Wednesday, July 31
Kurzawa Leaves Caruso to Explore Retail for DreamWorks
Brand Expansion
Paul Kurzawa, the popular chief operating officer of Caruso Affiliated, was named head of retail development and entertainment at DreamWorks Animation, it was announced July 31.
Where You Can See a Vintage Chanel Dress from the 1920s..for Free
The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising opens a display of 1920s-era fancy frocks.
Photo Shoot for the World Records
Models! Models! Models!
36 Hours, More than 250 Models, World Record?
Tuesday, July 30
New CEO Named at True Religion
M&A
At a July 29 special meeting, True Religion shareholders approved the company’s acquisition by TowerBrook Capital Partners at $32 a share, or $824 million.
Monday, July 29
The Rise in Long-Term Interest Rates and Its Effect on the Apparel Industry
Industry Focus: Finance
The recent jump in long-term mortgage rates and bond rates means that short-term interest rates will be seeing their own increases down the road as the economy improves. The question is how much more will manufacturers and retailers be paying to borrow money, and when will that happen?
The Hundreds Celebrates 10 at Agenda Emerge
A bomb of an anniversary
Streetwear Brand The Hundreds Shares Story of Success, But Not Anniversary Cake
Thursday, July 25
Nike Announces New VPs
Manufacturing
Niike Inc. promoted Craig Cheek to vice president of men’s training, overseeing the Beaverton, Ore.–based athletic-apparel company’s training, baseball and football sectors, including managing Nike’s relationship with the NFL.
Factory 413: Only Serious Customers Need Apply
Retail
Factory 413 opened the store way off of the beaten track
Leatherwork With a Local Approach
Accessories
West Coast designers carve out a niche for handcrafted leather
Exhibitors and Attendance Up at Texworld USA
Texworld
The July 16–18 run of Texworld USA in New York saw a nearly 25 percent increase in exhibitors and a more than 14 percent increase in attendees over last July.
Miami Swim Week Bows With New Trade Shows and Expanded Schedule
Trade Show
More, more, more” seemed to be the theme at Miami Swim Week
Lagerfeld Takes La Jolla Fashion Film Festival
Fashion's Film P.O.V.
Fashion Icons And Designers State Case On Film
Wednesday, July 24
Calvin Klein and Christy Turlington Together Again
Ad Campaign
Calvin Klein Underwear just released its biannual women’s Fall 2013 global advertising campaign featuring Christy Turlington Burns.
See Part Two of Open Runway in Hollywood
Four emerging designers on the runway in Hollywood this Saturday
Tuesday, July 23
American Eagle Outfitters’ Tech Executives Set Up Shop in San Francisco
Omnichannel
American Eagle Outfitters has opened its first corporate offices in San Francisco to reinforce the company’s omni-channel strategy.
New Agenda Show: New Caps
What the VIPs Will Be Wearing At Agenda
The Latest In Agenda's Tradition of Caps for its Trade Show
Monday, July 22
Quiksilver Loses in Trademark Case Over Kelly Slater VSTR Line
Intellectual Property
Surfwear giant Quiksilver splashed and crashed in a trademark infringement case that pitted its relatively new VSTR apparel line promoted by surfer Kelly Slater against a similar clothing label called Visitor.
Spy Wants You to Look Happy
Product Launch
Carlsbad, Calif.–based action-sports eyewear maker Spy launched a new collection with a patent-pending technology to boost happiness.
Meet The Super Naturals
California Market Center Perfumer
Natural Fragrance Line Headquartered at California Market Center
Sunday, July 21
Miami Swim Week Cruise ‘14
Dive In
The swim shows are underway in Miami Beach with runway shows and parties, as well as three trade shows.
Surf and Ethnic Style Ruling the Runways in Miami
Miami Swim Week
Iconic surf brand ROXY kicked off Miami Swim Week on Thursday night and surf and ethnic inspired looks have ruled the runway since.
Friday, July 19
Shark Sneak! Behold the ‘Invisible’ Wetsuit
Technology in Design
Australian company SAMS (Shark Attack Mitigation System) and the University of Western Australia teamed up to develop a wetsuit that would render surfers and divers invisible to a shark.
