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.
Ruti To Create AI Stylist
Technology
Retail marketing and back-office tasks are increasingly informed by big data and machine learning. Boutique retailers will soon find out if artificial intelligence can make savvy styling recommendations for shoppers.
L.A. Factory Makes Major Sustainability Goal & Backs It Up With Tech
Technology
Sustainable design is increasingly important in California, and one factory said it has achieved a gold standard in sustainability. UStrive, based in Los Angeles, was certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard last month.
Levi’s Extends Run for Levi’s Haus Miami
RETAIL
Based in Miami Beach’s Wynwood section, the 43,000-square-foot Levi’s Haus Miami features a concept shop, as well as place where people can make their own Levi's styles with the help of artists at the Levi's Tailor shop.
Mega Fashion Club Opens 1st Store
RETAIL
“This project started in a garage,“ Mega Fashion Club Founder Megers Frierson said. “But now we got a place where people can come and try on our products.”
Beverly Center Welcomes The Lost Warhols
EVENTS
Celebrating the grand opening of its new pop-up space on Dec. 16, The Lost Warhols Museum welcomed guests to the Beverly Center to experience Karen Bystedt's work inspired by and based upon the life and art of late 20th-century artist Andy Warhol.
Julie Feingold to Lead In-House Styling Program at The Optimist
Men’s shop The Optimist opened at Platform retail center in Culver City, Calif. Recently, the Optimist announced an in-house styling program led by Julie Feingold. She has styled stars such as Harry Styles, Zac Efron and David Beckham.
Sustainable Sourcing for Luxurious Accessories Is Key for BaYou with Love
Low-impact Love
After nearly three years following the 2017 launch of BaYou with Love, Nikki Reed has been busy expanding her sustainable-goods marketplace, which relies on a mission to promote ethically sourced, eco-friendly and locally made products.
Talon International Joins CFDA Supply Chain Collective
Notions
Along with the announcement by the Council of Fashion Designers of America that it would launch a Supply Chain Collective, the New York–headquartered nonprofit trade organization and Los Angeles’ Talon International revealed their partnership within the new initiative.
Conscious Fashion Campaign Officially Launches
Manufacturing
Marking its official launch this month, the Conscious Fashion Campaign announced its commitment to the United Nations’ Decade of Action and Delivery for Sustainable Development.
