Stories for August 2009

Fire From the Fashion District

From the Fashion District in downtown Los Angeles, the vista of the huge Station fire that started near La Cañada Flintridge looks like an atomic-bomb explosion.By 4 p.m. on Monday, the fire had gobbled up 21 homes and 105,000...

Fashion Bloggers Converge for Inaugural Conference in NYC

Some of the girls who will be representing at the first-ever Weardrobe Conference (From left, the bloggers behind What I Wore, Style Rookie and Fashion Pirates)Style social-networking site Weardrobe is...

Designer Anand Jon Sentenced to a Minimum of 59 Years

Clothing designer Anand Jon Alexander was sentenced to 59 years to life in prison for his November 2008 conviction of raping and sexually assaulting seven female victims ranging in age from 14 to 21....

Apparel News Daily Reader

Fashions—Check into Houndstooth for Fall (Blackburn and Sweetzer)Is This Style's Sustainable Frontier? (Wall Street Journal)Club Monaco's mad men (Los...

Sound of Skaters: Matix Launches Headphones

For girls, fierce shoes and handbags are the status accessories. For guys, it's the latest electronic toys that serve as their accessory peacock feathers. Skateboard lifestyle clothing company Matix just made it easier for skater boys to upgrade...

Audigier, Ed Hardy Settle Lawsuit

Designer Christian Audigier, whose Nervous Tattoo Inc. licenses the Ed Hardy brand from tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy, has settled a $100 million claim filed against him by Hardy...

Orpheum, CMC to Host Daytime Emmys

The Los Angeles Fashion District will show its Hollywood side on Aug. 30, when, for the first time, it hosts the 36th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards....

Clarity Group's Diamond Joins Kill City

Stacia Diamond, founder of the Los Angeles–based Clarity Group showroom, has joined Kill City as the brand’s vice president of sales and marketing for its women’s division. Drew Bernst...

That Bebe Smell

Visitors to Bebe stores will soon be greeted with the scent of the retail chain’s new signature scent, thanks to a partners...

Rodeo Drive Real Estate Still Fetching Big Prices

Location is king for retailers, and it translates well for real estate companies, too....

Counterfeit DVD Bust in L.A. Fashion District

More than 5,000 illegally manufactured DVDs were seized by the Los Angeles Police Department during a recent raid on a Los Angeles Fashion District store on the 300 block of E. Ninth Street....

Anti-Dumping Case Against Chinese, Taiwanese Ribbons Continues

Chinese and Taiwanese ribbon manufacturers will be investigated for dumping their goods into the U.S. market for less than fair market value after a complaint filed by a U.S. ribbon manufacturer....

Nilit Continues Outreach in China

Israel-based fiber maker Nilit recently educated a group of 200 Chinese apparel makers at a conference in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, about Nilit’s expanded production capabilities in the region....

Avery Launches Spanish-Language Web Resource

Tags-and-labels supplier Avery Dennison has launched a Spanish-language Web site at

Fashion Portfolio Resource Guide

Los Angeles–based American Apparel is a vertically integrated manufacturer and retailer of clothing for men, women, kids, and pets, offering an expansive year-round line to which...

Levi's Licenses Men's and Juniors Tops to Hybrid Apparel

Cypress, Calif.–based apparel maker Hybrid Apparel has landed the licenses to produce tops for Levi’s men’s and juniors divisions in the United States. Under the license, Hybrid will develop the brande...

AAFA Releases Updated Restricted-Substances List

The American Apparel & Footwear Association has published its fifth edition of the “AAFA Restricted-Substances List” for the apparel, footwear and home textile markets....

Oldies but Goodies Keep Vintage Retailers in the Money

Despite the poor sales numbers being reported by many mainstream retailers, vintage-clothing sales are holding strong for California’s growing legion of after-market retailers. However, rustling up mer...

Anchor Blue Emerges From Bankruptcy

A few months after filing for bankruptcy, teen-clothing retailer Anchor Blue is out of the red....

Cunningham Joins Klein

New York–based Warnaco Group named David Cunningham president of its Calvin Klein Jeans division. He will oversee design, d...

Amber Sakai: Eco-Conscious With a Flattering Fit

Amber Sakai has lived many past lives within the fashion-industry sphere as a model, stylist, intimate-apparel co-designer of Brighdie Lingerie and co-founder of Four Girls patented...

Virtual Showrooms-Still Under Construction

Ever since American businesses embraced the Internet, there has been a steady stream of fashion entrepreneurs trying to build virtual fashion showrooms. ...

Surf Expo Concise, Focused Buying

ORLANDO, FLA.—Trade shows reflect the market, and Surf Expo’s Aug. 20–22 edition was no exception....

