Tuesday, December 31
Tanner Goods Coming Soon to Downtown LA
Craftsman leather goods store Tanner Good taking retail spot on Broadway
Monday, December 30
Interior Design Tweaks Made at the Gerry Building
New owner making some changes at the historic Gerry Building in the LA Fashion District
Thursday, December 26
2013 Year in Review: New Trade Shows and Venues in 2013, Plus Changes on the Horizon
Trade Show
It was a busy year for veteran trade show producers and start-ups alike.
2013 Year in Review: U.S. Concentrates on Concluding Two Major Free-Trade Pacts
Import & Export
The United States has free-trade agreements with 20 countries. But if it finishes up negotiating two major free-trade accords with Europe and countries around the Pacific, it will have free trade with another 34.
2013 Year in Review: Busy Year for Well-Known and Up-and-Coming Retailers
Retail
Bebe Stores Inc. opened 2013 by naming Steve Birkhold as chief executive officer and announcing a turnaround strategy for the retail chain, which runs a fleet of 235 stores.
2013 Year in Review: In Memoriam
Manufacturing
Mel Matsui, denim expert and founder, Simply Blue, Christopher Blue, Indigo Hand and Pulp
Small e-Tailers Test Price Matching
Technology
Once the domain of major retailers and e-tailers such as Wal-Mart and Target, price matching is helping small retailers and e-tailers compete in a tough marketplace.
Lectra Opens New Tech Center in Georgia
Technology
Lectra, the Paris-based apparel technology provider, has opened the International Advanced Technology Center (IATC) in Smyrna, Ga., and relocated its U.S. headquarters from Marietta, Ga., to Smyrna, as well.
After DSquared2, Rodeo Drive Will Be Filled Up
Rodeo Drive
There is no room on Rodeo Drive. It is the first time in recent memory that there is no vacancy on the iconic shopping street.
Surf Expo Parent Company Acquired by Outdoor Retailer Organizer
Trade Show
George Little Management LLC, parent company of trade show Surf Expo, has been acquired by Emerald Expositions Inc., organizers of the Outdoor Retailer trade show.
2013 in Review: Retail, Trade Shows, Import/Export
2013 in Review
Despite an economy that struggled to rebound, two sectors of the apparel industry were booming in 2013: retail and trade shows.
Freenote: Denim-Driven Menswear With a Focus on Authenticity
Made-in-America
Brothers Matt and Andrew Brodrick 's menswear brand is a tightly focused concept and a 100 percent made-in-America production.
New California Laws Will Affect the Workplace in 2014
Manufacturing
Ringing in the new year means ringing in a raft of new employment laws that take effect on Jan. 1.
Nike Suits Up for Sochi
Fashion Tech
Nike has released its uniform designs for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia—and they’re stylish and high-tech.
Tuesday, December 24
Ms. Scandal: Regular Clothes, How Dull
“Life is very boring if you wear regular clothes,” said Janna Lee, partner and designer for the Ms. Scandal clothing label. Could be the slogan for Ms. Scandal's new pop-up store.
Young Cory: Indie Music, Indie Merch
Independent Hip hop musician Young Cory rocks his own music...and his own merch.
Monday, December 23
Taking Fashion By Strategy
In warehouses and lots across the city, Creative Warrior Guerilla Marketplace seeks to bring fashion minds together in a space that is brings it all back home.
Friday, December 20
Surf Expo Parent Company Acquired by Outdoor Retailer Organizer
Trade Show Acquistion
George Little Management LLC, parent company of Surf Expo, has been acquired by Emerald Expositions Inc., organizer of Outdoor Retailer.
Retailers Who Made Santa's Good List for Online Shopping
The top five retailers who made Santa's nice list for delivering the goods
3D-Model Makers Make 3D-Printed Model Doll
Fashion, Tech & Toys
Kickstarter kicks up a fashion concept again, this time, a group of entrepreneurs in Cincinnati are using the crowdfunding site to help launch their 3D-printable fashion doll.
Thursday, December 19
Swedish Boutique Acne Studios Debuts on Broadway
Acne Studios
The ultra-cool Swedish brand celebrated its grand opening of its flagship store in downtown Los Angeles’ old theater district.
