Friday, January 31
Levi’s Launches XX Chino With Khalid
MANUFACTURING
Venerable denim brand Levi’s traveled into pop-culture land in 2019 by producing limited collections with Star Wars and Stranger Things. To start 2020, the San Francisco brand released its first chino line.
Thursday, January 30
Mexico’s Intermoda Expands International Offer
Trade Shows
During the 72nd edition of Guadalajara, Mexico’s textile-and-apparel sourcing event Intermoda—dubbed “Intermoda Fashion and Business”—visitors found clothing, accessories, footwear and, in the women’s aisle, a broad assortment of dresses, from wedding to quinceañera collections.
Industry Voices: Fashion Improving Your Chances for ‘Project Runway’ Success
Fashion
Industry Voices: Fashion
The Fabric Shows by DG Expo Showcase Textile Options at Lower Minimums
Trade Shows
Show producer DG Expo unveiled its latest edition of the New York Fabric Show Jan. 20–21 at The Metropolitan Pavilion located in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood.
Industry Focus: Finance: Entering 2020: A New Year for New Plans in the Apparel Industry
Finance
Following a great deal of uncertainty as the apparel industry approached the fourth quarter of 2019, businesses entered 2020 with cautious optimism. While the warnings of a recession had turned around, with forecasters revising their predictions for the new year and progress with trade deals including the finalization of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement, in addition to advancement toward an agreement with China, additional concerns remained.
Sourcing From Global Artists, Malena Ruth Empowers Others With Her Brand
Fashion
Global inspiration is at the heart of the Mozambique-born, Los Angeles–based designer Malena Ruth. Her eponymous brand has encountered an issue within fashion that she hopes will re-center the appropriation by Western designers into an appreciation for the communities from which they take their inspiration. Now, as she celebrates her 10-year anniversary, Ruth is sharing her story of giving back.
In New York, Apparel Sourcing USA and Texworld USA Break Records
Trade Shows
Following the New York editions of sibling shows Apparel Sourcing USA and Texworld USA, the Atlanta-based show producer Messe Frankfurt North America—a subsidiary of the Frankfurt, Germany–headquartered Messe Frankfurt—reported record attendance for its winter editions.
Etica Brings a Natural Approach to Ecologically Sound, Responsible Practices
Denim Eco-dream
Taking inspiration from nature, Ética shared how it created its Spring 2020 denim collection in true blue and new hues using responsible manufacturing as it adheres to ethical practices that promote a healthy environment.
New Faces at Z Supply as Company Is on the Move and Expanding Its Reach
Manufacturing
Known for its simple essentials in the womenswear category, Z Supply recently announced a number of changes as the company expands. The formerly Irvine, Calif.–headquartered brand recently moved into a new 25,000-square-foot office space in Costa Mesa, Calif. With this move, the company gains more than 5,000 additional square feet.
O2 to Enter the Trade-Show Space in March
Trade Shows
There is a new kid on the Los Angeles trade-show block as event producer O2 Show LLC announced the March 9–11 dates when it launches its show at the California Market Center in downtown Los Angeles. The event will focus on fashion, accessories, jewelry, beauty, wellness, gifts and home goods that are ethically made from sustainable sources.
Amazon Reports Stellar 4th Quarter
Retail
Retail giant Amazon.com reported that its net sales increased 21 percent, to $87.4 billion in the fourth quarter of its 2019 fiscal year, compared with $72.4 billion in the fourth quarter of its 2018 fiscal year.
What’s Checking Malibu: Haven for Indie Stores
Malibu Indies
During a time when independent, multi-line stores are considered to be playing defense against digital retailers and mono-brand shops, Malibu, Calif., remains a haven for independent boutiques.
Forever 21 Auction Potentially Scheduled for Feb. 4
Retail
An auction for bankrupt retailer Forever 21 might be scheduled for as soon as Feb. 4, according to Bloomberg. A new owner for the Los Angeles–based fast-fashion retailer might be announced as soon as Feb. 11.
After A Decade, Malibu To Build a Retail Center
Retail
Malibu has been taking steps to give a final approval to start construction of Malibu La Paz Ranch, a new retail center, it will be one of the only new retail centers to be constructed in Malibu in more than a decade.
Startup SeeBiz Wants To Introduce Social CRM
Technology
Nadeem Ballaj has worked on all sides of business, ranging from wholesaling sportswear to managing websites for fashion companies and entrepreneurs. Prior to his latest venture, the Los Angeles–based businessman concluded that a lot of technology designed to improve business might contribute to entrepreneurs losing sales.
