Stories for July 2009

Eco-Focused Action-Sports Retail Concept to Expand

On June 18, the Hobie Surf Shop in Laguna Beach, Calif., debuted Green Room, a shop-in-shop concept that stoc...

!iT Jeans Forms Partnership With Kasil

Premium-denim brand Kasil is now part of the !iT Jeans family, after !iT Chief Executive Officer Kimmy Song formed a partnership with Kasil founder David Lim. ...

Former Ed Hardy Exec Launches Own Lines

Henry Mandell, former president and chief operating officer of Christian Audigier’s Ed Hardy brand, has debuted Counts of Barcelona and Catalunya Nights, two tops lines for m...

Denim Resource Guide

Buhler Quality Yarns Corp. is a leading supplier of the highest quality yarns to the apparel industry in the Americas. By using only top grade, extra-long staple Supimareg; cotton fiber from California and MicroModalreg; from Lenzing, Buhler maximizes quality

Aviator Nation: Eco Tees With a Message

Eco-friendly line Aviator Nation re-creates the classic vintage tee...

eco Resource Guide

Alstyle Apparel is proud to introduce its certified organic cotton products. The organic cotton is grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. In addition, Alstyle’s dyes are biodegradable and ...

Quiksilver Denim, Engineered for Skaters

Huntington Beach, Calif.–based Quiksilver has handed over the design reins to professional skaters Reese Forbes, Alex Olson and Danny Garcia for a collection of denim engineered for ...

More Affliction at UFC

Los Angeles–based Affliction Holdings LLC and Zuffa LLC, owner of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, have struck a collaboration agreement, which will provide UFC fighters with Affliction-branded apparel to wear duri...

Chip and Pepper Launch New Men’s Line

Chip and Pepper, the Los Angeles–based maker of premium denim, has launched Mill Iron, a price-conscious collection of denim for men. The collection, which debuted i...

Gap to Open Pop-Up Shop on Robertson

Gap will open a pop-up shop on 108 N. Robertson Blvd., pictured above. It is scheduled to debut Aug. 6Just when you thought there was no room for another jeans boutique on Los Angeles’ high-profile Robertson Boulevard, it has been confirmed...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Warwick Replants Its After Hours Vintage On...

Ringmaster Jared Gold Debuts His Traveling Circus

Jared Gold's latest runway show at Social Hollywood felt more like being at a rock concert or sporting event (hello, Lakers fan level energy) than a traditional runway show. Gold's partner in crime, the pink-eyeshadowed Clint Catalyst, hollers at the mouth of the runway. “Yes! You!! GO!!!” he belts and gives each model a low five as she sprints in teetering heels to change into the next outfit. People stand up out of their seats and there is an eruption of cheers, claps and flashbulbs for every outfit. And Gold's loyal fans dressed in their band T-shirts and home-team uniforms for the occasion. This may have been the “official runway show,” but the “fashion show” had already been going on for hours since guests trickled into the backstage area that Gold opened up like a petting zoo to the public. The designer’s inner-circle team of tattooed models, hair artists with petite objects askew on their noggins and makeup artists in asymmetrical haircuts streaked with Kool-Aid colors were almost indistinguishable from the circus of guests, also clad in curious headwear and cacophonically composed outfits. Gold’s events feel like he cuts the velvet ropes, tears up the guest list and invites everyone to be residents of his magical world. The fund-raising event and fashion show last night was a preview to the fashion show act he is taking on the road across America. The traveling carnival (host Clint Catalyst, “the face” Audrey Kitching, alpha model Larva, a tour manager, a lead hair stylist and makeup artist) will travel on Amtrak trains and set up fashion shows in train stations along the way. The shows will be free and open to all ages. Models and hair and makeup artists will be cast in each city. The virtual tour diary will be posted on Gold’s

Blanks Producers on a Growth Track

American Apparel may have pioneered the fashion blank, but in its wake, it spawned a sub industry of competitors that are now making inroads and are expanding their businesses despite a linge...

Life/After/Denim Creates Denim-Free Niche

Despite the economy and slumping retail sales, denim continues to be among the few strong performers. So much so, in fact, that some designers are creating non-denim brands to sell alongside blue jean...

FMNC, D&A Cancel August Trade Shows in Bay Area, New York

The trade show calendar in August is going to be a bit lighter this year after Fashion Market Northern California and Designers and Agents both canceled their scheduled trade events ...

WestCoast Menswear Show Set at LAX

Despite tough economic times, organizers of the WestCoast Trend Show, set for Aug. 2–3 at the Embassy Suites LAX North, are expecting a record turnout of exhibitors....

Behind-the-Scenes Video Shows Carol Malony Lingerie Shoot

Los Angeles–based lingerie designer Carol Malony gave her Facebook fans and Twitter followers a sneak peek at her Spring 2010 collection with a “Behind the Scenes” video of her ...

Bebe Kicks

Brisbane-based Bebe Stores Inc. will unveil a new collection of non-casual footwear at the upcoming WSA show in Las Vegas after si...

Chip and Pepper Launch New Men#039;s Line

Chip and Pepper, the Los Angeles–based maker of premium denim, has launched Mill Iron, a price-conscious collection of denim for men. The collection, which debuted i...

Gerber Unveils New WebPDM

Tolland, Conn.–based Gerber Technology released version 6.0 of its WebPDM software module, which is designed to facilitate the creation of tech packs, or the blueprints of a productio...

3PL Provider Expands on West Coast

Third-party logistics handler Empire Logistics and Warehousing Inc., based in Carlstadt, N.J., has expanded operations on the West Coast, leasing a 235,000-square-foot warehouse in Cypress, C...

