BCBGMaxAzria Founder Passes Away but Legacy Lives On
Manufacturing
In May 2019, the apparel segment lost an influential Los Angeles fashion veteran whose designs shaped trends within the industry for decades when Max Azria passed away at the age of 70, reportedly succumbing to lung cancer.
Ahead of Anniversary, California Apparel News Makes a Move
Events
Nearing the milestone of reaching its 75th year in publication, California Apparel News will begin its anniversary in a new space. At the end of November, the media firm relocated to The New Mart, located at 127 East Ninth Street in Los Angeles’ downtown fashion district.
California Passes Fur Ban
Retail
Faux fur has enjoyed wide popularity during 2019, but it was a tough year for businesses working with real fur. California became the first state to ban the sale and manufacture of fur.
Forever 21 Files for Bankruptcy
Retail
Los Angeles–headquartered Forever 21 was one of the architects of fast fashion, but, after three decades of growth, the family-run business, which enjoyed more than $3.4 billion in revenues in 2017, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Digital Printing Remains on the Rise
Technology
The digital-printing business has been a contender for more than a decade in the T-shirt industry, but in 2019 it started to become more dominant. Digital printers made by companies such as Kornit Digital, Epson and Roland DGA can be used to make increasingly complex images on T-shirts, hoodies and other imprintable clothing.
Barney’s Dramatic Deal For Its Future
Retail
Barneys New York served as an influential American retailer since the 1920s, but in 2019 it went bankrupt and its remaining five stores started a liquidation process.
Volcom Inks Deal With Authentic Brands Group
Manufacturing
Action-sports brand Volcom is back to making deals and producing new styles. The Costa Mesa, Calif.–headquartered brand made headlines in November when it announced that it would outfit the U.S. snowboarding team for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, but in mid-2019 Volcom started a new chapter in its more than 25-year history.
Big Changes for Gap, Inc.
Retail
Observing its 50th anniversary during 2019, Gap Inc. experienced a year of major change for one of the biggest specialty retailers in the world.
2nd & PCH Unveiled in Long Beach
Retail
One of the most familiar sights in the California landscape is the mall, but Long Beach, Calif., despite being the seventh largest city in the state, has been traditionally “under-malled.”
Newsmakers 2019
Newsmakers 2019
Over the last year, there has been an atmosphere of certainty that nothing is certain in the apparel industry.
Brit Artist Chemical X’s Limited Edition Line Raises Funds for L.A.’s Homeless
Chemical X, who does not divulge his birth name, recently made his US debut at a Nov. 8 -10 art show at the former Tower Record building in West Hollywood. He said that he was not prepared by the extent of the poverty in Los Angeles’ Skid Row.
One of a Kind T-Shirt Line from the Desert
Linda Sibio, an artist and performance artist living in Joshua Tree, Calif., recently introduced a T-shirt collaboration with another desert artist Cody Montgomery.
Outerknown Opens 1st Bricks-and-Mortar Flagship
Kelly Slater’s sustainable brand Outerknown opened its first bricks-and-mortar flagship on Nov. 26
Black Friday Weekend Sales Break Records
RETAIL
Black Friday shopping broke records, according to the National Retail Federation. During a Dec. 3 conference call, the Washington, D.C., retail trade group said that 189.6 million U.S. consumers shopped during the Black Friday Weekend.
Isabel Marant, EB Denim, Please Do Not Enter To South Coast Plaza
A group of new boutiques helped start the holiday spirit at the luxe center in Costa Mesa, Calif.
Continental Business Credit, Fast A/R Funding Acquired by Republic Business Credit
Finance
As Republic Business Credit continues its California expansion, the financing-and-factoring firm announced its acquisition of factoring and asset-based lender Continental Business Credit as well as Fast A/R Funding.
American Giant To Los Angeles' Silver Lake Section
American Giant opened its first Los Angeles area shop Nov. 27.
Will Smith Unveils Bel-Air Athletics' 2nd Collection
So far, we haven’t heard of a reunion show for The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
High-End Resaler To Be Continued to Robertson
High-end resale boutique To Be Continued opened a location on Los Angeles’ Robertson Boulevard earlier this month.
In West Hollywood, Small Business Saturday will Co-Star Elisabeth Rohm
After Black Friday, a lot of towns across the country will participate in Small Business Saturday, a day devoted to local, independent businesses.
