Forever 21 Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection
Retail
Following much outside speculation over the last few months, Los Angeles–headquartered Forever 21 filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last weekend. On Sept. 29, documents were filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.
Intent on Empowering a Community, Cross Colours Crosses Over Into Iconic Status
Cross Colours at 30
Starting 30 years ago with an apparel-manufacturing idea that would reflect the culture of an often-underrepresented community, TJ Walker and Carl Jones launched Cross Colours, the Los Angeles–based brand that relied on colorful fabrics and designs inspired by young people. While the duo sought to build a brand with which young black youth could identify, they succeeded in creating a legacy that reached far beyond boundaries.
On a Mission Beyond Clothing Manufacturing, Bowie & Co. Brings New Life to L.A.
Garments for Good
For Bowie & Co. founder Taylor McKinnon, manufacturing domestic, high-end clothes to work toward social change is a personal mission. As someone who experienced great loss, including the passing of his beloved grandmother Brenda, which led to his homelessness, McKinnon experienced firsthand the challenges of recovering from living on the street.
Forever 21 Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection
LEGAL
Following much outside speculation over the last few months, Forever 21 has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. On Sept. 29, documents were filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.
MSYFAO Promotes An Important Message of Compassion and Caring
MANUFACTURING
Inspired by the unrealistic depictions of relationships found in reality television, San Diego-born Justin and Hunter Moreno launched Make Sure Your Friends Are Okay to promote the social good through compassion and care.
From Farm to Factory, Fibershed Pushes the Industry Toward Responsible Fiber Sourcing
Farm-to-factory Fiber
After nine years of promoting a local apparel supply chain, through which all sourcing is no farther than 150 miles from a project’s headquarters, Fibershed founder Rebecca Burgess has become devoted to showing clothing makers how to create a more-responsible product.
Industry Focus: Finance—How would you advise your apparel-industry clients to prepare for a potential recession?
Finance
Around the globe, trusted economic forecasters are predicting a slowdown over the next year, yet there is disparity regarding whether they feel a recession will occur. As previous spans of negative economic growth have shown, the most effective method of navigating through recessionary periods is to prepare in advance, expecting the worst while hoping for the best.
Salesforce Continues to Streamline Brand-Retail Relationships With New CRM
Retail
To streamline in-store merchandising and marketing, the San Francisco–based customer relationship–management technology company Salesforce introduced its Consumer Goods Cloud as a tool to help brands work more efficiently with retail partners. Salesforce worked on developing the solution to also incorporate Einstein AI.
Eco-friendly Zippers to Be Manufactured Stateside by YKK
Accessories
After five years of manufacturing its Natulon zippers from recycled materials, the Tokyo-based notions manufacturer YKK announced that it will bring production of these goods to the United States.
DuPont Sorona Makes a Sustainable-Apparel Connection With Farm-to-Table Food Sourcing
Sustainability
Through establishing parallels between the locally sourced, slow-food movement and the slowing down of apparel production from fast fashion, DuPont Sorona hosted an event on Sept. 11 to promote more-responsible approaches to fashion.
Spring Romance Takes a Dark Twist for Dalia MacPhee
The Dark Side
Daring to go darker for her Spring 2020 collection, Canadian-born, Los Angeles-based designer Dalia MacPhee recently unveiled her latest collection, which exudes notes of dark romance blended with a bit of fun.
Pantone Expands Its Library by Adding 294 Colors to Matching System
Textiles
Color authority Pantone, LLC, recently introduced 294 colors to its library, the first addition to its Pantone Matching System since 2016.
Trusting Her Own Voice, Heidi Merrick Steps Away From Wholesale in favor of D2C
Retail
Over the summer, Heidi Merrick began to lay the groundwork for her plan to move away from wholesale partnerships with retailers, forge stronger relationships with her customers and answer only to herself in matters of business.
Domestic Production Is Central to the TateJones Mission
Manufacturing
In September 2018, high school friends Shawn Harrison and Stacey Horton launched TateJones, a female-founded, Los Angeles–based luxury-basics brand made in the City of the Angels.
Record Cargo Numbers for August at Port of Los Angeles Could Foreshadow Trouble
Import/Export
After moving 861,081 20-foot equivalent units—or TEUs—the Port of Los Angeles reported this week that it has set a new single-month cargo record for the month of August.
The Bold and the Beautiful Shine Brightly During Art Hearts Fashion’s NYFW Shows
Art Hearts NYFW
During New York Fashion Week, the Erik Rosete–produced Art Hearts Fashion unveiled its shows Sept. 5–8 at the Angel Orensanz Foundation on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.
