Stories for January 2010

Abboud in at HMX

Menswear designer Joseph Abboud was named president and chief creative officer of HMX LLC, the company formerly known as Hartmarx ...

Kohl#039;s Is All Green

Menomonee Falls, Wis.–based retailer Kohl’s Department Stores has purchased nearly 1.4 billion kilowatt hours of gre...

Majors Turn Out For Kingpins NY

Buyers at the Kingpins denim sourcing show in New York Jan. 19–20 shopped for Spring 2010 fabrics, looking for a mix of reliable staples and inspired new fabrics. ...

Long-Time CMC Jewelry Store Closes

After more than 10 years of occupying a prime location in the California Market Center lobby, Eclipse Jewelry Designs Co. is closing up shop at the end of February. ...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Barbie Basics x CFDA Designers (Nitrolicious)That new iPad calls for some seriously dee pockets (Los Angeles Times' All the Rage)Lookbook: Boulee Summer 2010...

It's a really big hat. Made of chocolate.It’s like a “Project Runway” challenge with no thoughtful supervision from Tim Gunn.To celebrate the opening of a new theme park in Beijing, organizers of the World Chocolate Wonderland hosted a fashion show...

Focus on Added Value at ISS

Exhibitors focused on providing recession-weary buyers with a reason to buy at the Imprinted Sportswear Show, which took place Jan. 22–24 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long B...

Boulmiche, a Leading Boutique, Moves

Boulmiche's new Beverly Hills locationWomen's boutique Boulmiche helped set luxury trends for more than 35 years in Beverly Hills, Calif. It also gained cachet as the location of a snooty boutique in 1990 film Pretty Woman. In 2010 Boulmiche...

Kohl’s Is All Green

Menomonee Falls, Wis.–based retailer Kohl’s Department Stores has purchased nearly 1.4 billion kilowatt hours of gre...

Business Up at Fashion Market Northern California

SAN MATEO, Calif.—Business was decent and buyer traffic was up at Fashion Market Northern California, the 50-year-old regional trade show that took place during the rainy weekend of Jan 23...

Mood Upbeat at Outdoor Retailer

Some say the mood is always sunny at Outdoor Retailer, the biannual trade show held at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City. But at the recent Jan. 21–24 run of the show...

Influential Villains Buyer Debuts Eco-Store Convert

For influential fashion buyer Randy Brewer, eco-friendly styles are the new premium denim....

It Gets Juicy

The two California women who founded Juicy Couture and then sold it to Liz Claiborne Inc. in 2003 reportedly have left the company...

West Meets East on Hong Kong Runway

The runway at Hong Kong Fashion Week was as busy as the city’s international airport as the Jan. 18–21 event saw 25 fashion s...

Apparel and Retail Executives Look to China for Growth

HONG KONG—Step onto the balcony surrounding the Hong Kong Convention Centre and you’re greeted with a watery thoroughfare known as Victoria Harbour, where container ships ply the water with goo...

Workroom Set to Launch in Las Vegas

Another show will join the Las Vegas trade show lineup in February when Workroom bows Feb. 16–18 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. ...

STAR Show Bows With Broad Mix at the L.A. Convention Center

The STAR show debuted Jan. 26–28 with an eclectic mix that included juniors and young contemporary merchandise, as well as menswear, eveningwear, embellished tees and denim. ...

Attendance Up by 20 Percent at Texworld USA

Texworld USA, the New York–based textile trade show run by Messe Frankfurt USA, saw attendance surge over last year at its Jan. 19–21 show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Ce...

Modern Amusement Ceases Operations

Nicole Castrogiovanni, vice president of sales at Costa Mesa, Calif.–based Modern Amusement, confirmed reports that the contemporary sportswear label has ceased operations, effective immediately. Modern Amuse...

Vestal Vision: Seeing Fashion

It was only a matter of time, pun intended, before the action sports–steeped watchmaker Vestal International added sunglasses to its collection. Known for its close ties to tastemake...

