March Sales Mark a Soft Rebound
Retail
March retail sales beat Wall Street expectations with a 3.6 percent gain on a year-over-year basis, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers, a leading trade group for the mall industry, but things are still tough for retailers, economists and analysts said.
Lectra Panel Explores Intersection of Technology and Fashion
Technology
Technology’s role in the development of fashion was on the agenda at a panel discussion hosted by French technology solutions provider Lectra and held April 3 in the Buyers Club at the California Market Center.
Louis Verdad Hosts Fashion Event
Made-to-Order
Los Angeles designer Louis Verdad recently hosted a high-fashion tea to introduce his made-to-order collection of tailored dresses, jumpsuits, shorts and blouses.
Klein Named Fashion Icon at L.A. Fashion Awards
Events
Lloyd Klein made his first public appearance since undergoing chemotherapy for lymphoma at the Second Annual LA Fashion Awards at Sunset Gower Studios, held April 5 in Los Angeles.
Joseph Gromek Named to Guess? inc. Board of Directors
Manufacturing
With more than 30 years of experience in the retail industry, Joseph Gromek was appointed to the board of directors of Guess? Inc.
Fashioning a New La Brea: District La Brea Complex Adds New Retail
Retail
Boutiques for online clothier Bonobos, fashion line Gant Rugger and Undefeated, a streetwear emporium, will open at the District La Brea compound in the next few months. The new shops could bring more retail attention to Los Angeles’ La Brea Avenue.
Retailers Bring More Competitive Business to Majors Market
L.A. Majors Market
From technology to real estate, the way that major retailers do business is changing, and some of those changes were reflected in the Los Angeles Majors Market, a department store–focused event that ran April 7–9 at the California Market Center.
Ever-Changing Technology Keeps Apparel Makers and Retailers on Their Feet
Technology
Charming Charlie didn’t launch its e-commerce site until seven months ago, years behind many of its competitors. But during its first two weeks of operation, the website was inundated with 700,000 visitors and 34,000 submissions in the gift-card giveaway contest.
Style in Space
Galactic Fashion
NASA is working on its next-generation space suit to replace the Z-1—and you can help the space agency decide what it looks like.
Stephen Hyman, Co-Founder of Susie’s Deals
Retail
Stephen Hyman, a long-time discount retailer with nearly 40 years in the business, died on April 7. He was 66.
Local-Focused LA Apparel Show Returns for Second Season
Made in Los Angeles
A tightly curated collection of Los Angeles–designed and Los Angeles–made collections exhibited in the second edition of the LA Apparel Show, held April 7–9 on the 13th floor of the California Market Center.
Six Degrees of Retail Separation
Retail
Kmart adds singer Adam Levine's women's collection to lineup.
Bronstein Resigns From Wet Seal Board
Executive Moves
Kathy Bronstein resigned from the board of directors of The Wet Seal Inc., according to a company announcement on April 7. She had served on the board for the beleaguered company since September 2012 and also served as its chief executive officer and vice chair from 1995 to 2003.
Ath-Leisure, Folk-Inspiration and Grunge on Horizon for Fall’14
Directives West
Prepare for the athletic-leisure trend to continue, the international-inspired bohemian look to evolve and for grunge to make a comeback this fall.
Dickinson Cameron Builds Burberry, Renovates Barneys in Beverly Hills
Dickinson Cameron is on the move on Rodeo Drive; building the Burberry flagship and renovating Barneys in Beverly Hills.
Fall 2014 Forecast: Marled Yarns, Houndstooth and Ugly Xmas Sweaters
Barbara Fields
The ugly Christmas sweater was one of several Fall 14 trends featured by trend forecaster Barbara Fields of the Barbara Fields Buying Office.
Bonobos, Gant Rugger, Undefeated to District La Brea
Retail Spotlight
Boutiques for online clothier Bonobos, fashion line Gant Rugger and Undefeated, a streetwear emporium, will open at the District La Brea compound in the next two months.
Alternative’s Summer Party
It was a time for new looks for the Alternative label. Its Summer and Fall looks were previewed at a party at Alternative's Larchmont Village boutique.
Kitson’s Giant Vegas Shop
Kitson debuts its biggest shop. It's a 12,000-square-foot emporium at The Linq in Las Vegas. " In Vegas; the bigger the better," Kitson Founder Fraser Ross said.
Vera Wang Opens On Rodeo Drive
After a long wait, Vera Wang opened a flagship at 428 N. Rodeo Dr. on April 3.
