Wednesday, December 30
Viva LA! Brand Makes a Debut
FASHION
Pop artist Andre Miripolsky’s work has graced murals in the Los Angeles area, as well as logos and graphics for bands such as The Rolling Stones. His latest venture, a brand called Viva LA!
Tuesday, December 29
Wonder Woman-style Shoe Complements "Wonder Woman 1984" Release
FOOTWEAR
A collaboration between Warner Bros. Pictures Group and Biion Footwear has led to the release of a Wonder Woman-inspired shoe that aligned with the movie's Dec. 25 release.
As New Workplace Rules Go Into Effect, SB 62 Is Introduced
LEGAL
As the year ends, the California legislature started on a new round of bills for the 2021–2022 session, which includes SB 62, a bill that could change the way garment workers are compensated.
Monday, December 28
Supreme Acquisition Completed by VF Corporation
MANUFACTURING
Denver-headquartered VF Corporation, which owns Vans, Timberland, The North Face and Dickies announced Dec. 28 that it had completed its acquisition of New York-headquartered street-and-skatewear brand Supreme.
Thursday, December 24
Fashion-Tech Startup StyleScan Aims to Disrupt Fashion Photography
TECHNOLOGY
After two years in development, the Los Angeles–headquartered fashion-technology startup StyleScan will officially emerge from stealth mode and make a debut in the business-to-business market, said Larissa Posner, the company’s founder.
Wednesday, December 23
Anderson Munger Family YMCA and FIDM Host Clothing Distribution
FASHION EVENTS
This holiday season, the Anderson Munger Family YMCA located in Los Angeles’ Koreatown distributed more than 2,000 new pieces of cold-weather clothing following a donation from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising’s FIDM Scholarship Foundation.
Yarn Movement to Host Sip N' Stitch Sessions
FASHION EVENTS
Through launching the Yarn Movement Sip N' Stitch virtual sessions, which will begin Dec. 27, founder Shantelle Brumfield—also known as S.LadyBug is hoping to encourage people everywhere to crochet.
Tuesday, December 22
Digital-Commerce Gains Through Passport and Whatnot Funding
TECHNOLOGY
For two California digital-commerce companies, the year is ending with venture-capital funding.
IMC Reveals Plans for February Atlanta Apparel Market
TRADE SHOWS
As trade-show producers begin to emerge from a year in which many events were postponed or canceled in favor of virtual editions, International Market Centers’ Atlanta Apparel Market is looking toward 2021 with great optimism.
Businesses Chart Next Steps After Congress Approves Stimulus Bill
COVID-19 FINANCIAL RELIEF
After months of wrangling, Congress passed a $2.3 trillion COVID-19 relief stimulus bill Monday, which will include $600 checks sent to individuals earning less than $75,000 annually and a second round of payment protection plan funds for small businesses.
Lakai X Black Sabbath
FASHION
Skatebrand Lakai started business in 1999, the year pioneering metal band Black Sabbath produced an important comeback tour. About 21 years later, Lakai and Sabbath are collaborating.
Canada Goose Pops Up at The Grove
RETAIL
The Canada Goose brand cultivated a reputation for making outerwear to take on harsh Canadian winters. But it is showing outerwear and goods made for Los Angeles weather.
Monday, December 21
Informa Markets Fashion and NuOrder Provide Trade-Event Summary
VIRTUAL TRADE EVENTS
After ending its inaugural, exclusively digital trade event, which was hosted Sept. 1–Nov.1, Informa Markets Fashion and its e-commerce platform partner NuOrder revealed important insight derived from its metrics.
Thursday, December 17
Newsmakers 2020
Newsmakers 2020
While a global pandemic shook the world and a sensitive political climate shaped the United States, the fashion industry answered the call to support essential workers by creating personal protective equipment and engaging in new methods of conducting business. California Apparel News looks back at the awe-inspiring and newsworthy stories from 2020.
IBM to Partner With Port of L.A. to Thwart Cybersecurity Threats
L.A. Port Cybersecurity
Taking steps to improve its response to cybersecurity threats to the supply chain, the Port of Los Angeles announced that the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners approved the International Business Machines Corporation as the designer and operator of the port’s Cyber Resilience Center.
Organized Retail Theft Surges, Study Says
Retail
Organized retail crime—or shoplifting and cargo theft committed by professional thieves—has been surging, according to the 16th annual Organized Retail Crime study released Dec. 15 by the National Retail Federation trade group.