U.S.-Based Shah Capital Invests in Hong Kong Licensing Company

Raleigh, N.C.–based Shah Capital Fund took a 14 percent stake in Symphony Holdings, a Hong Kong–based licensor of sports-and-recreation footwear and...

Project Ethos to Join Lineup at L.A. Fashion Week

In October, Los Angeles–based Project Ethos will be the latest fashion-show organizer to join the lineup at Los Angeles Fashion Week....

Revolution by Edwin: Vegan Fashion

Revolution by Edwin, a new animal-friendly line of handbags, offers handbags in alternative materials such as PVC and canvas. Designed by Santa Monica, Calif.–based Edwin Vlessing, the collec...

Sourcing & Fabric Resource Guide

Apparel trade week in Las Vegas offers comprehensive sourcing across the entire supply chain for manufacturers as well as retailers. At the Las Vegas Hilton, Sourcing at MAGIC represents hundreds of companies...

TexBase Releases Dashboard Tool for Fabrics, Sourcing

Boseman, Mont.–based software developer TEXbase has released Insight, a computerized dashboard tool that provides apparel and textile managers a real-time view of their supply chains....

Unifi Offers 'U Trust' Traceability Program for Its Reprieve Recycled Program

Greensboro, N.C.–based fiber maker Unifi Inc. continues to expand its recycled polyester and nylon fiber program and has added a traceability program to allow customers to track fabrics back t...

Customs May Change Rules on Pullovers From Singapore

For years now, women’s cotton pullovers cut and sewn in Singapore from knit fabric made of U.S. yarns have come into the United States duty free....

Upscale Affliction

Seal Beach–based Affliction Clothing is launching a new upscale line for the better sportswear market. Called Affliction Bl...

Maxey: Lounging With Sophistication

Women who don jeans that hug the bum just so aren’t going to bed wearing dumpy sweat pants and boxy T-shirts. That’s what Julie Zipperer, the designer of Los Angeles–based sleepwear line Maxey,...

Finance Resource Guide

These established financial firms offer experience and expertise in the apparel industry. Their full range of factoring, finance, and receivables management services can help support and protect your business...

L.E.A.F. Asks For One Eco-Standard

A Santa Monica, Calif.–based nonprofit would like to become a definitive seal of approval for the eco-fashion business. On Aug. 24, it asked the public and fashion companies on how it could make sense ...

Winner Named in Roar Ferrari Contest, Company Launches Women's Line

Wichita, Kan., resident Delany Roberts will drive off with $100,000 in cash as the winner of the “Live the Roar Life Sweepstakes,” sponsored by Los Angeles–based Roar Clothing. ...

HiMFR: Non-Woven Bags Preferred in China

Non-woven recyclable bags will win out over cotton or paper bags among Chinese consumers. That’s the prediction by HiMFR (

Project Founder Sam Ben-Avraham Talks Shop & Move To L.A.

Project founder Sam Ben-Avraham, left, with Alan Fernandez, the buyer from his boutique Atrium.It may be time to roll out a Los Angeles welcome wagon for Sam Ben-Avraham. The founder of the influential Global Project Trade Show said he was thinking of moving from...

More American Apparel for Kids

Los Angeles–based T-shirt maker American Apparel is expanding its kids’ and infants’ collection in response t...

Apparel News Daily Reader

On the Eve of Coco Before Chanel, We Cast A Sartorial Homage To The Iconic Couturier (Refinery 29)Versace to Unveil Versus Apparel Next Month; Hermès...

London Retailer AllSaints Moves to Robertson

U.K.-retailer AllSaints will open store at 100 N. Robertson Blvd., pictured above.A long vacancy on one of Los Angeles’ most high-profile retail streets is over. Since September 2008, 100 N. Robertson Blvd. has been vacant....

Henry Hanger Goes Home With QVC

Henry Hanger was founded by a man who believed the right hanger could sell the clothes. After 80 years outfitting the racks of exclusive retailers and the closets of high-end hotels, the company is bringing its products into consumers' living rooms—thanks to QVC. On Aug. 25, the New York–based...

Apparel News Daily Reader

A Look We Love: Cobalt and Gray (Coutorture)More Fashion's Night Out in Los Angeles (Los Angeles Times' All the Rage)Good Things Come in Pairs (The New...

Apparel Exec/Leading Man

Chad Kimball , president of L.A.–based apparel brand Obvious Clothing, has an unusual side gig even by La-la Land standards. He's not a DJ or a stylist or a racecar driver—he’s an actor in Broadway musicals. Sing it, Chad!Starting October 19, Kimball...

Expose NY Partners With The Daily

Expose NY founder and curator Matt MeyersonEditors, stylists, buyers and bloggers can expect to find a heavy dose of fashion at The Daily Suites this season. Expose NY, produced by Los Angeles–based RPRT Communications, has partnered with The Daily for the upcoming edition of the...

