Friday, April 28
Oak + Fort's DTLA Party
The Oak + Fort brand opened a boutique at Westfield Century City in West Los Angeles earlier this month. But the brand came to downtown Los Angeles to party on April 27.
Thursday, April 27
Time to Vote in Student-Designed Vans Shoe Contest
Fashion
Some 3,000 high schools across the country participated in the Vans design contest to create a wild and crazy shoe with an artistic sense.
Reformation’s Yael Aflalo Shows Off Eco-Factory
Los Angeles' Reformation brand moved into a new, eco-factory in November. On Earth Day brand founder Yael Aflalo gave a tour.
Cone Highlights New Developments and S/S 2018 Denim Trends at Los Angeles Event
Denim Trends
Greensboro, N.C.–based Cone Denim—the heritage denim mill with operations in the U.S., Mexico and China—recently hosted an event in Los Angeles to highlight new developments and preview trends for Spring/Summer 201
Fall/Winter 2017-18 T-Shirt and Sweat Analysis by Trendstop
T-Shirt & Sweat Analysis
Global fashion forecasting agency Trendstop gives us the insider lowdown into the latest T-shirt and sweatshirt trends impacting womenswear for the Fall/Winter 2017–’18 season.
CMC’s June Charity Shopping Series to Benefit Red Eye
Events
The third installment of the California Market Center’s “Fashion With a Cause” charity shopping event is set for June 30 and will benefit nonprofit organization Red Eye.
Retailers Dry off From a Wet Winter to Attend Fashion Market Northern California
FMNC
Retailers weary of a soggy winter in Northern California were in a positive mood at the recent Fashion Market Northern California as they looked forward to a brighter summer and fall to entice customers through the do
Noon Goons: From SoCal Punk to High End Design
Noon Goons
SewCal is a production company in downtown Los Angeles’ Fashion District. Its founder, Kurt Narmore, moonlights as the designer for high-end men’s contemporary line Noon Goons, which is moving from an inspiration of Southern California concrete to a continental sophistication.
Robertson Boulevard Looks for a Revival
Retail
Kim Kardashian was photographed at Cuvée restaurant on Los Angeles’ Robertson Boulevard recently. The paparazzi shooting a much-gossiped-about celebrity walking the retail street brought back memories of Robertson’s glory days. It was a decade ago when buses filled with tourists spotted starlets shopping on the street and top retailers engaged in bidding wars for storefronts.
Tuesday, April 25
Behind the Lens
Art Center Photography
ArtCenter’s photography department’s “Dynamic Dozen” shine behind the lens.
LRG Acquired by Mad Engine
Manufacturing
Lifted Research Group, a popular Irvine, Calif.– headquartered urban streetwear brand was acquired by licensed apparel company Mad Engine LLC.
Azrias Lose Out in Contract Dispute With BCBG
Manufacturing
A bankruptcy judge rules against Azrias in their contract dispute with BCBG.
Monday, April 24
Reported Shooting in Fashion District
Los Angeles Police Department continued to search for a suspect after shots were fired in the the Fashion District.
Incase To DTLA
The barricade is up. The semi-official word is out. Incase is going to move to downtown Los Angeles.
Friday, April 21
Meet B. James
With looks such as a Shell Toe Adidas dress and leather jackets with pops of color, Brandon James showed 40 looks from his B. James line.
Bebe to Liquidate Stores
Retail
Bebe Stores Inc. announced April 21 that it will liquidate its stores and inventory housed in those stores.
Thursday, April 20
Gap Outlines Five-Year Goal for Sustainable Fibers Use
Textiles
By the year 2021, Gap Inc. wants its Gap brand to be getting all its cotton from more sustainable sources.
Centric’s L.A. Event Puts Focus on Implementation, Integration
Technology
Two seasoned apparel executives—one with Kate Spade and the other with New Zealand active wool apparel brand Icebreaker—gave their insight into implementing and using Centric Software’s product lifecycle management solutions at an event hosted by the Campbell, Calif.–based software company.
