SwimShow Partners With NuOrder for 2021 Virtual Trade Show
Virtual Trade Events
With trade-show planning underway for 2021 across the apparel industry, Miami’s Swimwear Association of Florida announced that its SwimShow is working with the Los Angeles wholesale e-commerce platform NuOrder to launch a virtual edition of the swimwear event, which is typically produced in July.
Heritage Nike Styles Receive 3M-Technology Scotchlite and Thinsulate Treatment
MANUFACTURING
Following a chance meeting during Milan Design Week in 2019, athletic brand Nike was impressed with 3M's artistic capabilities that it is able to blend with product practicality.
Informa Markets Fashion Heads Into 2021 With Hybrid On-site/Digital Schedule
MAGIC in 2021
On Dec. 3, Informa Markets Fashion announced its 2021 schedule of digital events and on-location expositions.
ATS Post-Election Summit Affords Connections and Conversation on Future of Apparel
Trade Shows
Moving forward with its latest virtual event, Apparel Textile Sourcing hosted its Post-Election Summit and Sourcing Show to connect buyers, sellers, brands, manufacturers, retailers and factories to discuss the future of the industry in a post-election, post-COVID-19 world. Over the course of five days, Nov. 16–20, ATS connected professionals within the industry through buyer-and-seller matchmaking and interactive booths that enabled attendees to shop ready-to-order apparel, textiles and accessories.
In Eco Category, Aura7 Activewear Is Focused on Sustainability, Local Manufacturing
Eco-Active Energy
Approaching her new eco-activewear line Aura7 Activewear in the same manner as she lives her life, Franciska Bray-Mezey believes that performing good works will yield positive results. As an Orange County, Calif., yoga instructor and lifelong enthusiast of the discipline who has served the local community for 10 years, she began offering complimentary classes online to help her clients cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. After launching Aura7 Activewear in Orange County, Calif., in August, Bray-Mezey remains optimistic for the brand.
Industry Focus: Technology—How Apparel-Technology Companies Could Reset the COVID-19 ‘Time Machine’
Technology
As consumers adapted to a new way of life with most of their shopping conducted through e-commerce, businesses that viewed this method of selling as uncharted territory learned quickly in order to survive. With almost nine months of COVID-19 under its belt, the apparel industry is rebooting, and, while the most-basic technologies have kept businesses relevant during this time, they will again have to adopt advanced methods of creating and selling apparel to remain agile, reduce waste and accommodate a changed, post-pandemic consumer.
CFMB Criterion From Textile Exchange Outlines Environmental Impact
Textiles
The sustainable-fiber-and-materials-sourcing nonprofit Textile Exchange announced Dec. 2 that it is introducing a new criterion to its Corporate Fibers & Materials Benchmark that will afford greater insight regarding the impact on biodiversity caused by apparel companies.
‘Discover the SDGs’ Virtual Event to Support Decade of Action
SUSTAINABILITY
Showing its support for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Conscious Fashion Campaign launched its virtual event and exhibition “Discover the Sustainable Development Goals—To Power the Decade of Action” on Dec. 1. The event will run until Dec. 30.
Coterie Names Courtney Bradarich VP of Events
TRADE EVENTS
The contemporary womenswear trade show Coterie announced the appointment of Courtney Bradarich as its new vice president of events. Coterie is part of the Informa Markets Fashion portfolio.
Nicholas Mayfield Introduces E-commerce, as Second Coachella Collaboration Launches
FASHION
Prior to the most-important shopping season of the year, designer Nicholas Mayfield announced his entrance into e-commerce with a new website and a fresh Coachella collaboration celebrating the festival's 20-year anniversary.
For the Holiday Shopping Season, eBay Invests in Small Businesses With Grants
RETAIL
As part of its Up & Running small-business-accelerator initiative, eBay announced the launch of its Up & Running Grants program to provide aid that will help sellers from the holiday selling season into 2021.
With Its Latest SustainaSole Collection, Sanuk Unveils Its Eco-friendliest Shoe Yet
Sanuk’s Eco-footwear
Founded on “good vibes” and promoting a mission of environmental responsibility, the Goleta, Calif., footwear brand Sanuk recently unveiled its second SustainaSole Collection of shoes for men and women.
High Traffic and Expanded Reach Mark Success for Informa Markets Fashion Digital
Trade Shows
Launched with the wholesale e-commerce platform NuOrder on Sept. 1, Informa Markets Fashion’s digital trade event established itself as a channel integral to the apparel industry’s success.
Wrangler and Adult Swim Join Forces on 'Rick and Morty' Apparel
MANUFACTURING
Denim brand Wrangler and animated adult television-programming network Adult Swim recently entered into a collaboration paying homage to the "Rick and Morty" series.
Trina Turk Reflects on 25 Vibrant Years of Design, Remains Optimistic
Trina Turk at 25
As 2020 comes to a close, Trina Turk reflects on her brand’s 25 years, discusses her new book, reveals her source of inspiration and shares her Spring 2021 collection.