Feel a Draft: Jasmin Shokrian's Draft No. 17 Trunk Show

With a tuck here and a gather there, Jasmin Shokrian’s designs are like modern art sculptures rendered in fluid fabric. The local designer’s name hit nationwide attention in May when one of her skirts landed on the most of-the-moment celebrity,...

The Propr Way: Arquette & Harper Talk Up Their Americana Look

Americana Boys: Propr's David Arquette, left, and Ben HarperCelebrity-endorsed fashion brands seem to be the most fleeting of trends. However, actor David Arquette and Grammy Award-winning musician Ben Harper guarantee their fashion collection, Propr, is built for a long haul. Their hoped-for longevity might come from their...

New Director Named for Financo West

New York–based investment bank Financo Inc. named Philippe Faraut as managing director and head of the company’s West Coast operations. ...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Vans' Laid-Back Classics Take Us Into Fall and Beyond (Refinery 29)Video of Fashion's Night Out PSA (FabSugar)The Top 10 Vintage Stores in Los Angeles...

Greenspan Leaving Moss Adams at End of the Year

Rob Greenspan, managing partner of Moss Adams LLP, will step down from the company at the end of the year to work as an independent consultant to the apparel industry. ...

Charlotte Russe Sold

San Diego–headquartered, mall-based retailer Charlotte Russe Holding Inc. announced Aug. 24 that it agreed to be purchased by private-equity firm Advent International Corp. When the sale goes...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Street Culture: Sunset Junction (Los Angeles Times Image)Julia Stiles Eco-Clothing Line (GreenMuze)G by Guess's Super-Rad Custom Beach Cruiser...

Party Time for FGI

A look from Los Angeles label The Battalion If you're a member of Fashion Group International, (or just a mere fashion lover) you're in luck.The fashion-centric networking group is organizing a little...

Fabric, Yarn Exclusions, Insurance for CPSIA

A new vote has exempted fabric and yarn from the lead testing and certification requirements for children’s products under the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Consumer Product Safety Improvement Ac...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Levi Strauss and Ace Hotels collaborate with suite results (Los Angeles Times' All the Rage)The war's over on 'The Rachel Zoe Project' (Los Angeles...

Betsey Johnson's Birthday Bash

Fashion designer Betsey Johnson is not letting 67 slow her down. The designer of everything fun, frilly and girly invited fans to help her celebrate the milestone at her store on Melrose Avenue. A line snaked out the door of the boutique with fans—many in their best frocks—waiting to meet Johnson. The party...

The Guitar Tech's Next Gig

Former guitar tech Randy Freedman at the debut party for his Americana shirting line, FreedmanThe Americana look never goes out of style, according to Randy Freedman. After leading the life of a rambling man and working as a guitar technician for rocker Ben Harper,...

Retailers Looking to Tap Into the Malibu Market

Despite the weak economy, Malibu’s commercial real estate is booming, but questions remain for the retail entrepreneurs who set up shop in the exclusive colony of celebrities and surfers. ...

David Orgell on the Move

Beverly Hills jeweler David Orgell is moving its flagship location from Rodeo Drive to a new, larger location on Two Rodeo, the luxury street located off the famous luxury thoroughfare. The new David ...

Think Local, Buy Local at Scissors Trade Show

Does the apparel industry need another trade show? Well, if you're looking for goods from local talent that are produced locally and available immediately, the answer is yes.The first Scissors mini trade show, highlighting fashion and...

Santa Monica Place Remodel Lets Sun Shine In

The Santa Monica Place retail center has not made use of its beautiful Southern California weather until now....

Las Vegas Resource Guide

Las Vegas Market Week continues to evolve and adapt to the demands of the industry. What’s new this session? The exclusive menswear show MRket welcomes several dozen new exhibitors, while the Off-Price Specialist Show...

Video Surveillance Helps Retailers Snag Thieves-and Sales

Digital-based video has vastly upgraded the loss-prevention toolbox for many retailers over the past few years. More recently, retailers are using the same technology to help them gain insight into sa...

Waterman's Honorees

The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association Waterman’s Ball on Aug. 7 raised more than $400,000 for 18 ocean and environmental charities. Here, “Environmentalist of the Year” hon...

Kingpins Changes Los Angeles Dates, Adds Hong Kong Edition

The mood was upbeat at Kingpins, the denim sourcing show produced by New York...

New Era for New Era

Buffalo, N.Y.–based New Era Cap Co. Inc. acquired Miami-based 5th & Ocean, which manufactures apparel for Major League Baseball, Dallas Cowboys Merchandising and Victoria’s Secret/PINK. New Era make...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Now Open: Superdry Arrives at Hollywood and Highland (Racked LA)Hangover Observations: Echo Park Hosts its First Hospitality Night (Racked LA)Fashion...