That's What I Said - Booty Trap!

Only American Apparel could launch its latest model search with an, er, straight face. The company, which is known as much for its cheap and fashionable basics as its racy image, is on the search for the best butt in the world. Two lucky...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Society for Rational Dress debuts a cool T-shirt collection (Los Angeles Times' All the Rage)The All-Denim Trend: How Much Is Too Much? (Wall Street...

William Rast to Launch Eyewear

William Rast, the Los Angeles–based premium-denim and contemporary brand founded by musician Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala and produced by People’s Liberation, will debut two eyewe...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Yes, Cerre. Up-and-coming L.A. brand Cerre adds high-flash fashion to its sumptuous leather-goods....

Apparel News Daily Reader

Wear your heart on your shoe this Valentine's Day (Los Angeles Times' All the Rage)American Apparel Nail Polish Might Be Hazardous to...

L.A. Vintage Store Acquires Alex & Lee Jewelry

It’s shades of Sonny and Cher over at the L.A. vintage store The Way We Wore.Owner Doris Raymond always has her eye out for fun and eclectic items, from classic evening gowns to clunky shoes. And now she has acquired 35 pieces of Alex Lee...

Manhattan Beachwear Sells Majority Stake

Cypress, Calif.–based women’s swimwear maker Manhattan Beachwear sold an 80 percent stake to Linsalata Capital Partners, a Cleveland-based private equity f...

The Greening of Fleece

Polartec LLC, the Lawrence, Mass.–based maker of the performance fleece, recently struck a deal with Greensboro, N.C.–based Unifi Inc. to launch a new line of performance fabrics made with Uni...

Hook and I

Here’s one that came in via email today: a bracelet that turns into a purse hook. I’ve been carrying a purse hook ever since I sat next to the most elegant woman years ago at a dinner party in Lyon, France. The woman arrived, pulled out a carved wooden purse hook and hooked her evening bag to the table. She then looked at my own...

Crowds Roll Out for Forever 21's Grand Opening

Los Angeles–based retailer Forever 21 celebrated the grand opening of its newest store at the Los Cerritos Center shopping mall in Cerritos, Calif., with a weekend party filled with shoppers, Sprinkles cupcakes and plenty of bumping music. The Cerritos outpost of the...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Banana Republic's Luxe Leisure Line Will Outfit You During Any Of Your Warm-Weather...

WSA Seminar and Event Calendar

It’s shoe season and The WSA Show and The Collections at WSA kick off on Feb. 2 in Las Vegas. Now under one roof at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, the three-day show will showcas...

Gerber Integrates YuniquePLM Into the Mix

Gerber Technology is going full-steam ahead with Yunique Solutions Inc., following Gerber’s acquisition of the company in December. ...

Gap Names Keiser CIO

Veteran retail technology executive Tom Keiser was recently named chief information officer and executive vice president for Gap Inc., according to a Jan. 12 statement from the San Francisco–b...

eMerge to Bow in April

New trade show eMerge is set to bow April 27–28 at the Hilton Miami Downtown hotel in Miami. The show—focused on the streetwear, skate, surf and contemporary markets—is being produced by Sherreth Stewart and Ray...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Found By Offers High-End Vintage Looks Without the High-End Price (Racked LA)Fashion Diary: Feisty fashion publicist Kelly Cutrone gets real on her Bravo show...

Taking the Pain Out of ERP

Enterprise Resource Planning systems are often considered crucial tools in making companies efficient competitors. But the search for the right ERP system can be as stressful as shopping for a new ho...

L.A. Rain Storms Hurt Beach Stores, Help Malls

Southern California storms on the week of Jan 22 hurt business at fashion boutiques.It hailed in Santa Monica on Jan 22. There were tornado-force winds in Long Beach a day earlier. By the time the week ended, storms dropped around 6 inches of rain in some...