Urban Outfitters Debuts
Retail
A highly anticipated Urban Outfitters opened at 810 S. Broadway Dec. 19, and some executives for the hipster emporium dropped by the new shop at a debut party on Dec. 18.
Carlos Arias Joins Walter Wilhelm Associates
Manufacturing
Most people know Carlos Arias as the blue-jeans guy. For several years, he was president of Guatemala-based American Denimatrix, the largest blue-jeans manufacturer in Central America.
Shareholders Group Seeks to Take Wet Seal Private
Retail
After more than two decades of being a public company, The Wet Seal Inc., based in Foothill Ranch, Calif., might go private.
Carlos Alberini Named New CEO at Lucky Brand Jeans
Manufacturing
Just days after Fifth & Pacific Companies announced it was selling Lucky Brand Jeans to a Los Angeles private-investment firm, Carlos Alberini has been tapped to be the new chief executive.
Majority Shareholder Bids to Take Frederick’s of Hollywood Private
Retail
After years of losing money, executives at lingerie retailer Frederick’s of Hollywood Group said they have accepted an offer to take the company private.
LA’s Alameda Square Adds E-commerce Site GoJane
Manufacturing
Alameda Square—the business complex in downtown Los Angeles that houses American Apparel, Splendid and Ella Moss, Groceries Apparel, and HauteLook’s photo studio—has added another fashion tenant: Los Angeles–based e-tailer GoJane.
Economic Indicators for 2013 Show Signs of Recovery and Continued Struggle
2013 Retrospective
The editors of California Apparel News look at the top indicators for the past year to distill the industry’s recovery by the numbers.
2013 RETROSPECTIVE Import/Export: China Still at the Center of U.S. Apparel and Textile Imports
Import & Export
Consumers loosened their purse strings this year and spent nearly 3.5 percent more on apparel and textile imports than last year.
2013 RETROSPECTIVE Real Estate: Retail Space Scarce in Prime LA Shopping Streets
Retail
Vacancies are getting harder to find in Los Angeles as more stores cruise for good locations in some of the more popular retail areas of town.
2013 RETROSPECTIVE Employment: Apparel and Textile Jobs Decline in 2013
Manufacturing
California may be the apparel manufacturing center of the country, but the region continued to shed apparel manufacturing and textile jobs in 2013.
2013 RETROSPECTIVE Retail Sales: Major Retailers and Off-Pricers
Retail
2013 was a good year for major retailers and off-pricers.
2013 RETROSPECTIVE Retail Sales: Specialty Retail
Retail
Even as Victoria’s Secret hosted its high-profile annual fashion show, broadcast on Dec. 11 on CBS, L Brands, the chain’s parent company, was reporting a slowdown at the beginning of the crucial season.
Industry Joins Forces to Bring Christmas to Local Children
Events
The Textile Association of Los Angeles and the California Fashion Foundation hosted the 66th Annual Christmas Party for local boys and girls organizations on Dec. 11 at the Cooper Design Space in downtown Los Angeles.
Wednesday, December 18
Mise En Scène: From Brand Building and B2B to Boutiques
Mise En Scène
Andrew Pollard was in the vanguard of the e-commerce business, but for his new venture, he's creating a bricks-and-mortar boutique.
Tuesday, December 17
Not Your Daughter’s Jeans Fetches Top Price
M&A
Los Angeles blue-jeans company Not Your Daughter’s Jeans has been sold to a group of New York investors in a multi-million-dollar deal that closes in early January.
The Boxer & The Beauty Queen at Brigade
It sounds like a modern fable. A boxer and a beauty queen visit the same fashion gala. Look who showed up at the Dec. 13 party at Downtown Los Angeles fashion boutique Brigade.
Monday, December 16
Jimmy Au Gets Colorful
Jimmy Au has never shied away from a pop of color, but this time he broke out the Patone.
Mr. GK’s Fashion
New streetwear brands Dope Mafia, The Chase and Controversial Clothing gave fashion fans a preview at George chouri's showcase at the Wax Rabbit nightclub.
AAFA's Kevin Burke Stepping Down as President and CEO
Manufacturing
The American Apparel & Footwear Association, the giant trade group in Arlington, Va., that represents apparel and footwear companies as well as retailers, announced on Monday that its president and chief executive, Kevin Burke, will be resigning on Jan. 21 to take a new job.
