March Tough, But Shows Silver Linings
Retail
Wall Street analysts saw a glass half full when March retail sales were reported.
Central Saint Martins Alums in LA
Wallspace, the 5-year old Art Gallery on La Brea in Los Angeles, hosted the opening night party on April 1 for “Alchemy Unveiled: Defying Disjunction,” an exhibition that brought together four alumni from Central Saint Martins school of art in London: Angie Stimson, Carina Wyatt, Henny Lees and Charlotte Malik. The installation represents a year-long collaboration project of the four artists. Stimson, who also curated the event, was the headline artist.
LAmade Among Brands Selected for Target’s LA25 Initiative
Retail
Fashion basics company LAmade was one of the brands selected to be featured in Target’s LA25 initiative.
Pooltradeshow to Produce New York Shows
Trade Shows
After a 16-year run as a one-city show, Pooltradeshow announced that it will produce a biannual New York show in addition to its Las Vegas shows.
Raj’s New VYB Collection Defies Conventions
New Swim Line: VYB
Raj Swim’s newest collection, VYB, is set to bow this month with a Spring Break 2017 collection.
CFF, TALA, YMA to Host Annual Scholarship Luncheon
Events
The California Fashion Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the California Fashion Association, will host the 2017 annual scholarship luncheon on April 27 at the California Market Center.
Upscale Offprice Show Boulevard Prêt-à-Sale Planning to Expand to Women’s for Second Run
Trade Shows
The inaugural run of Boulevard Prêt-à-Sale, the upscale off-price trade show, showcased a tightly curated mix of 70 upscale menswear brands and drew buyers from Barneys New York, Bloomingdale’s, Century 21, Tiger Trading, Harry Rosen, Steinmart, TJX Co., Burlington, Ross Stores and Nordstrom Rack.
Trina Turk Opens a New Store in Los Angeles
Trina Turk's New Store
It has been a few years since Trina Turk had a store in Los Angeles. But the contemporary designer—known for her bright colors synonymous with sunny California—has staked out a new outpost in the Larchmont Village neighborhood of Los Angeles, where an old-fashioned Main Street vibe permeates Larchmont Boulevard.
How Are Finance People Handling the Weak Retail Market and Have They Adjusted Their Financing Rules for Clothing Manufacturers?
Finance
As retailers start shrinking their footprints around the country, apparel manufacturers are wondering how to cope with this constricting retail landscape.
Directives West Shines the Spotlight on Major Trends for Fall/Winter 2017
Directives West
Directives West broke down the trends for Fall/Winter 2017 at its April 3 runway show, held at the California Market Center during LA Majors Market.
LA Majors Drives Biz Despite Market Doldrums
LA Majors
Meetings were held and orders placed during the April 3–5 run of LA Majors Market at the California Market Center showroom building in downtown Los Angeles, but a steady drumbeat of tough retail headlines underscored many conversations during the market.
Bomber Jackets Down, Denim Up, Fields Says
Bomber Jackets Down
The once-ubiquitous bomber jacket is trending down. Expect to see it overtaken by denim jackets and the military fatigue-like “utility” jackets.
Rogue Collective Parks in Famous Punk Club
Nirvana played there. Beck gigged there. Perry Farrell and Red Hot Chili Peppers also reportedly paid some dues on the small stage of Al’s Bar. Now it's the address for Rogue Collective.
BCBG Max Azria Starts Closing Stores After Filing for Bankruptcy Protection
Retail
BCBG Max Azria, the Los Angeles brand that filed for bankruptcy protection in late February, has begun to shutter more than half the stores it operates in the United States.
South Coast Plaza Glitters; Anne Fontaine Runway Show + Anniversary Gala
South Coast Plaza's 50th Anniversary year rolled out more glittering events; an Anne Fontaine runway show and a gala dinner at The Getty Center.
Hard Rock's Throwback Collection
Hard Rock International has launched a “Throwback Threads” collection featuring the classic Hard Rock logo from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s paired with “some of Hard Rock's favorite cities,” including Barcelona, London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles and Orlando.
Velvet Acquired by $1.8 Billion Japanese Company
Manufacturing
Los Angeles–based Velvet LLC, owner of the Velvet by Graham and Spencer label, has been acquired by Adastria Co. Ltd., a $1.8 billion Japanese apparel company.
Hudson Jeans Names New President
Manufacturing
Starting April 10, Matthew Fior will take over as the new president of Hudson Jeans, based in Los Angeles.
Lucky Luke’s New Gig
For decades "Lucky" Luke Mann has been selling clothes in L.A. For an encore gig, this raconteur is a talent booker/ambassador for DTLA boîte Prank.
Jack's 60th Bday Party is a Surf Contest
For its 60th birthday, Jack’s Surboards did something new, the Huntington Beach, Calif. emporium produced its first surf contest.
