Serious Buyers Head to L.A. Market, Order Comfort and Easy Clothing
TRADE SHOWS
With trade-show calendars stunted and events canceled during the second quarter of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, apparel-business owners had time to strategize before L.A. Market Week, which ran June 14–18 in the Los Angeles Fashion District.
SwimShow to Launch Digital Edition
TRADE SHOWS
After announcing in May that its July edition of the annual SwimShow would not take place in Miami, due to the threat from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Swimwear Association of Florida has announced the swim-surf event brand would go digital.
Sourcing at MAGIC and Footwear Sourcing to Launch Digital Trade Event
TRADE SHOWS
With the trade-show model shifting, Informa Markets Fashion announced on June 22 the launch of a new concept in sourcing-and-supply chain trade events to complement its existing onsite show Sourcing at MAGIC.
The Digital Material Show to Launch in July
TRADE SHOWS
Following the cancellation of its NW Materials Show and NE Materials Show, American Events Inc. has partnered with Première Vision Sport and Material Exchange to develop The Digital Material Show.
GUESS? Incorporates Colores with J Balvin Collaboration
MANUFACTURING
Complementing the March 19 release of J Balvin's album "Colores," Guess recently unveiled its Guess x J Balvin Colores collection.
Geoff Duran Updates Men's Luxury Shirting with M5K Tailored Sport Shirt All-White Series II
FASHION
Blending inspiration from classic luxury-menswear design and hip-hop, Geoff Duran founder Geoffrey D. Starks released his new collection of the M5K Sport Shirt All-White Series II to introduce new takes on the tailored shirt.
Summer 2020 Swim Collective and Active Collective Events Canceled
TRADE SHOWS
In an email sent during the afternoon of June 15, Emerald Expositions' Collective Shows group announced that the Southern California and New York summer editions of its Swim Collective and Active Collective events had been canceled.
LRG Launches Collaboration with The Future Kingz
MANUFACTURING
As a tribute to entertainers The Future Kings, Lifted Research Group released a streetwear-inspired collection that celebrates the group's work.
ADNAS Commits to Developing Authentication for PPE
Technology
To combat counterfeiting in the apparel industry—most notably within the luxury-goods segment—Applied DNA Sciences has been known for its technology that uses DNA-specific markers to identify authentic goods.
Within a Shelter-in-Place Environment, Otis Students Complete Mentorship Program
With Design Honors
The future looks bright for Otis College of Art and Design graduating seniors who unveiled works from their mentorship experiences as they make the grade with a new vision.
MII Launch Affords a Central Unifier for Greener Materials Development, Sourcing
Sustainability
Transitioning into a mainstream rather than a specialty segment, ecologically sound approaches to apparel manufacturing can be found in brands that claim full sustainability and others that launch capsule collections based in greener practices. With each of these important steps toward manufacturing clothing that leads toward a healthier planet, advancements in producing materials that contribute to a sustainable supply chain are crucial.
FWSD Announces Virtual “Art and Beauty Behind Fashion” with Sotheby's and ARC
FASHION
As part of its virtual approach to fashion exhibition, Fashion Week San Diego officially announced that it will host “Art and Beauty Behind Fashion” in July through a partnership with Sotheby's and the Art Renewal Center.
Nina Fuhrman Named Chief Merchant for JustFab and ShoeDazzle
MANUFACTURING
TechStyle Fashion Group announced the appointment of Nina Fuhrman to Chief Merchant of its digital membership-based brands JustFab and ShoeDazzle.
Diplomacy to Donate All Proceeds From SS20 Peaceful Protest Capsule to The Bail Project
MANUFACTURING
Expanding its commitment to social causes, Diplomacy Worldwide announced that 100 percent of proceeds from its SS20 Peaceful Protest capsule collection will be donated to The Bail Project.
Yarn Movement and Nicholas Mayfield Collaborate to Empower Girls
FASHION
Blending their distinctive fashion backgrounds, designer Nicholas Mayfield and Yarn Movement founder Shantelle Brumfield, who designs under the name S. Ladybug, dig back into their own childhoods to release a collection of T-shirts and beanies that afford the comfort of grandma's house, while sending a strong message that leads girls to succeed.
Happy Socks x The Phluid Project Launch Pride Collection
MANUFACTURING
Through their second-annual Pride Month collaboration, Happy Socks and The Phluid Project are celebrating and fighting for LGBTQIA rights.
Fidelity Denim Founder Develops a Jean for the Modern American
Mission-minded Denim
Denim maker Jason Trotzuk sought to create a product that would reflect the voice of a new generation of customer that he had not yet reached. Through examining the issues that concern his new audience, he has focused on creating a better denim brand for those who embody the Modern American.