Immediates, Accessories, Proven Brands Help Boost Business at L.A. Market

Traffic was up—in some cases, way up—at the Jan. 15–19 run of Los Angeles Fashion Market, according to many reps who said the market was much improved over last January. ...

Apparel & Services Resource Guide

American Apparel 747 Warehouse St.Los Angeles, CA 90021(213) 488-0226; Fax (213) 488-0334...

Off Price Show Gets Fresh!

New Website for Magazine Plus Growing Interest from Boutiques & Other Fashionistas Make Off Price the Place to Be this February...

Haworth Joins Sears

Hoffman Estates, Ill.–based Sears Holding named James H. Haworth executive vice president and president of retail services, succeeding Kevin R. Holt, who is leaving the company. Haworth was most recently chair...

Technology Resource Guide

These technology innovators create industry-specific software solutions for manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers of all sizes. Continuous developments in integrated systems provide better communication, control, and efficiency at every stage of an enterprise’s supply chain. Expert staffs offer consultation, customization, implementation, training, and tech support.AG Systems/PERFECT FITtrade;707 Cesar Chavez St.San Francisco, CA 94124(415) 821-6300Fax (415) 821-6332

Wells + Wachovia

San Francisco–based financial services company Wells Fargo & Co. has formed a new organization that combines the asset-based lending units of its wholesale bank with those of Wachovia. The two comp...

Nor Cal Market Kicks Off in San Mateo

The Fashion Market Northern California kicks off a three-day run on Jan. 23 at the San Mateo County Event Center in San Mateo, Calif. ...

Jerry Leigh's New HB3 Technology Blends Fashion/Tech

Hoodies and headphones go together like peas and carrots. Now, Van Nuys, Calif.–based manufacturer Jerry Leigh Apparel has combined the two for a new line of MP3- and cell phone–ena...

Callaway Golf Heads to India

Carlsbad-#8203;based Callaway Golf Co. formed Callaway Golf India, a wholly owned subsidiary based in New Delhi, India. Callaway Golf India joins Callaway’s other international subsidiaries in Europe, Japan, C...

Surf Expo Adds Interest, Optimism

Surf Expo, held Jan. 14–16 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., proved to be a much sunnier experience than last year for both retailers and the approximately 4,70...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Jewels—Newton’s Cradle to Extinct Currency, ANKH Designer Racquel Honoré Turns Time Traveler with MMX Collection (Blackburn and Sweetzer)Read My...

Industry Continues to Send Aid to Haiti

Pleasanton, Calif.–based off-price retailer Ross Stores Inc. donated $100,000 in cash to the American Red Cross’ Haiti Relief and Development Fund. ...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Party Pics: Alexander Wang Toasts His Linda Farrow Collab With A Dishy Dinner Party (Refinery 29)At Milan's Fall Shows, the Clothes Go Marching On (The New...

All Aboard the Vans to Hellz

Geeking out about limited-edition sneakers is usually a guy’s game, but Lanie Alabanza-Barcena likes to give the middle finger to gender rules. As “HBIC of Hellz,” she’s a pied piper leading women’s streetwear fashion for girls with opinions. Her latest...

Vivienne Westwood to Open L.A. Store on Melrose

In May, iconic English designer Vivienne Westwood will be debuting a self-named store in Los Angeles in a two-story building at 8320 Melrose Ave....

Apparel News Daily Reader

For fall, Woolrich Woolen Mills goes to the dark side (Los Angeles Times' All the Rage)SPECIAL REPORT: MENSWEAR The Calm After the Storm (The New York Times)...

Thinking Globally in Fashion

Our global culture and its evolving nature are on everybody's minds, including fashion designers.At Hong Kong Fashion Week, that concept was front and center at the runway show of Hong Kong-based deisigner Ika, who has been a staple of...

Designer X Denim: The New Frontier

Jean-Paul Gaultier X Levi's, photo courtesy of L'Officiel Hommes/Denimology.comDesigner X Denim line. You enter the names. Designer collaborations have become the status quo in the world of fast fashion. Think Rodarte and Alexander McQueen for Target and Comme des Garcons, Jimmy Choo and Karl Lagerfeld...

