Fred Segal Sign Removed From Its Longtime Melrose Perch
RETAIL
For decades, the Fred Segal logo marquee sign overlooked the busy intersection of Melrose Avenue and Crescent Heights Boulevard in Los Angeles. But that mid-city neighborhood’s once-familiar skyline changed.
Elevated Comfort at Fall ’21 Fashion Weeks
Fall Forecast
Cozy knits in flattering yet comfortable silhouettes complemented by rich textures and lighter autumn hues, afford a fashion-forward approach to relaxed garments for Fall 2021, according to trend-forecasting expert Melissa Moylan of Fashion Snoops.
Building on a European Legacy, Tenson USA Comes Stateside
Manufacturing
Founded in 1951 by Paul Rydholm in Varberg, Sweden, the outdoor-lifestyle brand Tenson has expanded into different offerings, from its first product—a bicycle cap named the Kent—to outfitting a British Mount Everest expedition with its Himalaya jacket. Recently the Swedish outfitter has grown again with its reach extending into California with the launch of Tenson USA in 2020 under the leadership of Chief Operations Officer Lisa Magneson and Chief Executive Officer Evert Kruse, who are also a couple.
Learning From 2020 to Rebuild Into a Resilient, Diverse, Supportive Fashion Industry
Fashion
Looking back on the past year generates feelings of reckoning, fortitude, accountability, forward thinking and survival. In early 2020, the fashion business immediately shifted course to create personal protective equipment for those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as for the public.
Kingpins24 Flash Creates Connections for a More-Sustainable Denim Supply Chain
Trade Shows
The Kingpins denim-event brand returned with Kingpins24 Flash Feb. 23–24 with a roster of experts representing every facet of the category. Within a trade-event calendar that is rapidly advancing, the concept was representative of Kingpins producing a shorter show between seasons.
A More-Responsible Network Forms Through Sourcing at MAGIC Online
Trade Shows
During its second run, Informa Markets Fashion’s Sourcing at MAGIC Online event producers sought to build on a solid foundation for its March 1–May 1 show, focused on bringing together global supply-chain experts and resources to meet the needs of apparel professionals at every level of the industry.
Moss Adams Evaluates Pandemic World
RETAIL
After a harsh year navigating COVID-19, retailers will be greeted by a robust economy in the third and fourth quarters of 2021, said Frank Kaufman, national practice leader in retail for the accounting and consulting firm Moss Adams.
Klarna Charts a Focus Beyond Fintech With Toplooks Acquisition
Klarna’s Future Focus
The Stockholm-headquartered payments company Klarna entered the United States market in 2015 as part of a wave of fintech companies that offered digital layaway programs. These technologies have been embraced by millennials and Gen Z.
Pandemic Blues Decrease During Recent L.A. Market Week
Trade Shows
With COVID-19 vaccinations being rolled out and pandemic restrictions being scaled back, L.A. Market Week took place in downtown Los Angeles March 7–10 with more optimism than has been seen over the past year. While still cautious, showroom buildings in the area’s fashion district, including the California Market Center, The New Mart and the Cooper Design Space, welcomed buyers to stock up on inventory.
Coterie Digital’s Second Run Gives Forum To New and Established Brands
Trade Shows
The Coterie trade show for contemporary women’s fashion wrapped up its month-long Coterie Digital marketplace on March 16. It was the second run for the online marketplace.
Saitex, A Sustainability Manufacturing Star, Opens L.A. Facility
Sustainable L.A. Denim
Saitex, a Vietnam-headquartered denim manufacturer that has been considered one of the pioneers in sustainable-denim production, recently opened its first United States facility, in Vernon, Calif., an industrial city neighboring downtown Los Angeles, said Sanjeev Bahl, chief executive officer and the company’s founder.
Downtown L.A. Designer Michael Costello Opens Pop-Up Shop
RETAIL
Michael Costello, a "Project Runway" alum and designer who has dressed celebrities such as Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, is getting back into bricks-and-mortar retail.
NuOrder Announces $45 Million in Funding
BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS E-commerce
NuORDER, a Los Angeles-headquartered business-to-business e-commerce platform announced March 10 that it had raised $45 million in a round of funding led by Brighton Park Capital and Imaginary Ventures.
Grammy Winner Nas Flexes Garmento Muscles With HSTRY
FASHION
Nas won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album on March 14 and he also is flexing his garmento muscles.
Poshmark Announces William Ingham as First Chief People Officer
SOCIAL COMMERCE
Social marketplace Poshmark announced the appointment of William Ingham to fulfill the company’s new role of chief people officer.
August Getty Unveils Tinitus, a Virtual Couture Installation
FASHION
Many runway shows went virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic and August Getty, a designer who started his career in Los Angeles, has taken digital fashion events a step further.
Tailored Brands Closes $75 Million in New Investments as for Post-Pandemic Plans
FINANCING
Omni-channel specialty menswear retail giant Tailored Brands, Inc., announced its closure of $75 million in new financing as it positions its brands, Men's Wearhouse, Jos. A. Bank, Moores Clothing for Men and K&G Fashion Superstore, for post-pandemic business.
Public Nominations Open for Vans’ Foot the Bill Small-Business Financial-Support Program
COVID-19 FINANCIAL RELIEF
Action-sports brand Vans is again showing financial support for the small businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as it widens the reach of its Foot the Bill program.
