INDUSTRY ISSUES
The Desktop Revolution: How xTool is Democratizing Industrial-Grade Apparel Printing
| May 1, 2026
In the traditional apparel manufacturing landscape, the bridge between a creative concept and a finished garment has long been guarded by high entry barriers, complex industrial workflows, and prohibitive costs. However, a seismic shift is occurring. xTool, which has rapidly ascended to become the world’s second-largest DTF (Direct-to-Film) brand by GMV, is dismantling these barriers.
Denim Veteran Launches New Line
Michael Cassel, the man behind Los Angeles–based selvage denim line Stronghold and founder of the Von Dutch clothing line, has announced plans for a new premium denim line. LSD, sho...
Updated Designer Has Roots in Los Angeles and China
When China began emerging as a dominant manufacturing source for apparel companies in the early 1990s, Los Angeles designer Vera Devletian seized the moment. Twelve years la...
As Baby Boomers Retire, Missy Shifts Focus
The first wave of baby boomers is turning 60 this year, but don’t tell them that. The new sexagenarians are not acting their age, especially when it comes to their clothing choices. As a result, appare...
Blue Cult In Flux
Slow sales in the United States and stiff competition have Los Angeles–based denim maker Blue Cult Inc. streamlining its business and trimming the chaff....
Paul Frank Sues Paul Frank Industries
Last November, Paul Frank Sunich suddenly left the company he co-founded, leaving many in the apparel community to question why the enigmatic designer would split with the company that bears his name ...
Troubled Jeans Company Outsources Distribution
Innovo Group Inc., makers of Joe’s Jeans and Indie apparel, has decided to outsource its distribution, warehousing and customer service while it looks for ways to re...
Sue Wong Set for Global Expansion
Los Angeles designer Sue Wong is on an expansion track and has announced plans to align with industry partners that can help the company achieve its next level of growth through marketing, li...
New FBI Program for Small Businesses
Los Angeles–based nonprofit organization Fashion Business Inc. has launched a new program that would allow many small businesses to take FBI’s industry training seminars for free....
San Francisco Fashion Industries Closes its Doors
After 86 years serving apparel manufacturers, wholesalers and importers in northern California, San Francisco Fashion Industries will shutter its door on March 31....
Industry Split on Effect of Proposed Copyright Law
Debate hinges on ’orphan works’ ...
Calif. 'Sweatshop' Bill Falls Short
Two years after the state enacted an anti-sweatshop bill, little has been done to enforce it. Not one single contractor, be it a garment contractor or a food contractor, has been cited with violating ...
House Passes Anti-Counterfeiting Bill
Traffickers and counterfeiters have more to lose, now that a Federal bill that will close loopholes and strengthen criminal penalties has passed the United States House of Representatives....
Mediating 'Channel Conflict'
Manufacturers who take the plunge and sell directly to consumers online inevitably encounter a phenomenon that has been called “channel conflict,” or “resistance and resentment,” f...
CMC Hires Former L.A. Mart Exec
The California Market Center has hired Jon Weiglin as director of leasing for the Gift and Home category....
More Showrooms for Fashion District
Just when it appeared the Los Angeles Fashion District was maxing out on its real estate offerings, another developer has come up with a plan for a $62 million apparel wholesale mart...