What lessons have you learned through producing virtual trade events?
Trade Show 2021
After months of developing methods to bring the industry together during the COVID-19 pandemic, many apparel-trade-show producers invested in digital-platform virtual shows, while others waited to safely produce onsite events.
Moving Toward Greener Freight and Logistics, Flexport Seeks to Offset Carbon
Freight and Logistics
For technology-focused freight forwarder Flexport, creating a more streamlined approach to global trade has been the company’s goal since the introduction of its cloud software and data-analytics platform in 2013.
Trinidad3 Drops Holiday 2020 Collection on Veterans Day
Trinidad3 Holiday 2020
As a military veteran–led brand that manufactures its goods in the United States, the Los Angeles–based denim label Trinidad3 has established itself as a source of pride in the industry and throughout the country.
Social-Shopping Tools From Verishop Blend Social Media and E-Commerce Features
TECHNOLOGY
The social-shopping platform Verishop announced new features for its iOS application Nov. 9. The platform allows users to tag products, create and upload content to share on their own collection boards, as well as follow fellow users and brands.
PacSun Enters Activewear Category
ACTIVEWEAR
PacSun Active has entered the market as retailer Pacific Sunwear of California's effort to expand into fresh categories that promote wellness, inclusivity and an active lifestyle.
Calzedonia Group Expands West in U.S.
RETAIL
During its expansion throughout the western United States, Italy’s Calzedonia Group recently opened storefronts shared with its Intimissimi brand.
3D-Focused Discussions Deliver Optimism and Education at PI Apparel EU
Trade Shows
As the apparel trade-show industry continues to incorporate virtual experiences into major events and smaller productions, many of the major players in this arena have returned to the calendar in some capacity.
As Golf Interest Booms, Kinona Welcomes Women to the Green
Style on the Green
As golf enjoys a skyrocket in popularity due to its outdoor, socially distanced structure, for its Fall 2020 campaign Kinona welcomed new players and remained authentic to the seasoned athletes who seek a female presence in the sport by featuring real golfers, such as Cindy Lohman, pictured above.
Transformers Foundation Releases Report That Reveals Supplier Challenges
Manufacturing
Established early in 2020, the Transformers Foundation was launched by Kingpins founder Andrew Olah of Olah Inc. to support denim supply-chain professionals by affording them opportunities to engage in discussions of creating more-responsible manufacturing.
Retail-as-a-Service Business Re:store Acquired by b8ta
Technology
Expanding its retail-as-a-service reach into a heavier fashion presence, San Francisco–headquartered b8ta announced its acquisition of Re:store.
Aetrex Unveils Albert 2 3D Foot-Scanning Technology
TECHNOLOGY
New 3D-scanning technology introduced Oct. 26 by Teaneck, N.J., footwear-solutions company Aetrex Worldwide, Inc., has led to the launch of the brand’s Albert 2 scanner. Features including 3D measurements, pressure gauge, FitHQ software, and a voice-activated learning center affords greater profitability for retailers, in addition to aiding in the cultivation of customer loyalty.
VFW Launches Vegan Fashion Library With a Showroom in DTLA
FASHION
As the Spring 2021 fashion weeks around the world were produced using limited-capacity and outdoor runway shows, filmed presentations, and virtual garment showcases using digital models, Vegan Fashion Week founder and producer Emmanuelle Rienda bypassed the production of an October event. Instead, Rienda prepared to unveil her next new venture to promote vegan work within the fashion industry.
FIDM Fashion-Design Co-Chairs Introduce 'Vote! It's in Fashion' Campaign
FASHION
As the 2020 election season entered its final two weeks, the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising saw its fashion-design co-chairs develop a campaign that is aimed at encouraging students to vote.
H&M Releases Denim Collection to Promote Circularity
Sustainability
Aligning its denim production with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Make Fashion Circular initiative, H&M launched its H&M Jeans Redesign men's denim collection on Oct. 15.
Em:body Works With the Human Body to Achieve Fitness Goals
Manufacturing
“Almost every single one of them either said something about their lower stomach, bloating or water weight, or it was about looking good naked,” Vollarth said. “There are waist trainers and waist belts, but they tried them and didn’t like the way they looked or they just felt too bulky.”
Bolt Threads Makes Big Partnership Announcement
Textiles
Weeks of teaser posts appeared on the Instagram account for Bolt Threads, the biotechnology materials company founded in 2009, prior to the company’s big announcement on Oct. 2 that it would be joining forces with a few enormous brands to form The Mylo Consortium.
In Its New L.A. Site, the Rudholm Group Leads a Sustainable-Label Shift
Notions
By the end of 2019, the Rudholm Group had added a Los Angeles–based printing operation to its list of centers around the globe. The Sweden-headquartered manufacturer of notions, labels and packaging set its sights on Los Angeles as part of a United States expansion plan that began four years ago with the opening of its New York City development-and-sales office.