U.S. Apparel Industry Relies on Collaborative Efforts to Remain Competitive
Making it in America
The movement to support domestic manufacturing in the United States was growing prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 at a slow yet steady pace. With supply chains disrupted and early shortages of personal protective equipment, apparel makers were faced with difficult decisions. One option was to become essential businesses by making the supplies necessary for essential workers and, eventually, the public.
HBO Max Launch Includes Underground Ballroom Competition ‘Legendary’
FASHION
Along with the launch of its HBO Max streaming bundle, Warner Media Group also unveiled television program “Legendary,” a reality competition based on the fantastic world of underground ballroom culture.
GabiFresh Launches New Collection with Swimsuits for All
SWIM/SURF
For Summer 2020, designer and fashion blogger Gabi Gregg—also known as GabiFresh—teamed up with Swimsuits For All on a new collection that celebrates Gregg's style evolution.
Dallas Market Center Announces New Dates for Men’s Market
TRADE SHOWS
Following the announcement earlier this month that its June Apparel & Accessories Market would be hosted June 23–26, the Dallas Market Center revealed today that its Men’s Market would be held Aug. 14–17.
Pol’ Atteu Shifts from Glamorous Gown Design to Mask Donations Benefiting Homeless
FASHION
After non-essential businesses closed in Los Angeles due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Beverly Hills couture designer Pol’ Atteu and his partner, Patrik Simpson, have shifted from selling out of the designer's boutique to make masks from their home, but also contribute to the community by protecting the homeless population.
Informa Markets Fashion Postpones August Trade Shows, Announces Provisional Fall Dates
TRADE SHOWS
Apparel-industry trade-show organizer Informa Markets Fashion announced that it would postpone the August edition of its biannual Las Vegas events.
BDC Launches COVID-19 Crisis Response Fund to Aid Underrepresented Designers
FASHION
Founded to cultivate design talent in the industry by elevating black designers and apparel makers, the Black Design Collective announced last week the launch of its COVID-19 Crisis Response Fund.
July Edition of Miami’s SwimShow Canceled
TRADE SHOWS
Amid the planning of cities and states reopening for business across the United States, only plans for interaction on a small scale, such as curbside pickup at retailers, crowd-size control and socially distanced dining, have been considered during this stage of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Venturing Into the Virtual-Trade-Show Space
Trade Shows
Since the onset of the COVID-19 shutdowns, much of the globe’s businesses deemed nonessential have strategized to conduct meetings, engage in commerce and reach consumers in ways executives could never have imagined. While trade shows across industries have increased their digital platforms over the last few years to ease attendee navigation of event layouts and facilitate meetings between exhibitors and visitors, new event strategies have led the apparel segment to go virtual.
Are digital trade-show tools and virtual events here to stay?
Trade Shows
Since late last year, COVID-19 has been causing widespread turmoil around the globe. As many apparel companies attempt to keep their clients and customers safe—while trying to remain in business—they are looking to their trusted partners for new paths to buying and selling.
Stevi Goetz Leaves a Legacy of Elegance, Kindness in the Apparel Industry
Trade Shows
Known for her genuine, welcoming personality, apparel-industry veteran Stevi Goetz passed away April 28 at the age of 83. Following the escalation of a long illness, Goetz left the world peacefully surrounded by family at her home in Los Angeles’ Century City neighborhood.
RCGD Returns to Its Roots With Sustainable-Design Competition
FASHION
While the Suzy Amis Cameron-founded Red Carpet Green Dress has been committed to supporting responsible garment design at the luxury level since its launch in 2009, there has been an important part missing from its mission for the last four years.
‘Ethical Fashion Talks’ Launches to Maintain Momentum of Vegan Fashion Week
FASHION
After postponing her April edition of Vegan Fashion Week that was planned for Los Angeles, founder and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuelle Rienda brainstormed regarding how she could spread a message of cruelty-free fashion, as stay-at-home orders in the city continued to be extended due to COVID-19.
Simon G. Jewelry Adopts DTC Offering to Benefit Retailers
RETAIL
As bricks-and-mortar retailers continue to struggle due to social distancing and stay-at-home orders that are keeping consumers out of stores, other fashion-industry players are examining methods to help these retail partners.
ATS Announces Addition of Apparel Textile Sourcing Virtual to Trade-Show Calendar
TRADE SHOWS
As part of its 2020 trade-show calendar, Apparel Textile Sourcing Trade Shows announced a new offering with its Apparel Textile Sourcing Virtual edition.