Thursday, July 18
Martex Acquires JBM Recycled Fibers
Recycling
Spartanburg, S.C.–based Martex Fiber Southern Corp. acquired JBM Fibers, a recycled fiber–manufacturing facility in Brownsville, Texas, with a diverse national customer base for recycled textile products made from post-consumer textile waste.
Hyosung Expands Creora Spandex Facility in Vietnam
Import/Export
In anticipation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership proposed trade agreement, spandex producer Hyosung will unveil a newly expanding facility in Nhon Trach, Dong Nai, Vietnam, beginning late summer.
Guess Promotes Reddy to CFO Global
Executive Move
Los Angeles–based Guess? Inc. named Sandeep Reddy as chief financial officer for the company, overseeing the entire global operation.
MAGIC Market Week Pairs Up With Balluun for Shop the Floor
Trade Show
Finding new lines and innovative clothing will be getting easier at the various apparel and footwear trade shows run by Advanstar Communications, organizer of MAGIC Market Week in Las Vegas
Vince Seeks IPO, Kellwood’s New CEO
Manufacturing
Apparel Holding Corp. filed paperwork with the Securities and Exchange Commission in preparation for an initial public offing for Los Angeles–based contemporary brand Vince.
New Execs at Levi’s US, Europe, Asia and Dockers
San Francisco–based Levi Strauss & Co. added a trio of regional presidents for the Americas, Europe and Asia as part of the company’s effort to “leverage the strength of its global brands.”
NRF Forecast: Spending Decline for Back-to-School
Retail
Americans will spend $72.5 billion on Back-to-School and Back-to-College goods this year, according to a survey released July 18 by the National Retail Federation, the world’s largest trade association for retailers.
Caruso to Manage Santa Barbara Mall
Retail
Caruso Affiliated, developer, owner and manager of prominent Los Angeles County malls The Grove and The Americana at Brand, is taking its show to Santa Barbara, Calif.
New CEO at Womenswear Line CAbi
Retail
Carol Anderson by invitation, a womenswear label also known as CAbi,has named Lynne Coté as its new chief executive.
FactoryLA Opens "Made in LA" Store
In downtown Los Angeles, a "Made in LA" store opens in the Fashion District.
Dechel McKillian: Design Debut With a Stylist’s Eye
Creative Drive
Dechel McKillian ready-to-wear is designed from a stylist’s point of view.
Fashioning a Business With a Humanitarian Niche
Hand Made
For some fashion entrepreneurs, the fashion is just part of the equation for success.
Coast Prepares for New York Launch
Trade Show
Contemporary trade show Coast is preparing to debut its New York edition Sept. 16–17 at Stage 37 on Manhattan’s West Side.
High Vacancy on LA’s Robertson Boulevard as Retail Street Reinvents Itself
Shopping
Robertson Boulevard has found a new distinction.
Wednesday, July 17
FIDM Teams With TV Academy for Costumes Exhibit
Costume Design
The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising is gearing up for its seventh annual “The Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design” exhibition at the FIDM Museum & Galleries in Downtown LA.
Halsey: Pro-Soccer Tie-in and Focused on the Bottom Line
Company Profile
Will Johnson launched Halsey in 2011 with Robbie Rogers.
Retail Sales in Los Angeles County Will Rise Modestly in 2013
Economic Forecast
With housing prices showing healthy gains and the stock market posting healthy results, consumers are feeling more confident than last year, according to the 2013-2014 Mid-Year Economic Forecast and Industry Outlook released by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. on July 17.
Tuesday, July 16
Pooltradeshow Giving Lessons
Pooltradeshow hosting a one-day seminar in Los Angeles on growing your brand.
M&A Strategies, Advice at Kingpins
Business Insight
Strategies for finding an investor or selling a company were on the agenda at a July 9 panel discussion organized by the California Fashion Association and hosted by Kingpins, during the denim trade show’s July 9-10 run at the Cooper Design Space in downtown LA.
Former Oakley Chief to Helm Billabong, Dakine Sold
Executive Moves
Former Oakley CEO Scott Olivet named CEO and managing director of surf giant Billabong International Ltd., which sold its Dakine brand as part of the deal.
Glenn McMahon Leaving St. John as CEO
Executive Moves
After six years leading St. John into new territory, Glenn McMahon, the company’s chief executive, is stepping down as a new chairman is named.