Retail Focus Resource Guide

Buhler Quality Yarns Corp. is a leading supplier of the highest quality and innovative yarns to the apparel industry in the Americas. It now offers Royal Spun and fashion slub yarns in Supima...

Pop-Up Shops Looking Permanent

The weak economy is beginning to make temporary, glitzy pop-up shops look like a solid deal....

Dickies' Deal With BioWorld

Fort Worth, Texas–based Dickies formed a licensing partnership with BioWorld Merchandising for a line of Dickies-branded headwear and cold-weather accessories for men, women, boys and girls. The collec...

Moxsie: On a Journey of Discovery

Palo Alto, Calif.–based e-tail Web site Moxsie (

Retail Architects Reconfigure a Visual Display Club

Playing with food is frowned upon—but use food to design a dress, and it might just win an award....

MyShape Gets More Sociable

Pasadena, Calif.–based e-tailer MyShape (

Technology Helps Nip Return Fraud at the Source

Retailers in the midst of an economic downturn have noticed a sharp increase in the number of returned merchandise they receive, and as a result, they are also seeing an increase in return-fr...

Come Hither: Trade Shows Maneuver to Entice Brands, Buyers

Just as brands woo buyers with novelty and value and retailers lure shoppers with sales and “it” items, trade shows too are pulling out the stops to keep vendors and buyers coming back....

Factory by Erik Hart: Exercising Art and Commerce

Erik Hart has added another label to his growing stable of brands. The founder and designer of Morphine Generation and his eponymous line has launched a new young designer contemporary collection calle...

American Apparel to Remain in Downtown L.A.

American Apparel, whose company slogan is “Made in Downtown L.A.,” will be able to live by that for at least another decade, as the company renewed a 10-year lease with...

Avery Debuts CPSIA Labeling Product

Pasadena, Calif.–based Avery Dennison has developed a labeling system aimed at helping manufacturers comply with shipping aspects of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA...

Puma's Employees Speak Out

Fourteen Puma employees will be featured in the footwear and athletic-apparel maker’s latest marketing campaign, called Puma Employees Only. The employees’ sense of style—and some random thoughts—will appear in the company’s Fall/Holiday campaign. The c...

Blogger/Muse/Model

Seventeen-year-old fashion blogger Jane Aldridge has become a household name among fashion folk for her precocious style and seemingly unlimited budget. She and her mother, Judy Aldridge, have been featured in Vogue and Kanye gives...

Hot Topic, PacSun Report Quarterly Losses

Hot Topic Inc. reported on Aug. 19 a loss of $3.2 million, or $0.07 per share, for its second fiscal quarter. The good news was that the loss came in the high end of its guidance for its seco...

Cargo Carriers Pushing Higher Shipping Rates to Stem the Red Ink

For the past year, retailers and apparel importers have had few good-news packages delivered their way....

Project Runway Proves Good Guys Win

Designer David Alexander, left, with a model wearing his champagne silk art deco designs.Images of Project Runway contestant Johnny Sakalis breaking down danced over a TV screen at downtown Los Angeles nightclub Remedy Lounge. Some 500 feet away from the screen at the nightclub’s Project Runway...

Gen Art Joins Forces With Rock Media

Gen Art—founded in New York 15 years ago to provide a launching pad for emerging talent in film, fashion, art and music—and Rock Media & Entertainment announced on Aug. 19...

Tolentino Takes on Los Angeles, Lee Opens Beach Bridal Shop

An Oliver Tolentino gownOne story that never gets old is the one of the immigrant who makes it big in America. Oliver...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Street Fashion: Third Street, Los Angeles (Los Angeles Times Image)Dispatch from LA: Touring Rory Beca's Studio (Lucky Magazine) 'Project Runway,'...

Cooper Design Space Opens Sample Store

It’s like sample-sale season year ’round. The Cooper Design Space is opening a store where the building’s tenants can sell samples, overstock and damages directly to the public. The boutique—called simply The Store—opens on Aug. 27 and will be open weekly on Thursdays,...

California Represents at Fashion's Night Out

photo courtesy of fashionsnightout.comThe fashion world is brimming with excitement as plans for Fashion’s Night Out have been released. Fashion capitals in 13 countries around the world will join the festivities on Sept. 10 to celebrate fashion, promote retail and inspire consumers to shop. The event, which is...

New People: Japanese Pop Culture Mecca Opens in San Francisco

A look from the store Baby, The Stars Shine Bright. photo via newpeopleworld.com Since a spending spree in the conspicuously consumptive city of Tokyo is out of the question for many during this economy, my closest chance to becoming a...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Paper Bags as Fashion Statements (The New York Times) Hi Fashion (Los Angeles Downtown News)Say Hello to Halo (Chic Report)Judge approves Michael...

Lana Fuchs' Billion Dollar Transformation

The last time West Coast buyers and media saw designer Lana Fuchs was on the runway during last year’s final Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios, where she showed flowery spring dresses. The Russian-born designer has since taken a detour....