School Project Becomes COVID-19 Memorial Mission for 13-year-old Student
EVENTS
Taking inspiration from the AIDS Memorial Quilt, 13-year-old Madeleine Fugate of Studio City, Calif., is determined to remember those who have passed away due to COVID-19 by creating a quilt that honors victims of the coronavirus.
Childhood Dreams Lead Merlin Castell to Remain Ahead of Fashion Curve
FASHION
Before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down designers' studios and fashion weeks, Merlin Castell unveiled his latest collection in New York during February's Art Hearts Fashion. His work included fantastic elements, which are now common staples for living stylishly, yet safely.
Mindfulness is at the Center of Onzie's Mask Mission
MANUFACTURING
Through its Mindful Masks initiative, Los Angeles-made fitness-clothing brand Onzie is creating non-medical, reusable face masks for adults and children, while donating proceeds to benefit healthcare workers in the United States.
First Matching Mother-Daughter Active Capsule Released by Fabletics
MANUFACTURING
Ahead of Mother's Day, Fabletics unveiled its first coordinating mother-daughter activewear collection, which was built on the theme that "girls can do anything."
Fashinnovation’s Virtual Event Cultivates Mindfulness in the Garment Industry
Trade Shows
Launched April 20–21, during the first days of Fashion Revolution Week, Fashinnovation’s Worldwide Talks 2020 was held in a virtual forum covering themes including sustainability, social impact, entrepreneurship, business and, of course, innovation.
Kingpins24 Launches as Virtual Complement to Kingpins Brand
Trade Shows
After producing a reported 88 shows together in 10 cities including New York, Amsterdam and Hong Kong, Kingpins founder Andrew Olah and the show’s managing director, Vivian Wang, introduced the brand’s first Zoom-hosted digital event April 22–23.
Amy Winehouse Anniversary of "Back to Black" Release Observed by Grammy Museum
EVENTS
Downtown Los Angeles' Grammy Museum is observing the 13th anniversary of the release of Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black" album with an Instagram live event beginning April 30 and continuing with the virtual unveiling of organization's "Beyond Black — The Style Of Amy Winehouse" exhibition on May 1.
Fashioning Beauty for the Frontline, Kevan Hall and Malena Ruth Find a New Mission
A Beautiful Defense
For Malena Ruth, working with fellow Los Angeles designer Kevan Hall is part of her design evolution. While Ruth counts Hall among the mentors who have helped forge her path, the two luxury designers have come together on one of their most-important collaborative projects.
Shop by Shopify Launches Consumer App
RETAIL
After 14 years of growing its e-commerce platform to include more than 1 million businesses, Shopify is expanding to include a consumer-facing component.
Minimalist Costuming Brings Life to HJFilmworld's "Synthetic Souls"
COSTUME DESIGN
A story line centered on the potential capabilities for the artificial intelligence of advanced cybernetic organisms challenges HJFilmworld to capture the creation of human-like machines along with their development into individuals that are self-aware.
Skechers Prioritizes Welfare for Shelter Animals During COVID-19 Pandemic
MANUFACTURING
The increased number of employees working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a pleasantly surprising trend—a rise in pet adoptions and fosters.
A Tree-Planting Initiative Grows at Robbins Brothers
RETAIL
On the eve of Earth Day 2020, jeweler Robbins Brothers is providing eco-friendly gem options through its lab-grown E3 diamonds and a tree-planting partnership with the National Forest Foundation.
Taylor Stitch and Botanical Colors Join Forces for an Earth Day Collection
Earth Day Dyes
While the argument can be made that each day offers opportunities for making new choices to promote environmental responsibility, on April 22, Earth Day will bring the health of the planet center stage.
BioCellection Helps Close Loop on Plastics Pollution by Creating New Materials
Technology
Through its efforts to close the loop on plastics pollution, BioCellection has advanced its program from recycling this type of waste by expanding into creating performance materials that could be utilized by the apparel industry.
In Secrecy and Divinity, Nathalia Gaviria Makes Her Confession
Designed Confessions
Inspired by empowerment found in the freedom of revealing deep, dark secrets in the search for redemption, Nathalia Gaviria’s Autumn 2020 NG Gold collection—Confessions—provides insight into temptation and deliverance.
True Religion Files for Bankruptcy
Finance
After emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2017, Los Angeles denim brand True Religion filed again this week.
Kingpins Cancels New York Edition, Launches New Online-Retail Offering
Trade Shows
Originally scheduled to take place June 2–3 at Basketball City on Pier 36 in Manhattan, the New York edition of Kingpins, the trade event for denim enthusiasts, has been canceled.
