UPDATE: Los Angeles Apparel Industry Could Grow With Hi-Tech Fabrics and Other Innovations
Manufacturing
During the last decade, the number of people working in California’s apparel and textile manufacturing industry has shrunk some 43 percent as production of clothing and textiles has moved overseas.
Los Angeles Apparel Industry Could Grow With Hi-Tech Fabrics and Other Innovations
Manufacturing
Report shows that California's manufacturing sector is shrinking but is still the largest in the country.
Islands in the Stream
How swimwear designers do their job far away from corporate headquarters
Designing swimwear and running a swimwear company are worlds apart. So why shouldn’t a swimwear designer’s studio be a world apart from corporate headquarters? Many are.
Blue Jeans Are a Harder Sell to Teenagers, Who Have Other Favorites
Manufacturing
For years, denim hit its stride with everyone snapping up several pairs of blue jeans to wear just about anywhere, anytime. But in recent years, denim has been seeing some new competition, which has the makers of everything denim taking a second look at what consumers want to buy.
Longshore Workers Get Ready to Return to the Negotiating Table
Import/Export
After taking a three-day break, longshore workers and their employers were planning to get back at the negotiating table to hammer out a new six-year contract that expired on July 1.
Major Investor in American Apparel Commits to Keeping Manufacturing in Los Angeles
Manufacturing
The largest investor in American Apparel has agreed to infuse the company with $25 million so the Los Angeles clothing maker can pay off a $10 million loan that is being called in.
Economy on Strong Footing to Grow, But Apparel Sales Challenged
Finance
For once, economists are in agreement. The financial outlook for California and the rest of the nation is bright for the rest of the year.
Top Investor Commits to Keeping American Apparel Production in Los Angeles
Manufacturing
Investors say they will support American Apparel's factory in Los Angeles and not move it out of the country.
American Apparel Board to be All Shook Up
Manufacturing
Investor wants to see different people on the American Apparel board.
New Restaurant in Fashion District
Fashion District
New Argentine restaurant, 1810, opens in Fashion District.
Maria Contino Joins Rosenthal & Rosenthal
Finance
Rosenthal & Rosenthal of California announced it has hired Maria Contino as its new senior vice president and business development officer.
How Vintage Fashion Affects Contemporary Design
Fashion
Ralph Lauren is one of the prime examples of how a designer turns the past into the present. In the 1980s, he built his line on the American prairie look. Most recently, he has been an astute student of the Edwardian period of the early 20th century, which falls in sync with the popularity of the British TV series “Downton Abbey.”
New Country Western Clothing Online Store
Retail
New country western online store launches in San Diego.
Longshore Workers and Employers Continue Talks After Contract Expires
News
Even though the six-year contract between West Coast dockworkers and their port employers expired at 5 p.m. on July 1, the two sides will continue negotiations through the middle of July.
UPDATE: Dov Charney Now Controls 43 Percent of American Apparel Stock
Manufacturing
Dov Charney nearly doubles the amount of American Apparel stock he owns.
Sequential Brands in Deal to Buy Galaxy Brand Holdings
Manufacturing
Sequential Brands Group is getting ready to double its revenues. The company, which got its start in Los Angeles as a clothing company that has the William Rast label, announced it had signed a definitive agreement to acquire Galaxy Brand Holdings for $280 million in cash and stock.
Juicy Couture Revamping Stores Under New Ownership
Retail
By next year, Juicy Couture will have a series of new concept stores open to reflect the label’s changing directions under new ownership by Authentic Brands Group.
The North Face Recycles 1.5 Million Polybags
Retail and the Environment
The North Face takes it polyethylene bags used to ship clothes and recycles them to save the environment.
Dov Charney Wages War to Stay on at American Apparel
In a filing on June 23 with the Securities & Exchange Commission, Dov Charney, the ousted American Apparel founder, president and chief executive, said he met with a group of shareholders last week who want him to continue running the company, and he will fight to stay on.
Amour Vert Opens First Store in San Francisco
Retail
Eco-apparel company debuts first-ever store in San Francisco.
New Licensing Partners Announced for Saban Brands’ Julius Jr. Character
Manufacturing
“Julius Jr.” is a new pre-school children’s TV series that debuted last September on Nick Jr., part of the Nickelodeon network. Saban Brands is signing agreements with a host of licensing partners this year and next to make tons of Julius Jr. products.
South Korean Thread Plant to Open in Costa Rica
Manufacturing
With an eye on taking advantage of the free-trade agreement between Central America and the United States, a large South Korean apparel and textile company is building a $50 million thread mill in Costa Rica.
Delays Mount in Retrieving Cargo at Port of LA
Import/Export
Truck drivers are waiting as long as five to six hours to pick up cargo at some terminals at the Port of Los Angeles.
