California Apparel News

The California Market Center will host a networking space called “The Writing Room” during the April 4–7 run of Los Angeles Fashion Week. Suite B-271 of the CMC will provide an intimate setting where Los Angeles designers can meet with members of the retail community and press.

The Writing Room, which will be located in the glass-enclosed space overlooking the CMC’s main lobby, will be a place where Los Angeles designers can come and write business after their runway shows, said Deirdre Mendoza, manager of communications for the CMC.

“They will have the opportunity to show their lines to top retailers and write business in a comfortable, private and easily accessible setting,” said Mendoza.

The CMC is trying to attract local designers who will be participating in runway shows by Gen Art, the Coalition of Los Angeles Designers, Smashbox Studios and Mercedes-Benz Shows L.A. Mendoza said the CMC is negotiating writing spaces with several local designers, including Eisbar, Mona & Co. and Delphine Paris.

The Writing Room will have an open-atrium feel. Areas within the room will have desk space and clothing racks that designers can use to show their lines and write orders. Private suites will also be available with prices starting at $750. The CMC will serve complimentary breakfast in the suites’ lounges, as well as happy-hour cocktails.

“This is a really good opportunity for retailers to meet with designers and see the collections they’ve heard about,” said Mendoza, who pointed out that many contemporary designers in Los Angeles do not have spaces in which to meet with buyers during Fashion Week.

With what is expected to be the city’s largest Fashion Week coming up, many designers are looking for ways to increase the visibility of their lines, she said.

The CMC expects its buyer attendance to increase by 12 percent over last year. Mendoza said key retailers at the show will include specialty stores and national retailers, including Nordstrom, Cache and Bebe. —Claudia Figueroa