New California Laws to Alter Workplace Rules
Legal
Ringing in the new year means ringing in a whole set of new laws that are important for employers to know. Most of these laws go into effect Jan. 1, but the minimum-wage increase in Los Angeles doesn’t take effect until July 1.
Arming Women With a Strong Sense of Style is the Goal of Gertrud Founder
Bold and Beautiful
Taking inspiration from venerable women of the Golden Era of Hollywood as well as art and music, Sarah LeRoy designed her new collection to bring wearable glamour to modern fashion.
The London Textile Fair to Debut Texfusion—New York in January
Trade Shows
Taking its textile show to New York for the first time, organizers of The London Textile Fair will introduce Texfusion—New York Jan. 16–17 at Manhattan’s Penn Plaza Pavilion.
Agriculture Improvement Act Opens Door to Hemp Cultivation
Legal
Under the recently passed Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, signed by the Trump administration, hemp has been removed from the Controlled Substances Act, which was signed by President Richard Nixon in 1970.
Lefty Production Co. Los Angeles TukaCenter Launched in DTLA
MANUFACTURING
In downtown Los Angeles, Lefty Production Co. founder Marta Miller and Tukatech founder Ram Sareen celebrated their new Lefty Production Co. Los Angeles TukaCenter with a recent ribbon cutting.
Honey Birdette Opens 1st U.S. Shop
Australian lingerie label Honey Birdette opened its first American bricks-and-mortar boutique in Los Angeles. The label plans to roll out 40 stores in North America.
Year in Review: The Retail News of 2018
Retail
The retail realm this year wasn’t quite as turbulent as in 2017, when more than 6,000 outposts closed their doors. Yes, retail bankruptcies were still occurring, such as the Los Angeles–based National Stores chain, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy but then was given a lifeline. Overall, the pace of stores going out of business this year slowed.
Dept. of Labor Recovers More Than $1.5 Million for Southern California Garment Workers
Manufacturing
More than $1.5 million in back wages and unpaid overtime were recovered for 668 Southern California garment-industry workers, the federal government announced.
Guess? Inc. Fined $45 Million for Violating EU Commerce Regulations
Legal
Following an antitrust investigation opened in June 2017, the European Commission has fined Los Angeles–based apparel brand Guess? Inc. for alleged practices the commission deemed restrictive to retailers.
L Brands Sells La Senza to Beverly Hills Private Equity Firm Regent LP
Manufacturing
The parent company of Victoria’s Secret, Bath and Body Works and Henri Bendel has sold its La Senza lingerie-store chain.
Year in Review: The Year in Trade Shows
Trade Shows
The 2018 trade-show circuit saw a lot of changes that ranged from shifts in leadership at event-production companies to acquisitions and new-product launches. Many shows were reporting successful turnout by attendees due to an uptick in the economy, which brought greater consumer confidence and willingness to spend.
Report Shows That Dollar Stores Are Popular for Holiday Shopping
Retail
People of all income levels and age brackets are shopping dollar stores this holiday season, according to a recent survey conducted by The NPD Group, a market-research and consumer-trends company in Port Washington, N.Y.
A Festive Spirit Takes off at the 71st Annual Holiday Party by the California Fashion Foundation
CFF Gives Back
The activity meter on the top floor of the Cooper Design Space went into overdrive as 200 children danced to holiday music, fought with sword balloons, tossed fake snow everywhere and received bulging bags filled with a boatload of gifts.
Year in Review: Trade: The Year Where Nobody Knows What is Actually Going On
2018’s Trade Climate
If you had to explain why the stock market is going up and down like a yo-yo, one of the reasons is the uncertainty in trade.
Hong Kong Fashion Week Celebrating Its 50th Edition
Trade Shows
The upcoming Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter, to be held Jan. 14–17, will see the vast halls of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre filled with 1,400 exhibitors showcasing everything from buttons and accessories to evening gowns and activewear.
Wvs Brgde’s Sock Drive for L.A.'s Homeless
Los Angeles-headquartered brand Wvs Brgde is keeping its holiday charity local this year. It is working with Skid Row non-profit Los Angeles Mission in a clothing drive for homeless in downtown Los Angeles.
Former Brooks Brothers Building on Rodeo Drive Sells for $245 Million
Rodeo Real Estate Sells
Former flagship on Rodeo Drive goes to luxury retailer with a major presence on the shopping street.
L.A. Textiles Executives Sentenced to Prison for Laundering Mexican Cartel Drug Money
Legal
The owners of Pacific Eurotex Corp., a textile company in Los Angeles, were sentenced to federal prison after they pleaded guilty last year to federal money-laundering and tax-evasion charges.
Voodoo Boutique Opens in DTLA's Fashion District
A new fashion boutique, Voodoo, opened Dec. 15 near the intersection of 9th and Broadway in downtown Los Angeles.
Carton Outerwear Pops In Los Angeles
While you’re having fun snowboarding, Trey Humphries wants you to think a little bit about the wider world.