Speedo Joins Forces With Red Cross
Swimwear
Speedo will be the official licensee of the American Red Cross in a certain category.
Suffering for Fashion Isn't New?
Vintage Fashion Trends
Bata Shoe Museum in Canada unveils one of the more interesting exhibits on fashion.
So What Is the Latest Denim Trend?
Denim World
Everyone seems to be rolling out the same fabric for a new look in denim.
Immediates and Final Fall Orders at LA Fashion Market
Trade Shows
Los Angeles Fashion Market was busier than expected for many showing at the California Market Center, The New Mart, the Cooper Design Space, the Gerry Building and the Lady Liberty Building, as well as exhibitors showing at Designers and Agents, Brand Assembly and Select.
How Retro-Style Clothing Formed a Multi-Million Company
Pinup Girl Clothing
Inside a sewing factory in South Central Los Angeles, mounds of colorful fabric are piled high as the buzz of sewing machines punctuates the air.
Apparel Leaders Defeat Dam Project in Patagonia
Environment
Patagonia wants Patagonia to remain free.
New Men’s Fast-Fashion Line Launches From LA
Jonny IV
From a clothing factory in South Los Angeles, Eugene Kang is putting the finishing touches on his new fast-fashion line for young men who want style but don’t have a lot of cash languishing in their wallets.
There's More Than One Way to Charge at Some OC Shopping Centers
Retail
Four Orange County shopping centers will install plug-in charging stations for electric cars.
Los Angeles Retail Rents Rise With the Economy
Finance
Start looking for that new store location now before rents go up even more, because the retail market is heating up.
Showroom Profile: Gallery 608
Showroom Profiles
For more than 10 years, Jane Mohr shot fashion photography for several well-known European fashion publications—Italian Vogue, British Brides, L’Officiel and Io Donna.
Columbia Sportswear Completes Acquisition of Prana Apparel
Manufacturing
For Prana, a Southern California company founded in 1993 as a yoga wear and climbing-apparel brand, the third time may prove to be the charm.
Showroom Dog
Canine Escapades
Rusty the Golden Retriever likes to hang out at his owner's showroom in the Gerry Building.
Columbia Sportswear Completes Acquisition of Prana Apparel
M&A
Oirtland, Oregon-based Columbia Sportswear completed its purchase of Carlsbad, California-based Prana on May 30.
Fast Means Cash for Central American Clothing Makers
Central American Sourcing
Quick turn has always been one advantage for Guatemala and the other Central American countries that make up the Dominican Republic–Central American Free Trade Agreement. But it is becoming more important than ever.
Casual Work Wear With a Flair
Dress for Success
Now you can bike to work and look professional by the time you get there.
Jeff Rudes Leaves J Brand for Next Venture
Denim Shift
An executive shuffle continues at J Brand with the blue jeans company’s founder, Jeff Rudes, leaving as the chief executive.
How Toms Shoes Influenced a Guatemalan Shirt Company
Manufacturing
Toms Shoes founder Blake Mycoskic inspires a Guatemalan shirt company to give back too.
Customs Scrutiny to Increase With Hundreds of New Employees
Import/Export
For years, U.S. customs officials have been playing a game of cat and mouse with apparel importers, trying to figure out who is undervaluing their goods to get out of paying higher duties.
Local Designers to Design Wizard of Oz Doll Costumes for Charity
LA and NY designers get together to create doll costumes based on "The Wizard of Oz.'
The Secret Formula to Find and Keep Online Customers
Technology
When the online shopping site Ruche started analyzing the buying habits of its customers, it found that 50 percent of the company’s revenues were coming from 25 percent of its return customers.
Shop & Dine
Trade Show
Now that the economy is moving forward, the number of new restaurants and clothing stores is starting to pop again. Here’s our take on some fun and interesting boutiques and restaurants to explore when you are out and about attending your favorite trade show.
New Website Highlights Made in USA
Technology
A new website features clothing made in the United States.
Vintage Fashion Expo in LA This Weekend
Vintage shopping
Dozens of vendors selling vintage apparel at the Los Angeles Convention Center this weekend.
Apparel Counterfeiters Banned from L.A. Fashion District and Fined $26 Million
Record Fine Imposed
Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer secured a permanent injunction barring two apparel and accessories merchants from the LA Fashion District, where they allegedly sold counterfeit items.
Southern California Man Sentenced for Importing Counterfeit Goods
Import/Export
Kevin Wang, a 54-year-old resident of Rosemead, Calif., was sentenced on May 8 to 31 months in federal prison for bringing in 11 containers filled with counterfeit apparel and other goods from China.
Leather Sandals Get the Made in California Look
Beach Wear
Footwear designer Ocean Minded in San Clemente takes its sandals to a local specialist to be made.