Las Vegas Trade Shows Seminars and Events

There is a full slate of events planned for this season’s Las Veg...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Sneak Peak: Pour La Victoire Fall '09 (FabSugar)Downtown Fashion Walk -- now with a larger shopping radius (Los Angeles Times' All the Rage)Jeggings and...

Azature: Designer. Chocolates.

Azature's Black Diamond TrufflesNow, here’s a tempting collaboration. Los Angeles–based fine-jewelry designer Azature has teamed with Tarzana, Calif.–based Chocolate Studios to create a collection of truffles that sound as rare and exotic as the black diamonds the...

Blowout at Brooks Brothers

Max Pierce, the dtowntown Los Angeles store manager You can tell that Wall Street has been pretty badly hit by the economy when Brooks Brothers decides to hold its very first warehouse sale in its downtown Los Angeles store.Los Angeles isn’t the only location for...

Fashion Cakes Serve as a 'Challenge'

A few looks from Alice + Olivia's Fall 2009 collection that served as inspiration for the Fashion Cakes Challenge (Photos courtesy Alice + Olivia)I’ll admit that I am completely addicted to Food Network, and I love the shows...

CIT Group Dodges Bankruptcy

CIT Group Inc., the lending force that makes the apparel and retail industry go round, skirted a brush with bankruptcy after it successfully completed a tender offer for $1 billion in senior ...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Street Seen! London Street Style Gives Brick Lane an Indie Makeover (Refinery 29)Fashion’s Night Out Ramps Up (Style File)Agent Provocateur Sexys Up New York...

Banana Republic Talks to Tweens

Seven girls, ages 8 to 15, will meet with designers from Banana Republic after winning a competition sponsored by tween social-net...

Larger Crowds Expected for Las Vegas Off-Price Specialist Show

Organizers of the Off-Price Specialist Show, set for Aug. 28–Sept. 1 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, said pre-registration is already up 19 percent over last February...

YMI Jeanswear Teams With Henri Levy in Licensing Deal

Los Angeles–based YMI Jeanswear has signed a licensing agreement with HMS LLC to produce and market YMI women’s activewear, fashion tops and dresses....

Enforcement Begins for New CPSIA Requirements

Come Aug. 14, manufacturers of children’s products will have more-stringent requirements to adhere to thanks to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act....

Retailers Stand to Lose in Ban on High-Tech Swimsuits

A recent ruling by the international swimming body FINA proposing to ban controversial, high-tech swimsuits produced by makers such as Speedo, Tyr and Arena may trickle dow...

TradeCard Technology Comes Into Demand During Recession

New York–based TradeCard Inc.—which provides an online supply-chain collaboration platform for buyers, suppliers and service providers within the apparel industry—has realized growth in its supp...

Experts to Weigh In on Opportunities During Economic Crisis

Navigating the economic crisis will be on the agenda at “Capitalizing on Global Opportunities in the Downturn and Beyond,” an all-day workshop featuring keynote speaker Jack Kys...

Call for Emerging Designers for L.A. Fashion Week Runway Show

Emerging designers will be among the lineup at Downtown Los Angeles Fashion Week during the upcoming Los Angeles Fashion Week in October, thanks to a partnership with the Department ...

Supply-Chain Blogs Help Navigate Tricky Problems

In the past few years, as the economy has taken a dip and the supply chain has become more complicated, a host of blogs have popped up giving sage advice for businesspeople trying to increase profits ...

Boardfest Returns

Board sports, music and fashion will meet in Huntington Beach when U.S. Boardfest kicks off its Oct. 17–18 run at the Hunti...

Rearranging Spaces

Showroom owners turn to feng-shui practices to maximize their work spaces....

Apparel News Daily Reader

Look Book Love: Zimmermann Resort '09 (FabSugar)Calling All Sexy Bookworms! Caulfield Prep is the Line For You (Refinery 29)Above the Fray: Lessons Learned...

Promoting the 'Made in U.S.A.' Label at SPESA 2010

Is domestic manufacturing making a comeback? The members of SEAMS, the national association for the sewn-products industry, seem to think so. They will sponsor a “Ma...

So American (Apparel)

Los Angeles–based T-shirt manufacturer and retailer American Apparel opened a 2,800-square-foot store in the Yorkdale Shopp...

Gilt Fuse Hosts 'Post Grad' Party

The Gilt Groupe and Lucky magazine hosted a premiere screening for the new film “Post Grad,” starring Alexis Bledel, at the Mann’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The party also coincided with the launch of Gilt Fuse, Gilt...

MFG Teams With WRAP at MAGIC

The online sourcing resource

Web 3.0 Primer at Material World L.A.

