MANUFACTURING
Adriano Goldschmied Pushes Denim’s Evolution Through Past Lessons
By Dorothy Crouch, contributing writer | October 5, 2023
After a 50-year career in the denim industry, Adriano Goldschmied is ready for a change. The “Godfather of Denim” has relaunched House of Gold, the agency that he founded in 2014.
Devoted to Nature, Family, Luxella Designs’ Ana Guimaraes Crafts Exquisite Jewelry
With roots that have grown throughout North America, the origin story of Luxella Designs is a true American tale. Founder and owner Ana Guimaraes was born in Mexico, where she studied accounting, eventually meeting her husband in Canada. The couple started a family, living first in Toronto, where Guimaraes studied photography. They then moved to Kitchener in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, and eventually to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
From a Love for Heritage Women’s Denim, AMO Grows Its Community Commitment
Established in Los Angeles with its founding in 2014 and the release of its Spring 2015 collection, AMO founders Kelly Urban and Misty Zollars—both alumnae of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising—are also true-blue Los Angeles denimheads.
Artistic Milliners Expands With Denim-Laundry Acquisition
Global denim firm Artistic Milliners announced Jan. 12 its acquisition of a Los Angeles wash-and-finish factory launched under the name Star Fades International as the company invests in design and production innovations.
Fashion Medical Scrubs Label FIGS Hires CFO from Domino’s Pizza
FIGS, a fashion medical-scrubs label headquartered in Santa Monica, Calif., gained notice for selling stylish medical uniforms to healthcare professionals with a direct-to-consumer model. In the past few years, it has also rolled out fashion label–style media campaigns that featured prominent billboard ads for its products in trendy Los Angeles neighborhoods.
Platinum Equity Takes Controlling Stake in Mad Engine
It was announced on Jan. 4 that Platinum Equity, a Los Angeles–headquartered investment firm, acquired a controlling stake in Mad Engine, a San Diego–based apparel and accessories company that designs, produces and distributes licensed, branded and private-label products.
Newsmakers 2020: Trinidad3 Serves Industry by Expanding Domestic Denim Manufacturing
Committed to service, the Los Angeles–made premium-denim brand Trinidad3 began 2020 with the launch of jeans that allow amputees to adjust prosthetic legs through a 12-inch seam on the inside of the thigh. The style, named Barron by Trinidad3, was inspired by Marine veteran Josue Barron, a Purple Heart recipient who lost his left leg in Afghanistan.
Skatie Finds Success Staying the Sustainable and Ethical Course
The deep Southern California roots of activewear from the Skatie brand have been growing for more than a decade. From classmates to co-founders of an active-clothing and swim line, Skatie Noyes Hutchinson and Mandi Glynn have been working together since 2009 when they were students at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, where the former studied fashion design and the latter pursued visual communications.
Travis Hamilton Depicts His Comprehensive View of History in New Collection
There has been discussion over the past few years—particularly in 2020—regarding accurate depictions of American history. A topic of conversation in many circles has covered affording due recognition to influential people whose profound contributions to this country were overlooked due to their culture, class or background. But Travis Hamilton is changing this narrative with his American Legends collection.
Newsmakers 2020: Garment Workers Center Was In Reach of Major Goal
For 19 years, downtown Los Angeles–headquartered labor advocates from the Garment Worker Center have been seeking to change the way the industry does business. In 2020, the group came the closest it has ever come to reaching its goal.
Newsmakers 2020: Tony Hsieh, Beloved Innovator, Dies From Injuries Sustained During Fire
Tony Hsieh, the pioneering entrepreneur who was the former chief executive of the retail giant Zappos.com, died Nov. 27 after succumbing to injuries from a fire at a house in New London, Conn. Medical examiners have ruled his death an accident, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Newsmakers 2020: Fashion Industry Pivots Into PPE as It Awaits Relief Aid
The U.S. government rolled out the largest relief package in American history after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down retailers and manufacturers earlier in 2020, with many businesses reopening on a scaled-back basis later in the year.
In Eco Category, Aura7 Activewear Is Focused on Sustainability, Local Manufacturing
Approaching her new eco-activewear line Aura7 Activewear in the same manner as she lives her life, Franciska Bray-Mezey believes that performing good works will yield positive results. As an Orange County, Calif., yoga instructor and lifelong enthusiast of the discipline who has served the local community for 10 years, she began offering complimentary classes online to help her clients cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. After launching Aura7 Activewear in Orange County, Calif., in August, Bray-Mezey remains optimistic for the brand.
Railcar Fine Goods Opens New Factory and Headquarters
After 10 years in business, the denim brand Railcar Fine Goods is gambling on growth.
With Its Latest SustainaSole Collection, Sanuk Unveils Its Eco-friendliest Shoe Yet
Founded on “good vibes” and promoting a mission of environmental responsibility, the Goleta, Calif., footwear brand Sanuk recently unveiled its second SustainaSole Collection of shoes for men and women.
Outerknown Finds a Natural Stretch Fabric For Its Iconoclast Jean
The Outerknown brand was started by surf champion Kelly Slater and creative director John Moore in 2015 to introduce a new surfwear line to a market that had been dominated by a group of major brands for years by creating a brand that was devoted to sustainability.
