WWIN Attracts an Array of Buyers From Bricks-and-Mortar to Social-Commerce Sites
Trade Shows
Hosted at the Rio Convention Center for its final show in the space, Womenswear In Nevada saw business from buyers who value personalized attention during its Feb. 3–6 run.
Finding a Wholesale Fix at Stitch
Trade Shows
As the sibling show to the larger women’s show, Stitch @ Project Womens afforded options in resort and contemporary lines.
Consumer Demand Is Queen at Project Womens
Trade Shows
At the Mandalay Bay Convention Center Feb. 5–7, Project Womens saw buyers searching for unique goods that would draw in their customers.
Bargains Attract Buyers to Offprice
Trade Shows
Providing options for discount buyers, the Feb. 3–6 edition of the Offprice show saw attendees from around the world at the Sands Expo Convention Center.
Kingpins Hong Kong 2020 Canceled Due to Coronavirus Outbreak
TRADE SHOWS
Denim-focused trade show Kingpins announced that it would cancel its Hong Kong 2020 edition, which was scheduled for May 13-14, amid coronavirus concerns.
American Contemporary Ballet Steps Into Glamour With "Astaire Dances III" Performances
EVENTS
For its latest performance, Los Angeles' American Contemporary Ballet revisits the glamour of jazz-infused choreography from Fred Astaire with costumes to complement the recreation of the magical movements.
Collaboration Between H&M and Ruth E. Carter Celebrates Costume Designer's Work
RETAIL
Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter and Swedish clothing brand H&M have partnered on a new collection of apparel that will launch Feb. 13.
Buyers Return to Las Vegas with Serious Intent, Vendors From China Sidelined by Virus
Las Vegas Shows
Trade-show season is in full swing, with exhibitors reporting good traffic and buyers taking their time but remaining optimistic. With a travel ban implemented on citizens coming to the United States from China due to the coronavirus outbreak, some shows experienced a fewer number of exhibitors from that country.
Small-Business App Introduced by OneWest Bank as Company Invests in Entrepreneurs
Technology
For regional Southern California financial institution OneWest Bank, small business has inspired great investment. The retail-bank division of Pasadena, Calif.’s CIT Bank, N.A., announced last week that it had launched a small-business mobile application.
FIDM Museum & Galleries Gala Honors ‘Art of Motion Picture Costume Design’
Events
Now in its 28th year, the annual preview of the “Art of Motion Picture Costume Design” at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising’s FIDM Museum & Galleries honored the work of designers from 30 films.
CALA S.F. Delivers Amid Full Trade-Show Calendar
Trade Shows
From its San Francisco home at the Fort Mason Center, the Bay Area edition of the CALA trade show enjoyed a strong showing from buyers and attendees during its Jan. 28–29 event.
Swim Collective and Active Collective Forecast Trends as Crossover Registration Grows
Trade Shows
At the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif., sibling shows Swim Collective and Active Collective held their biannual events Jan. 29–30 as focus on creating a lifestyle experience continues to distinguish successful retail businesses.
The Fabric Shows by DG Expo Showcase Textile Options at Lower Minimums
Trade Shows
Show producer DG Expo unveiled its latest edition of the New York Fabric Show Jan. 20–21 at The Metropolitan Pavilion located in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood.
Industry Focus: Finance: Entering 2020: A New Year for New Plans in the Apparel Industry
Finance
Following a great deal of uncertainty as the apparel industry approached the fourth quarter of 2019, businesses entered 2020 with cautious optimism. While the warnings of a recession had turned around, with forecasters revising their predictions for the new year and progress with trade deals including the finalization of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement, in addition to advancement toward an agreement with China, additional concerns remained.
Sourcing From Global Artists, Malena Ruth Empowers Others With Her Brand
Fashion
Global inspiration is at the heart of the Mozambique-born, Los Angeles–based designer Malena Ruth. Her eponymous brand has encountered an issue within fashion that she hopes will re-center the appropriation by Western designers into an appreciation for the communities from which they take their inspiration. Now, as she celebrates her 10-year anniversary, Ruth is sharing her story of giving back.
In New York, Apparel Sourcing USA and Texworld USA Break Records
Trade Shows
Following the New York editions of sibling shows Apparel Sourcing USA and Texworld USA, the Atlanta-based show producer Messe Frankfurt North America—a subsidiary of the Frankfurt, Germany–headquartered Messe Frankfurt—reported record attendance for its winter editions.
Etica Brings a Natural Approach to Ecologically Sound, Responsible Practices
Denim Eco-dream
Taking inspiration from nature, Ética shared how it created its Spring 2020 denim collection in true blue and new hues using responsible manufacturing as it adheres to ethical practices that promote a healthy environment.