New Fashion Entrepreneurs Start Funeral Party
Manufacturing
Los Angeles’ Funeral Party brand has been sold in San Francisco’s influential Stashed boutique for a few months as well as in a couple of Tokyo-area boutiques such as Sugata.
Egeck Exits PSEB Group
Manufacturing
After guiding the Eddie Bauer outdoor brand to a merger with surf-and-youth retailer Pacific Sunwear of California to form the operating company PSEB Group, Mike Egeck will step down as chief executive officer, it was announced Jan. 23. His last day on the job will be Feb. 4, said Neale Attenborough, PSEB chairman.
Linda Ramone Puts a Love Story On Valentine's Sock Collection
MANUFACTURING
The love affair between Linda and Johnny Ramone was immortalized in iconic songs such as “She’s a Sensation." For its next step in pop-culture history, this love story will be printed on a sock.
Diesel Starts Fred Segal Residency
Diesel put its name on expanding number of categories, such as fragrance, jewels, watches, the Italian brand also has long been known for its surreal advertising, but it hopes to remind the world that the brand started out with jeans.
Wednesday, January 29
Designers for L.A. Fashion Brands Ashton Hirota and Marco Marco on Netflix's "Next In Fashion"
EVENTS
Another week, another fashion-reality show. But Los Angeles fashion people might prick up their ears for "Next In Fashion," a fashion reality competition show, on Netflix, which features L.A.-based rebel fashion designers Ashton Hirota of the Ashton Michael label and Marco Morante of Marco Marco.
Monday, January 27
Ray Darten: Styles from Nigeria to California
FASHION
Designed in California, the Ray Darten brand makes its sustainable fashions in Nigeria.
Friday, January 24
Egeck Exits PSEB Group
RETAIL
After he guided the Eddie Bauer outdoor brand to a merger with surf-and-youth retailer Pacific Sunwear of California to form operating company PSEB Group, it was announced Jan. 23 that Mike Egeck will step down as chief executive officer.
Smokey Robinson Appears at DTLA Shinola Store to Fete His Collection
ACCESSORIES
Soul-music legend Smokey Robinson has been celebrated with the highest entertainment industry awards. He recently collaborated with Shinola for an accessories collection.
Lucky Brand Celebrates its 30th Anniversary with a Concert with Third Eye Blind
EVENTS
It’s been 30 years since Lucky Brand started selling its premium jeans.
Thursday, January 23
Wildfox Assets to Be Auctioned
Retail
Los Angeles–headquartered Wildfox Couture, LLC, and Wildfox Couture IP Holdings, LLC, are scheduled to sell the brand’s assets and inventory at a live auction on Feb. 5, according to Brian Testo Associates, LLC, an asset-management company based in Westlake Village, Calif., which will be managing the sale.
With Canadian Roots, California Landscapes, Dalia MacPhee Honors Strong Women
Wonder Women
Fashion designer and innovator Dalia MacPhee celebrated strong, yet elegant, women through a collaboration with mountain-bike Olympian Emily Batty for a Spring 2020 campaign that was shot in California’s Lucerne Valley.
Luxury Resale Trends Reflected in The RealReal’s ‘2010s Retrospective’
Retail
Recently, Brisbane, Calif.–headquartered luxury resellerThe RealReal encouraged fashion enthusiasts to look back on secondhand trends from the last 10 years. Compiled from sales data and client-survey responses sourced since the company’s founding in 2011, the “2010s Retrospective” report provides insight regarding the power of resale on trends.
Impressions Expo Rebrands the Basics-and-Tech Trade Show
First Impressions
Hundreds of companies travel to Long Beach, Calif., every January to exhibit their new approaches to the production of T-shirts and other basics at the newly renamed Impressions Expo, which ran Jan. 17–19 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, Calif.
An Intimate Approach at Studio DK Affords Opportunities to Emerging Designers
Textiles
Reaching success as a designer in the apparel business can be a challenging task, particularly when faced with supply-chain partners that cannot accommodate the smaller business model that allows aspiring clothing makers to start.
A Successful Start at a New Space for Première Vision New York
Trade Show Report
Now in its 20th year, Première Vision New York began this milestone anniversary in a new space, moving from Manhattan’s Pier 94, located between 52nd and 53rd streets, to Center415 on Fifth Avenue, between 37th and 38th streets.
Memjet Partners on a Printer It Calls User Friendly
Technology
Memjet, a San Diego–headquartered print-technology company, announced that it is getting into the textile game. It recently announced a partnership with Austria-based MHM, a provider of textile-printing equipment.