ANK by Mirla Sabino: Eco-Friendly and Ready for the Beach

Brazilian swimwear designer Mirla Sabino recently unveiled a collection of beach bags made from combinations of leather, straw and recycled rubber...

BTS Sale Shopping Via Twitter

Austin, Texas–based search engine CheapTweet (

Lingerie Designers Focus on Their Foundations

Makers of lingerie, sleepwear and loungewear are scaling back their offerings to concentrate on their core products during the economic downturn. ...

Frederick's Targets the Mass Market With Former Wal-Mart Exec

Frederick’s of Hollywood Group Inc.’s wholesale division received a boost of mass-market experience with the hire of Barbara Bakalic, who will be vice president of product development for the ...

Beene Extends Lanier Deal

Atlanta-based Lanier Clothes, a division of Oxford Industries Inc., has extended its exclusive men’s tailored-clothing licensing deal with Geoffrey Beene LLC to include tuxedos and boys’ tailored clothi...

British Lingerie Line Fleur T Rebrands as Fleur of England

“Birth and rebirth” has been the theme of the moment for British lingerie designer Fleur Turner. Following the birth of her son, George, in November 2007, Turner starte...

Consultancy Draws on Intimate Knowledge of the Lingerie Business

According to Intimate Apparel Concepts’ Ellen Lewis, when it comes to the business of lingerie, it’s all about fit....

Sunrise Honored

Microsoft Corp. has recently certified an apparel and footwear template for Winston-Salem, NC–based Sunrise Technologies, a distributor of Microsoft’s Microsoft Dynamics AX business-ma...

Green Guides: A How-To for Legal Environmental Marketing

Richard Wortman of the Grunfeld, Desiderio, Lebowitz, Silverman & Klestadt LLP law firm in Los Angeles specializes in the legal issues of the garment industry. Still, he said, even he was surprised when he learned envir...

New Agenda Dates, Digs Have Mass Appeal

A satellite show no longer, Agenda welcomed 107 exhibitors and approximately 3,500 attendees to its July 22–23 edition, held at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Conference Center in...

Lingerie Briefs Resource Guide

Biatta is pleased to announce its new brand Indulgence By Biatta to be featured during the holiday season at more than 400 Sears locations nationwide alongside its B...

CC Girl: Outfitting Tweens With Their First Bra

Even before Nancy Duncan was a mom, she knew her way around the girls’ clothing department. Duncan has been thinking like a juniors customer since 1985, when she worked as a sales manager, mer...

Investment in Burch

New York–based Tory Burch LLC sold a minority stake in its company to Tresalia Capital, a private family-run investment com...

Nordstrom Gets Business Intelligence

Nordstrom Inc. is turning to technology to help it maximize the product offerings for its customers....

Apparel News Daily Reader

Department Store Menswear Takes to the...

Industry Voices: Fashion's Future

America’s recent fashion history has seen a relentless tilt to the west—of people, ideas, commerce and even trend power. New York and Los Angeles are the twin poles of U.S. fashion, but they are very di...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Look Book Love: Quiksilver Fall '09 (FabSugar)Shopping: Trust Your Animal Instincts (Coutorture)The Street Scene from L.A's Flea Markets (Refinery 29)Port of...

Miami Swim Fashion Week Cruise 2010: SwimShow 2010

The Swimwear Association of Florida showcased

Lane Bryant Takes on the Inside Curve

Plus-size women’s retailer Lane Bryant has launched an online community called Inside Curve. Inside Curve connects visitors to both the brand as well as other users and features product reviews, design tips, style advice,...

Mad Men Myself? Oh Yes, I Did.

I think I actually have this suit...I can’t believe I had to read about this secondhand. Salon.com’s Broadsheet blog is always a treasure trove of informative/outrageous/shocking/absurd information. And now it led me to this delightful site. I’ve...

Miami Swim Fashion Week Cruise 2010: Ed Hardy Swimwear

Ed Hardy Swimwear hit the runway at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim with a colorful mix of the brand’s signature tattoo-inspired swimwear.The brand...

Miami Swim Fashion Week Cruise 2010: L*Space by Monica Wise

L*Space by Monica Wise, this year’s “Mercedes-Benz Presents” designer,

Miami Swim Fashion Week Cruise 2010: Poko Pano

Brazilian designer Paola Robba juxtaposed French luxury with the natural flora and fauna of the Amazon for her...

Bond, Bulletproof James Bond

I don’t know any guys who find the need to duck bullets while in black tie, but I guess that is a real worry for some—and now those select few are in luck. According to a press release that just landed in my inbox, everyday Joe Schmoes with, ahem,...

ANK's Eco-Chic

Photos by Volker Corell Being eco-chic in the swim world can be a difficult task. Yet designers are working to develop practices and products to be environmentally conscious. Some are working on the innovation front to utilize and develop fabrications that are both functional and eco-friendly—think...

Morrie's Is the Place for Bargains

Bargain hunters are a breed of their own. But during these tough economic times, the breed is multiplying. Just ask Gary Pazornik, who with his sister, Maxine, runs one of the oldest independently owned off-price clothing stores in the Los Angeles Fashion District. Not only...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Shopping: Join The Boy's Club (Coutorture)Erin Wasson is both grunge goddess and supermodel (Times UK)Meet the Dashing Cast of Bravo's Launch My Line...

Shoe Business: WSA Show Seminars and Other Concurrent Events

The shoe industry will descend on Las Vegas for the July 31–Aug. 1 run of the WSA Show and Materials at WSA show, both at the Las Vegas Convention Center, a...