Vivienne Westwood's Creative Other Half

Andreas Kronthaler, creative director for the Vivienne Westwood label and husband of the venerable English designer, was dressed as you would expect a creative director to be. Plaid pants, polka dot shirt, tweed blazer and a navy-blue hat to...

OptiTex Introduces New CutPlan Module

OptiTex, a 2-D and 3-D CAD solutions provider, has updated its CutPlan software to reduce material waste and production costs for small orders....

Apparel News Daily Reader

Chair Clothing Has Us Fighting Furniture for Best Dressed (Refinery 29) Milan Fashion Week: Burberry Prorsum's soft parade (Los Angeles Times' All the...

Fashionable Frocks Shine at the Golden Globe Awards

West Coast designs made it onto the red carpet at the Golden Globes. From left: Kate Hudson (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images), Gabourey...

Hong Kong Fashion Week Goes Artistic

Hong Kong has never been known to be a city shy of fashion designers who put their stamp on world culture.So, when Hong Kong Fashion Week kicked off Jan. 18, there was a burst of creativity on the runway. Taking center court was Chinese...

Port Activity Up

Reversing months of declining cargo activity, the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles on Jan. 14 reported that traffic was up in December....

Bgreen Launches Wholesale Web Site

Bgreen, a division of NatureUSA, is taking its organic-cotton business online with the launch of a B2B Web site designed to allow the company’s wholesale customers to view the Bgreen ...

GlobalTex Adds Key Player to Boost International Business

With an eye on boosting overseas participation, GlobalTex announced it has appointed a new member to its international marketing team....

Macy's Lundgren Elected NRF Chairman

Terry J. Lundgren, chairman and chief executive of Macy’s Inc., will add another chairman position to his reacute;sumeacute;. Lundgren was elected chairman of the board of directors f...

New Connected Showroom Takes It to the Street

Connected International Showroom's sales crew in front of their new street level digs. Connected chief Steeve Bohbot is second from left.After more than two years of doing business on the 12th floor of The New Mart, Steeve Bohbot took his...

Apparel News Daily Reader

First Look! Jean Paul Gaultier For Target's Lookbook (Refinery 29)Sneak Peek! Zac Posen For Target (FabSugar)Rolling Out the Red Carpet at EM Co...

Fashion Resource Guide

Contemporary Fashion Basics helps individual fashion boutiques or small store chains have their own private-label line of fashionable...

Fashion Makes a 2010 Comeback, Analyst Said

Marshal Cohen, pictured right, leads the ICR Xchange panel. Panelists from left: Mitch Kummetz, Edward Yruma and Todd SlaterNo doubt about it, 2009 was bad for the rag trade. But 2010 will be much brighter for those selling jeans, suits and other fashions,...

Gap’s New Exec

Gap Inc. in San Francisco has tapped Tom Keiser to be its executive vice president and chief information officer. Keiser comes to ...

Sue Wong, Disney Head to ’Wonderland’

Venerable Los Angeles designer Sue Wong has signed a deal with Disney to create a high-end dress line inspired by the new Disney movie “Alice in Wonderland.”...

New CIT Board

CIT Group, one of the biggest factors for the apparel industry, has named three new members to its board of directors. Gerald Rose...

Apparel Makers Assess Damages in Haiti and Organize Donations

A 7.0 earthquake that rocked Haiti on Jan. 12 killed tens of thousands, brought business to a standstill and shut down the principal seaport near the country’s capital, Port-au-Prince....

Agenda Kicks Off Action-Sports-Show Season

If Agenda is any indication, the streetwear and action-sports industries may have a bustling Fall 2010 season. Key buyers and the standard action-sports personalities (skaters, surfers and h...

La Jolla's Newest Licensee

True Love and False Idols is the latest brand to join the La Jolla Group’s roster of licensees. ...