Millennial Generation Loves Internet, Vintage Clothing & Bricks & Mortar, Survey Says
Retail
The Millennial generation was born during a baby boom of the 1980s and 1990s and represents one of the biggest segments of the U.S. population—75 million people—according to the Brookings Institution.
Retail Stars Talk Trends & Tech at NRF’s Big Show
Retail
Executives and stars of the retail business discussed the future and the present of their industry at NRF 2020 Vision, Retail’s Big Show, which ran Jan. 12–14 at the Javits Center in New York City. The event was produced by the influential trade group National Retail Federation.
Candice Cuoco Unveils 1st Jewelry Line
Antique-style Jewelry
When putting on a Candice Cuoco garment, a client will find hardware such as studs, sequins and buckles—but a wearer will not find jewels. Yet recently, Cuoco, a star of the “Project Runway” fashion reality-television show, placed her focus on jewelry.
Renovazio Show Brokers High-End Fabric in DTLA
High-end fabric agency Renovazio produced its third Los Angeles trade event, the Renovazio Show, on Jan. 22 – 23, in downtown Los Angeles
Wednesday, January 22
DTLA Storewatch: Footlocker Scheduled to Open on Broadway
RETAIL
A Footlocker store is scheduled to open at 749 S. Broadway in downtown Los Angeles on the weekend of Jan. 24,
Monday, January 20
The RealReal Joins Amy Fine Collins to Celebrate the International Best Dressed List
EVENTS
Award-winning journalist and longtime Vanity Fair correspondent Amy Fine Collins recently joined Julie Wainwright, The RealReal founder and chief executive officer, for an intimate discussion on the writer's new book "The International Best Dressed List: The Official Story.”
Friday, January 17
Grammy Museum Unveils "Beyond Black—The Style Of Amy Winehouse"
EVENTS
Opening today, Jan. 17, the Grammy Museum's new exhibition, "Beyond Black—The Style Of Amy Winehouse," pays tribute to the six-time Grammy winner and style icon.
Thursday, January 16
IFF Sues S.F. Over Fur Ban
News
Following the Jan. 1 implementation of San Francisco’s fur ban, the International Fur Federation announced its filing of a lawsuit against the city in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Citing what it calls the “unconstitutional restriction on interstate and foreign commerce,” the IFF maintains that banning the sale of fur could lead to legislation regulating other animal products.
Radda Golf Tees It Up to Change the Course of the Sport’s Lifestyle
Manufacturing
With less than a year under its belt, Radda Golf by Jason Fields and Ivan Dominguez is breaking into the performance-apparel segment while also disrupting the culture that surrounds the sport, which has traditionally been reserved for the wealthy.
Honorine Designs for a New Transition Season
Season of Transition
Since fashion veteran Jill Roberts started Honorine, a Los Angeles–headquartered linen-dress and beach-cover-up line, she typically delivered the brand to retailers during three seasons, Spring, Summer and Resort, but Roberts said that she’s looking to shake up the industry’s seasonal traditions.
Northern Spain’s Steely Structures Inspire Halston’s Pre-Spring 2020
Natural Attraction
The innate elegance of the Halstonette, with inspiration rooted in the modern majesty of Northern Spain, defines Halston’s pre-Spring 2020 collection, which translates modern details of the city’s artistic sites into updated formalwear.
Robert Rodriguez Named New Chief Creative Officer at Halston
MANUFACTURING
Fashion veteran Robert Rodriguez was recently named the new chief creative officer for Halston, the brand announced earlier this year. Taking over for Marie Mazelis, the former chief creative officer/creative director, Rodriguez brings with him a career defined by work with some of the most venerable fashion houses.
Jewelry Retailer Robbins Brothers Announces New CEO
Manufacturing
Following the departure of Robbins Brothers’ president and chief executive officer Andy Heyneman, who had been with the company—also known as “The Engagement Ring Store”—for 14 years, the Los Angeles jewelry brand’s board of directors announced the appointment of Marc Friedant to the CEO role. For the past 18 months, Friedant has served as president and chief financial officer.
Gap Inc.’s 180-Degree Shift Sees Departure of Neil Fiske
Retail
San Francisco’s Gap Inc. released a filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission that revealed it will no longer see a split from Old Navy. With this announcement, the company also revealed that Neil Fiske, president and chief executive officer of the Gap brand division, would vacate his role.
Active Ride’s Assets To Be Sold
Retail
Active Ride Shop, an award-winning action-sports and skateboarding retailer based in Ontario, Calif., which ran more than 21 shops, is being sold by its lender.