Marianna Hewitt and DL1961 Partner on Capsule Collection
FASHION
Los Angeles-based lifestyle blogger Marianna Hewitt has partnered with New York-headquartered DL1961 on a new capsule collection that promotes more-sustainable practices.
Jordache Unveils Venice Beach-inspired Spring 2020 Collection During NYFW
FASHION
As it celebrates its 40th anniversary, Jordache unveiled its Spring 2020 collection to kick off New York Fashion Week, adding Venice Beach, Calif.-inspired touches.
Ahead of Next Month’s LA Fashion Week, Moss Adams Announces 2019 MAFI Recipient
MAFI Made
For its 2019 MAFI award, Moss Adams chose Los Angeles–based designer Coral Castillo, whose formal designs with intricate details celebrate strength and femininity.
NorCal-based and Pacific Northwest Buyers Find Fill-ins and Spring 2020 at CALA SF
CALA SF
On the heels of its inaugural Las Vegas show, the CALA contemporary-apparel trade show hosted its San Francisco edition.
Vegan Fashion Week Returns to Los Angeles
Events
Returning to Los Angeles for its second installment, Vegan Fashion Week, the ethical-fashion runway and trade-show event, will be hosted Oct. 10–15.
Surf Expo Canceled as Organizers Prioritize Safety
Trade Shows
The Surf Expo water-sports and beach-lifestyle trade show that was scheduled to be held Sept. 5-7 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., has been canceled due to threats from Hurricane Dorian, which made landfall in the Bahamas on Sept. 1.
Juicy Couture Shop-in-Shops Showcase L.A. Heritage in South Korea
RETAIL
Juicy Couture has opened shop-in-shops in select South Korea department stores and will continue expanding its presence in the country throughout the rest of 2019.
Tariff Issues Cool, Concerns Remain
Import/Export
Following the United States Trade Organization’s confirmation this week that an additional duty of 5 percent on $300 billion in products from China—on top of an original figure of 10 percent—would be implemented starting Sept. 1, representatives from the Chinese and U.S. governments had started to cool on the heated situation.
The Materials Show and Première Vision Sport Bring Comprehensive Athletic Sourcing to the Pacific Northwest
Trade Shows
During its first collaborative run with newly launched Première Vision Sport, The Northwest Materials Show brought to Portland, Ore., expanded offerings in a region that many consider the outdoor-enthusiast capital of the United States.
Retail Veteran Jenny Ming Appointed to Poshmark Board of Directors
Poshmark’s New Member
Social-commerce platform Poshmark announced the appointment of Jenny Ming to its board of directors.
FIDM and the Television Academy Pay Homage to Costume Designers Ahead of Emmys
Award-worthy Costuming
A little over a month ahead of the 71st annual Emmy Awards, which will be held Sept. 22, the FIDM Museum & Galleries at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising hosted its unveiling of the 13th annual “Art of Television Costume Design” exhibition in partnership with the Television Academy.
BCBGMaxAzria’s Fall/Winter 2019 Campaign Relays Encouraging Message to “Be Your Own Muse”
Bon Chic
During the unveiling of its Fall/Winter 2019 campaign for its “Be Your Own Muse” initiative, Los Angeles-founded brand BCBGMaxAzria announced that it would continue to focus on women’s empowerment through self-expression.
Indulgent Surf-and-Swim Pieces Highlight Heidi Merrick’s Autumn/Winter 2019 Collection
Luxe Swim
Designing for a client who embraces the California lifestyle, Heidi Merrick created her Autumn/Winter 2019 collection to empower women who take care of business but also enjoy the simple pleasures of life such as the coastal beauty found in the region.
An Array of Options Brings in Buyers Ready to Shop at WWDMAGIC
Trade Shows
The big Informa Markets attraction during the August Las Vegas shows, WWDMAGIC saw buyers who wanted to see the latest trends.
Attracting Buyers to Project Womens With Unique Offerings and Timeless Pieces
Trade Shows
Boasting emerging and established women’s brands, Project Womens offered opportunities for buyers to find more-timeless pieces that afford options to customers to invest in them.
Buyers Look to Manufacturers to Uncover Accessories Trends at IFJAG
Trade Shows
Starting ahead of the Las Vegas trade-show pack, IFJAG—the International Fashion Jewelry & Accessories Group—hosted its event at the Embassy Suites Las Vegas Aug. 10–13.
Curve Brings in Brands That Offer Options for Buyers
Trade Shows
Hosted with its Informa Markets sibling shows at the Las Vegas Convention Center Aug. 12–14, Curve Las Vegas saw buyers who looked to exhibitors for inspiration regarding swimwear and lingerie for Holiday and Resort and into Spring 2020.