Friday, December 13
Carlos Alberini Named New CEO at Lucky Brand Jeans
NEW HIRES
Just days after Fifth & Pacific Companies announced it was selling Lucky Brand Jeans to a Los Angeles private-investment firm, Carlos Alberini has been tapped to be the new chief executive.
True Religion’s New Owners Lay Off Scores of Employees
Premium Denim
Seven months after being bought by a private-equity firm, True Religion has laid off at least 70 people—many of them department heads and production people.
Seven Points: Let the Toy Drives Begin
The Seven Points Boutique Added Its Take on the Toy Drive Season.
Guerilla Atelier: Come Play With Us
Guerilla Atelier hosted a reception for the surreal photography exhibition, Come Play With Us by photographers René & Radka.
Early-Morning Fire in the LA Fashion District
Ninth Street
Some 135 firefighters from the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to an early-morning blaze Friday that started in the second floor of a small commercial building across from the California Market Center in the downtown Los Angeles fashion district.
Thursday, December 12
Serge Azria Names CFO and COO at Dutch LLC
Manufacturing
Los Angeles–based Dutch LLC named Jennifer Adams chief financial officer and Michael Saunders chief operating officer of the company, owner of the Joie, Equipment and Current/Elliott brands.
2013 Newsmaker: Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti
Manufacturing
In October, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti was on hand at the California Market Center to address the Los Angeles apparel industry on the opening day of Los Angeles Fashion Market, much like his predecessor, Antonio Villaraigosa, who also helped kick off market weeks.
2013 Newsmaker: Los Angeles Fashion Week's New Venues, New Players
Fashion
Los Angeles Fashion Week has been an independent effort ever since IMG Fashion and Smashbox Studios shuttered their joint effort, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios, in 2008.
2013 Newsmaker: Fairfax Becomes Capital of Streetwear
Retail
Just a few years ago, Los Angeles’ Fairfax Avenue was best known for Jewish delis, religious gift shops and thrift stores.
2013 Newsmaker: Ilse Metchek, President, CFA
Manufacturing
There are thousands of apparel-related companies in California but not many nonprofit groups that serve as a go-to source informing the industry about new state laws and regulations, tariff and trade problems, and other fashion-centric issues.
2013 Newsmaker: Glendale Galleria’s Massive Renovation
Retail
If introducing new looks and styles is crucial in the retail game, the Glendale Galleria shopping center had been out of step for a long time.
2013 Newsmaker: Frances Harder, President, FBI
Manufacturing
Former designer Frances Harder created Fashion Business Inc. in 1999 as a Los Angeles nonprofit group to help emerging fashion companies get off the ground. Currently, there are about 250 full-time FBI members, and 90 percent of the organization’s clients are minorities or women.
2013 Newsmaker: European Union Denim Tariff
Import & Export
At a time when the Obama administration has been trying to boost U.S. exports overseas, Europe this spring put a crimp in the president’s initiative.
2013 Newsmaker: Downtown LA as a Retail Destination
2013 Newsmaker: Downtown
Already a destination for foodies, downtown Los Angeles is poised to become a destination for shoppers, as well.
2013 Newsmaker: The Battle for Billabong
Swim & Surf
The “annus horribilis” of surf giant Billabong International Ltd. might be coming to an end. For more than a year, the Australian-headquartered company was embroiled in bitter proxy fights and hobbled by plummeting stock value on the Australian Securities Exchange, all while running an international business without a permanent chief executive officer.
2013 Newsmaker: Apparel Mergers & Acquisitions
Finance
Some very big apparel deals went down this year with half of them involving some important names in the premium-denim arena.
2013 Newsmaker: Abbot Kinney, ‘Coolest Street In America,’ Stays Eclectic
2013 Newsmaker: Abbot Kinney
Change has been a long time coming for Los Angeles’ stylish Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
Post Bellum: Menswear With an Edge
Post Bellum
Call men’s contemporary line Post Bellum a fashion infiltrator.
Acne Studios Opening Doors Soon in Downtown LA
Acne Studios is braving downtown LA for its latest retail venture.
Tina + Jo: Artisanal P.O.V. in Ready-to-Wear Line
Tina + Jo
Tina + Jo is a ready-to-wear line, but every garment will offer a unique point of view.