Jury Levels $370 Million Verdict in Georges Marciano Counter Suit by Ex-Employees

After hearing hours of testimony, a Los Angeles jury handed down a whopping $370 million verdict against Georges Marciano, co-founder of Guess? Inc., for defamation and intentional infliction...

Miami Swim Fashion Week Cruise 2010: Xtra Life Lycra

Invista celebrated its 50th anniversary on July 18 with its annual group runway show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. The maker of Lycra and Xtra Life fibers pre...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Rockabilly trend and half-moon manicures (The New York Times)Amber Valletta collabs with LA label Monrow (Fashionista)The Sartorialist Scott Schuman Shoots a...

GlobalTex Sets 2010 Dates, Adds International Exhibitors

GlobalTex, a relatively new textile show in Los Angeles, has set its show dates for 2010....

Miami Swim Fashion Week Cruise 2010: Vitamin A by AmahliaStevens

Amahlia Stevens was reading YSL’s biography when she designed

Miami Swim Fashion Week Cruise 2010: Tori Praver Swimwear

Model cum designer, Tori Praver, presented

Grey Debuts in Stylish Sunset Junction

Grey boutique, located in Sunset JunctionThere’s a new fashion store with a rock ’n’ roll edge in Los Angeles’ bohemian Sunset Junction neighborhood. Grey, a boutique at 3908 Sunset Blvd., held a debut party on July 26, and co-owner Allison Burns said the store will appeal to...

Stanford Mart Kicks the Fashion Party Off Tomorrow

The Stanford Mart hosted runway shows when it opened last year.Why wait for L.A. Fashion Week?The Stanford Wholesale Mart, the new apparel wholesale building located in downtown Los Angeles at E. 12th St. and Stanford, is...

Miami Swim Fashion Week Cruise 2010: Mara Hoffman

Mara Hoffman drew inspiration from a spiritual exploration to create

Miami Swim Fashion Week Cruise 2010: Shay Todd

Shay Todd, best known for dressing Hollywood’s elite for the beach, brought an ’80’s flair to the runway in Miami. Todd showcased...

Miami Swim Fashion Week Cruise 2010: Cia.Maritima

TThe renowned Brazilian beachwear line Cia.Maritima returned to Miami to

Ladies Who Lunch… and Vacation

Irvine, Calif.-based St. John hosted a fashion presentation for its Resort/Spring 2010 collection July 22 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. The presentation, which included a selection of pieces from a new, more-casual St....

Apparel News Daily Reader

Disposable Fashion as Permanent Art (Wall Street Journal)Look Book Love: Whitley Kros Holiday '09 (FabSugar)Scandals That Have Rocked the Fashion World...

Collina Strada: Handbags for Hipsters

Designer Hillary Taymour doesn’t want to design the next “it” bag, but her youthful, striking designs have “it girl” written all over them...

Joe's Jeans Signs Belt License

Vernon, Calif.–based jeans maker Joe’s Jeans announced a new licensing agreement with Vogue Trimmings to manufacture and distribute Joe’s-branded belts for men, women and chil...

Shapely Shadow Names Sales Exec

Malibu, Calif.–based Shapely Shadow Inc. has named Ben Silver as vice president of sales, a new post. ...

Miami Swim Fashion Week Cruise 2010: Aqua Di Lara

Montreal–based

Miami Swim Fashion Week Cruise 2010: True Religion Swimwear

Denim is a staple in most contemporary wardrobes and the look is set to hit the beach. True Religion debuted its

New CEO, CFO at Spyder

Boulder, Colo.–based ski- and active-apparel maker Spyder Active Sports Inc. named Thomas McGann chief executive officer. P...

Displaced Workers Get Skills From FBI, Microsoft

Times are tough on the employment front, but Los Angeles trade group Fashion Business Inc., in conjunction with software giant Microsoft, is trying to do something about it. ...

Golden Gate Lands Bauer

Golden Gate Capital offered the highest and best bid for Eddie Bauer Holdings Inc. in the apparel maker’s bankruptcy-sale p...

Jared Gold is Back, and He Has Plans

Designer Jared Gold, who was a regular on the Los Angeles Fashion Week circuit several years ago, is back—back in Los Angeles, back to wholesaling (after years as a retailer based in Salt...

CFA: Apparel Industry Challenged With Host of Key Issues in 2009/10

California companies—and out-of-state companies that do business here—are faced with a full slate of recent issues that could make business challenging in an already challenging economic environment. ...

IMG Taps Maybelline

IMG Fashion, producer of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York (and in Berlin and Miami), struck a deal with Maybelline, making the cosmetics giant the official cosmetics sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Wee...

West Coast Designers Among CFDA's Newest Members

The New York–based Council of Fashion Designers of America announced the induction of 31 new members. Among the...

Apparel Companies Narrow Focus on Technology

Despite some consolidation on the retail front, technology companies have been holding their own during the economic downturn, indicating that retailers and manufacturers are still looking to technolo...

OptiTex Develops Fabric Tester

CAD/CAM product supplier OptiTex will soon release a fabric-testing utility designed to simulate fabric movement on fully adjustable virtual mannequins. ...

Americana One Year Later: Fine-Tuning the Mix at Celebrated Lifestyle Center

One year after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jay Leno toasted The Americana at Brand lifestyle center at its black-tie gala debut in May 2008, the ambitious retail and residential project is...

Billabong Gets PLM From NGC

Surf brand Billabong International Ltd. is jumping on the PLM bandwagon, enlisting New Generation Computing’s e-PLM and e-SPS products....