The emergence of social-networking vehicles such as Twitter and Facebook as well as other Web resources such as Zoho, EverNote and Jott.com will be the su...

Supply Chain Resource Guide

Apparel Information Management System (AIMS) is a complete order and production processing system for every sector of the industry, offering integrated EDI, AIMS GL Accounting Integration, UPS WorldShip & F...

Immediates, Accessories Fare Best at Slow L.A. Market

Tucked into a busy trade show calendar, the Holiday/Resort market in Los Angeles is never one of the larger markets, but for its Aug. 7–11 run the Los Angeles Fashion Market was exceedingly qu...

Barneys Sale Heads to Downtown Los Angeles

Italian boots marked down from $410 to $124Fans of the Barneys warehouse sale that started today will be in for a rude surprise this year.The mammoth discount blowout on high-end goods isn’t at its tried-and-true traditional location…Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, Calif.Instead, it has moved...

Maxfield Goes Malibu: Look Inside Influential Boutique's New Beachside Store

No Surf: Pioneering boutique Maxfield opened a boutique in exclusive beach town Malibu. No beachwear is available in this surfside shop.Many retailers find their inner surfer and sell summery, beachy gear when they open shop in the...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Hellz Bellz Fall 2009 Delivery 1 "Style Warriors" Collection (Nitrolicious)Gap jeans step into designer territory (Los Angeles Times)Tim Gunn Actually...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Copenhagen Fashion Week's Top Five Shows (Refinery 29)RackedWire: Decades Experiences Life in Color; Beach Bunny Swim Location Confirmed (Racked LA)Real...

Hi, My Name Is Sadie Plum Hill Dr. What's Your Stage Name?

An afternoon of shopping Trashy Lingerie followed by a pole dancing class? It’s like a bachelorette party, minus the bride-to-be. On Aug. 15 the S Factor Hollywood will host a “Lingerie Sugar Blues” girls-day-out event of Trashy...

Multeepurpose: Three The Eco-Way

Triple Threat: Ruriko Yamada, left, and Jeff Toolan opened a fashion boutique, cafe and digital printing center at Multeepurpose Concept Store Cafe in Los Angeles Jeff Toolan and Ruriko Yamada dreamed of showing the world their organic T-shirt...

Some Retail Therapy With a Little Retail Happy Hour

For those not content with the rush of shopping the flash sales at Gilt Groupe, Hautelook, Rewind, Billion Dollar Babes and the slew of other online private sale-sites, Retail Happy Hour throws its hat in the ring with its own site...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Oscar-winner Marisa Tomei in Boy by Band of Outsiders fall ad campaign (Los Angeles Times' All the Rage)Bendel heads to the Beverly Center this November (Los Angeles Times'...

Buy a T-shirt, Plant a Tree

We have all seen the T-shirts with a message. But Tees for Change takes it one step beyond. Every time a customer buys a T-shirt, they help plant a tree. At the moment, they are up to a little more than 10,000 trees planted in mostly developing...

Waterman's Ball: Excellently Accessorized

The annual Surf Industry Manufacturers Association's Waterman's Ball featured the usual cast of industry legends and bigwigs, from surf pioneer Gerry Lopez and Rob Machado, the poster boy for big hair and cool style, to Hurley's Bob Hurley...

Loree Rodkin Launches Home & Beauty Collection

Loree Rodkin's home and body collection launched at Coco de Mer.Loree Rodkin is expanding her brand of luxe. The designer, perhaps best known for creating Michelle Obama’s inaugural jewelry, recently launched a home and body collection. Building on the worldwide...

Red Camper: Travel. Bags.

Red Camper's limited-edition “Lunar Landing” styleNo surprise this one came by way of the art department. One of our art directors passed on a link to Red...

Make/Shift Rethinks Vintage for Today's Recessionista

The Katherine dress by Make/ShiftThe Katherine dress by Make/ShiftThe Market marqueeShoppers checking out the...

CMT Open House: Location, Location, Location

CMT recently hosted an open house in its 30,000-square-foot design studio in Los Angeles' Boyle Heights neighborhood.We weren’t sure what to expect when we headed over to the Clothing for Modern Times open house on Aug. 7. And when we arrived at dusk...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Wren's Fall Lookbook Makes Being Nerdy Pretty Damn Cool (Refinery 29)Fab Ad: Banana Republic, Fall '09 (FabSugar)David LaChapelle, Unplugged (Wall Street...

Revolve Clothing Goes Into Rewind

Online boutique Revolve Clothing has opened a new e-tail site, Rewind, featuring pop-up sales and discounted merchandise from its roster of hip designers. Taking a cue from sites such as Hautelook and Gilt Groupe, Rewind holds...

Elegantly Eco

NEW YORK—According the House of Berardi designer Alexander Berardi, an exquisite piece of clothing is only as beautiful as the woman wearing it. The New York–based designer’s philosophy of promoting self-confidence through...

