Wednesday, September 30
Crooks & Castles’ Calvero Designs Esports Teams' Merch Collection
FASHION
This summer, new esports team XSET promised to develop a merchandise program that was as strong as its prowess for electronic games such as Fortnite.
Tuesday, September 29
Sene Unveils Collaboration with Fighter Carlos Condit
FASHION
Martial-arts icon Bruce Lee reportedly often practiced kicks in street clothes such as jeans. But there’s a reason most martial artists work out in loose-fitting uniforms.
Lenzing and Hyosung Partner to Unveil Home Everywhere
TEXTILES
Prominent fabric companies Lenzing and Hyosung have joined forces to develop the Home Everywhere collection, which will offer more-sustainable product and textile innovations, said Andreas Guertler, Lenzing’s senior manager of global business development active sportswear.
Nordstrom Partners With HSUS and Bans Fur and Exotic-Animal Skins
RETAIL
In a Sept. 29 announcement, Seattle luxury department-store retailer Nordstrom revealed that it would halt the sale of animal-fur and exotic-animal skin products by the end of 2021.
Monday, September 28
Ahead of Prime Day, Amazon Launches Climate Pledge Friendly for Sustainable Shopping
TECHNOLOGY
While Amazon’s announcement that Prime Day would be held Oct. 13-14 occupied a lot of media buzz after the dates were revealed on Sept. 28, another bit of news from the Seattle-based company also made headlines.
Transformation by Gerber Technology Provides Guidance for post-COVID-19 Business
TECHNOLOGY
In order to support manufacturers, designers and retailers as they navigate a new business world in a post-COVID-19 environment, Gerber Technology announced the launch of its Transformation Initiative.
Friday, September 25
Obituary: Keith Hufnagel, Brand Founder, 46
MANUFACTURING
Keith Hufnagel, founder of the Huf Worldwide street- and skatewear brand, died from brain cancer, according to a Sept. 24 post on his brand’s Instagram.
To Cultivate Peace and Justice, Beverly Center Partners With Paint The City Peaceful
EVENTS
As part of an effort to unite the community, the Beverly Center in Los Angeles partnered with grassroots organization Paint the City Peaceful to create an art gallery on the retail destination's 27-foot-tall windows.
Thursday, September 24
AAFA and Others Petition Against Forced-Labor Bill
IMPORT/EXPORT
After the United States House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act on Sept. 22, the American Apparel and Footwear Association and other major apparel trade groups made a joint statement urging Congress to take a different path in its efforts to protect the human rights of the Uyghur Muslim minority in China’s Xinjiang region.
Patagonia Names New CEO and Other Executives
MANUFACTURING
Ryan Gellert was named chief executive officer for Ventura, Calif.–headquartered Patagonia Works, the holding company for the influential outdoor brand Patagonia Inc. as well as separate Patagonia divisions in food, media, investments and joint ventures.
Vans Makes Footwear Line With Kids of Immigrants
FASHION
Los Angeles-headquartered collective Kids of Immigrants has designed and sold hoodies, and other clothes, bearing the word "Immigrant." This group’s styles and website have celebrated the lives of immigrants and urged people to pay attention to issues affecting this group. On Sept. 23, Kids of Immigrants announced its collaboration on a fashion line with Vans.
Wednesday, September 23
Ralph Lauren Announces Restructuring, Job Cuts
FASHION
Ralph Lauren Corporation announced a major company overhaul that would emphasize digital commerce and result in layoffs of 15 percent of the global workforce for the pioneering fashion brand, which made $6.3 billion in revenue for fiscal 2019, according to a company announcement.
Dockers Teams Up With Waves For Water
MANUFACTURING
Recently, Dockers, a division of Levi Strauss & Co., announced that it would partner with non-profit organization Waves for Water on a campaign named “Work Forward".
Tuesday, September 22
Toubassy to Help Spearhead Spotlight Brands
FINANCE
Ramez Toubassy, a Los Angeles–based executive who helped guide the retailer Wet Seal’s transition into a digitally focused fashion company, announced a new venture recently.
Mango Adds Junior Styles to Mango Kids
RETAIL
Adding to its portfolio, Barcelona's Mango is introducing to its Mango Kids line, juniors looks for preteens and teenagers aged from 11 to 15 years.