John Condon, Apparel News Account Exec, 84

John Condon, a long-time California Apparel News account executive, died on Jan. 3 at the age of 84. ...

Premiegrave;re Vision Draws Buyers With Direction, Partnerships

The Jan. 12–13 run of Premiegrave;re Vision New York drew a mix of designers that included several members of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, thanks to a partnership betw...

California Specialty-Store Chains Are Preparing for Better Times in 2010

Last year, California-based retail chains catering to trendy customers were struggling to keep their heads above water. But this could be the year that these once high-flying retailers take off again....

RFID-Embedded Textiles

RFID (radio frequency identification) technology is gaining momentum on the shipping side, as companies realize the benefits of quickly tracking large volumes of merchandise. And some retailers have a...

Nuuml;wa's Factories in China, Taiwan Receive Bluesign Certification

Tustin, Calif.–based Nuuml;wa Textiles, the American subsidiary of Taiwanese textile maker Honmyue Enterprise Co. Ltd., announced it has received Bluesign eco certification f...

Sue Wong, Disney Head to #039;Wonderland#039;

Venerable Los Angeles designer Sue Wong has signed a deal with Disney to create a high-end dress line inspired by the new Disney movie “Alice in Wonderland.”...

Ted Levy, 78

Ted Levy, former publisher and co-owner of California Apparel News from 1974 to 1986, died in December after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 78. ...

Delta Acquires Digital Printing Co.

Delta Apparel Inc., owner of the Junkfood Clothing brand, signed a letter of intent to acquire substantially all of the assets of digital printer Art Gun Technologies Inc. T...

Girls Rule

Brooks Brothers, known for its buttoned-down look, is branching out with a new girls’ collection that will debut in 15 U.S....

Beverly Hills Fashion Week Planned

The organizers of Downtown L.A. Fashion Week have set their sights on a neighboring city. ...

Quarterly Financial Review: Luxury Goods to Regroup as Economy Recovers

Discounters and off-price stores were the real winners in 2009 as bargain-hungry shoppers gobbled up inexpensive clothing and sale items. Meanwhile, luxury goods were pariahs, stuck on shelves as well...

Gap#039;s New Exec

Gap Inc. in San Francisco has tapped Tom Keiser to be its executive vice president and chief information officer. Keiser comes to ...

New Sears Executive

Sears Holdings Corp. has a new executive on board. The department-store chain has hired former Wal-Mart Stores Inc. executive Jame...

Name Strain

After a long and drawn-out legal battle, Joseph Abboud has won the right to use his name commercially on a restricted basis. A fed...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Unholy Matrimony to launch a retail-art space on La Brea Avenue (Los Angeles Times' All the Rage)Vivienne Westwood store opening on Melrose Ave. (Style Section L.A.'s...

Apparel News Daily Reader

We Love U: California Casual via Euro Powerhouses via California (Racked LA)Mona May Style. Infatuated with fedoras, feathers and gloves, one of...

The Fairy Godfather of Glass Slippers

Pasquale Fabrizio can fix any shoe. Now he's tackling shoe design, with his Q by Pasquale line, which features soles made of Murano glass.Repair a hole stabbed through a work boot? Widen soles for model-height dames? Alter a tall boot to hug the calf like a...

New Lines: Gerry Building

The following are new lines carried by showrooms at the Gerry Building, located at 910 S. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles.The California Apparel News lists new tenants and lines each market-week...

Apparel News Daily Reader

The Fun of Unhee. Cult-fave L.A. brand Unhee reemerges after a short hiatus with a kicky new Spring collection. (Style Section L.A.)First Look: Oonagh for Nanette...

P-Rod for Nike SB Debuts at Agenda

Paul Rodriguez, aka P-Rod, wearing his new eponymous collection for Nike SB.Action sports is really not my world. I've been to the X Games and have heard the names Tony Alva and Kelly Slater more than a few times. I have even watched Stacy Peralta’s “Riding Giants” and...