CALA Draws in Buyers and Brands With Las Vegas Debut in a Comfortable Atmosphere
Trade Shows
At the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, CALA Las Vegas made its debut with a show that ran Aug. 12–13.
Finding Partners Along the Supply-Chain at Sourcing at MAGIC
Trade Shows
As the major Las Vegas supply-chain show for apparel brands and designers, Sourcing at MAGIC ran at the Las Vegas Convention Center Aug. 11–14.
Stitch @ Project Womens Provides Unique Pieces for the Higher End Buyer
Trade Shows
As an addition to its parent show, the Stitch @ Project Womens event whittled down womenswear offerings into better women’s and luxury apparel during its Aug. 12–14 show at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Buyers Value Show Experiences in Las Vegas, See Brand and Show Debuts
Las Vegas Wrap
During Informa Markets’ Las Vegas shows, hosted Aug. 11–14, buyers shopped WWDMAGIC, Sourcing at MAGIC, Curve, Project, Project Womens, Stitch @ Project Womens, MAGIC Mens, The Tents and Pooltradeshow.
At FMNC, Attendees Enjoy Comfort and Get Excited About Spring
FMNC’s Spring Biz
Held Aug. 18–20 at the San Mateo County Event Center in San Mateo, Calif., Fashion Market Northern California saw buyers placing orders for Immediates, Holiday and into Spring 2020.
Tentree Unveils Wildfire Releaf Collection to Help California Heal From Wildfires
MANUFACTURING
Sustainable-apparel brand Tentree brought its reforestation mission to California to provide relief to the region following the devastation caused by years of destructive wildfires in the state.
Guess Sport to Launch With Nod to Company's Archived Designs
FASHION
Continuing to take notes from its 1990s styles, the Guess Jeans U.S.A. division of Los Angeles' Guess?, Inc., announced the launch of its Guess Sport capsule collection, which will debut Aug. 24.
Fashion Designer Dalia MacPhee Gives Back by Creating Blankets for Orphaned Elephants
MANUFACTURING
With a long list of celebrity clients and a knack for creating protective animal products, Los Angeles-based designer Dalia MacPhee launched a line of blankets to comfort and protect orphaned baby elephants.
In Its Annual Resale Report, The RealReal Reveals New Leaders and Generational Trends
Resale Gets Real
Tracking trends in luxury resale, this week San Francisco–headquartered reseller The RealReal released its 2019 Resale Report.
Gap Announces Renewable-Energy Partnership With New Sustainability Goals
Retail
In an effort to increase its commitment to adopting more-sustainable operating strategies, Gap Inc. announced that it has partnered with Enel Green Power North America, a segment of the Rome-based renewable-energy firm Enel Green Power.
Established Las Vegas Trade Shows on the Move, While a Newcomer Offers Alternative
Making Vegas Moves
After traveling to Las Vegas for the August 2019 trade shows, exhibitors, buyers and apparel-industry insiders discussed trends, while event producers announced major news regarding moving to new locations in 2020.
From Southern California to the Bay Area, Small Bricks-and-Mortar Retailers Succeed With Unique Offerings
After years of dominance by e-commerce led by enormous online giants, the boutique retail segment is seeing a return to a bricks-and-mortar demand from consumers.
Mongolia Third Neighbor Trade Act Could Diversify Cashmere Sourcing for U.S.
Manufacturing
Following the Trump administration’s declaration of raising tariffs by 10 percent on $300 billion of Chinese goods come Sept. 1—not including the $250 billion subjected to the existing 25 percent tariff—exports from China to the United States rose according to the General Administration of Customs earlier this week.
Providing Premium Service for All Contributes to Matti D’s Longevity in San Diego
Retail
After 19 years of bringing exclusive and premium products to the San Diego–area city of Del Mar, Calif., boutique owner Jax McIntosh remains committed to the mission upon which her store, Matti D, was founded.
Cultivating a Boutique Business in Pasadena, Calif., April Blooms Continues to Grow
Retail
From a young age, April Blooms owner April Hicks was interested in fashion, but her career path led her to become a hair stylist. Her Pasadena, Calif., salon Head Trip has been open for 26 years, yet when the space next door, became available in 2016 she welcomed the opportunity to open an apparel business where she now sells brands that include Adelyn Rae and Molly Bracken.
Swim Collective and Active Collective Attract Business-Focused Buyers
Trade Shows
During the summer trade-show circuit, this year’s Active Collective and Swim Collective sibling events drew buyers interested in fortifying business. Held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif., July 31–Aug. 1, the Emerald Expositions–produced show is growing.
Nathalia Gaviria Shows Camo Cool for Fall 2019
Futuristic Fall
For Nathalia Gaviria’s Fall 2019 collection, the Los Angeles designer created futuristic fashions inspired by the wild character of the city.
