Lectra Announces Intention to Acquire Gerber Technology
Industry 4.0
Fortifying its role as an Industry 4.0 technology leader, Paris-based Lectra announced its memorandum of understanding to acquire the entire capital and voting rights of Tolland, Conn., integrated-software-and-hardware-solutions provider Gerber Technology.
Louis Vuitton Unveils Rodeo Pop-up
LUXURY RETAIL
The Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Spring Summer ’21 collection checked into Beverly Hills for an extended stay.
The RealReal Expands Resale Reach With New Locations
FASHION RESALE
Following the Jan. 26 opening of a 2,500-square-foot bricks-and-mortar location in Brooklyn, N.Y., luxury-resale operation The RealReal launched another shop in California's Orange County on Feb. 5.
Industry Focus: Finance—How Can Factoring Services Aid Apparel-Business Recovery?
Finance
Entering 2021, the apparel industry can see a bit of hope as businesses look toward maintenance and recovery from a tumultuous year. As apparel businesses examine their next steps while outlining new financial plans, they often look for guidance from experts.
Devoted to Nature, Family, Luxella Designs’ Ana Guimaraes Crafts Exquisite Jewelry
Manufacturing
With roots that have grown throughout North America, the origin story of Luxella Designs is a true American tale. Founder and owner Ana Guimaraes was born in Mexico, where she studied accounting, eventually meeting her husband in Canada. The couple started a family, living first in Toronto, where Guimaraes studied photography. They then moved to Kitchener in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, and eventually to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
USFIA Panel Tackles Eco-comfort in the Outdoor-Performance Category
Textiles
During a Jan. 21 virtual presentation, “A Review of Tree Climate: A Collaborative Collection by Concept III and Tencel,” moderated by the United States Fashion Industry Association’s communications director, Shannon Brady, new fabrications for the sustainable outdoor-apparel market were introduced.
Levi’s Unveils Black History Month Campaign and Collection
Making Black History
Fashion brands and retailers are observing Black History Month during February with special capsule collections and support for African-American designers and creatives.
From a Love for Heritage Women’s Denim, AMO Grows Its Community Commitment
Manufacturing
Established in Los Angeles with its founding in 2014 and the release of its Spring 2015 collection, AMO founders Kelly Urban and Misty Zollars—both alumnae of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising—are also true-blue Los Angeles denimheads.
Remaining True to Everyday Luxury, Catherine Gee Fall/Winter 2021 Adds an Edge
Luxury on the Edge
Designing a Fall/Winter 2021 collection while maintaining her elegant approach to luxury, Catherine Gee allowed an edginess to influence her California sensibilities, thereby generating pieces that she has named the “New York Edit.”
What's Checking: Indie Retailers Ramp Up Digital Commerce During Pandemic
What’s Checking: Digital
The COVID-19 pandemic forced retailers across industries to go on a crash course developing and scaling up their e-commerce. For many in the apparel industry, this platform saved their businesses. Applying principles of convenience to allure customers to their shops, including personal styling, shopping-incentive discounts, complimentary delivery and curbside pickup, fashion businesses also relied on selling through digital boutiques.
Project Digital’s Sophomore Run Includes CFDA Partnership, Concierge Service
Trade Shows
Informa Market Fashion’sclassic- and contemporary-menswear trade show Project rolled out its first virtual trade event, Project Digital, during Summer 2020 in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. On Jan. 19, working with the e-commerce wholesale-platform partner NuOrder, Project Digital started a sophomore run, and show producers will further develop certain programs they started testing during the summer.
NRF Big Show Charts How Retail Survived COVID
Retail
The National Retail Federation’s NRF 2021: Retail’s Big Show—Chapter One, an annual exposition that produces seminars and keynote addresses by industry stars, went virtual because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
MySizeID Brings Virtual Measurement Tool to Footwear Category
Technology
Since 2015, MySize Inc. has built a business on developing technology to enhance smartphone-measurement tools. One of its main products, MySizeID, is a smartphone-based body-measurement tool that was developed to help brands and retailers deliver ready-to-wear products that would best fit their customers.
Patel Named Beverly Center GM
Retail
Taubman Properties recently announced that Elvina Patel was named general manager of the high-profile Los Angeles Beverly Center, a mall that focuses on high-end fashion, such as Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Prada.
Traffic Congestion at Ports of L.A. and Long Beach at High Levels
Import/Export
Cargo-ship congestion at California ports and those located around the United States is at some of the highest levels in years due to supply-chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To help break up the congestion, on Feb. 1 the Port of Los Angeles started an incentive program to move trucks more efficiently and at a faster pace through its terminals, said Gene Seroka, the port’s executive director.
Shantelle Brumfield of Yarn Movement Unveils Initiatives for Black—and Making—History Month
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Yarn Movement founder and creative director Shantelle Brumfield—also known as S.LadyBug—has big plans to celebrate and make history during this year's Black History Month.
Vizit Rolls Out Algorithm That Ranks Visual Images’ Consumer Effectiveness
ARTIFICIAL-INTELLIGENCE SOFTWARE
Jehan Hamedi spent the past few years developing artificial-intelligence software that helps understand public opinion. The result of Hemedi’s efforts was a technology company called Vizit
Strong Start for 2021 Trade-Show Season at Dallas Market
TRADE EVENTS
Buyer attendance was up during the recent Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market, with first-time visitors flocking to the event at the Dallas Market Center following a lackluster 2020.
Vans Foot the Bill Initiative Returns, Will Support Black-Owned Businesses in February
RETAIL
With the return of its "Foot the Bill" campaign, action-sports brand Vans is supporting small businesses. During February, all partners will be Black-owned businesses with additional actions taken during Black History Month to support these retailers.
