Layoffs at BCBG

As retailers across the country are cutting back on orders and inventory to weather the recession, many California apparel makers are feeling the brunt.

One of those is BCBGMaxAzriaGroup, a multi-label apparel manufacturer in Vernon, Calif.

According to a company spokesperson who wished to remain anonymous, BCBGMaxAzria laid off 125 employees about two weeks ago, or nearly 10 percent of its workforce.

“Everyone across the board has cut orders,” said the spokesperson, explaining why the layoffs were made. “Every [apparel] company you talk to is going through the same thing. One good thing is we are diversified in a variety of categories and price points.”

BCBGMaxAzria, founded in 1989 by France-born designer Max Azria, now has 22 labels in its fashion portfolio and more than 475 stores around the world. Those labels include Max Azria Atelier, a collection of couture gowns; Herveacute; Leacute;ger, a label purchased in 1998 and relaunched in 2007 as Herveacute; Leacute;ger by Max Azria; and the BCBG MaxAzria brand. —Deborah Belgum