Surf Expo Reports Rally After Cancelled September Show
Trade Shows
Exhibitors and retailers attending Surf Expo from Jan. 8–10 in Orlando, Fla., reported good business despite a number of setbacks for the surf-and-coastal-lifestyle show.
Quality Is Valued Over Quantity During L.A. Market Week
L.A. Market Week
During the Jan. 12–16 edition of L.A. Market Week, buyers visited downtown Los Angeles’ Fashion District to find Summer 2020 goods with a few searching for Fall.
Slow-Fashion Approach Supports Sustainable Evolution at Allen Schwartz
Manufacturing
Following the 2017 transition of his company from ABS by Allen Schwartz into a simpler, eponymous Allen Schwartz brand, the company’s founder continued to focus on remaining true to a core mission of improving fashion by making better garments. This included trusting the design leadership of Bianca Bernal, the company’s creative director and designer, who has worked with the company since 2012.
USMCA Approved by U.S. Senate, Phase One of China Deal Signed by Trump
Import/Export
In a fast-paced set of events, President Donald Trump signed Phase Oneof the trade agreement between the U.S. and the People’s Republic of China on Jan. 15. The next day, the U.S. Senate approved the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement, a platform upon which Trump campaigned during 2016 as a replacement for the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Economy Healthy Amid Mixed Holiday 2019 Retail-Sales Results
Retail
Sales for the 2019 holiday season were robust, and U.S. retailers made $730.2 billion—an increase of 4.1 percent over the 2018 holiday, according to the National Retail Federation, America’s largest retail trade group. The results met the high end of the organization’s forecast for holiday business, which ranged from 3.8 percent to 4.2 percent, said Matthew Shay, the NRF’s president and chief executive officer.
Birdy Grey, Kitson Get into the Pop-Up Biz
It sounds like the start of a rom-com. A bridal label does a pop-up at a men's suiting store.
Skingraft's Jonny Cota to Compete on Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum's New Fashion-Reality Show
FASHION
"Project Runway" judges Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum made a splash when they left the influential fashion-reality show after 17 seasons. They will be on a new fashion-reality show called "Making The Cut." Los Angeles designer Jonny Cota will be one of the show's 12 competitors.
Wednesday, January 15
Lulus Introduces Extended Sizes for Bridal
MANUFACTURING
Brides come in all shapes and sizes, and while love knows no boundaries, nor should wedding-dress sizing. Lulus, a digital retailer headquartered in Chico, Calif., hoped to outfit more brides by expanding its selection for its bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses and jumpsuits.
Monday, January 13
Homestretch For Construction on DTLA Paul Smith and Ganni
Barricades are up. Construction crews are working to build out the highly anticipated Paul Smith and Ganni stores on the corner of 9th Street and South Broadway in downtown Los Angeles.
Friday, January 10
Beverly Center Turns On Big Light Show With Art Installation
RETAIL
Beverly Center recently unveiled a giant art installation, which spans the retail centers multifloor escalators.
Thursday, January 9
The Heart of Istanbul Inspires the Core Elements of Tadashi Shoji PF20
Turkish Artistry
In his pre-Fall 2020 collection, Tadashi Shoji blended Byzantine and Ottoman inspirations to create garments that draw from the artistic craftwork found in Istanbul’s wondrous historic sites.
Artistic Milliners Cuts Its Cloth Through Female Empowerment
Manufacturing
With an expansive global reach, Karachi, Pakistan–based Artistic Milliners has maintained partnerships with major denim brands. The company’s vertical operation includes sourcing cotton from Balochi, Pakistan–based organic farms, coupled with denim-mill operations and jeans construction in Karachi.
Oeko-Tex Begins 2020 With Updated Certification Guidelines
Manufacturing
Sustainable-product certification firm Oeko-Tex is implementing new regulations for its certifications in 2020 in addition to test criteria and limit values. As the apparel industry continues to navigate through methods of cleaning up its supply-chain practices to yield a more-sustainable approach to creating clothing, these recently introduced standards will become increasingly important.
Boardriders, Kering & Others Donate to Australia Fire Relief
Retail
Fashion is getting involved in the fight against the wildfires that have been ravaging Australia over the past month.
Curve Introduces Los Angeles Trade Show
Trade Shows
Curve, a lingerie-, swimwear- and loungewear-focused trade show, announced that it will produce its first Los Angeles–area show next month.
USMCA Trade Deal Approved by Senate Committee
Import/Export
The U.S. Senate’s Finance Committee approved the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement by a 25–3 vote on Jan. 7.
Retailers Break Out Mixed Holiday 2019 Results
Retail
Macy’s Inc. announced results for its 2019 holiday performance on Jan. 8, and the results were a relative boost from its third-quarter sales, said Jeff Gennette, Macy’s chairman and chief executive officer.
