Recent Stories
Lenzing Announces First Virgin Lyocell From Post-Consumer Cotton
Closing Lyocell’s Loop
After the September announcement of an upgraded Refibra technology that increased upcycled cotton-scrap pulp composition, Lenzing, Austria–headquartered Lenzing revealed another advancement with the product.
Allbirds Expands Into Slipper Category
Manufacturing
Following a number of holiday product launches spanning the weekend of Black Friday through Cyber Monday, Allbirds is now preparing to release its first slipper, keeping shoppers interested as the holiday gift-purchasing timeline decreases.
Ilse Metchek Remains an Industry Ally
Manufacturing
With a fashion career that has spanned decades, beginning in New York’s garment district and continuing in Los Angeles’ fashion district, Ilse Metchek’s role within the industry is legendary.
CMC Reinvents Its Space and Image
Real Estate
After its owner, Brookfield Properties, embarked upon a $170-million renovation at the end of 2018, the California Market Center in downtown Los Angeles was not only redesigning its interior but also its image.
Tariffs in 2019: As the Trade War Turns
Import/Export
One of the largest newsmakers of 2019 was neither a person nor a company but rather a largely impactful issue faced by the apparel industry. In a rocky 2018, the United States implemented 25 percent tariffs on $50 billion in imports from China, and the latter responded with its own reciprocal duties on products from the U.S.
Designer Mossimo Giannulli Charged in ‘Operation Varsity Blues’ Scandal
Legal
One of the most notorious criminal cases of 2019 was the “Operation Varsity Blues” college-admissions scandal in which a number of wealthy parents were accused of crimes ranging from bribery to money laundering in a scheme to guarantee their children’s admission into renowned universities.
Black Design Collective Recognizes Underrepresented Creatives With Year of Firsts
Fashion
Throughout 2019, the Black Design Collective maintained its commitment to highlighting the accomplishments of black fashion creatives by hosting a number of events and building a community within the fashion industry.
BCBGMaxAzria Founder Passes Away but Legacy Lives On
Manufacturing
In May 2019, the apparel segment lost an influential Los Angeles fashion veteran whose designs shaped trends within the industry for decades when Max Azria passed away at the age of 70, reportedly succumbing to lung cancer.
Ahead of Anniversary, California Apparel News Makes a Move
Events
Nearing the milestone of reaching its 75th year in publication, California Apparel News will begin its anniversary in a new space. At the end of November, the media firm relocated to The New Mart, located at 127 East Ninth Street in Los Angeles’ downtown fashion district.
Continental Business Credit, Fast A/R Funding Acquired by Republic Business Credit
Finance
As Republic Business Credit continues its California expansion, the financing-and-factoring firm announced its acquisition of factoring and asset-based lender Continental Business Credit as well as Fast A/R Funding.