Monday, July 15
Joe's to Acquire Hudson
M&A
Joe’s Jeans Inc. signed a deal to acquire Hudson Clothing Holdings Inc. for $97.6 million.
Fashion, Philanthropy and an Underserved Niche
Design Debut
Fashion entrepreneur and founder of the Ashley DeRamus Foundation Ashley DeRamus is launching a fashion line for women with Down syndrome.
Friday, July 12
Porsche Design and Vogue Fete the Re-Opening of Porsche Design Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills was a glittering last night when celebs and Hollywood notables came out to celebrate Porsche Design’s newly renovated boutique on Rodeo Drive.
Gents' Cap Alternative
Meet the Anti-Cap
L.A. Label Makes Caps Focusing on Fit and Style, Not Sports Logos
Nature's Mistake Does Art Walk
Streetwear on the Street
Streetwear Label Debut's Street Stand at L.A.'s Downtown Art Walk
Thursday, July 11
Finance Resources
Resource Guide
BBCN Bank, Goodman Factors, Hana Financial, Inc., Milberg Factors, Inc., Rosenthal & Rosenthal, Wells Fargo Capital Finance
Kim and Zozi: California Brand Drumming to a World Beat
New Resources
Australian Kim Ben Shimon and Canadian Zoar “Zozi” Asher together form Kim and Zozi, their jewelry line born in Israel and produced in Los Angeles.
Banana Republic X L'Wren Scott
Designer collaboration
L’Wren Scott is the latest designer to join the retail collab-fest. The stylist turned designer has created a limited-edition collection with Banana Republic for Holiday 13.
E-commerce Reseller Shop Hers Goes Global
Retail
Shop Hers is a luxury e-commerce resale business that recently went international.
Merchandise Imports to Take Off Later This Year
Import / Export
The first six months of this year barely saw an increase in cargo-container volumes coming through the nation’s major ports.
June Sales Strong
Retail
June sales beat forecasts reporting that U.S. chain-store sales increased 3.9 percent in June
Omnichannel Gaining Adoption, but Not for All Retailers, Survey Says
Technology
“The First Annual Future of Stores Study,” said that retailers are not moving quickly enough to stay ahead of the change.
Kingpins’ LA Show Features New Innovations in Denim
Trade Show Report
The July 9–10 run of the Kingpins boutique denim trade show at the Cooper Design Space in Los Angeles included 44 local and international exhibitors.
Construction and Technology Are Bright Spots for California’s Economy
Mid-Year Financial Review
Last year, uncertainty was in the air with an upcoming presidential election
Swim Shorts 2014
The business of swimwear.
Wednesday, July 10
Dosa Clothing Designer Heads to Santa Monica Art Museum
Christina Kim is back at the Santa Monica Museum of Art's gift store for a good cause.
Riding the Retail Wave
Swim ‘n Sport
It can be challenging to stay afloat if you’re a swimwear retailer limited to basically one season: summer. Swim ‘n Sport seems to have developed the right formula for success.
The Reversible Sure Thing
Howe’s Poolside
The Howe label recently introduced Poolside, the label’s first reversible swimwear, said Jade Howe, creative director of his self-named Los Angeles–area men’s fashion label.
Aiming for Success
Boys + Arrows
Meaghan Scott was hanging out in Brazil in the middle of studying to become a nurse when she decided “to rip off the Band-Aid.”
Vintage-Inspired, Designed for All
Lauren Moffatt
Lauren Moffatt is a brand known for its vintage-inspired garments, with retro prints that hone in on a seasonal vibe.
The Two Faces of Swimwear
Dos Caras
When two women have been best friends for 15 years, what do they do to bond? They start a swimwear line.
Old May Co. Building Sale Would Affect Scores of Garment Makers in Downtown LA
Transformation
“Downtown Los Angeles is changing."
Tuesday, July 9
Buttons & Bows Relocates
retailer
Owners Karen Marley and Monique Aquino of Buttons & Bows LA caught onto the growing trend and opened their doors to a consignment store in spring, 2012.
Monday, July 8
Nyzak's Streetwear Game
Boutique Manager's 1st Streetwear Line
After Boutique Switches to Streetwear, Manager Launches Line
Friday, July 5
Thursday, July 4
Wednesday, July 3
Bands and Brands
fashion event
Even with the Los Angeles summer heat, people are still driven for a day of shopping or for a weekend shopping spree.