Stronger Together, MAGIC, Offprice and WWIN to Share Space for Orlando Shows
Trade Shows
Following the Dec. 3 announcement that it would host a MAGIC Pop Up Orlando trade event Feb. 9–11 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., Informa Markets Fashion revealed that it is working with Clarion Events and the Tarsus Group to produce co-located events for the return of on-site trade shows to serve the fashion community.
Industry Voices: Fashion—Made in California Could Hasten an Economic Revival
Fashion
The COVID-19 pandemic clearly exposed vulnerability in the domestic supply chain for essential materials for end-product production. The difficulty of securing PPE materials and products, in addition to the overreliance of our supply chain on China and Asia, is widely recognized.
Super Saturday to Mark the Final Sprint in an Unpredictable Holiday Season
Retail
The 2020 holiday-retail season is preparing for its final run on Dec. 19, or Super Saturday. The Saturday before Christmas has traditionally been one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
Newsmakers 2020: Trinidad3 Serves Industry by Expanding Domestic Denim Manufacturing
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.
Newsmakers 2020: Voicing Need for Change, Kevan Hall Places Action Behind Words
Fashion
In 2020, the veteran fashion designer and co-founder of Black Design Collective Kevan Hall was one of the first to respond to the need for personal protective equipment. Working with fellow designer Malena Ruth, Hall enhanced existing hospital gowns and created masks to protect workers and patients at area hospitals and nursing facilities. This work also led the designer to donate a mask to frontline workers for every mask sold to a customer.
Newsmakers 2020: 25 Years of Trina Turk Influence Design Across Categories
Fashion
After 25 years of designing her eponymous fashion line, Trina Turk has influenced not only clothing but also the worlds of home design and travel. As she reflected on this milestone anniversary, the California designer released her book “Trina Turk” to share her colorful world with others as she recalled her own influences.
Tukatech Unveils On Demand 3D Services
Technology
The Los Angeles–headquartered fashion-technology company Tukatech has been rolling out services that help designers create garments virtually on a 3D platform. On Dec. 15, Tukatech announced that its TUKAcenter locations and its web-services portal, TUKAweb, will offer services to create 3D garments on demand, with Tukatech staff helping designers create clothes virtually.
Newsmakers 2020: California Apparel News Celebrates 75 Influential Years
Fashion
First published 75 years ago from in its then-headquarters at 210 W. Seventh St. in downtown Los Angeles, California Apparel News has served the global fashion industry and local apparel businesses. Launched July 6, 1945, by Joe Osherenko, the publication began during a time when World War II servicemen were returning home to the United States.
Newsmakers 2020: Virtual Trade Shows Connect a Grounded Fashion Industry
Trade Shows
As the COVID-19 pandemic reached the shores of the United States in early 2020, apparel-industry trade-show producers canceled on-site shows and pushed back in-person events. One of the first event producers to think outside the trade-show floor was Kingpins, which introduced its April virtual edition of Kingpins24, a streaming event.
Pulling Back the Curtain With BDC and Kerby Jean-Raymond
Pulling Back the Curtain
Fashion powerhouse Kerby Jean-Raymond and design legend TJ Walker recently sat in on a Black Design Collective and Ta’Nisha Cameron–produced event called “Pull Back the Curtain: A Conversation With TJ Walker and Kerby Jean-Raymond.”
Skatie Finds Success Staying the Sustainable and Ethical Course
Manufacturing
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
Fashion
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
Manufacturing
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: Ilse Metchek, Fashion Insider, Continues to Make Changes
Fashion
Ilse Metchek, president of the California Fashion Association trade group, has long been one of the insiders of California fashion, along with being an advocate for the industry. She’s uniquely qualified to be called an insider’s insider and an industry advocate because there are few who share her track record of working in almost every area of fashion.
Newsmakers 2020: Tony Hsieh, Beloved Innovator, Dies From Injuries Sustained During Fire
Manufacturing
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 Comes to Terms With Inclusivity
Fashion
In the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd in May, businesses around the world, including the fashion industry, responded with statements about Black Lives Matter. They assessed how they treated people of color in their success, and the soul searching was often frank.
Newsmakers 2020: Throughout Pandemic, Fashion Gets Into the Business of Hope
Fashion
As the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a harsh blow to the nation, many designers, retailers, manufacturers and the fashion public rallied, unveiling good works and charitable projects to help their colleagues, their neighbors and their country.
Newsmakers 2020: Fashion Industry Pivots Into PPE as It Awaits Relief Aid
Manufacturing
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.
