a flagship store at 451 N. Fairfax Blvd.
How Retro-Style Clothing Formed a Multi-Million Company
Pinup Girl Clothing
Inside a sewing factory in South Central Los Angeles, mounds of colorful fabric are piled high as the buzz of sewing machines punctuates the air.
Bloggers' Soiree at Seven Points
It was a bloggers night out at Seven Points boutique and Park Showroom in downtown Los Angeles on June 11.
Wednesday, June 11
Apparel Leaders Defeat Dam Project in Patagonia
Environment
Patagonia wants Patagonia to remain free.
Monday, June 9
Project’s Party for Todd Snyder
A couple of months before its big show in Las Vegas, Project produced a dinner for star designer Todd Snyder at the Fiore Gardens in Pacific Palisades. The dinner’s cocktails were inspired by Todd’s journey as a designer who started work in Iowa, but made it in New York City, the menu was inspired by locally sourced California cuisine and the dinner conversation was of course, all about fashion.
Friday, June 6
Gant's La Brea Look
Gant recently opened a La Brea store with architectural looks gleaned from wood from an old gym and tile which gives it a classically urban look.
SSUR's New Shop: From Russia With Streetwear Love
The new SSUR Flagship was not dropped in the wrong place. The streetwear brand's shop is a five minute drive away from Fairfax the Rodeo Drive of streetwear shops, because that's the way that SSUR's Ruslan V. Karablin likes it.
New CEO at AAFA
Executive Moves
The American Apparel & Footwear Association, the Washington D.C.–based apparel and footwear association, named Juanita D. Duggan its chief executive officer, replacing Kevin M. Burke, who left the organization in January after 13 years with the organization.
Thursday, June 5
Revisiting Vintage
Lily Ashwell
Los Angeles–based fashion designer Lily Ashwell creates demure, 1940s-inspired pieces with an understated sexiness. Her collections are dress focused but also include separates—dungarees, skirts, tops and knits.
Showroom Profile: Frank & Eileen
Showroom Profiles
Step into the Frank & Eileen showroom on the top floor of the Lady Liberty Building and you may think you’ve stumbled on a quaint country house in 1940s-era Ireland.
Showroom Profile: The Vonderheide Showroom
Showroom Profiles
The Vonderheide Showroom has relocated to a new space on the top floor of The New Mart with a wrap-around view of the changing landscape of downtown Los Angeles.
Showroom Profile: Moss/Jang
Showroom Profiles
Model, financial adviser, engineer and now apparel maker, Dustin Moss recently opened a new showroom at the California Market Center to showcase his newly launched young contemporary women’s line, Moss/Jang
Customized Denim for the Trade
Denim Lounge
Denim Lounge Inc. seeks to revolutionize the denim customization process for premium juniors buyers. Taking a two-pronged approach, Denim Lounge Inc. has launched a branded line, Denim Society, in addition to offering a Crafting Bar service.
Streetwear Demand Growing
LA’s Fairfax Boulevard
Fairfax has been the Rodeo Drive of streetwear fashion for more than a year, and streetwear continues its takeover of the 400 block of North Fairfax, where the style’s dominant brands—such as Supreme, Diamond Supply Co. and Crooks & Castles—maintain flagships.
Staking a Claim for Made-In-America Production in Inglewood, Calif.
Onna Ehrlich
When accessories designer Onna Ehrlich and her husband and business partner, Joel Bell, outgrew their studio space in nearby Culver City, the two looked south to Inglewood, where they recently opened a design studio and factory.
New Men’s Fast-Fashion Line Launches From LA
Jonny IV
From a clothing factory in South Los Angeles, Eugene Kang is putting the finishing touches on his new fast-fashion line for young men who want style but don’t have a lot of cash languishing in their wallets.
There's More Than One Way to Charge at Some OC Shopping Centers
Retail
Four Orange County shopping centers will install plug-in charging stations for electric cars.
Construction on City Market Project Announced
Retail
Construction for the first section of the sprawling City Market of Los Angeles project at the eastern edge of the Fashion District was announced on June 2.
Intermix Chief Keledjian on New Store in Palo Alto, Calif.
Retail
Gap Inc.–owned boutique chain Intermix opened its 38th store last month in the Town & Country Village retail center in Palo Alto, Calif., which is a short drive from Stanford University and in the middle of Silicon Valley.
Los Angeles Retail Rents Rise With the Economy
Finance
Start looking for that new store location now before rents go up even more, because the retail market is heating up.
Showroom Profile: Gallery 608
Showroom Profiles
For more than 10 years, Jane Mohr shot fashion photography for several well-known European fashion publications—Italian Vogue, British Brides, L’Officiel and Io Donna.
Showroom Profile: Cooper Design Space Research and Development Bloom Showroom
Showroom Profiles
After working in a space shared by several showrooms at the Lady Liberty Building in downtown Los Angeles, Candice Clark and Jennifer Dermer joined forces to open a new showroom at the Cooper Design Space.
Columbia Sportswear Completes Acquisition of Prana Apparel
Manufacturing
For Prana, a Southern California company founded in 1993 as a yoga wear and climbing-apparel brand, the third time may prove to be the charm.
Quiksilver Posts 9 Percent Drop in Net Revenue
Swim/Surf
Surf giant Quiksilver Inc. reported declines of 9 percent in net revenue for its second quarter for fiscal 2014, released on June 2.
ADBD Meets Black Tie Emporium
Los Angeles-based ADBD is a creative brand development company that specializes in youth, but they’ve really gone to the kids. They hosted a party for Black Tie Emporium, a brand started by two 13-year-olds.
Wednesday, June 4
May Sales Strong
Sales Forecast
May sunshine stoked consumer demand, and retail sales increased 4.8 percent, beating estimates.
3 Against Breast Cancer: Calavera X Kim Saigh X Keep A Breast
The motto for the party at Venice Beach gallery Nouvelle Vague was Boobies, Bikinis & Beer, but the reason for the party was quite serious. On June 3, swimwear brand Calavera debuted a capsule collection Calavera X Kim Saigh X Keep A Breast Foundation to raise funds for breast cancer research and education.
Tuesday, June 3
Showroom Dog
Canine Escapades
Rusty the Golden Retriever likes to hang out at his owner's showroom in the Gerry Building.
Monday, June 2
Construction on City Market Project Announced
LA Fashion District
Construction for the first section of the sprawling City Market of Los Angeles project at the eastern edge of the Fashion District was announced on June 2.
Columbia Sportswear Completes Acquisition of Prana Apparel
M&A
Oirtland, Oregon-based Columbia Sportswear completed its purchase of Carlsbad, California-based Prana on May 30.
Quiksilver Posts 9 Percent Drop in Net Revenue
Surf Report
Surf giant Quiksilver Inc. reported declines of 9 percent in net revenue for its second quarter for its fiscal 2014 year, which it released on June 2.
Skechers Plays the Ponies With New Sports Sponsorship
Branding
Footwear brand Skechers has signed on to sponsor a new athlete: California Chrome, the racehorse who could become the first Triple Crown winner in 36 years.
Gypsy05's New Boutique
L.A.-based brand Gypsy05 opened its first store on May 31, and it was intended to be a getaway for the global bohemian.
