Forever 21 Bankruptcy Names Stalking Horse Bidders
Retail
The Simon Property Group and Brookfield Properties have joined forces to acquire the assets of their bankrupt tenant Forever 21 Inc.
Macy’s Plan Calls for New Direction and Closing 125 Stores
Retail
Macy’s Inc. outlined sweeping changes on Feb. 4 that called for the elimination of 2,000 jobs and the closure of 125 stores over the next three years, said Jeff Gennette, the giant retailer’s chairman and chief executive officer.
Missoni’s Big Fashion Show at Pink's Hot Dogs Stand
Just a few days before Tom Ford’s highly anticipated Los Angeles fashion show, the Missoni fashion house drove scores of models on a double decker bus to Los Angeles landmark Pink’s Hot Dog on Feb. 4.
Parley For The Oceans & Fashion Make A Run Against Plastics
German designer Cyrill Gutsch made it his job to turn plastics into a fashion fabric. He also recruits brands in a campaign to stop choking the world’s oceans with plastics.
Materials Shows Postponed Due to Coronavirus Fears, but Première Vision Sport to be Held
Trade Shows
Due to continued concerns regarding the Coronavirus, trade-show producers American Events Inc. and Première Vision made major announcements today regarding scheduling of the NW Materials Show, NE Materials Show and Première Vision Sport, which had been organized for this and next week.
Vans Gets Comfy in Art Show
Vans introduced its ComfyCush footwear last year, but the Costa Mesa, Calif.-headquartered company only recently got around to partying for ComfyCush.
Vans Opens L.A. Fashion District Flagship for Locals and Global Visitors
RETAIL
The cradle of the sport and lifestyle of skateboarding is located in Los Angeles’ Venice section, Santa Monica, Calif., and parts of Orange County, Calif. But Vans, the Costa Mesa, Calif.–based brand credited for making the first skateboarding shoe, chose downtown Los Angeles’ fashion district as the location for its new flagship concept store.
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.
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.
