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.
The North Face and Supreme Collaborate on New Collection
MANUFACTURING
Outdoor-exploration outfitter The North Face has again teamed up with streetwear brand Supreme for a new Winter 2019 collection.
Bagley Design Goes Velvet
FASHION
For two years, Los Angeles-based designer Brigitte Bagley has been making bespoke leather jackets for her Bagley Design brand. She recently unveiled something new for her brand; velvet bomber jacket.
New California Laws in 2020: From Employment-Status Changes to Family Leave
New Workplace Laws
A new year means new California workplace laws in which employers must become well versed. For 2020, Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed into law a number of bills that protect workers’ rights and, also, redefine the role of employees.
Washed Ashore Reaches Sustainable Goals
Eco-luxurious Jewels
After four years of working to build the most sustainable jewelry brand possible, Washed Ashore founder Larada Lamsam achieved her most important goal for the luxury-jewelry line. Launched in 2015, the Los Angeles–based company experienced a rebrand in May as Lamsam celebrated her accomplishment.
Park Hotels & Resorts Completes Sale of Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles
News
The Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles has officially been sold to an undisclosed buyer, according to an announcement made by Tysons, Va.–headquartered lodging real-estate investment trust Park Hotels & Resorts Inc.
Good American Adopts Klarna Technology
Technology
Buy-now, pay-later technology company Klarna announced that it has partnered with Los Angeles brand Good American. The trend-driven clothing brand was founded in 2016 by Emma Grede and Khloé Kardashian with a focus on denim and a range of sizes to suit women who wear 00–24.
Ted Houston, Polygon Solutions, 52
News
Ted Houston, president of Long Beach, Calif.–based Polygon Solutions, which provides management solutions for apparel and fashion brands, died Dec. 23 at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. The cause of death was a fungal infection that had set in more than four months after a successful double-lung transplant.
Runway Heels Debuts in Pop-up Retail Space
Retail
Convertible-footwear brand Runway Heels recently expanded into retail through a pop-up shop model at Westfield Century City. The Studio City, Calif., brand was founded by Melody Avecilla in 2015.
Holiday 2019 Sales Were Strong
Holiday Retail 2019
After all the forecasts were published, retailers promoted their best deals and consumers spent their hard-earned dollars, experts weighed in regarding the performance of retail during the 2019 holiday season. While a few obstacles arose, overall sales were reportedly robust this year.
Nusumeria Finds New World In Hemp
Manufacturing
When Jon Flaks launched his Los Angeles–headquartered brand Nusumeria on Instagram in July 2019, he forecasted that he was going to sell styles to people looking to complete their athleisure wardrobes. The response that came next was a pleasant surprise.