Swim Maker Raj Opens New Factory in Santa Fe Springs
Swim & Surf
Tustin, Calif.–based Raj Manufacturing—maker of swimwear under the Athena, Next by Athena, Luxe by Lisa Vogel, Nautica, Guess, Ella Moss, Splendid, Hurley and Reef brands—opened a new manufacturing facility in Santa Fe Springs, Calif.
Downtown Los Angeles Sports Chalet Wins Design Award
News
The Sports Chalet at FIGat7th retail center in downtown Los Angeles knocked it out of the park, at least when it comes to design.
TheSeventhLetter Flagship Opens; One Partner Is Agenda's Aaron Levant
Retail
With more than 1,000 people waiting in line to get inside the flagship store and art gallery of TheSeventhLetter at 346 N. Fairfax Ave. in Los Angeles on Dec. 7, the debut looked more like a movie premiere.
Lucky Brand Jeans Sold to Los Angeles Private-Equity Firm
Manufacturing
Fifth & Pacific Companies, which used to be known as Liz Claiborne Inc., has agreed to sell Lucky Brand Jeans for $225 million to Leonard Green Partners, a Los Angeles private-equity company. The deal should close in early 2014.
Loyola Law School Carves Out a Program for Fashion Law
Legal
Law schools in the West have specialties in entertainment law, sports law and biotech law, but it is rare to find a school that has a concentration of classes devoted to fashion law.
Prêt à Porter: New Orleans to Los Angeles
Prêt à Porter is a New Orleans take on SoCal style. The line took its first Los Angeles bow this week.
Wednesday, December 11
Urban Outfitters Opening Soon in Downtown LA
The Rialto Theatre on Broadway will have a new life as an Urban Outfitters store.
Tuesday, December 10
Hands Up for Made-in-America
Freedom Sleeve
Massachusetts-based apparel maker Goodwear introduced a new hoodie with a “Freedom Sleeve,” a gusseted sleeve design that gives the wearer more mobility and range of movement.
Lucky Brand Jeans Sold to Los Angeles Private-Equity Firm
M&A
Fifth & Pacific Companies, which used to be known as Liz Claiborne Inc., has agreed to sell Lucky Brand Jeans for $225 million to Leonard Green Partners, a Los Angeles private-equity company. The deal should close in early 2014.
Sunday, December 8
Mobs Crowd TheSeventhLetter Debut
The night was cold Dec. 7, but the multitudes braved the elements to check out the debut of TheSeventhLetter, a boutique and art gallery featuring the works of some of streetwear's top artists.
Living Odaingerously...Online
Luxe streetwear brand Odaingerous debuted an ecommerce shop on Dec. 6. Time to party! Take a look at some of the stylish people who showed up at the Odain party.
Friday, December 6
Kelly Cole: Bombs Away
Bombs Away. It is the name of the first full collection of the Kelly Cole label. Actors Marisa Tomei, Joy Bryant
Tie The Knot Pops For Marriage Equality
Christmas is a few weeks away. Valentine’s Day is next year. But Dec. 5 was the right time for Tie the Knot, a pop-up shop devoted to the cause of Marriage Equality, to open at the Beverly Center.
Pantone’s Color of the Year
Color Forecast
Get ready for a radiant year. Radiant Orchid, that is. That’s the word from Pantone, which announced its 2014 color of the year: Radiant Orchid (18-3224).
Thursday, December 5
November Sales Slow
Retail
After mixed sales results were reported on Black Friday, which is the day after Thanksgiving and the official start of the holiday retail season, sales results for the entire month of November were announced, and prominent trade organization International Council of Shopping Centers said the month’s sales missed forecasts.
Marika Inks Licensing Deals for Footwear and Hosiery
Manufacturing
Activewear brand Marika is expanding into shoes and hosiery with two new licensing agreements with Hackensack, N.J.–based SG Companies, which will produce and distribute women’s footwear under the Marika brand, and New York–based Wiesner Products Inc., which will produce and distribute Marika women’s hosiery. Both licensing agreements cover the U.S. and Canada, and small collections began shipping this holiday season.
Morrell to Lead Olah’s Textile Sales Division
Trade Show
Olah Inc., the textile and apparel-development firm and organizer of the Kingpins denim trade show, announced a shift in the leadership of its textile sales division.