Year in Review: U.S. Approves USMCA Treaty, China Turmoil Heats Up
Import/Export
The United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement was signed into law in the United States, but the adoption of a major trade treaty did not mean smooth sailing for global trade, as U.S. trade disagreements with China increasingly dominated headlines.
2020 Retrospective, Financial Review: Pandemic and Social Unrest Set Stage for Surge in Bankruptcies
Retail
Prominent names in apparel filed for bankruptcy and closed physical stores in 2020 in the face of overwhelming challenges.
UCLA Anderson School Forecasts Economic Growth by Q2 2021
Retail
A good economy is on the horizon for the United States, but it’s going to take a long slog to get there, according to the “UCLA Anderson Forecast.”
Year in Review: Retail Tested By Pandemic and Civil Unrest in 2020
RETAIL
At the beginning of the year, it was predicted that the COVID-19 pandemic and United States politics were going to have an effect on retail in 2020, but there was no sense that it was going be a big shake-up.
Los Angeles' Bohemian Society Helps Maypole Roll Out New Retail Platform
RETAIL
Retail with its store windows and dramatic displays has often been considered a part of theater.
Upcycled Enlightened Uniform by Susan Rockefeller Released by The R Collective
UPCYCLED FASHION
Inspired by how the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted fashion consciousness regarding waste throughout the industry and the focus on trends toward versatile pieces, The R Collective unveiled its Susan Rockefeller-designed Enlightened Uniform.
Tuesday, December 15
Brazil’s Melissa Brand to Westfield Century City
RETAIL
Brazilian footwear brand Melissa opened its second store in the United States recently with a location at Westfield Century City.
Monday, December 14
Honey Birdette to Beverly Center
RETAIL
Honey Birdette, an Australian lingerie label, recently opened a new California boutique.
After Being Acquired, Wynd Finesses Fulfillment Model
LOGISTICS TECHNOLOGY
The up-and-coming New York City–based logistics-solutions company Wynd said that it has developed a logistics model that seeks to ease last-mile concerns not only for customers but for the businesses sending goods.
Thursday, December 10
IFJAG Moves to Orlando for February Event
ON-SITE TRADE EVENTS
After announcements were made over the course of the past week regarding the move of Informa Fashion Markets, Clarion Events and the Tarsus Group’s February Las Vegas trade events to Orlando, Fla., it was revealed on Dec. 10 that the International Fashion Jewelry & Accessories Group show would also move to the region.
Wednesday, December 9
‘Stronger Together,’ MAGIC, Offprice and WWIN to Share Space for Orlando Shows
ON-SITE TRADE EVENTS
Following the Dec. 3 announcement that it would host a MAGIC Pop Up Orlando trade event Feb. 9–11 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., Informa Markets Fashion revealed that it is working with Clarion Events and the Tarsus Group to produce co-located events for the return of on-site trade shows to serve the fashion community.
Pantone’s 2021 Color of the Year Features Two Hues That Speak to Strength and Hope
COLOR TRENDS
For its annual announcement, the color-and-trend-forecasting authority Pantone unveiled its 2021 Color of the Year, which is actually two different yet harmonious hues that are meant to complement each other.
Citizens of Humanity and The Haas Brothers Make T-shirts for Georgia Election
FASHION
Many eyes are on the Georgia runoff election scheduled for Jan. 5, including those at Citizens of Humanity and designers The Haas Brothers, who recently collaborated on a collection inspired by this event.
Tuesday, December 8
LA Men’s Market to Produce Digital Trade Show With Liberty Fairs
DIGITAL TRADE EVENTS
After more than a year of not producing in-person events, the LA Men’s Market, the 9-year-old independent, biannual trade show based in downtown Los Angeles, announced that it will be running a digital trade show with Liberty Fairs, a prominent biannual trade event, and its technology partner, Joor.
SwimShow Partners With NuOrder for 2021 Virtual Trade Show
Virtual Trade Events
With trade-show planning underway for 2021 across the apparel industry, Miami’s Swimwear Association of Florida announced that its SwimShow is working with the Los Angeles wholesale e-commerce platform NuOrder to launch a virtual edition of the swimwear event, which is typically produced in July.
A Few Years After Running a Malibu Pop-Up Shop, Vuori Opens a Permanent Boutique in Malibu
RETAIL
In 2017, Vuori was a scrappy brand looking to spread the word about its performance clothing with a California look. Fast forward to the present, Vuori opened a permanent boutique at a retail center where it once ran a pop-up shop.