Miami Swim Fashion Week Cruise 2010: ANK by Mirla Sabino

Mirla Sabino traveled to the Caribbean Islands off Panama to find inspiration for

New Concepts Fuel CMC Rebound

The California Market Center in Los Angeles is starting to fill up sections of its “C” building, once designated as an exclusive wing for gifts and home furnishings, but it was ...

YMI Plans Licensing

Los Angeles–based juniors denim brand YMI Jeanswear has launched a licensing division and is seeking partnerships with companies to put the YMI brand on other fashion products....

A Slow Recovery and Rising Unemployment for 2010

The number of people without jobs will climb in California and Los Angeles County through 2010 as the economy takes its time getting back on its feet....

Tags & Trims Resource Guide

These California providers supply garment makers with both the novel and the essential in findings, trimmings, and labels, including eco-friendly options. All offer custom work, quick turnaround, and ...

Retail Part of Mixed-Use Project Planned at Hollywood Park

The city of Inglewood, Calif., was once one of Los Angeles County’s jewels of suburbia but became a victim of inner-city growth. Now, city officials hope to restore some of its luster, having ...

Nike Fecirc;tes Inter Milan

Beaverton, Ore.–based athletic-apparel and footwear giant Nike unveiled the 2009/2010 Inter Milan soccer kit at The Montalbaacute;n Theater in Hollywood during an event that featured Inter Milan players and celebritie...

SIMA Announces Waterman's Honorees

The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association will celebrate its 20th annual Waterman’s Weekend Aug. 6–7 with its traditional Waterman’s Classic Golf Tournament and Waterman’s Ball. This year...

The Swim Scene in Miami Beach

MIAMI BEACH, FLA.—Miami Beach was buzzing as swimwear designers, editors and retailers flocked to the sunny city for swimwear’s biggest week in the United States. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sw...

Check It Out: 20th Century Fashion: 100 Years of Apparel Ads

My book, “20th Century Fashion: 100 Years of Apparel Ads,” was just released by Taschen. The book is a fashion-focused take on Taschen’s iconic ad series and features some great advertising imagery—from the...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Interview With Linda Loudermilk (Coutorture)Look Book Love: BCBG, Summer '09 (FabSugar)If you dare to wear white jeans, try these (Los Angeles Times' All the...

Apparel News Daily Reader

A Sharper Look Is a Cinch With Our 15 Strap-Happy Belt Picks (Refinery 29)Fashion Week is turning out to be fashion month (Los Angeles Magazine's Chic Leak...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Look Book Love: Corey Lynn Calter, Fall '09 (FabSugar)Now Open: Opening Ceremony's Little House of Accessories (Racked LA)Betsey Johnson For Opening Ceremony Revealed...

Apparel News Daily Reader

291 dives into beachwear (Los Angeles Times' All the Rage)Korean label Viva H's debut S/S09 collection (Style Bubble)How celebs make shorts look chic...

CIT Secures $3 Billion Loan From Bondholders

Industry observers call the deal a quot;short-term' solution...

CIT Close to $3 Billion Rescue Deal with Bondholders

CIT Group Inc. is reportedly close to finalizing a $3 billion deal with bondholders—financing that may keep the beleaguered commercial lender from seeking bankruptcy protection. On July 19, the Wall Street Journal

FIDM Salutes TV Costume Design

Pictured above: One of Joan Bergin's designs for "The Tudors," last year's Emmy winner for "Outstanding Costumes for a Series." The Emmy awards may be a couple of months away (Sept. 12), but you can brush up on the...

Front Row—and Poolside—at Miami Swim Fashion Week

ApparelNews.net Fashion Editor N. Jayne Seward is in Miami Beach covering Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim and all the other events around town. For a look at her ongoing coverage—including backstage video interviews with the designers—go here....

SIMA Releases Retail Study: Surf/Skate Down But Not Out

The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association released its “2008 SIMA Retail Distribution Study,” which estimates that the total surf/skate market reached $7.22 billion last year—down more than 3 ...

Apparel News Daily Reader

FashionToast blogger Rumi Neely models RVCA's Fall lookbook (FashionToast)Emma Cook's latest collection for Topshop (Style Bubble)Young Designers Have to Put...

Proposition 65 a Renewed Concern

Proposition 65, an initiative that regulates hazardous-material content in consumer products, has been on California’s books since 1986. Initially enacted as a way to protect the state’s drinking water ...

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim: Caffe Swimwear

Caffe Swimwear debuted for the

Urban on the Road

Urban Fashion Week, the 10-year-old urban consumer and trade event, rolled into Los Angeles with a lineup that included a model talent search, gifting suite, musical performances and a runway...

Dress for Success at Hong Kong Fashion Week

Could the economy be good for dresses?...

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim: Tibi

Bali meets Cannes. That was the look of the

Miami Swim Fashion Week Cruise 2010: Inca

The exotic backdrop of the chic W South Beach hotel was the perfect location to present the Inca 2010 collection. Guests lounged in cabanas while models walked the runway set over the chic ...

Levi's Staying Put

San Francisco–based Levi Strauss & Co. won’t be moving its headquarters to the East Bay after all. The blue-jeans maker has signed a 10-year lease to stay at Levi Plaza, 1155 Battery St. Last year, the venerable denim company put ...

Boheme Boutique at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim Kick-Off Party at The Raleigh Hotel

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim kicked off with a splash with a cocktail party and fashion show poolside at The Raleigh hotel...