Spring/Summer ’18 Material Insights by Trendstop
Material Insights
Global fashion forecasting agency Trendstop gave us its expert lowdown into the key materials trends and fabric applications impacting the Spring/Summer 2018 season.
A&E Launches Recycled Core-Spun Sewing Thread
Textiles
American & Efird, the 125-year-old sewing-thread company based in Mount Holly, N.C., has launched a new industrial sewing thread using Repreve recycled polyester.
FCI’s Spring Bricolage Student Fashion Show
Spring Bricolage
Daniel Feld was a “Project Runway” star who now teaches at FCI Fashion School in downtown Los Angeles.
Agenda Announces Consumer Day
Trade Shows
After 14 years of producing trade-only shows, Agenda will add a consumer day to its July 15 show at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, Calif.
Long-Term Licensing Agreement Signed With Calvin Klein
Manufacturing
Delta Galil Industries Ltd.—the Israeli company that recently purchased the Los Angeles contemporary brands 7 For All Mankind, Splendid and Ella Moss—announced that its Delta Galil USA subsidiary has signed a long-term licensing agreement with Calvin Klein Inc. to develop, manufacture, produce and distribute boys’ and girls’ underwear, sleepwear and socks.
Emerald Expositions Files for IPO
Trade Shows
Emerald Expositions Events Inc. filed for an initial public offering recently. The San Juan Capistrano, Calif.–headquartered company is seeking to raise from $295 million to $310 million, according to media reports.
Despite a Strong Economy, Retailers Are Being Hit Hard and Trying to Adjust
Finance
Even though the U.S. economy is predicted to be on sound footing this year, the stack of retailers closing their stores due to bankruptcies or slipping sales keeps piling up at an alarming rate.
Fashion’s Robotic Future
Fashion Robot
Many futurists predict a giant shakeup in the jobs market in the near future as bus drivers, construction workers, paralegals and pharmaceutical workers are forecast to be pushed out of their gigs by job candidates who don’t have a heartbeat. They will be replaced by robots and artificial intelligence.
Torso Vintages Pops Up at Neiman Marcus SF
It’s the summer of love at the newly renovated Penthouse on 5 event space at Neiman Marcus’ Union Square store in San Francisco. San Francisco vintage archive and boutique Torso Vintages has collaborated with the tony retailer to create a curated pop-up shop and fashion installation celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love.
Sai Suman Takes A Bow
Designer Sai Suman showed her ‘The Queen in Me’ line at the Sofitel Hotel in Los Angeles on April 11.
Wednesday, April 19
Eye on Excess
Street Style
American documentary photographer, filmmaker and artist Lauren Greenfield has been capturing youth culture and the obsession of wealth for over 25 years. Greenfield’s current series, titled “Generation Wealth,” is on exhibition at Fahey Klein Gallery on La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles.
Tuesday, April 18
Tuxedos for Her, At Stitch & Tie
Tuxedos have been a men’s exclusive since gaining popularity in America in the late 19th century. Well, women have been crashing this sartorial party. Stitch & Tie by Friar Tux Shop announced that it will be the first formalwear rental destination to rent women’s tuxedos.
Monday, April 17
Bohemian Society Costumes Dance Film Miscreants
Los Angeles has not seen a Bohemian Society fashion show in a couple of years, but the avant garde label is going to be taking a bow in dance film Miscreants. It will be screened April 22 at M.A.R.S. Festival in downtown Los Angeles
Friday, April 14
Ron Robinson's United State of Fashion
It was time for a show. It was time for work. April 13 was time for United State of Fashion at Ron Robinson
Thursday, April 13
American Apparel and Los Angeles Apparel: A Tale of Two Labels Starting From Ground Zero
Manufacturing
As part of his apparel comeback, Dov Charney recently signed an exclusive partnership with TSC Apparel in Cincinnati, Ohio, to distribute his Los Angeles Apparel collection to screen printers and embroiderers in need of well-made blanks.
Kevan Hall's Fall Fashion Collection
Fashion
Designer Kevan Hall looks to Sophia Loren for inspiration.