New Faces at Z Supply as Company Is on the Move and Expanding Its Reach
Manufacturing
Known for its simple essentials in the womenswear category, Z Supply recently announced a number of changes as the company expands. The formerly Irvine, Calif.–headquartered brand recently moved into a new 25,000-square-foot office space in Costa Mesa, Calif. With this move, the company gains more than 5,000 additional square feet.
O2 to Enter the Trade-Show Space in March
Trade Shows
There is a new kid on the Los Angeles trade-show block as event producer O2 Show LLC announced the March 9–11 dates when it launches its show at the California Market Center in downtown Los Angeles. The event will focus on fashion, accessories, jewelry, beauty, wellness, gifts and home goods that are ethically made from sustainable sources.
With Canadian Roots, California Landscapes, Dalia MacPhee Honors Strong Women
Wonder Women
Fashion designer and innovator Dalia MacPhee celebrated strong, yet elegant, women through a collaboration with mountain-bike Olympian Emily Batty for a Spring 2020 campaign that was shot in California’s Lucerne Valley.
Luxury Resale Trends Reflected in The RealReal’s ‘2010s Retrospective’
Retail
Recently, Brisbane, Calif.–headquartered luxury resellerThe RealReal encouraged fashion enthusiasts to look back on secondhand trends from the last 10 years. Compiled from sales data and client-survey responses sourced since the company’s founding in 2011, the “2010s Retrospective” report provides insight regarding the power of resale on trends.
An Intimate Approach at Studio DK Affords Opportunities to Emerging Designers
Textiles
Reaching success as a designer in the apparel business can be a challenging task, particularly when faced with supply-chain partners that cannot accommodate the smaller business model that allows aspiring clothing makers to start.
A Successful Start at a New Space for Première Vision New York
Trade Show Report
Now in its 20th year, Première Vision New York began this milestone anniversary in a new space, moving from Manhattan’s Pier 94, located between 52nd and 53rd streets, to Center415 on Fifth Avenue, between 37th and 38th streets.
The RealReal Joins Amy Fine Collins to Celebrate the International Best Dressed List
EVENTS
Award-winning journalist and longtime Vanity Fair correspondent Amy Fine Collins recently joined Julie Wainwright, The RealReal founder and chief executive officer, for an intimate discussion on the writer's new book "The International Best Dressed List: The Official Story.”
Grammy Museum Unveils "Beyond Black—The Style Of Amy Winehouse"
EVENTS
Opening today, Jan. 17, the Grammy Museum's new exhibition, "Beyond Black—The Style Of Amy Winehouse," pays tribute to the six-time Grammy winner and style icon.
IFF Sues S.F. Over Fur Ban
News
Following the Jan. 1 implementation of San Francisco’s fur ban, the International Fur Federation announced its filing of a lawsuit against the city in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Citing what it calls the “unconstitutional restriction on interstate and foreign commerce,” the IFF maintains that banning the sale of fur could lead to legislation regulating other animal products.
Radda Golf Tees It Up to Change the Course of the Sport’s Lifestyle
Manufacturing
With less than a year under its belt, Radda Golf by Jason Fields and Ivan Dominguez is breaking into the performance-apparel segment while also disrupting the culture that surrounds the sport, which has traditionally been reserved for the wealthy.
Northern Spain’s Steely Structures Inspire Halston’s Pre-Spring 2020
Natural Attraction
The innate elegance of the Halstonette, with inspiration rooted in the modern majesty of Northern Spain, defines Halston’s pre-Spring 2020 collection, which translates modern details of the city’s artistic sites into updated formalwear.
Robert Rodriguez Named New Chief Creative Officer at Halston
MANUFACTURING
Fashion veteran Robert Rodriguez was recently named the new chief creative officer for Halston, the brand announced earlier this year. Taking over for Marie Mazelis, the former chief creative officer/creative director, Rodriguez brings with him a career defined by work with some of the most venerable fashion houses.
Jewelry Retailer Robbins Brothers Announces New CEO
Manufacturing
Following the departure of Robbins Brothers’ president and chief executive officer Andy Heyneman, who had been with the company—also known as “The Engagement Ring Store”—for 14 years, the Los Angeles jewelry brand’s board of directors announced the appointment of Marc Friedant to the CEO role. For the past 18 months, Friedant has served as president and chief financial officer.
Gap Inc.’s 180-Degree Shift Sees Departure of Neil Fiske
Retail
San Francisco’s Gap Inc. released a filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission that revealed it will no longer see a split from Old Navy. With this announcement, the company also revealed that Neil Fiske, president and chief executive officer of the Gap brand division, would vacate his role.
Quality Is Valued Over Quantity During L.A. Market Week
L.A. Market Week
During the Jan. 12–16 edition of L.A. Market Week, buyers visited downtown Los Angeles’ Fashion District to find Summer 2020 goods with a few searching for Fall.