'Project Runway' Contestant Brings Line in Focus at Focus

Althea HarperFor the upcoming Los Angeles Fashion Market starting Jan. 15, the organizers of the Focus show at the California Market Center are bringing a bit of the "Project Runway" vibe to the event.The collection by "Project Runway"...

New Lines: The New Mart

The following are new lines carried by showrooms at The New Mart, located at 127 E. Ninth St., Los Angeles. The California Apparel News lists new tenants and lines in each market-week issue. ...

The Luxe Showroom

Gerry BuildingSuite 803(213) 623-3624...

New Lines: California Market Center

The following are new lines carried by showrooms at the California Market Center, located at 110 E. Ninth St., Los Angeles. The California Apparel News lists new tenants and lines each market...

New Lines: The 824 Building

The 824 Building The following are new lines carried by showrooms at The 824 Building, located at 824 S. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles. The California Apparel News lists new tenants and lines ...

Stacy Keyes Showroom

The New MartSuite 1010(213) 488-9990...

New Lines: The Lady Liberty Building

The following are new lines carried by showrooms at The Lady Liberty Building, located at 843 S. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles. The California Apparel News lists new tenants and lines...

Karen Kearns Sales

California Market CenterSuite A247(213) 627-8883From the tropical-print day dresses by Honolulu-based Tori Richard to the soft cotton loungewear by San Francisco–based Toute La Nuit,...

New Lines: Cooper Design Space

The following are new lines carried by showrooms at the Cooper Design Space, located at 860 S. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles. The California Apparel News lists new tenants and lines each marke...

Addison + Crescent

Cooper Design SpaceSuite 611(323) 469-1800...

Crystal Jin: Taking the Minimalist Road

Designer Crystal Jin Eley had eight years of experience under her belt before she decided to launch her swimwear line, Crystal Jin, last year....

Kooey: From the Land Down Under

Kooey’s brightly hued swimsuits take their cue from the vibrant colors found in the Australian outback...

Lenzing Seminars at Texworld USA

For the January 19–21 edition of Texworld USA, Lenzing has organized eight seminars highlighting innovations in the marketplace. The seminars, which take place in room 1E02 of the Jacob K. Javits Conve...

Apparel News Daily Reader

Levi's Partners With Opening Ceremony On Spring Corduroy Collection (Coutorture)Is 2010 the 'year of the cat' in fashion? Ask 'Vogue's' Grace Coddington (Los...

SwimShorts 2010

These short takes on Swim 2010 feature the latest styles and innovations from designers; manufacturers; and fabric, fiber and component suppliers. From feminine and flirty to athletic and trendy to retro and rock...

Agenda - A Pictorial

Agenda drew a crowd of street/surf/skate brands and buyers to Huntington Beach, Calif., January 8-9. Held at the Hyatt Regency on Pacific Coast Highway, the show also benefitted from rad waves right across the street. (I say that...

Art, Fashion and Culture Converge at Agenda

The RVCA Artist Network showcased the many artsy poses of Erin Wasson. The worlds of action sports, streetwear and art converged in a cultural mash up at the Agenda Trade Show. Exhibitors and buyers literally took over the Hyatt Regency in Huntington Beach,...

Voda Swim: A Line of Uplifting Swimwear

Fashion model Yulia Drummond has the perfect body. She’s tall, willowy and has high cheek bones...

Waterwear 2010: Swimming With Style

Surf’s swim goes fashion-forward...

Kohl’s Expands

Kohl’s, the mid-tier department-store chain based in Wisconsin, is more than doubling its New York design office space and ...

Surprisingly Strong December Results

U.S. chain-store sales increased 2.8 percent in December, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers, and the results offered a sweet ending to what had been a sour year for m...

After a Good Holiday, ICSC Forecasts January

More good news might be coming to the retail industry. After mostly positive retail sales were reported for December (The International Council of Shopping Centers reported U.S. chain-store sales increased 2.8 percent last month), the ICSC forecast...