TPC: L.A.’s Networking Group for Industry Professionals
Manufacturing
It’s a group that includes factors, bankers, lawyers, certified public accountants, insurance agents and other members of the professional services community that specialize in working with apparel businesses.
Vissla & Billabong’s Big Night at SIMA Awards
Swim/Surf
Vissla and Billabong racked up trophies at the 14th annual SIMA Awards, produced by the trade group Surf Industry Manufacturers Association.
FIDM Debut 2017
FIDM’s Future Designers
Guests at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Debut runway show and scholarship gala were treated to a celebration of the work of students in several programs at the design school, including fashion design, theatre costume design, textile design and interior design.
One T-Shirt Line’s Trash
Manufacturing
When Tal Mir quit a design job for a private-label company, he resolved to devote all of his creative energy to making a clothing line that would stand for quality and creativity. He called the line Trash. Its full name is Trash Los Angeles
Dodging Retail Blues, Designer Tries Amazon
Retail
Maya Reynolds recently wrapped up a gig creating costumes for the Backstreet Boys. The 1990s hit makers are wearing her white leather jackets for a residency at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
Never Elsewhere’s Locals Only
The T-Shirt Local Scene
When the Never Elsewhere brand started business in 2010, the Oakland, Calif.–based label sought to pay tribute to hot spots only locals would know about.
Image Comic's Snotgirl to the Fashion Rescue
There’s a new comic book hero in town. It's a fashion blogger.
Wednesday, April 12
Tadashi Launches Fragrance
Los Angeles designer Tadashi Shoji will introduce his first fragrance this month at Lord & Taylor.
Get Wrapped Up in the Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest
Fashion
Get ready to enter the 13th annual Cheap Chic Weddings Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest.
Tuesday, April 11
Bebe Stores Dismissing Hundreds of Employees
Retail
Bebe Stores Inc., which has been in financial hot water for some time, is laying off more than 700 employees at its two business offices and at its stores.
Monday, April 10
Blue Gold’s Road Trip “A Pair of Jeans Can Connect You With the World”
Documentary Blue Gold: American Jeans sees the world through the eyes of a jeans hunter. It's also a master class on the history of denim with side trips on how Bruce Lee wore jeans, and a step into the global wardrobe.
U.S. Cargo-Container Imports to Rise Steadily This Year
Import/Export
With retail sales predicted to inch up around 4 percent this year, cargo container traffic should also see healthy growth this year.
Friday, April 7
Macy’s at Westfield Century City Takes a Bow
Westfield Century City is in the midst of a $1 billion makeover. Macy’s is one of the anchors for the revamped retail center. The department store took a bow with a new two-story building on April 7.
Thursday, April 6
Teva Collaborates With Hudson Bay's on Sandal Collection
Fashion
All stripes with the Teva collection appearing for a limited time at Hudson Bay's department stores.
Revolve Goes Coachella
Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar and Radiohead are headlining the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival next weekend, online fashion emporium Revolve plans to represent in force with a festival pop-up shop in the West Hollywood area weekend of April 7 and a two-day party during the April 14 Coachella weekend.
March Tough, But Shows Silver Linings
Retail
Wall Street analysts saw a glass half full when March retail sales were reported.
Central Saint Martins Alums in LA
Wallspace, the 5-year old Art Gallery on La Brea in Los Angeles, hosted the opening night party on April 1 for “Alchemy Unveiled: Defying Disjunction,” an exhibition that brought together four alumni from Central Saint Martins school of art in London: Angie Stimson, Carina Wyatt, Henny Lees and Charlotte Malik. The installation represents a year-long collaboration project of the four artists. Stimson, who also curated the event, was the headline artist.
LAmade Among Brands Selected for Target’s LA25 Initiative
Retail
Fashion basics company LAmade was one of the brands selected to be featured in Target’s LA25 initiative.
Pooltradeshow to Produce New York Shows
Trade Shows
After a 16-year run as a one-city show, Pooltradeshow announced that it will produce a biannual New York show in addition to its Las Vegas shows.