Onsite and Online, L.A. Market Week’s Hybrid Model Sees Success
L.A. Market Week
Buyers descended on downtown Los Angeles’ fashion district in person and virtually Oct. 12–14 for L.A. Market Week.
NMOE Enters GV Black x Coachella Partnership
FASHION
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Goldenvoice Black are supporting the Black community through a GV Black x Coachella partnership that includes showcasing the Black Lives Matter–inspired fashion designs of creatives including Nicholas Mayfield, whose work is being presented under the branding Nicholas Mayfield Over Everything.
Intimates Brand Ruby Ribbon Welcomes Two New Hires
MANUFACTURING
The intimates-and-athleisure brand Ruby Ribbon has announced the hiring of two executives to its Burlingame, Calif., company.
Marcela Martin Appointed as Squarespace Chief Financial Officer
TECHNOLOGY
The brand-building platform Squarespace has announced that Marcela Martin will join the company as chief financial officer on Nov. 1.
eBay Expands Its Resale Authenticity Guarantee to Include Sneakers Priced Over $100
TECHNOLOGY
On the heels of its Authenticity Guarantee for timepieces, which launched in September, eBay announced the expansion of the program to include coveted preowned sneakers.
Venmo Releases Credit Card
TECHNOLOGY
The PayPal-owned mobile-payment service Venmo announced the release of its new credit card, which is issued by Synchrony Bank and powered by Visa.
The RealReal and Gucci Partner to Observe National Consignment Day
FASHION
As part of its sustainable effort to contribute to the circular luxury-fashion supply chain, The RealReal and Gucci have partnered to launch an online shop on National Consignment Day.
Curve Connect Launches to Afford a Virtual Home to the Intimates Community
Intimate Connections
Establishing a virtual space for the lingerie and intimate-apparel category, events producer Comexposium Group USA launched its Curve Connect event through a partnership with event-software provider Grip for an online trade exposition that was held Sept. 13–25.
Boyish Jeans Celebrates the Century-Long Evolution of the ‘Boyish Look’
Boyish Beginnings
Within its Fall 2020 Guardians of Nature collection, Boyish Jeans maintained its ecologically sound fashion focus while paying homage to the women who offered protection in the name of love as they started a fashion revolution toward the boyish look that began to take shape a century ago.
Lenzing Announces Tencel Carbon Zero During Climate Week NYC
Textiles
Expanding on its commitment to cultivating a responsible supply chain within the apparel industry, Lenzing announced during Climate Week NYC that in September it launched carbon-zero Tencel fibers.
Nordstrom Partners With HSUS and Bans Fur and Exotic-Animal Skins
RETAIL
In a Sept. 29 announcement, Seattle luxury department-store retailer Nordstrom revealed that it would halt the sale of animal-fur and exotic-animal skin products by the end of 2021.
Ahead of Prime Day, Amazon Launches Climate Pledge Friendly for Sustainable Shopping
TECHNOLOGY
While Amazon’s announcement that Prime Day would be held Oct. 13-14 occupied a lot of media buzz after the dates were revealed on Sept. 28, another bit of news from the Seattle-based company also made headlines.
Transformation by Gerber Technology Provides Guidance for post-COVID-19 Business
TECHNOLOGY
In order to support manufacturers, designers and retailers as they navigate a new business world in a post-COVID-19 environment, Gerber Technology announced the launch of its Transformation Initiative.
To Cultivate Peace and Justice, Beverly Center Partners With Paint The City Peaceful
EVENTS
As part of an effort to unite the community, the Beverly Center in Los Angeles partnered with grassroots organization Paint the City Peaceful to create an art gallery on the retail destination's 27-foot-tall windows.
H&M Votes x Blanks Artist Features L.A.'s Reality To Idea by Joshua Vides
FASHION
Launching Sept. 22, H&M Votes x Blanks Artist collaboration celebrates National Voter Registration Day by featuring a collection of apparel designed by artists from the United States, including Los Angeles' Reality To Idea by Joshua Vides.
From Fashion to Fasteners, Responsible Offerings in Apparel Expand
Manufacturing
Steps toward creating a more-responsible fashion industry are being taken from all segments of the supply chain to clean up one of the most-pollutive industries on the planet and satisfy the demand of consumers.
NYFW Supports Designers Through a Next-Gen Showcase
A New NYFW
For the September 2020 edition of New York Fashion Week, Tadashi Shoji invited viewers into a filmed showcase of his Spring/Summer 2021 collection that was set in a fantastic tropical forestland as models appeared in finely detailed pieces from the designer.
Recent Innovations in Fiber Composition and Dyeing Serve Ecological Purposes
Textiles
Recently, manufacturers of materials made from and processes used to treat fibers that are used in outdoor, active and athleisure apparel have made advancements that allow consumers to feel more confident that their purchasing decisions will look good and also contribute to a healthier earth and potentially reduce threats to the environment.