La Petite Coquette's West Coast Picks

No oversized pajama shirts here. A look from In Bloom by Jonquil, one of Rebecca Apsan's sleepwear picks.Californians are the masters of comfort (seeing as we practically invented wearing sweatpants as real clothing, for better or worse), so it’s fitting that when it comes to sleepwear, West Coast designers impressed Rebecca Apsan, owner of the lingerie boutique

Lounging It, Hard 8 Style

Hard 8 du jour Victor Mizrahi and Hugh Todd "Lucky" Luke and trademark lawyer Jesse PratherLos Angeles T-shirt label Hard 8 has some pretty cool digs in downtown Los Angeles, not far from the Staples Center. Owner Victor Mizrahi, cohort...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Paige Lou Lou Tulip Jeans Land Exclusively at Ron Herman (FabSugar)A Style-Setting Show (Wall Street Journal)Surf gets big. RVCA to do New York Fashion...

Hamburg Joins AAFA

Eric R. Hamburg, chief executive officer of Russell-Newman Brands Inc., joined the American Apparel & Footwear Association boa...

Signs of Improvement in the Air at WestCoast Trend Show

Menswear buyers and resources attending the Aug. 2–3 run of the WestCoast Trend Show, held at the Embassy Suites LAX North, offered some indications that the recession has bottomed ou...

Royal Plush Expands With Activewear Line, Denim

Royal Plush, the women’s casualwear brand, is expanding beyond the embellished sweats it is known for to include a true activewear collection and denim. In November, the Torrance, Calif.–based manufact...

With Stansfield, C&C California Hopes to Recapture Its Cool

Inside Claire Stansfield’s roomy office, the bright fluorescent lights are turned off and soft table lamps cast a soft glow on the walls....

Virtual Paper Dolls

"Oh My God! I just spent a half hour at work putting this outfit together online! Don't tell my boss!"And I thought turning myself into a

Burlington Recall

About 13,300 hooded boys’ sweat shirts and track sets sold at Burlington Coat Factory stores are being recalled by the U.S....

AnnTaylor to Save $125M

New York–based AnnTaylor Stores Corp. plans to trim $125 million from its operating costs over the next three years, thanks to a multi-year restructuring effort set to end in fiscal year 2010. Among the initiatives: s...

Top Executive Leaves Perry Ellis

Perry Ellis International announced that one of its principal executives is leaving....

Charming Lands $225 Million

Bensalem, Pa.–based retail chain Charming Shoppes Inc. entered into a three-year senior secured revolving-credit facility for $225 million. Wells Fargo Retail Finance and Bank of America Merrill Lynch were joi...

A Few Standouts Among July's Sluggish Retail Sales

Overall, retail sales remained flat—or, in some cases, down—in July, but a few retailers bucked the trend and came out ahead....

Joe's Jeans Building Sells in Union Square

It’s taking more time than usual and prices are down, but retail real estate is still selling in San Francisco and other retail capitals....

Forever 21 Opens First Store in Latin America

Los Angeles retailer Forever 21 Inc. has been on a major expansion spree despite a stubborn downturn in retail sales....

CMC to Host L.A. Kids Market

Joining a growing lineup of markets at the California Market Center is the Los Angeles Kids Market, set to run Aug. 7–11 during the Los Angeles Fashion Market. ...

Commando Launches Cotton Collection

Commando’s new range of cotton panties, tops and leggings joins seamless technology with natural fibers. The Vermont-based company is known for its cleverly packaged accessories, such as nippl...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Fab Read: Ruben Toledo Illustrates Three Classics (FabSugar)Fast Fashions—Zara Opens at the Farmers Market (Blackburn and Sweetzer)Vintage fabric as...

Miami Swim Fashion Week Cruise 2010: White Sands Australia

Contemporary swim and resort line White Sands Australia presented its

Having a Bowl at the WCT Show

When the going gets tough, the tough go…bowling. That’s how the buyers and reps attending the semiannual WestCoast Trend Show handle the rigors of the menswear trade. WCT’s “Rock Bowl” event, the latest taking place on Aug. 2, has become...

Bejeweled by Susan Fixel

In the late ’70s/early ’80s, when Jordache and Calvin Klein ruled the denim wars, it was common to hear someone say their jeans looked like they were spray-painted onto their bodies. ...

Miami Swim Fashion Week Cruise 2010: Luli Fama

“Luli Quiere Rumba” (“Luli Wants to Party”) was the theme for the

Miami Swim Fashion Week Cruise 2010: V Del Sol

Glamorous and exotic—that was the look of the

Apparel News Daily Reader

Pegah Anvarian Takes Three Dots in New, Fashion-y Direction (Blackburn and Sweetzer)Rodarte to Go International for Target (FabSugar)Tacky Attack (Los...