Reiner Exits Financo

Steve Reiner has left Financo Inc., the New York–based investment bank and financial consultancy. Reiner had headed Financo’s West Coast office since it opened in 2007....

Robert Bardavid, 71

Robert Bardavid, a 25-year veteran of the Los Angeles apparel industry, died July 8 at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after a brief illness. He was 71 years old....

Kellwood Bankrupt?

Kellwood Co.—one of the nation’s largest apparel suppliers and owner of brands such as Vince, David Meister, Sag Harbor and Koret—may declare bankruptcy after negotiations with its bondholders failed to result in an agr...

Outerwear Tariffs

Skiers and hunters will be happy to hear that legislation was introduced in Congress on July 10 that would eliminate the 17 percent to 28 percent duty on imported recreational outerwear. The Optimal U...

Night Out With Lip Service

Fans of Los Angeles brand Lip Service came out in full regalia for an evening of fashion at Goth nightclub Bar Sinister in Hollywood....

Finance Resource Guide

Maximize your capital resources with the help of a financial firm dedicated to the apparel industry. These established companies can manage your financial flow through factoring, accounts receivable m...

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim: Marysia Swim

Ballerina meets punk. It’s an unlikely combination, but Marysia Reeves channeled her days as a ballerina and her memories of punk school kids to create her Cruise 2010 collection. The Poland-born desi...

Sunshine Brings Spike in Swimwear Sales on Melrose

Summer might have started a little late for boutiques selling swimwear on Los Angeles’ high-profile Melrose Avenue....

CIT Explores Options, Associations Urge Government to Step In

Near the close of business on July 17, Bloomberg reported that CIT Group Inc. was meeting with advisors, including JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Morgan Stanley, which as repo...

New E-Tailer Stakes Claim on Indie Design

Take two fashion-forward sisters and mix in a bevy of up-and-coming designers and you get

South Bay Mall Goes for $50m

The South Bay Pavilion, a 1.1 million-square-foot shopping center in Carson, Calif., has been sold to veteran real estate executive Fred Sands for a reported $50 million....

Internet TV Focuses on Smart Retailers

Scott Kreisberg, chief executive officer of Glendale, Calif.–based software distributor One Step Retail Solutions, grew frustrated hearing all the doom and gloom coming from the retail sector ...

InsideFashionWorld.com Celebrates Swim Week 2010 at The Gansevoort South Beach Hotel

It was the kind of scene you might expect at a Miami Beach fashion show—swimwear, plenty of beautiful people and the Miami Dolphin cheerleaders...

Economy Is a Challenge at Hong Kong Fashion Week

HONG KONG—Outside in the hot, humid air, Florian Gashi took a break from Hong Kong Fashion Week to puff on a cigarette and collect his thoughts....

Industry Faces Many Hurdles on the Road to Economic Recovery

The recent news of CIT Group’s financial troubles (

Through the Keyhole Into Carol Malony's World

Video by: Brian Outland for The Media Mob. Photographer: Adam David CohenIt finally pays off to be a fan of a brand on Facebook. Los Angeles-based lingerie designer Carol Malony gave her Facebook fans and Twitter followers a sneak peek at her Spring 2010 collection with a...

Phillip Lim's Prescription for Recession: Party

When the recession has got everyone down, there may be only one way to react. Party. This might be designer Philip Lim’s thinking during this tough economic season. The New York-based designer, who grew up in...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Look Book Love: Alexander Wang, Pre-Fall '09 (FabSugar)CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Nominees Announced (Coutorture)Phillip Lim Hits L.A. (Fashionista)Wal-Mart to...

CIT Update: Factor's Failed Government Negotiations Bring New Worries, Speculation

In the wake of CIT Group’s failed attempt to reach a federal-aid deal come new worries that a bankruptcy filing could freeze business for those factored by the finance giant.CIT clien...

CIT Discussing Government Aid

CIT Group Inc., the largest factor to the apparel industry, is looking into several avenues to improve liquidity—a move that has industry watchers nervous about the potential impact on a large...

Guest Bloggers: Dylan and Dustin Odbert of Ambsn

Intrepid designers: Dylan (left) and Dustin (right) Odbert of AmbsnNew York is an inspirational city that is a must for any young apparel designer from California. For us, it was not only an inspirational trip but a tribute to a friend...

Go East, Young Mavens

Is it just us, or does it seem like beachy West Coast designer dudes have a love affair with the Big Apple? [Cough] Trovata [Cough]. Dustin and Dylan Odbert from the up-and-coming San Clemente, Calif.-based brand Ambsn (formerly Ambission)...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Launches and Releases: Wedding Belles for Anzevino and Florence (Racked LA)Sneak Peek! Current/Elliott Fall '09 (FabSugar)Shop The Runway (Really)...

CIT's Troubles Have Wide-Ranging Impact on the Industry

It has been a tense week for industry watchers and customers of CIT Group Inc., the largest factor to the apparel industry, after news broke on July 12 that the company was facing a financial...

Trading Halted on CIT, Deal Could be Announced Soon

The New York Stock Exchange halted trading on shares of CIT Group Inc., according to several news sources, which said a temporary loan could be announced in the next 24 hours....

Apparel News Daily Reader

14 Great T-Shirts That Give the Basic Summer Staple a Whole New Look (Refinery 29)Rep: Ed Hardy Designer "Not Starting Kids' Clothing Line With" Jon Gosselin...

Paying Homage to MJ

Owners of The Palace Theatre at 630 S. Broadway near the Los Angeles Fashion District paid respect to Michael Jackson by re-creating its marquee as it was in 1983 during filming of...

