US Blanks: The Recycled T-shirt
Manufacturing | Made in America
The apparel industry has been criticized for wasteful manufacturing practices and fouling the environment with dyes to color clothes. This year US Blanks, a basics manufacturer headquartered in downtown Los Angeles, believes that it can offer an alternative.
Freedom of Expression
Denim Trends
From classic denim blues to activewear inspirations and the return of the ’70s, there is something for everyone for Fall '15.
Troubles Pile Up at West Coast Ports
Import & Export
Labor Secretary Tom Perez being called in to help the two sides conclude longshore contract negotiations while West Coast port operations are bogged down in cargo containers.
California Market Center Changes Fashion Market Dates
Trade Show
The California Market Center has realigned the dates it will be holding the next four editions of Los Angeles Fashion Market so they will begin on Mondays and end on Thursdays.
Asher Fabric Names Jolie Fierro VP Sales for New Athletic Concept Division
Textiles
Los Angeles–based knitter Asher Fabric Concepts has hired Jolie Fierro as vice president of sales for its newly launched Asher Active Athletic Concepts division of performance knits for the fitness, yoga and athletic markets.
Kingpins Show to Discuss Denim Sustainability in New Conference Concept
Textiles | Trade Show
To address that issue, denim sustainability will be one of the main topics at the next Kingpins Show, the international denim sourcing show whose next edition will be April 16–18 in Amsterdam.
NRF Forecasts A Strong 2015, But January Results Mixed
Retail
Retail sales will increase by 4.1 percent for the 2015 year, according to a forecast released on Feb. 12 by National Retail Federation, the Washington, D.C.–based retail trade group.
BCBG Max Azria Group Gets Infusion of Cash
Manufacturing | Retail
The ailing BCBG Max Azria Group, which has a mountain of debt, received a $135 million infusion of cash from Guggenheim Partners and other affiliated investors.
Harlem’s Fashion Row Comes West
Fashion Row
Fashion Row, a group that advocates for fashion designers of color, came west to make its Los Angeles debut on Feb. 6. The show was in town just in time for the Grammy Awards and the NAACP Image Awards, which took place the same weekend.
FIDM Displays Oscar-Nominated Costumes for This Year’s Academy Awards
Fashion | Events
Showcasing Hollywood characters and their garb, the Costume Designers Guild curated 100 costumes from more than 20 Hollywood films, including five Academy Award nominees, for the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising’s 23rd Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design exhibition.
What’s Checking: Eagle Rock Caters to the Local Crowd
Retail
Nestled between Glendale and Pasadena, Calif., Eagle Rock’s retail scene is slowly but surely growing around the junction of Eagle Rock Boulevard and Colorado Boulevard. The community counts families and college students as the majority of its local residents, and retailers have found success in offering niche merchandising through artisan products, sourcing locally and maintaining a strong point of view.
MAGIC U Gets Ready For Class
Las Vegas is all about partying and making deals, right? Well, as MAGIC gets ready for its February run from Feb. 17-19 in Las Vegas, the sprawling trade show also introducing MAGIC University, a free, online educational resource on retail, social media, trend forecasting, consumer demographics and sustainability.
Multi-Brand Store, Gregory’s, Shutters on Robertson
Gregory's, a high-end, multi-brand boutique, closed up shop on Los Angeles’ Robertson Boulevard recently. It was one of the last independent , multi-brand boutiques on a street which was famous for them a decade ago.
A Look at Louis Vuitton's Rodeo Flagship
Louis Vuitton is taking a spotlight in Los Angeles. The heritage brand’s Series 2 exhibition took a bow at 1135 N. Highland Ave. in Los Angeles’ Hollywood section, and the highly anticipated Louis Vuitton emporium on Rodeo Drive made its debut this month. We just liked the guitar case on display at the Vuitton flagship.
Forever 21 Arrives on Fifth Avenue
Retail
Forever 21 opens a new store on Fifth Avenue in New York City.
Hot Topic to Launch Cinderella Limited-Edition Collection
Retail
Hot Topic partners with Walt Disney for a limited-edition clothing collection based on the "Cinderella" movie coming out March 13.
Alex Matthews: From Fashion To Juice & Back
Almost everyone in L.A. fashion in the past eight to nine years crossed paths with Alex Matthews. He served as the national retail director for denim line G-Star, he was a man about town, but in 2008, he wanted to do something different. In fact, it was a far leap from denim. He opened a Juice Served Here location at 833 S. Spring St., a half block away from the Fashion District.
Designers Go Outward Bound
The Great Escape
The great outdoors inspires Fall’s essential denim-based looks. Whether camping in the woods or trekking the city streets, flannels, joggers and the season’s best jackets are the requisite attire.
Las Vegas Roundtable: What to Expect at the Upcoming Trade Shows
Trade Show
With more than 20 fashion trade shows showcasing a huge selection of products and styles, MAGIC and its satellite shows will give retailers an opportunity to view the latest collections from brands across the country and around the world.
