Post-COVID-19 Market Will Have Place For Indie Retail, Experts Say
Indie Retail Reign
The COVID-19 crisis is forecasted to make major changes in the retail business, and, when the dust from the crisis settles, some of the entrepreneurs best positioned to start over and make a connection with consumers will be independent retailers, according to a handful of industry watchers.
California’s Face Mask Biz Becomes More Sophisticated
Safety and Style
A generation of California manufacturers and designers completed a crash course on making nonmedical face masks in the past two months, and they are currently striving to go beyond the basics.
RCGD Returns to Its Roots With Sustainable-Design Competition
FASHION
While the Suzy Amis Cameron-founded Red Carpet Green Dress has been committed to supporting responsible garment design at the luxury level since its launch in 2009, there has been an important part missing from its mission for the last four years.
‘Ethical Fashion Talks’ Launches to Maintain Momentum of Vegan Fashion Week
FASHION
After postponing her April edition of Vegan Fashion Week that was planned for Los Angeles, founder and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuelle Rienda brainstormed regarding how she could spread a message of cruelty-free fashion, as stay-at-home orders in the city continued to be extended due to COVID-19.
Simon G. Jewelry Adopts DTC Offering to Benefit Retailers
RETAIL
As bricks-and-mortar retailers continue to struggle due to social distancing and stay-at-home orders that are keeping consumers out of stores, other fashion-industry players are examining methods to help these retail partners.
Fashion Week San Diego Goes Virtual
FASHION
Fashion Week San Diego announced that it is getting back into the runway game. It will start webcasting runway shows on May 15.
S.F. Retailer Sues Insurer For Denying COVID-19 Claim
LEGAL
San Francisco children's boutique Mudpie recently filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of California’s retail stores, alleging that small businesses have been wrongfully denied insurance coverage for losses resulting from following rules and closing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
John Varvatos Files for Bankruptcy
RETAIL
The COVID-19 crisis has pushed prominent apparel-industry names such as Neiman Marcus and J. Crew Group, Inc. into bankruptcy and, recently, another big brand fell victim to the crush of the coronavirus. The John Varvatos menswear brand filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in District of Delaware.
Ace Rivington Wades Back Into Retail With Front Porch Fittings
RETAIL
Like other California retailers, the flagship for the Ace Rivington brand in Santa Barbara, Calif., took a small step to reopening for business May 11.
ATS Announces Addition of Apparel Textile Sourcing Virtual to Trade-Show Calendar
TRADE SHOWS
As part of its 2020 trade-show calendar, Apparel Textile Sourcing Trade Shows announced a new offering with its Apparel Textile Sourcing Virtual edition.
Neiman Marcus Declares Chapter 11, Gap Plans Store Reopenings
RETAIL
As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, more prominent retailers continue to be hit by the pandemic’s economic freeze. As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, more prominent retailers continue to be hit by the pandemic’s economic freeze.
Betsey Johnson Forecasts Post-COVID-19 Fashion
On a tour promoting her book, Betsey. A Memoir, Betsey Johnson made a forecast on post-COVID-19 fashions.
School Project Becomes COVID-19 Memorial Mission for 13-year-old Student
EVENTS
Taking inspiration from the AIDS Memorial Quilt, 13-year-old Madeleine Fugate of Studio City, Calif., is determined to remember those who have passed away due to COVID-19 by creating a quilt that honors victims of the coronavirus.
Rodeo Drive Wants To Give The World A Pandemic Break
Pandemic culture has pushed everything online; meetings, shopping, there’s even been digital happy hours. To keep the world digitally engaged with Rodeo Drive, the luxe Beverly Hills, Calif.- shopping district, a new digital site Rodeo Drive Recommends was unveiled.
Childhood Dreams Lead Merlin Castell to Remain Ahead of Fashion Curve
FASHION
Before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down designers' studios and fashion weeks, Merlin Castell unveiled his latest collection in New York during February's Art Hearts Fashion. His work included fantastic elements, which are now common staples for living stylishly, yet safely.
Mindfulness is at the Center of Onzie's Mask Mission
MANUFACTURING
Through its Mindful Masks initiative, Los Angeles-made fitness-clothing brand Onzie is creating non-medical, reusable face masks for adults and children, while donating proceeds to benefit healthcare workers in the United States.
Maggie Barry’s COVID Couture
FASHION
Pundits have been trying to figure what a Post-COVID-19 world will look like, and Los Angeles designer Maggie Barry has spent the past six weeks figuring out how the crisis will change fashion.
Catching Up With Sub_Urban Riot’s Mom Of The Year
MANUFACTURING
Mother’s Day will be celebrated Sunday and downtown Los Angeles brand Sub_Urban Riot will be selling sweatshirts with the holiday-friendly slogan "Mom of the Year."
L.A. County Retailers Weigh Whether or Not To Reopen
RETAIL
Retailers are navigating between seemingly conflicting messages from California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti on when they can reopen.