P-P-P-Pink Muppet Face

Lady Gaga in Jean Charles de Castelbajac ( Do Lady Gaga and her design team's creative stream of consciousness function like a fashion Mad Lib? As in: “That [cluster of bubbles] [forest of stalagmite crystals] [mosaic of mirrors] would look fabulous on my [head] [on a poufy skirt] [as an eyepatch].” That’s what I think every time I see a photo of the blonde songstress, like this one taken in Manchester today. The head of a Muppet from Jim Henson’s “The Muppet Show” that Lady Gaga wears as a skirt reminded me of Lichtenberg and de Castelbajac have never met, though Lichtenberg said they have corresponded about a possible face-to-face introduction, since de Castelbajac’s son lives in Los Angeles. Their clothes, however, have collided on the body of music artist MIA, who has donned Lichtenberg’s leggings with a dress by de Castelbajac on stage. And both designers hang in the closets of music artists that have an affinity for bright colors and out-of-the-ordinary ornamentation such as Katy Perry, Santigold and Yelle. Lichtenberg said he did not know about de Castelbajac’s Muppet skirt and its resemblance to his own until after his show. “Afterwards, it came to my attention,” he said. “I was like, ’Oh my God, of course he made something [like that].’” Up next for Lichtenberg is a secondary line, titled BL, of affordable and “wearable” denim, tanks and leggings to launch for the Spring 2010 market. Lichtenberg's parting words suggested another face-theme skirt due for a timely comeback. “What came to mind when I was making [my skirt] is Bjork wore this Bernhard Willhelm skirt that was a sequined Michael Jackson face. It was pretty awesome. It's not 3-D how our skirts are, but it's still, you know, a face on a skirt. He needs to pull that from the archives.”

Go East, Young Mavens

Intrepid designers: Dylan (left) and Dustin (right) Odbert of...

New York Textile Shows Seminar & Event Calendar

The New York textile trade shows kick off on July 14 with mix of fabric, fiber, trim and trends...

Bebe Sport to Be Replaced With PH8 Nameplate

Bebe Stores Inc. announced it will be closing all its Bebe Sport stores and replacing them by November with a new store concept called PH8....

CIT Discussing Government Aid

CIT Group Inc., the largest factor to the apparel industry, is looking into several avenues to improve liquidity—a move that has industry watchers nervous about the potential impact on a large...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Moods of Norway Opens on Robertson Boulevard (Los Angeles Times' All the Rage)Trend Report: Boyfriend Shirts (WhoWhatWear)People's Revolution Goes...

Vans: Sporty, Functional, Fashionable

It’s taken some time, but Cypress, Calif.–based Vans has debuted a women’s swim line featuring styles that embody the company’s California-born free spirit...

CIT's Efforts to Improve Liquidity Could Put Apparel Makers in a Credit Crunch

CIT Group Inc., the largest factor to the apparel industry, is looking into several avenues to improve liquidity—a move that has industry watchers nervous about the potential impact o...

Navigating Rough Waters

Swim retailers weather a stormy economic year by keeping focused and lean—with an eye out for new opportunities on the horizon....

Splendid: Contemporary Cool

Following in the footsteps of its sister brand, Ella Moss, Splendid, the Los Angeles–based contemporary brand, will expand its offerings by launching a swimwear line for Resort 2010...

Eagle Rock Boutique Owl Talk Celebrates 15 Years

Owl Talk in Eagle Rock (Photo courtesy of the store) Over the weekend, I dropped by one of my favorite local stores: Owl Talk in Los Angeles’ Eagle Rock neighborhood.Sisters Kathy and Sharon Kroner were celebrating 15 years in business with an...

In the Name of Craft: Renegade Craft Fair Comes to the CMC

The crafty and the creative convened upon the California Market Center for the Renegade Craft Fair on July 11 and 12. D.I.Y. devotees shopped the many booths set up on the CMC's 13th-floor Penthouse space, where the wares ranged from handmade jewelry...

Undrest. by the Sea: Local Angle to Swimwear

Maria Paz Navales is taking an old-school approach to her new swimwear line. Instead of sourcing overseas, she is producing her garments entirely in her 8,000-square-foot warehouse in East Los Angeles...

Puma Swim: Contemporary With an Athletic Vibe

The rich tradition of athletics and a modern take on fashion are the key elements behind Puma’s new swim line, set to debut in September....

Keva by Keva J: Statement Swim

Using traditional swimwear fabrics, New York–based designer Keva Johnson creates completely untraditional swimwear for her label, Keva by Keva J. She said she is “different” and that she ...

SwimShorts 2010

It’s Cruise season, when swimwear designers and manufacturers rock the beach and resort markets with inspired new lines, styles, silhouettes, colors, prints, and themes. Here are sneak peeks at what’s n...

L.A. Retailer Lisa Kline Scales Back, Retools Robertson Store

Lisa Kline, one of Los Angeles’ most high-profile boutique owners, recently scaled back the square footage of the store where she started her influential fashion business in the 1990s. She called the ...

The Lake & Stars: Takes You to the Beach

Two years ago, New York designers Mayaan Zilberman and Nikki Dekker created a lingerie line that was so sexy yet comfortable that fans began to ask if they could wear it as swimwear...

New York Textile Resource Guide

Designers, fabric buyers, product development specialists, and merchandisers will find abundant opportunities to browse international resources at two major textile events in New York in the coming week. Texworld USA...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Now Open: Grey, Pull My Daisy's New Roommate (Racked LA)In Bloom: As Sexy As Garters, Bloomers Are Fast Becoming A Style-Star Essential (Refinery...