Monday, September 21
L.A. City Council Votes to Support Garment Worker Protection Act Before Bill Reintroduction
LEGAL
Just a week after a legislative timeline ran out for the Garment Worker Protection Act, the Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to give a statement of support to the bill.
Macy’s To Unveil The Pink Shop for Breast Cancer Research
RETAIL
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Department store giant Macy’s hopes to do its part to raise funds for breast cancer research by producing The Pink Shop.
Friday, September 18
H&M Votes x Blanks Artist Features L.A.'s Reality To Idea by Joshua Vides
FASHION
Launching Sept. 22, H&M Votes x Blanks Artist collaboration celebrates National Voter Registration Day by featuring a collection of apparel designed by artists from the United States, including Los Angeles' Reality To Idea by Joshua Vides.
Italist: From Italy with Love and a Deal
E-COMMERCE
E-tailer Italist's Italy-born chief executive officer, Diego Abba, works with more than 200 Italian boutiques to offer discounts on luxury ready-to-wear and accessories.
Thursday, September 17
Dickies Unveils First Global Marketing Campaign
FASHION
After almost 100 years of making clothing for workers laboring at the country’s grimy jobs, Dickies has become fashionable. Riding on this prominence, the workwear brand recently unveiled its first global marketing campaign.
New in Knits: Cozy Layers in Luxurious Fabrications and Ethical Materials
Fall/Winter 2021-2022 Preview
This season, knits are layered and wrap us in minimalist luxury, creating a comforting cocoon adapted to the current context.
From Fashion to Fasteners, Responsible Offerings in Apparel Expand
Manufacturing
Steps toward creating a more-responsible fashion industry are being taken from all segments of the supply chain to clean up one of the most-pollutive industries on the planet and satisfy the demand of consumers.
NYFW Supports Designers Through a Next-Gen Showcase
A New NYFW
For the September 2020 edition of New York Fashion Week, Tadashi Shoji invited viewers into a filmed showcase of his Spring/Summer 2021 collection that was set in a fantastic tropical forestland as models appeared in finely detailed pieces from the designer.
Recent Innovations in Fiber Composition and Dyeing Serve Ecological Purposes
Textiles
Recently, manufacturers of materials made from and processes used to treat fibers that are used in outdoor, active and athleisure apparel have made advancements that allow consumers to feel more confident that their purchasing decisions will look good and also contribute to a healthier earth and potentially reduce threats to the environment.
Industry Focus: Finance--How the Apparel Industry Can Hold On for the Holidays
Finance
As business restrictions stemming from COVID-19 continue to ease across the United States and unemployment has fallen into the single digits at 8.4 percent, yet employment remains at 11.5 million jobs below February’s figures, and the gross domestic product in the country also decreased at an annual rate of 31.7 percent during the second quarter.
Zyper Aims To Build Brand Communities Through Technology
Technology
As digital commerce becomes more crucial to retailers, companies offering an edge in the digital competition for consumer attention and wallets are reporting growth.
Cabi Finds A Lifeline With Cabi Front Row Platform
Technology
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit every business that relies on in-person events, but direct-to-consumer retailer Cabi found that it was in a good position to react to that reality.
AAFA’s Lamar Testified on Stopping Chinese Forced Labor
Import/Export
Steve Lamar, the president and chief executive officer of the trade group American Apparel & Footwear Association, testified Sept. 17 on steps American fashion-and-apparel companies can take to stop forced labor in China’s Xinjiang province.
California Apparel News Retail Editor Andrew Asch Recognized by L.A. Press Club
Events
During an Aug. 29 video broadcast, the Los Angeles Press Club hosted its 62nd annual Southern California Journalism Awards.
Surf Expo Virtual Show Works to Capture the Spirit of In-person Show
Trade Shows
Surf Expo was the latest trade show to produce a virtual event due to the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns.
Informa Markets Fashion Makes a Successful Move to Digital During Launch
Making Digital MAGIC
Launching Sept. 1, Informa Markets Fashion allowed the show to go on with its digital trade event that saw its MAGIC anchor and sibling shows run online through the NuOrder platform.
FWSD Unveils Virtual Runway Show for Kelly Leanne Apparel Designs
FASHION
Fashion Week San Diego has been keeping its vow to produce showcases for San Diego designers.
