Amaiò Swim: Cross-Cultural Collection Inspired by Couture
Amaiò Swim
Samantha Khoury, the designer of Los Angeles–based Amaiò Swim, spent her early years traveling between the east and west coasts of the United States as well as France and Lebanon. This cross-cultural and cross-continental upbringing informs her recently launched swimwear collection, which is also inspired by Khoury’s studies in studio fine arts, literature and fashion design.
Koru: Kiwi-Inspired
Kiwi-Inspired
Koru Swimwear is based in Florida but inspired by New Zealand. Founder Julie Stine drew on her New Zealander heritage when she named her swimwear collection for the Maori word for “spiral,” which symbolizes new life, hope, spiritual growth, purity and peace.
Kacey|Shana: From Beach to Poolside to Yoga Studio
Kacey|Shana
The Kacey|Shana collection is designed to adapt to an active lifestyle that may include swimming, surfing, lounging poolside or hitting the gym.
Australian Label We Are Handsome Relocating to L.A.
We Are Handsome
We Are Handsome designers Jeremy and Katinka Somers launched their swimwear collection in 2009 with an emphasis on the couple’s shared love for travel, design and “the occasional tropical adventure.”
Mid-Year Financial Review: Retailers Take on a New Attitude as Economy Slows
Finance
As consumers continue to adjust their buying habits and purchase less on apparel, retailers are tweaking their business models to keep shoppers coming through the doors.
Agenda Goes Back to its Roots in Long Beach
Back in the LBC
Energy was high during the July 29–30 run of action-sports and streetwear trade show Agenda, held at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, Calif.
Melrose Ave To Get Wheels – With New Shuttle
Los Angeles’ Melrose Avenue has a long history of being the address to innovative boutiques. But the fabled boulevard also has been dogged by the same complaint year after year. The city blocks are too long. Enter the Melrose Shopping Shuttle.
Aussie Bridal Store Opens First U.S. Flagship in LA
Retail
Grace Loves Lace opens first U.S. flagship store in Los Angeles.
Flipping out over Nike’s new tennis dress
Nike created a new tennis dress for the female players at Wimbledon—and the pleated style is not going over well.
Ora et Labora Pops Up in Silver Lake
Last weekend, traveling pop-up marketplace Ora et Labora came to Los Angeles.
Bike Share Program Coming to Fashion District
Transportation
Several bike share docking stations are being set up in the Los Angeles Fashion District.
Sue Wong Archive Sale
Events
Los Angeles–based eveningwear designer Sue Wong, is in the process of shifting her business to a licensed operation and has been hosting a series of archive sales at her headquarters in Los Angeles.
Belk’s New CEO Has a California Connection
Retail
Lisa Harper, who has been named the new chief executive of Belk department stores, starts her new job on July 5. She was most recently the chief executive of Hot Topic Inc.
VF Corp. Sells 7 For All Mankind, Splendid and Ella Moss to Delta Galil
Manufacturing
VF Corp. is selling two of its top contemporary brands to Delta Galil, an Israeli apparel manufacturer that is more than 40 years old.
Retailers Need to Move from Omnichannel 1.0 to Omnichannel 2.0 to Stay Relevant
Retail
Retailers scrambling to enter the omni-channel world may already be behind their competitors.
LA Streetwear Company Buys Women’s Online Clothing Site
Manufacturing
Stikeleather Apparel recently announced it acquired the online women’s clothing retailer White Plum, based in Modesto, Calif.
Interim Director Named for Fashion District BID
Retail
While the Los Angeles Fashion District Business Improvement District searches for a new executive director, the BID’s managing director will step in on an interim basis.
Lowriders and Pin-Ups at L.A. Classic Car Show
Lowriders & Pin-Ups
The Los Angeles Classic Car Show, presented by Bombs Magazine, roared into Southern California recently, drawing a stylish crowd obsessed with vintage design.
Shop.org Adds to Board, Prepares for Digital Events in California, Texas
Retail
Shop.org, the digital retail division of the Washington, D.C.–based National Retail Federation, added five new board members, bringing the board total to 12.
Industry Voices: EcoFashion vs. EcoLogistics
Import/Export
The retail industry’s tectonic shift toward eco fashion is real, with a renewed focus on clothing made from raw, organic materials; nontoxic dyes or bleaches; low water usage; and made under socially responsible conditions. This is only part of the story of how the retail and fashion industry is building sustainability.