Jantzen Celebrates 100, Relaunches Seminal Brand

Jantzen, one of the oldest swimwear brands, will celebrate 100 years in 2010. Kicking off the centennial celebration early, Jantzen will host “Beauty on the Beach: A Centenni...

CurvExpo Partners With Lingerie Trend-Forecasting Service Concepts Paris

Paris-based trend-forecasting service Concepts Paris has its eye on the North American market. The lingerie trend-forecasting company has provided fashion-...

No New Trial for Anand Jon

Designer Anand Jon (ne Alexander) will remain jailed—and eventually imprisoned— after a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge upheld the sexual-assault conviction originally imposed on Nov. 13, 2008. ...

Vix Signs Licensing Deal With Manhattan Beachwear

Cypress, Calif.–based Manhattan Beachwear has signed a licensing agreement with Vix Swimwear to produce two of the brand’s labels: Hermanny by Vix and Sofia by Vix. The multi...

June Sales Drop 5.1 Percent

American retail sales in June dropped 5.1 percent, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers. However, some economists were optimistic despite the decline....

End of an Era: Last Remaining Gottschalks Shuttered

Farewell, Gottschalks: Gottschalks department stores, such as the one in Capitola, Calif., pictured above, will close Sunday. Sunday will be the last day of business for the 105-year-old department-store chain Gottschalks Inc.The Fresno,...

Familiar Face in the 'Project Runway' Lineup

"Project Runway" designer Johnny Sakalis (photo courtesy of MyLifetime.com)

Bauer Lands DIP Facility

Seattle-based retailer Eddie Bauer Holdings Inc. received final authorization to utilize its $100 million debtor-in-possession (DIP) loan facility from its existing revolving credit lenders, Bank of A...

True Love & False Idols = Real Swimwear

Compton, Calif.–based streetwear maker True Love & False Idols is known for T-shirts and hoodies featuring its intricately layered screenprints and graphics. For Summer, the brand is taking its...

CFA to Host Discussion of Hot-Button Issues

The California Fashion Association and J.H. Cohn LLP, a financial accounting firm, will host “Los Angeles: The Epicenter of Fashion” to discuss “hot-button issues...

Burma Ban

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is calling on Congress to renew the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003, the import ban on Burmese goods that is set to expire. The Washington, D.C...

Elle's Private-Sale Deal

Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S., publishers of Elle magazine and

Warriors of Radness Takes Surf Upmarket

Rick Klotz, the designer behind the Fresh Jive veteran streetwear brand and the now-shuttered Gonz! surf brand, thinks the last thing the core beach/surf market needs is another surf...

California Budget Crisis Has State Fashion Schools Looking for Places to Save

California’s budget crisis is putting the pressure on fashion and merchandising programs at state-run colleges and universities—a move that could eventually trickle down to the apparel industry and affe...

Roar Nears End of Its Ferrari Contest

Last chance to win the Ferrari....

Martex, Bollag Team Up to Recycle and Reuse

Two East Coast textile mills are joining forces to expand their textile recycling offerings in the United States and Central America....

Fiber Makers Face the Future With Innovation

Offerings range from “man-made greens” to smarter fibers and new developments in denim....

Gap Goes to Thailand

San Francisco–based retail giant Gap Inc. struck a deal with Armin Systems Ltd. to expand the Gap brand into Thailand. The agreement calls for Armin to open Gap stores in Thailand beginning in 2010. Th...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Of Birkins and BlackBerrys: Essential Reading on Style (Wall Street Journal)Valentino Goes Short, Wispy and Black For Couture (Coutorture)Runway...

Plying the Waters to Get to Hong Kong Fashion Week

HONG KONG—If the idea of watching too many fashion shows or seeing too many apparel booths overwhelms you at Hong Kong Fashion Week, one way to catch a breath of fresh air is to hop aboard the Star Ferry from Hong Kong Island, where the...

Getting a Leg Up on Denim

Rock Republic Spring 09 (Photo: Vero Images)We’ve seen the comeback of acid wash, shredded denim and the boyfriend jean, and now denim is getting the legging treatment. The look has been hot on the street, and denim brands are expanding their offerings with new innovative takes on the trend. Designers are opting to combine legging fits and styles with denim details and fabrics for an ultra-sexy skinny fit. Others are branching out to include leggings in a variety of fabrics in their collections.

They're Gay, They Surf, Get Used to It

It’s one of those stories that just make sense when you know Rick Klotz.Klotz, founder of the streetwear brand Fresh Jive and edgy beach/surf brand Warriors of Radness, enjoys pushing all sorts of envelopes. A lifelong surfer, he rebelled against what he perceived to be the insular, often conservative and corporate...

Six Degrees of Separation at H.K. Fashion Week

HONG KONG—Here at Hong Kong Fashion Week, there are always some event that makes you think there is only six degrees of separation between you and everyone else, even if they live on...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Hungarian label Je Suis Belle at Berlin Fashion Week...

Is the Stylist Dead?

It was only a matter of time before celebrities entered recession mode, but according to an article in the New York Observer, even the stars are making cutbacks. “It used to be that none of the designers even knew the celebrities. The only real designers that had a presence in Hollywood...

Center Stage at Hong Kong Fashion Week

Espen Salberg, center, with the models who showed his Spring/Summer 2010 line at Hong Kong Fashion WeekHONG KONG—Hong Kong Fashion Week is a great place to debut your fashion if you...

Stylish Is as Stylish Does

Usually when I see obscenely well-dressed and stylish folks, I try to envision what their (surely walk-in) closets look like. I picture piles of awesome pieces strewn about just so and rows and rows of killer shoes and...