Plays Well With Others Takes Inspiration From an Iconic Brand
Tee Time
When Cheyann Benedict started a new T-shirt brand, Plays Well With Others, in October, she and her business partner, stylist Cristina Ehrlich, thought they’d take inspiration from C&C California, Benedict’s former brand.
11th Annual Vans Custom Culture Competition for High School Starts
MANUFACTURING
For decades, footwear-and-apparel brand Vans has been one of the popular outfitters of high-school students across the world. For more than a decade, Vans has been producing a design competition for high schoolers.
Wednesday, January 8
Market Market to Row DTLA
RETAIL
This weekend, Row DTLA will launch a weekly artisan pop-up called Market Market.
Tuesday, January 7
A New Furniture Line Offers a Glimpse Into Nicholas Mayfield's Next Fashion Collection
FASHION
Fashion designer Nicholas Mayfield has created a furniture collection that pays homage to his family's hard work and looks toward his future.
Monday, January 6
Catching Up with Designer Elliott Evan
FASHION
Elliott Evan takes inspiration from the avant-garde. For one of the latest designs from the Los Angeles-headquartered designer, Evan made a workwear-military look inspired by World War II U.S. Army uniforms.
Friday, January 3
Artskul to Make Golden Globes Debut
EVENTS
Recently launched luxury-scarf brand Artskul will make its Golden Globes debut at the luxury-lounge event that precedes the Jan. 5 ceremony.
Maggie Barry To Unveil New Tux Look
FASHION
Maggie Barry says that she works around the clock making clothes for performers and clients. But she's also made time for a side project to revive the tuxedo with tails, but they're definitely, definitely not "Downton Abbey"-style tuxes.
Thursday, January 2
Behati Prinsloo’s Save The Rhino Collection To Return to M. Fredric
RETAIL
Rhinoceroses have been on the endangered list for years and time seems to be running out for them.
MSSRS Designed A Swiss Army Knife of Jackets
MANUFACTURING
Emerging brand MSSRS recently wrapped up production of what founder and designer Anthony Newman called the Utility Jacket, and it might as well be the Swiss Army Knife of outerwear.
Connection to California Inspires L.A.-Made Beach Bum Bikinis
L.A.-made Beach Bums
After breaking through the traditional water-wear calendar of the past, the swim category now enjoys business year-round, meaning designers and buyers must remain ahead of style and textile trends.
November Trade Deficit Figures Decrease by 5.4 Percent to Lowest Number Since 2017
Import/Export
This week, the United States Census Bureau released its “Advance Economic Indicators Report,” which showed a decrease in the international trade deficit. Numbers for international trade in goods recorded in October 2019 stood at $66.8 billion, while advanced figures fell to $63.2 billion in November, a drop of 5.4 percent.
Forever 21 Names Marketing Star To Advise Rebrand
Retail
Forever 21 Inc. recently named marketing star Marisa Thalberg as an adviser in its efforts to freshen up branding and the image of the troubled Los Angeles–headquartered retailer, said Linda Chang, Forever 21’s executive vice president.
Core Surf Brand …Lost Finds New Looks
Manufacturing
Boardshorts replaced men’s beach shorts as the swimwear of choice on the world’s surfing beaches decades ago. Now, it looks like men’s beach shorts—also called volleys—are making a comeback in the surf world.
Runyon Group Continues to Build on Its Properties and Promise
Fresh Retail Platform
After wrapping up its third year in business, the Platform boutique retail center in Culver City, Calif., is working on a $60-million expansion.
Jack’s Surfboards Takes Bigger Plunge into Wetsuits
Retail
Jack’s Surfboards started business during the Eisenhower era all for the sake of a wetsuit. Founder Jack Hokanson wanted to buy a wetsuit in Huntington Beach, Calif., but couldn’t find any shops that sold the product in a city that was beginning to develop a reputation as a surfing mecca.
Coast by Coast Is On the Move
Coast by Coast
After a career working as a merchandiser and buyer for Victoria’s Secret’s swim division and later for Macy’s, Kristen Cleary decided to buy a Volkswagen bus and go on the road. Her travels took her all across America and eventually to her own bricks-and-mortar swim shop, Coast by Coast, which she opened recently in downtown Los Angeles.
Fabletics and Kelly Rowland Release Limited-edition Collection
FASHION
Active-lifestyle brand Fabletics has partnered with Kelly Rowland on a limited-edition Winter 2020 collection, marking the singer and actor's third collaboration with the company.