Texworld Teams With Tradegood
Trade Show
Texworld USA, the biannual fabric show in New York, has struck a partnership with Tradegood, the online B2B sourcing site founded by Intertek.
Second Kitson Opens at LA International Airport
Retail
Boutique chain Kitson opened a 1,500-square-foot boutique in the Tom Bradley International Terminal of Los Angeles International Airport on Nov 26. A Kitson location also opened in LAX’s Terminal 7 last year.
Watchmen—and Women
Fashion Meets Function
No matter how flashy your time app is, it doesn’t have the same panache as a beautiful watch.
WGSN Acquires Stylesight
Fashion
London-based trend forecaster and retail consultancy WGSN Inc. has acquired New York–based forecaster Stylesight Inc. for an undisclosed amount.
Trina Turk Opens Store in Manhattan Beach
Retail
Los Angeles designer Trina Turk is hitting the retail trail again.
American Apparel Adds In-Store Shop in Amsterdam
Retail
Los Angeles–based American Apparel opened a 645-square-foot shop-in-shop in the De Bijenkorf department store in Amsterdam.
Former Forever 21 Executive Named CEO of Uniqlo USA
Retail
Uniqlo’s new chief executive officer for the United States comes directly from Los Angeles.
Unifi Purchases American Drawtech
Textiles
Greensboro, N.C.–based fiber maker Unifi Inc. purchased the assets of American Drawtech from Dillon Yarn Corp. for an undisclosed amount.
Ondademar Bows on Robertson
Retail
Colombian swimwear brand Ondademar took its West Coast bow last month on Los Angeles’ Robertson Boulevard.
Stone + Cloth: From Kilimanjaro to Downtown Los Angeles
Stone + Cloth
Matthew Clough's hike up Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania inspired the mission for his accessories company.
People vs. West Jeans Moves With Denim Roots and Bespoke Inspirations
People vs. West Jeans
Denim veteran Shay Sudry's new line took its inspiration from the jeans of the 19th century and bespoke suits.
Sanuk Opens in Waikiki
Retail
After opening stores in Santa Monica and Cabazon, Calif., earlier this year, Sanuk headed to Hawaii.
LAmade: Fashioning Casual Basics in America
LAmade
Jack and Georgia Chang have been producing apparel in Los Angeles since 1989, manufacturing garments for premium brands.
Apparel Factories Are Bracing for California’s New Minimum-Wage Hike Next Year
Manufacturing
A rise in California’s minimum wage from $8 to $9 an hour next summer will cost Los Angeles clothing manufacturer Tianello at least $208,000 a year.
Holiday Forecast: After Mixed Black Friday, Retailers Push for More Business
Holiday Forecast
After a mixed Black Friday, Retailers are wondering how the crucial month of December will play out.
Wednesday, December 4
Law Firm Gets UK to Strike Down Steep Tariff on Hudson Jeans
Denim Tax
Law firm Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg has won a ruling in the United Kingdom that exempts Los Angeles–based Hudson Clothing from paying a steep 38 percent tariff on its women’s premium denim jeans made in the United States.
Sochi 2014: American Apparel’s Principle Message to Russia
Olympic Games 2014
The Principle 6 campaign takes aim at Russia’s anti-gay laws with a call to athletes and fans to “celebrate the Olympic principle of non-discrimination and call for an end to Russia's anti-gay laws before the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.”
Tuesday, December 3
Trina Turk Opens Store in Manhattan Beach
Trina Turk's ninth store opened its doors in Manhattan Beach
Tie Dye... Forever?
When it comes to some looks, the motto is never say die. There’s the prep look, the 1950s rockabilly look, the 1970s Stevie Nicks/ hippie witch style, and for this trend watcher, tie dye.
Monday, December 2
Color of the Future
Trend Watch
Pantone will unveil its 2014 Color of the Year during a Dec. 6 webinar.
A Current Affair's Market for Vintage Looks
Los Angeles is obsessed with vintage styles. A Current Affair will produce a bazaar of vintage looks on Dec. 7.
Sunday, December 1
Mixed Start to Holiday Season, NRF Survey Says
Holiday 2013
Malls were buzzing with shoppers on Black Friday, the traditional start of the holiday shopping season, but spending declined on the four day Thanksgiving Day weekend, according to a survey by prominent trade and advocacy group National Retail Federation.
