Skatie Finds Success Staying the Sustainable and Ethical Course
Manufacturing
The deep Southern California roots of activewear from the Skatie brand have been growing for more than a decade. From classmates to co-founders of an active-clothing and swim line, Skatie Noyes Hutchinson and Mandi Glynn have been working together since 2009 when they were students at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, where the former studied fashion design and the latter pursued visual communications.
Travis Hamilton Depicts His Comprehensive View of History in New Collection
Fashion
There has been discussion over the past few years—particularly in 2020—regarding accurate depictions of American history. A topic of conversation in many circles has covered affording due recognition to influential people whose profound contributions to this country were overlooked due to their culture, class or background. But Travis Hamilton is changing this narrative with his American Legends collection.
Newsmakers 2020: Garment Workers Center Was In Reach of Major Goal
Manufacturing
For 19 years, downtown Los Angeles–headquartered labor advocates from the Garment Worker Center have been seeking to change the way the industry does business. In 2020, the group came the closest it has ever come to reaching its goal.
Newsmakers 2020: Ilse Metchek, Fashion Insider, Continues to Make Changes
Fashion
Ilse Metchek, president of the California Fashion Association trade group, has long been one of the insiders of California fashion, along with being an advocate for the industry. She’s uniquely qualified to be called an insider’s insider and an industry advocate because there are few who share her track record of working in almost every area of fashion.
Newsmakers 2020: Tony Hsieh, Beloved Innovator, Dies From Injuries Sustained During Fire
Manufacturing
Tony Hsieh, the pioneering entrepreneur who was the former chief executive of the retail giant Zappos.com, died Nov. 27 after succumbing to injuries from a fire at a house in New London, Conn. Medical examiners have ruled his death an accident, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Newsmakers 2020: Fashion Industry Comes to Terms With Inclusivity
Fashion
In the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd in May, businesses around the world, including the fashion industry, responded with statements about Black Lives Matter. They assessed how they treated people of color in their success, and the soul searching was often frank.
Newsmakers 2020: Throughout Pandemic, Fashion Gets Into the Business of Hope
Fashion
As the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a harsh blow to the nation, many designers, retailers, manufacturers and the fashion public rallied, unveiling good works and charitable projects to help their colleagues, their neighbors and their country.
Newsmakers 2020: Fashion Industry Pivots Into PPE as It Awaits Relief Aid
Manufacturing
The U.S. government rolled out the largest relief package in American history after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down retailers and manufacturers earlier in 2020, with many businesses reopening on a scaled-back basis later in the year.
Year in Review: U.S. Approves USMCA Treaty, China Turmoil Heats Up
Import/Export
The United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement was signed into law in the United States, but the adoption of a major trade treaty did not mean smooth sailing for global trade, as U.S. trade disagreements with China increasingly dominated headlines.
2020 Retrospective, Financial Review: Pandemic and Social Unrest Set Stage for Surge in Bankruptcies
Retail
Prominent names in apparel filed for bankruptcy and closed physical stores in 2020 in the face of overwhelming challenges.
UCLA Anderson School Forecasts Economic Growth by Q2 2021
Retail
A good economy is on the horizon for the United States, but it’s going to take a long slog to get there, according to the “UCLA Anderson Forecast.”
Year in Review: Retail Tested By Pandemic and Civil Unrest in 2020
RETAIL
At the beginning of the year, it was predicted that the COVID-19 pandemic and United States politics were going to have an effect on retail in 2020, but there was no sense that it was going be a big shake-up.
Los Angeles' Bohemian Society Helps Maypole Roll Out New Retail Platform
RETAIL
Retail with its store windows and dramatic displays has often been considered a part of theater.
Upcycled Enlightened Uniform by Susan Rockefeller Released by The R Collective
UPCYCLED FASHION
Inspired by how the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted fashion consciousness regarding waste throughout the industry and the focus on trends toward versatile pieces, The R Collective unveiled its Susan Rockefeller-designed Enlightened Uniform.
Brazil’s Melissa Brand to Westfield Century City
RETAIL
Brazilian footwear brand Melissa opened its second store in the United States recently with a location at Westfield Century City.
Honey Birdette to Beverly Center
RETAIL
Honey Birdette, an Australian lingerie label, recently opened a new California boutique.
After Being Acquired, Wynd Finesses Fulfillment Model
LOGISTICS TECHNOLOGY
The up-and-coming New York City–based logistics-solutions company Wynd said that it has developed a logistics model that seeks to ease last-mile concerns not only for customers but for the businesses sending goods.
IFJAG Moves to Orlando for February Event
ON-SITE TRADE EVENTS
After announcements were made over the course of the past week regarding the move of Informa Fashion Markets, Clarion Events and the Tarsus Group’s February Las Vegas trade events to Orlando, Fla., it was revealed on Dec. 10 that the International Fashion Jewelry & Accessories Group show would also move to the region.
‘Stronger Together,’ MAGIC, Offprice and WWIN to Share Space for Orlando Shows
ON-SITE TRADE EVENTS
Following the Dec. 3 announcement that it would host a MAGIC Pop Up Orlando trade event Feb. 9–11 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., Informa Markets Fashion revealed that it is working with Clarion Events and the Tarsus Group to produce co-located events for the return of on-site trade shows to serve the fashion community.
