INDUSTRY ISSUES
The Desktop Revolution: How xTool is Democratizing Industrial-Grade Apparel Printing
| May 1, 2026
In the traditional apparel manufacturing landscape, the bridge between a creative concept and a finished garment has long been guarded by high entry barriers, complex industrial workflows, and prohibitive costs. However, a seismic shift is occurring. xTool, which has rapidly ascended to become the world’s second-largest DTF (Direct-to-Film) brand by GMV, is dismantling these barriers.
Sustainable Fashion Forum’s Frank Talk on Diversity and Environment
Fashiondex, a New York–headquartered source-book publisher and consulting company, recently produced a series of Sustainable Fashion Forum panel discussions at the Oct. 7–9 virtual edition of the LA Textile trade show called CMC Uploaded.
Spirit Jersey Aims To Write a New Chapter in Love Letter to Los Angeles
After making signature tops for partners such as Disney, various top tourist destinations, as well as college sororities for more than two decades, the Los Angeles–based Spirit Jersey opted to make a solo project inspired by its hometown.
High & Mighty Plans to Elevate Big-And-Tall
In the past few years, advocates of women’s plus-size fashions have demanded respect for their fashion category. Swet Tailor, a Los Angeles–based knits brand, has similarly demanded equal time for the men’s big-and-tall category.
Basketball Player Alex Stepheson Aims For Slam Dunk With El Crew PE
Alex Stepheson has shot hoops for the Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies National Basketball Association teams as well as several overseas sports leagues. He has also started a clothing brand, El Crew PE, a label that doesn’t venture too far from his life on and off the court.
Em:body Works With the Human Body to Achieve Fitness Goals
“Almost every single one of them either said something about their lower stomach, bloating or water weight, or it was about looking good naked,” Vollarth said. “There are waist trainers and waist belts, but they tried them and didn’t like the way they looked or they just felt too bulky.”
After Building Brand in Taiwan, Vast Hopes To Bring Back Business to USA
Growing up in Los Angeles, Sam Yang surfed and aspired to design his own surf-and-lifestyle brand that would be sold in California’s core shops in the category. He started a brand called Vast, which was inspired by the vastness of the oceans and exotic vistas where he hoped his travels would take him.
Intimates Brand Ruby Ribbon Welcomes Two New Hires
The intimates-and-athleisure brand Ruby Ribbon has announced the hiring of two executives to its Burlingame, Calif., company.
New Lines
New Lines
Boyish Jeans Celebrates the Century-Long Evolution of the ‘Boyish Look’
Within its Fall 2020 Guardians of Nature collection, Boyish Jeans maintained its ecologically sound fashion focus while paying homage to the women who offered protection in the name of love as they started a fashion revolution toward the boyish look that began to take shape a century ago.
Obituary: Keith Hufnagel, Brand Founder, 46
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.
Patagonia Names New CEO and Other Executives
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.
From Fashion to Fasteners, Responsible Offerings in Apparel Expand
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.
Marquee Brands Names Neil Fiske CEO
Veteran fashion executive Neil Fiske will join Marquee Brands as its first chief executive officer, it was announced Sept. 8.
Through Creole Roots, House of Aama Grows Its Brand and Tells Its American Story
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.
Deep, Smoky Denim and Cool Blues Define Ética for Fall 2020
Approaching its denim with fresh features added to basic styles, responsibly made brand Ética added unexpected details with its notions, pockets and surprising updates to its pieces for Fall 2020.