Kors, Baker, Bernini Sign On to Santa Monica Place

The grand opening is one year away, but Santa Monica Place is moving full-steam ahead to sign up new tenants. Designer Michael Kors will open a store, as will British lifestyle brand Ted Baker. Swarovski will open a boutique to showcase jewelry, handbags and...

Chic, Timeless, Classic Vintage at 50 Percent Off!

There’s still a few days left to get to The Way We Wore’s Annual Summer Sale. Owner and vintage aficionado Doris Raymond has added new items to her exhisting merchandise, which is sale-priced at 50 percent off. The Los Angeles–based vintage emporium is...

Princess Grace, Cartier Honored at Walk of Style

It’s a match made in heaven: Princess Grace, Cartier and Rodeo Drive.The Rodeo Drive Committee and the city of Beverly Hills will honor the late Princess Grace of Monaco and...

Miami Swim Fashion Week Cruise 2010: Red Carter

Red Carter always delivers a rockin’ fashion show and his

Cham Korean Bistro: Denim & Dining

Kimmy Song at Cham

Apparel News Daily Reader

Street Fashion: Abbot Kinney, Venice (Los Angeles Times)Barack and Michelle Obama Top Vanity Fair's 2009 International Best-Dressed List (FabSugar)Look...

Korean Products and Tradition on Display at Upcoming Event

Korean manufacturers will be on display at an upcoming event at the Korean Cultural Center in Los Angeles. “Beyond Tradition: Han (Korean) Textile Exhibition Fashion Show,” running Aug. 20–24, will highlight fashion and home...

Fresh, Femme and Fashionable Photo Debuts

Los Angeles is about to get a fashion infusion in the form of photography as two photo exhibitions kick off this week. “Fresh from Paris,” an exhibition featuring haute couture photographed by noted fashion and beauty...

New Lines: California Market Center

The following are new lines carried by showrooms at the California Market Center, located at 110 E. Ninth St., Los Angeles. The California Apparel News lists new tenants and lines ea...

HM Showroom

Gerry BuildingSuite 508(310) 828-9454...

Spirit Activewear

California Market CenterSuite A340(213) 784-0540...

New Lines: The Lady Liberty Building

The following are new lines carried by showrooms at The Lady Liberty Building, located at 843 S. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles.The California Apparel News lists new tenants and lines ...

Thrive Showroom

Cooper Design SpaceSuite 921B(800) 650-1607

New Lines: The New Mart

The following are new lines carried by showrooms at the The New Mart, located at 127 E. Ninth St.,Los Angeles.The California Apparel News lists new tenants and lines each market week...

New Lines: Cooper Design Space

The following are new lines carried by showrooms at the Cooper Design Space, located at 860 S. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles.The California Apparel News lists new tenants and lines ea...

David Kahn Jeanswear

The New MartSuite 503(213) 623-1454...

Riding the Waves With Photography

Surfwear maker Hurley has a roster of artists it sponsors to keep the creative powers working.One of the more outstanding is Clark Little, a former pro surfer turned photographer. Little’s specialty is capturing...

New Lines: Gerry Building

The following are new lines carried by showrooms at the Gerry Building, located at 910 S. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles.The California Apparel News lists new tenants and lines each ma...

Rock Media Parties With a View

Rock Media Principal Scott Rosenblum and President Nicole Purcell, photo by Felix SalzmanThe latest entrant on the Los Angeles Fashion Week calendar, Rock Media, hosted a penthouse soiree at the Renaissance Hotel at Hollywood Highland, to kick off the pre-show...

The Lab Owner Sadeghi Buys Vacant Casino, Plans To Open Eateries

Vacant since 2006, Casino San Clemente,pictured above, will be restored andturned into a restaurant building.San Clemente, Calif., is a surf town offering some fine restaurants and a weekly farmers market. If the plans of developer Shaheen Sadeghi go...

It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's a Dude On a Bike

Don’t let the influx of corporate suits fool you, the action sports industry remains a bastion of dudes who like to get extreme. Case in point, the La Jolla Group’s open house party July 29 at its new digs in Irvine, Calif., during which La Jolla, the maker...

Alexander Wang Launches E-Commerce Store

CFDA Fashion Fund winner Alexander Wang is launching an e-commerce store at his Web site. “I love shopping in bed,” the designer tells Style File. Now fans can get a chance to shop 24/7 for the designer’s latest collection and Web...

Apparel News Daily Reader

August Fashion Story: Story of My...

Dilascia's Bakery Launches at Live! on Sunset

Beefcake and bakery items. All the ingredients for a tasty launch party. Showroom owner—and newly minted designer—Patrick Dilascia officially launched his men’s label, Dilascia’s Bakery, on July 30 at Live! on Sunset in Hollywood. The label’s name is an homage to the bakery founded in upstate New York by...