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.
Citron: American-Made Mission
For more than a decade, the owners of Citron, located in Los Angeles, have been making their printed silk blouses and tops in China because of the intricate prints, designs and fabric used.
Hips and Hair: California Lifestyle
Drawing inspiration from contemporary American pop culture while utilizing a hands-on approach to all stages of production, T-shirt line Hips and Hair has garnered an international following since its inception in 2008.
Sub_Urban Riot: Grassroots Beginning, Hollywood Connection
Sub_Urban Riot is a fashion-forward lifestyle brand that feels luxury is no longer fueled by price point but the quality of life you live and the company you keep.
See You Monday: High- and Low-Fashion Mix
Los Angeles–headquartered See You Monday embraces high and low fashion.
Apparel Makers Tackle the Task of Finding Skilled Labor in Los Angeles
Apparel makers who want to manufacture more merchandise in Los Angeles have a challenge. It’s hard to find good, skilled laborers who are in the country legally.
BedHead Recalls Children’s Pajamas
BedHead Pajamas Inc. of Los Angeles has recalled 800 pairs of children’s pajamas because they fail to meet federal flammability standards for children’s sleepwear.
Levi’s Taps Walmart Exec to Conquer Omni-Channel
The San Francisco–based apparel giant announced it has appointed Marc Rosen as the company’s new executive vice president and president of global e-commerce.
Artisan-Driven Boutique Production in Coastal Mexico
It was never Amber Sellers’ dream to have her own accessories and apparel factory—until she discovered what she could do with it.
Joseph Gromek Named to Guess? inc. Board of Directors
With more than 30 years of experience in the retail industry, Joseph Gromek was appointed to the board of directors of Guess? Inc.
Thimio Sotos Leaves J Brand
After nearly four years at premium-denim brand J Brand, Thimio Sotos has left the company, where he was the executive vice president and chief financial officer.
P.J. Salvage
The intimates and lifestyle brand P.J. Salvage has been expanding, opening new markets and new divisions. But one thing remains consistent: a focus on comfort.
Industry Voices: Made in California—More Than a Label
On Oct. 4, 2013, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a “Made in California” labeling program. Taking advantage of this new legislation is a great marketing tool for California companies.
Luv Aj: From Jewelry to Leathercraft
Designer Amanda Thomas built a following for her jewelry line, Luv Aj, among retailers such as Fred Segal, Nordstrom, Shopbop, Madison, Lisa Klein and Urban Outfitters since it launched in 2005. For Thomas’ latest chapter of the Luv Aj brand, the designer turned to leather.
Lynne Koplin Named President of J Brand
Industry veteran Lynne Koplin, who most recently worked for denim maker True Religion, has been named president of J Brand, another Los Angeles denim maker.
Levi’s Laying Off 800 Employees in Restructuring Effort
Levi Strauss & Co. is laying off 800 employees, or 20 percent of the workforce, in its non-retailing and non-manufacturing sectors of the company to save $75 million to $100 million a year.