Raj’s New VYB Collection Defies Conventions
New Swim Line: VYB
Raj Swim’s newest collection, VYB, is set to bow this month with a Spring Break 2017 collection.
CFF, TALA, YMA to Host Annual Scholarship Luncheon
Events
The California Fashion Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the California Fashion Association, will host the 2017 annual scholarship luncheon on April 27 at the California Market Center.
Upscale Offprice Show Boulevard Prêt-à-Sale Planning to Expand to Women’s for Second Run
Trade Shows
The inaugural run of Boulevard Prêt-à-Sale, the upscale off-price trade show, showcased a tightly curated mix of 70 upscale menswear brands and drew buyers from Barneys New York, Bloomingdale’s, Century 21, Tiger Trading, Harry Rosen, Steinmart, TJX Co., Burlington, Ross Stores and Nordstrom Rack.
Trina Turk Opens a New Store in Los Angeles
Trina Turk's New Store
It has been a few years since Trina Turk had a store in Los Angeles. But the contemporary designer—known for her bright colors synonymous with sunny California—has staked out a new outpost in the Larchmont Village neighborhood of Los Angeles, where an old-fashioned Main Street vibe permeates Larchmont Boulevard.
How Are Finance People Handling the Weak Retail Market and Have They Adjusted Their Financing Rules for Clothing Manufacturers?
Finance
As retailers start shrinking their footprints around the country, apparel manufacturers are wondering how to cope with this constricting retail landscape.
Directives West Shines the Spotlight on Major Trends for Fall/Winter 2017
Directives West
Directives West broke down the trends for Fall/Winter 2017 at its April 3 runway show, held at the California Market Center during LA Majors Market.
LA Majors Drives Biz Despite Market Doldrums
LA Majors
Meetings were held and orders placed during the April 3–5 run of LA Majors Market at the California Market Center showroom building in downtown Los Angeles, but a steady drumbeat of tough retail headlines underscored many conversations during the market.
Bomber Jackets Down, Denim Up, Fields Says
Bomber Jackets Down
The once-ubiquitous bomber jacket is trending down. Expect to see it overtaken by denim jackets and the military fatigue-like “utility” jackets.
Wednesday, April 5
Rogue Collective Parks in Famous Punk Club
Nirvana played there. Beck gigged there. Perry Farrell and Red Hot Chili Peppers also reportedly paid some dues on the small stage of Al’s Bar. Now it's the address for Rogue Collective.
Tuesday, April 4
BCBG Max Azria Starts Closing Stores After Filing for Bankruptcy Protection
Retail
BCBG Max Azria, the Los Angeles brand that filed for bankruptcy protection in late February, has begun to shutter more than half the stores it operates in the United States.
South Coast Plaza Glitters; Anne Fontaine Runway Show + Anniversary Gala
South Coast Plaza's 50th Anniversary year rolled out more glittering events; an Anne Fontaine runway show and a gala dinner at The Getty Center.
Hard Rock's Throwback Collection
Hard Rock International has launched a “Throwback Threads” collection featuring the classic Hard Rock logo from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s paired with “some of Hard Rock's favorite cities,” including Barcelona, London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles and Orlando.
Monday, April 3
Velvet Acquired by $1.8 Billion Japanese Company
Manufacturing
Los Angeles–based Velvet LLC, owner of the Velvet by Graham and Spencer label, has been acquired by Adastria Co. Ltd., a $1.8 billion Japanese apparel company.
Hudson Jeans Names New President
Manufacturing
Starting April 10, Matthew Fior will take over as the new president of Hudson Jeans, based in Los Angeles.
Lucky Luke’s New Gig
For decades "Lucky" Luke Mann has been selling clothes in L.A. For an encore gig, this raconteur is a talent booker/ambassador for DTLA boîte Prank.
Jack's 60th Bday Party is a Surf Contest
For its 60th birthday, Jack’s Surboards did something new, the Huntington Beach, Calif. emporium produced its first surf contest.