Monday, December 7
ComplexLand Opens Virtual Gates for e-Festival and Market
TRADE EVENTS
ComplexLand, a virtual fashion, high-end sneaker, music, art and public-affairs festival, took its first cyber steps Dec. 7.
Financial-Technology Company Afterpay Reports Robust Holiday Business
Buy Now, Pay Later
Afterpay, the financial-technology company that provides an online platform for buy now, pay later layaway plans, reported one of its best performances in November, the traditional beginning of retail business for the winter holidays, according to a statement from the Australian-founded company that runs a San Francisco office.
Friday, December 4
Heritage Nike Styles Receive 3M-Technology Scotchlite and Thinsulate Treatment
MANUFACTURING
Following a chance meeting during Milan Design Week in 2019, athletic brand Nike was impressed with 3M's artistic capabilities that it is able to blend with product practicality.
Thursday, December 3
Informa Markets Fashion Heads Into 2021 With Hybrid On-site/Digital Schedule
MAGIC in 2021
On Dec. 3, Informa Markets Fashion announced its 2021 schedule of digital events and on-location expositions.
ATS Post-Election Summit Affords Connections and Conversation on Future of Apparel
Trade Shows
Moving forward with its latest virtual event, Apparel Textile Sourcing hosted its Post-Election Summit and Sourcing Show to connect buyers, sellers, brands, manufacturers, retailers and factories to discuss the future of the industry in a post-election, post-COVID-19 world. Over the course of five days, Nov. 16–20, ATS connected professionals within the industry through buyer-and-seller matchmaking and interactive booths that enabled attendees to shop ready-to-order apparel, textiles and accessories.
In Eco Category, Aura7 Activewear Is Focused on Sustainability, Local Manufacturing
Eco-Active Energy
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.
Industry Focus: Technology—How Apparel-Technology Companies Could Reset the COVID-19 ‘Time Machine’
Technology
As consumers adapted to a new way of life with most of their shopping conducted through e-commerce, businesses that viewed this method of selling as uncharted territory learned quickly in order to survive. With almost nine months of COVID-19 under its belt, the apparel industry is rebooting, and, while the most-basic technologies have kept businesses relevant during this time, they will again have to adopt advanced methods of creating and selling apparel to remain agile, reduce waste and accommodate a changed, post-pandemic consumer.
Walking the Line Between Necessity and Creativity
Textiles
The world we know is undergoing a necessary transformation, speeding up toward more-responsible consumption. Faced with this new economic and ethical crisis, we must think about tomorrow’s fashions, which we are no longer compelled to endlessly reinvent.
CFMB Criterion From Textile Exchange Outlines Environmental Impact
Textiles
The sustainable-fiber-and-materials-sourcing nonprofit Textile Exchange announced Dec. 2 that it is introducing a new criterion to its Corporate Fibers & Materials Benchmark that will afford greater insight regarding the impact on biodiversity caused by apparel companies.
Digital Commerce Grows in a Black Friday Marked by Change
Holiday-Season Retail
The official holiday-shopping season began the day after Thanksgiving with Black Friday on Nov. 27 and continued into Cyber Monday on Nov. 30, with e-commerce experiencing strong gains as retailers and consumers continue to experience challenges.
Promenade 2035 to Offer More Retail in Woodland Hills
RETAIL
A unanimous Los Angeles City Council vote recently gave a green light for final plans of Promenade 2035, a more-than-$1-billion mixed-use project that is scheduled to be constructed on the site of the now-shuttered Promenade retail center in Los Angeles’ Woodland Hills neighborhood.
Impact Fashion Unveils Virtual Holiday Party
SUSTAINABILITY
Since 2015, Impact Fashion has provided a forum for sustainable, ethical and vegan brands. For its 2020 Holiday Pop-up shop and party, it’s going virtual.
Wednesday, December 2
‘Discover the SDGs’ Virtual Event to Support Decade of Action
SUSTAINABILITY
Showing its support for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Conscious Fashion Campaign launched its virtual event and exhibition “Discover the Sustainable Development Goals—To Power the Decade of Action” on Dec. 1. The event will run until Dec. 30.
Tuesday, December 1
Salesforce to Acquire Communications Platform Slack
TECHNOLOGY
Salesforce, the prominent customer-relationship-management platform, announced Dec. 1 that it had acquired Slack Technologies Inc.
Chef Ben Ford Unveils Doorstep Market
RETAIL
Star chef Ben Ford recently unveiled e-market Doorstep Market.