Ashton Hirota to Judge Newchic 2020 Designer Contest
FASHION
Ashton Hirota has gained notice as a designer for his Los Angeles-headquartered brand Ashton Michael and as a semi-finalist for the fashion reality competition show “Next in Fashion.”
Tuesday, September 15
Hilco Appoints Charles M. Jayson to EVP of Retail Business Development
RETAIL
Former Tommy Hilfiger Handbags and Accessories, and Oscar by Oscar de la Renta executive Charles M. Jayson has been appointed as the executive vice president of retail business development at management-consulting firm Hilco Merchant Resources.
ModCloth Returns to Europe
E-Commerce
E-commerce retailer ModCloth announced its return to Europe, following its halt of shipping to the European market in May 2018.
Kornit’s CMO and Major Screenprinter Talk On What's Next for Fashion and Printing
TECHNOLOGY
The effects from the COVID-19 recession are still shaking out, but there’s wide agreement that fashion is going to go through big changes.
Monday, September 14
NYFW Goes On Through CFDA’s Runway360
TECHNOLOGY
For the highly anticipated New York Fashion Week, the show has gone on digitally. Many NYFW shows will take place, from Sept. 14 to Sept. 16 on Runway360, a new digital platform produced by The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc.
PayPal and Visa Announce Partnership Expansion
TECHNOLOGY
Digital-payment firms PayPal and Visa Inc. announced recently that they would grow their partnership in order to serve consumer and small-business clients.
Impact Fashion Goes Digital, Keeps Sustainable Roots
FASHION
After more than four years of running Impact Fashion, an eco-fashion event in Los Angeles, Sica Schmitz took the forum virtual.
Friday, September 11
Costuming in HJFilmworld's "Comply" Signifies Facade Covering Internal Mental Struggles
COSTUME DESIGN
In the latest trailer for its "Synthetic Souls" project, HJFilmworld released "Comply," a journey into the internal challenges felt by seemingly perfect cybernetic organisms, which are signified with pure-white costuming.
Alpinestars and Diesel Go for Another Lap With Motorcycle Collection
FASHION
Alpinestars, a veteran motorcycle protective gear and clothing brand, runs a headquarters in Los Angeles.It recently started its engines to go for another round of a collaboration collection with Italian denim giant and lifestyle brand Diesel.
Thursday, September 10
New Brand Aims To Help First Responders
MANUFACTURING
Sportswear executive Ian Leopold recently started a performance-sportswear company named AQONIQ to raise money for non-profit organizations. The company’s flagship brand is the San Diego-headquartered FRThankYou.com, or First Responders Thank You.
Wednesday, September 9
Kim Jones to Helm Fendi
FASHION
Kim Jones, the high-profile artistic director of the Dior Men’s fashion label, owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, was named the artistic director of sibling brand Fendi, the Italian luxury fashion house best known for producing fur, ready-to-wear, leather goods, footwear, fragrances and accessories, it was announced Sept. 9 by Bernard Arnault, LVMH’s chairman and chief executive officer.
Leadership and Arts Coalition to Auction Nicholas Mayfield Piece "5/30/20"
EVENTS
A new nonprofit organization is placing a spotlight on how the arts can improve education in marginalized communities. As part of its launch, the Leadership and Arts Coalition is highlighting the work of artist and designer Nicholas Mayfield.
Tuesday, September 8
DiCentral Acquires Drop-Ship Technology Expertise With Its Acquisition of Hingeto
TECHNOLOGY
California supply-chain company Hingeto was acquired by DiCentral, a Houston-headquartered provider of business-to-business integration-management services for an undisclosed amount.
Marquee Brands Names Neil Fiske CEO
MANUFACTURING
Veteran fashion executive Neil Fiske will join Marquee Brands as its first chief executive officer, it was announced Sept. 8.
Chinatown Market Goes for Lacoste Redux
FASHION
Los Angeles’ Chinatown Market streetwear brand recently announced its second collaboration with Lacoste.
Friday, September 4
Fashion Pledges More Support to Underrepresented Groups Through Executive Appointments, Affording Resources
FASHION
During the current social climate focused on civil rights and equity for people in underrepresented groups, particularly Black citizens in the United States, many brands and organizations in fashion have been confronted for their lack of inclusivity and awareness on social justice.