Slow-Fashion Approach Supports Sustainable Evolution at Allen Schwartz
Manufacturing
Following the 2017 transition of his company from ABS by Allen Schwartz into a simpler, eponymous Allen Schwartz brand, the company’s founder continued to focus on remaining true to a core mission of improving fashion by making better garments. This included trusting the design leadership of Bianca Bernal, the company’s creative director and designer, who has worked with the company since 2012.
The Heart of Istanbul Inspires the Core Elements of Tadashi Shoji PF20
Turkish Artistry
In his pre-Fall 2020 collection, Tadashi Shoji blended Byzantine and Ottoman inspirations to create garments that draw from the artistic craftwork found in Istanbul’s wondrous historic sites.
Artistic Milliners Cuts Its Cloth Through Female Empowerment
Manufacturing
With an expansive global reach, Karachi, Pakistan–based Artistic Milliners has maintained partnerships with major denim brands. The company’s vertical operation includes sourcing cotton from Balochi, Pakistan–based organic farms, coupled with denim-mill operations and jeans construction in Karachi.
Oeko-Tex Begins 2020 With Updated Certification Guidelines
Manufacturing
Sustainable-product certification firm Oeko-Tex is implementing new regulations for its certifications in 2020 in addition to test criteria and limit values. As the apparel industry continues to navigate through methods of cleaning up its supply-chain practices to yield a more-sustainable approach to creating clothing, these recently introduced standards will become increasingly important.
A New Furniture Line Offers a Glimpse Into Nicholas Mayfield's Next Fashion Collection
FASHION
Fashion designer Nicholas Mayfield has created a furniture collection that pays homage to his family's hard work and looks toward his future.
Artskul to Make Golden Globes Debut
EVENTS
Recently launched luxury-scarf brand Artskul will make its Golden Globes debut at the luxury-lounge event that precedes the Jan. 5 ceremony.
Connection to California Inspires L.A.-Made Beach Bum Bikinis
L.A.-made Beach Bums
After breaking through the traditional water-wear calendar of the past, the swim category now enjoys business year-round, meaning designers and buyers must remain ahead of style and textile trends.
November Trade Deficit Figures Decrease by 5.4 Percent to Lowest Number Since 2017
Import/Export
This week, the United States Census Bureau released its “Advance Economic Indicators Report,” which showed a decrease in the international trade deficit. Numbers for international trade in goods recorded in October 2019 stood at $66.8 billion, while advanced figures fell to $63.2 billion in November, a drop of 5.4 percent.
Fabletics and Kelly Rowland Release Limited-edition Collection
FASHION
Active-lifestyle brand Fabletics has partnered with Kelly Rowland on a limited-edition Winter 2020 collection, marking the singer and actor's third collaboration with the company.
The North Face and Supreme Collaborate on New Collection
MANUFACTURING
Outdoor-exploration outfitter The North Face has again teamed up with streetwear brand Supreme for a new Winter 2019 collection.
New California Laws in 2020: From Employment-Status Changes to Family Leave
New Workplace Laws
A new year means new California workplace laws in which employers must become well versed. For 2020, Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed into law a number of bills that protect workers’ rights and, also, redefine the role of employees.
Washed Ashore Reaches Sustainable Goals
Eco-luxurious Jewels
After four years of working to build the most sustainable jewelry brand possible, Washed Ashore founder Larada Lamsam achieved her most important goal for the luxury-jewelry line. Launched in 2015, the Los Angeles–based company experienced a rebrand in May as Lamsam celebrated her accomplishment.
Park Hotels & Resorts Completes Sale of Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles
News
The Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles has officially been sold to an undisclosed buyer, according to an announcement made by Tysons, Va.–headquartered lodging real-estate investment trust Park Hotels & Resorts Inc.
Good American Adopts Klarna Technology
Technology
Buy-now, pay-later technology company Klarna announced that it has partnered with Los Angeles brand Good American. The trend-driven clothing brand was founded in 2016 by Emma Grede and Khloé Kardashian with a focus on denim and a range of sizes to suit women who wear 00–24.
Runway Heels Debuts in Pop-up Retail Space
Retail
Convertible-footwear brand Runway Heels recently expanded into retail through a pop-up shop model at Westfield Century City. The Studio City, Calif., brand was founded by Melody Avecilla in 2015.
Beverly Center Welcomes The Lost Warhols
EVENTS
Celebrating the grand opening of its new pop-up space on Dec. 16, The Lost Warhols Museum welcomed guests to the Beverly Center to experience Karen Bystedt's work inspired by and based upon the life and art of late 20th-century artist Andy Warhol.
Sustainable Sourcing for Luxurious Accessories Is Key for BaYou with Love
Low-impact Love
After nearly three years following the 2017 launch of BaYou with Love, Nikki Reed has been busy expanding her sustainable-goods marketplace, which relies on a mission to promote ethically sourced, eco-friendly and locally made products.
