MANUFACTURING
The Future of Apparel Manufacturing Is Already Here
| September 2, 2026
How ISAIC and TUKATECH are Building a Blueprint for Workforce Development, Demand Manufacturing, and Domestic Production
James Cox Knits: Kits for Men’s Knits
James Cox is looking to put knitting needles—and knit menswear designs—into the hands of home knitters with a collection of knitting kits.
Combatant Gentlemen’s New Suit: The Summit Collection
Combatant Gentlemen built a more-than- $10-million company on the cheap suit. The Irvine, Calif.–headquartered label’s point of difference was that it owned the entire supply chain for its suits and its collection of men’s clothing.
Taking Advantage of the Push for Made in USA
When Jack Chang invested in an apparel business in 1988, a good number of California labels were still making their clothes in California.
Petri Joins …Lost Holdings
Leading surfwear and fashion company …Lost Holdings announced that Rick Petri, a surf-industry veteran, will join the company as its president on Dec. 1.
Global Distribution: Giant Care Label
Apparel makers tell the story of international distribution on a very tiny canvas: the care and content label. As apparel brands increasingly sell their goods around the world, care labels become ever more complex.
Men’s Sock Trend Leads to Sale of California Sock Company
Men’s socks have been one of the bright spots on the retail scene as dudes—hipsters or not—are finding they can dress conservatively for work but maintain a subtle splash of rebellious color by sporting bright socks under dark suits or khaki pants.
SIMA Image Award Nominees Announced
Surf Industry Manufacturers Association has presented its SIMA Image Awards for 13 years, and on Nov. 11, it announced its slate of award nominees for work done in the past year. Winners will be announced Feb. 11.
New Resource: Mario De La Torre: “For All Women”
A decade after quitting a lucrative banking job to learn the basics of fashion design, Mario De La Torre plans to introduce his namesake women’s contemporary line under the glamour of spotlights.
New Resource: Betro Simone
Stefanie Betro is on the move. In late 2014, she started working on the women’s contemporary clothing collection Betro Simone with Daniel Guez, founder and chief executive officer of BLVD Brands. Before the line was exhibited on the trade-show circuit, the Los Angeles–made line was picked up by select Nordstrom doors and Nordstrom’s e-commerce site, where it continues to be sold.
American Apparel Reports Shrinking Sales in Third Quarter
American Apparel filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in early October, but it still must report its revenues and earnings for the third quarter, ending Sept. 30. In a preliminary filing, the troubled Los Angeles clothing company said its third-quarter sales plummeted 19 percent to $126 million, compared with nearly $156 million in the same period last year.
At 10, Tokidoki Finds Business in Collaboration
There’s Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, Hello Kitty and a world of superheroes competing for spaces in our imaginations and on our T-shirts. Los Angeles–based brand Tokidoki recently celebrated its 10th anniversary of carving its own niche in this animated crowd, and the small, private company is looking to grow through a wide arena of collaboration and retail.
Sustainability in Fashion on the Agenda at TEDxLA Event
Members of the apparel industry and consumers with a passion for eco issues and sustainability met recently at The New Mart in Los Angeles for a TEDxLA event organized by LA Beyond the Label.
Shifting More Showrooms Onto One CMC Floor Boosts Business
When Guddi Bedi and her husband, Baljit, moved into their third-floor California Market Center showroom some 15 years ago, they had to pay $50,000 key money just to garner a coveted spot. Now the Bedis’ small Krishma Overseas showroom is surrounded by a vast desert of empty spaces as everyone around them is picking up and moving from the B side of the CMC’s third floor to open spots on the A side.
AAFA Chief Stepping Down After More Than One Year on the Job
The American Apparel & Footwear Association is looking for a new president and chief executive to take over for Juanita Duggan, who is leaving.
Curvy Couture: In the Adaption Biz
Los Angeles’ Curvy Couture label is on a mission to open lingerie fashion to plus-sized women.