Carhartt Celebrates Labor Day With Public Art and Support for Skilled Trades
MANUFACTURING
In observance Labor Day, workwear brand Carhartt is highlighting the importance of skilled trades with an installation at Bicentennial Capital Mall State Park in Nashville, Tenn., which features 1,670 construction hard hats bearing the Carhartt logo and are arranged in the shape of the map of the U.S.,
Senreve and Other Brands Look To Get Out the Vote and Support Candidates
FASHION
As the race for the United States presidential election heats up, some fashion brands are hoping to make a statement.
Bobby Hundreds Places His Take on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Logo
FASHION
It’s eight years in the future, but a logo has already been developed for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic. Los Angeles notables such as Bobby Hundreds were invited to add their designs.
Thursday, September 3
American Rag’s Mark Werts To Open Cheap, A New Store
RETAIL
On Sept. 4, American Rag founder Mark Werts will open a new store at 122 S. La Brea Ave.
Through Creole Roots, House of Aama Grows Its Brand and Tells Its American Story
Rooted in Americana
Maintaining their family’s proud history rooted in the Creole traditions from the southern United States is crucial for Rebecca Henry and her daughter, Akua Shabaka, who are the founders of the Los Angeles brand House of Aama.
The Three Ways Fashion Brands Can Win the ‘Rack Race’
Technology
Deadlines aren’t moving targets, so, while the increasingly global and complex nature of the fashion industry means there are more moving parts than ever before, clients and consumers don’t want this to affect product delivery.
California and Global Brands Shine as Paraiso Unveils Hybrid On-site/Virtual Swim Event
Virtually Paradise
Leading a new fashion format, Claude Kameni’s new LavieByCK swimwear brand launched with a Bali-inspired, Los Angeles–produced campaign and a Paraiso Miami Beach runway debut with The Diigitals.
Retail-Real-Estate Biz Looks for Ways Through COVID-19 Crisis
Retail
The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough on every sector of business, with the U.S. retail-real-estate sector experiencing its first decline since the Great Recession of the previous decade, according to a recently released report from CBRE, a commercial-real-estate services and investment firm.
Omnichain’s Software Aims To Shake Up Traditional Inventory Systems
Technology
Retailers and fashion brands are changing the way they manage businesses and inventory in order to reflect market adaptations in digital retail. It’s one reason the market for inventory-management software has been growing, according to a report released in June by the market-research company Global Market Insights, Inc., based in Selbyville, Del.
What’s Checking: After Months of Challenges, Mid-City Retailers Get Moving
What’s Checking: Mid-City
Similar to other major metropolitan centers across the country, Los Angeles’ retailers were hit hard by COVID-19 shutdowns and the fallout from looting stemming from social unrest. But many have rallied and returned to their jobs of selling fashion to the public.
Garment Worker Protection Act Deferred After Vote Deadline Is Missed
Legal
A constitutional deadline passed before voting could take place in the California State Assembly for SB 1399, the Garment Worker Protection Act, crushing hopes for the bill to be passed in 2020.
Wolk Morais To Debut New Collection in 'Driven,' a Fashion Film
FASHION
Wolk Morais' Collection 9 is the star of the design team's new fashion film "Driven."
Wednesday, September 2
Runway of Dreams Foundation to Host Virtual Adaptive Fashion Show During NYFW
FASHION
Promoting more inclusivity within fashion, The Runway of Dreams Foundation will produce an adaptive fashion show on Sept. 14 during New York Fashion Week to celebrate the lives of differently abled people and showcase fresh looks in adaptive-clothing trends.
Tuesday, September 1
Dallas Market Center to Build B2B Platform
TECHNOLOGY
Dallas Market Center, a 5-million square-foot campus for fashion wholesale companies, recently announced a partnership to create a business-to-business platform.
After Another COVID-19 Closure, South Coast Plaza Set to Fully Reopen
RETAIL
South Coast Plaza opened its doors on Aug. 31 after a COVID-19 closure that lasted over six weeks. The prominent Costa Mesa, Calif.–headquartered shopping center reopened a few days after California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued guidelines to restart the state’s economy.