Restoration Hardware to Rev Up Apparel Line
Restoration Hardware reinstates Gary Friedman as co-CEO and chairman of the board.
Buhler Names RadiciSpandex’s Moran CEO
Textiles
Buhler Quality Yarns Corp., the Jefferson, Ga.–based yarn spinner, has named RadiciSpandex Corp. executive Marty Moran as the company’s new chief executive officer, replacing Werner Bieri, who retired earlier this year.
Etienne Marcel: So Cal Denim With a French Twist
International Pedigree
With roots in France and a base in Los Angeles, Etienne Marcel jeans launched its U.S. business in 2011 after showing at Coterie in New York.
Tru-Line Acquires American-Made Clothing Brand Alex Maine
Manufacturing
The Alex Maine clothing company, a pants and apparel brand that stands by its American-made products, was recently acquired by Tru-Line LLC, is a holding company based in Baltimore that is currently working on a product for the golf market.
Olah Announces Partnership With Prosperity Textiles
Textiles
Olah Inc., the New York–based global textile and apparel development firm and producer of the Kingpins trade show, has struck a partnership with Prosperity Textiles, a Chinese denim mill that can produce up to 5 million yards of denim per month.
Sport Chalet’s ‘Next Generation’ Store Opens in Downtown LA
Sport Chalet Opens in DTLA
Sport Chalet Inc., a publicly traded sporting-goods retailer based in Southern California, opened its first “Next Generation” store at the FIGat7th retail center in downtown Los Angeles on July 1.
Robertson’s Moods of Norway Shop Moves to Melrose
Moods Relocates
The 7900 block of Melrose Avenue is turning into a hub of menswear boutiques.
LA Headwear Designer Lands Spot on Zappos’ ‘Emerging Designer’ Showcase
21st Century Turban
From the 1920s through 1940s, turbans were part of many chic women’s wardrobes.
New Streetwear Trade Show Venue Bows in LA
Trade Show Report
Venue, a new streetwear trade show, debuted June 28 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, with 40 exhibitors who were enthusiastic about meeting retailers and connecting with other vendors.
LA Man Convicted of Evading Duties on Imported Chinese Clothes
Import/Export
A Los Angeles businessman found guilty of smuggling Chinese-made clothing into the United States is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 9 in federal court.
Clariant Releases Eco-Solutions for Denim
Denim
Swiss chemical company Clariant has released several new dye developments for the denim market.
Martex Acquires JBM Recycled Fibers
Technology
Spartanburg, S.C.–based Martex Fiber Southern Corp. acquired JBM Fibers, a recycled fiber–manufacturing facility in Brownsville, Texas, with a diverse national customer base for recycled textile products made from post-consumer textile waste.
AATCC to Host Workshop on Color Evaluation, Control and Management
Technology
Color evaluation, control and management are on the agenda at an upcoming two-day workshop hosted by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists.
X-Rite’s Compact Spectrophotometer Helps Brands Improve Color Accuracy
Technology
X-Rite Inc. and its subsidiary Pantone have a new compact spectrophotometer that can help apparel makers efficiently measure color accuracy across the supply chain.
AIMS' Entrepreneur Lessons
Talking About Business Plans
Fashion Software Developer AIMS' Seminar for Next Generation Entrepreneurs
Tuesday, July 2
Patagonia Sets Up Recycling Section in Some Stores
Old clothes to be added to the mix of new clothes at Patagonia stores
Dizm's Eco Shades
Future So Eco Friendly, I Gotta Wear Shades
Hermosa Beach Eyewear Label Produces 1st Eco-Shades Collection
Monday, July 1
Tokidoki x Lagerfeld x Choupette = Genius
Fashion Collab
In preparation for the launch of the Tokidoki x Karl Lagerfeld apparel and accessories collection, Los Angeles–based pop culture brand Tokidoki has released the Mr. Choupette statuette.
Guerilla Atelier: "Luxury Is Working in DTLA"
Former Prada Epicenter Director Opens DTLA Store
After a Career Selling Prada on Rodeo, Carl Louisville Says DTLA Ready for Luxury