Apparel News Daily Reader

2009 Fall Couture: Christian...

Material World Producer Acquires West Coast Gift Shows

Atlanta-based Urban Expositions has announced the acquisition of the San Francisco International Gift Fair and the Seattle Gift Show from DMG World Media. The change in ownership w...

Hong Kong Fashion Week Kicks Off

Michael Lau at Hong Kong Fashion WeekHONG KONG—The hot and humid weather in Hong Kong made it all more appealing to hide out in the air-conditioned Hong Kong Convention Centre for the...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Cheap Monday 2010 Spring/Summer...

Kitson Settles Suit With Americana

Less than one year after high-profile Los Angeles retailer Kitson opened an emporium at Glendale, Calif.shy;–based luxury shopping center The Americana at Brand, the two influential p...

American Apparel Employees Cited by Immigration Enforcement

American Apparel received notice from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that the employment eligibility of 200 of its workers could not be verified, according to a statement released b...

Impressions by 1921

1921 Jeans, the Canadian maker of premium denim for men and women, will debut an eco-conscious T-shirt line, Impressions by 1921, for Spring 2010. The collection was create...

William Rast Fecirc;tes Brand in Europe

The Los Angeles–based William Rast brand is celebrating its European expansion with parties in Paris, London and Berlin. The brainchild of musician Justin Timberlake and business partner Trace Ayala, ...

Tarrant Chiefs Call for Shareholder Vote in August

The plan to transform Tarrant Apparel Group from a publicly traded company to a privately held entity could take place in the next few weeks....

WSJ Discovers L.A. Fashion, Then Dismisses It

I’m a big fan of the Wall Street Journal, but I’m often amused by their fashion stories, which tend to herald the return of the business suit (according to dry-cleaning associations) or the sudden popularity of stiletto heels or thong...

Audigier Moving Into MJ’s Home

Days after the death of Michael Jackson comes this news: marketing maven Christian Audigier is moving into the King of Pop’s home. TMZ is reporting that Audigier will relocate his company headquarters to the Holmby Hills mansion in December. If you...

Apparel News Daily Reader

This Toilet-Paper Wedding Dress Is Truly Amazing...

Safety First at Invista

Fiber maker Invista’s manufacturing facility in Paulinia, Brazil, recently celebrated 35 years—or more than 23 million work hours—without a lost-time injury. The achievement earned the Brazilian facility the fir...

Ezekiel Revamps Women's Offerings

Come Spring 2010, core retailers will see refreshed and newly focused offerings from Irvine, Calif.–based surfwear maker Ezekiel. Jessica Rush, who assumed the role of women’s brand manager in January,...

Jones Expands GRI Stake

New York–based Jones Apparel Group acquired an additional 15 percent interest in GRI Group Limited for $15 million, increasing its ownership stake in GRI to 25 percent. GRI holds the exclusive license to Jones’...

Indie Boutique Moves Into Show Pony Space

Earlier this year, Los Angeles’ independent fashion community mourned the closure of Show Pony, a boutique that championed new and independent designers. On July 11, Tavin, another independent fashio...

Hicks Named Foot Locker CEO

New York–based Foot Locker Inc. named Ken C. Hicks president and chief executive officer of the athletic footwear chain. Hicks was previously president and chief merchandising officer of J.C. Penney Co...

Betting That 7 For All Mankind Beats the Odds

Inside the 7 For All Mankind headquarters in Vernon, Calif., the ambience is befitting one of the biggest premium-denim lines in the United States. The former warehouse turned architectural g...

Fashion District Vendor Arrested for Bribing an Officer

When a Fashion District vendor allegedly passed a $2,000 bribe to a Los Angeles police officer, he did it fashionably—in a handbag....

Sheltini by Shelton Wilder

The Sheltini by Shelton Wilder line of simple tops, slips and skirts is designer Shelton Wilder’s solution to a “modernization of the slip....

Tous Opens in Century City

Tous is a retailer on the move. On June 8, the Spanish accessories manufacturer and retailer opened a 550-square-foot boutique at the Westfield Century City mall in Los Angeles’ Century City ...

What Makes a Retail Champion?

A Q&A with retail consultant and author George Whalin ...

Norwegian Laughs: Moods of Norway Shows Zany Side in New Store

The Scandinavian nation of Norway is best known for its dramatic fjords, thriving oil industry and some really cold winter weather. Oslo-based fashion label Moods of Norway wants to add a light, zany sense o...

Richman, Litman to Be Honored by Fashion Industries Guild

Directives West’s Sandy Richman and Stony Apparel’s Tony Litman have been named 2009 “People of the Year” by the Fashion Industries Guild of Cedars-Sinai Medical...

Meister Online

David Meister, the Southern California–based division of St. Louis–based Kellwood Co., launched an e-commerce store at

Parent Co. of Gerber Tech May Sell Assets

Executives from Gerber Scientific Inc., the parent company of Tolland, Conn.–based apparel-industry supplier Gerber Technology, said they are considering selling off some of the company...

Surveys Report Good Economic Signs

Maybe the worst part of the recession is over....

New VP at GlobalTex

Stephanie Cole was named vice president of GlobalTex, the new textile and sourcing trade show that debuted in April....

Lip Service Celebrates Independence with Latex and Glam Punk

While some Angelenos head to the beach or indulge in a combo of backyard bbq and illegal fireworks on the Fourth of July, cult brand Lip Service will mark the occasion at Boardners with a fashion show and ear-melting music by newly reunited punk outfit...