Friday, March 29
Get Your Game of Thrones On
Costume Design
With the third season of “Game of Thrones” just beginning, here's the scoop on costuming the characters on the HBO series courtesy of costume designer Michele Clapton, who’s been creating the look of the series since the beginning.
Sequential Brands Adds Two High-Profile Brands to Apparel Lineup
Acquisition
Los Angeles–based Sequential Brands, known for its William Rast andPeople’s Liberation labels, announced March 29 that it acquired theCaribbean Joe and Ellen Tracy brands.
Football to Fashion
Fashion
Former pro-soccer player--and Southern California native--Robbie Rogers has moved on to his next career as a fashion writer for LA magazine Bello.
Spring Breakers Style
Film
Director Harmony Korine released another supposed banger, Spring Breakers.
Simply Stylist Was Simply Stylish
Events
The sunny rooftop of Siren Studios in Hollywood was the perfect setting for Simply Stylist’s annual style and beauty networking event last Saturday. E! news anchor Catt Sadler hosted the event along with Simply Stylist founder Sarah Pollack Boyd.
Thursday, March 28
All-Stars, Alumni at Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Show
FIDM Debut 2013
The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising presented its Debut 2013 Fashion Show to an audience that included fashion- and entertainment-industry heavyweights.
What's in a Name? Rebranding Helps Nudge Clothing Lines to a New Level
Rebranding
Last year, iconic fashion house Yves Saint Laurent renamed itself Saint Laurent Paris, and just recently, its parent company, PPR, one of fashion's most esteemed companies, announced its own name change.
Five Star Blue Lands Izod Denim License
New York–based PVH Corp. struck a licensing deal with New York–basedFive Star Blue LLC for a collection of men’s denim under the Izod label. The agreement runs through 2018.
LA Firm Buys Retail-Security Unit From Checkpoint Systems
Retailing
An affiliate of California private-equity firm Platinum Equity purchased the U.S. and Canadian CheckView units from Thorofare, N.J.–based retail security solutions provider Checkpoint Systems Inc.
Technical Textiles and Equipment Converge at Techtextil and SPESA in Anaheim, Calif.
Technology
The international Techtextil North America trade fair, in conjunction withThe Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA), was held March 19–21 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif., where technical textiles, nonwovens and functional-apparel makers displayed new and innovative machinery and materials.
Tuesday, March 26
Downtown LA Wish List
LA Local
What’s on your Downtown LA wish list? Here’s your chance to be heard.
Dior Pops At Maxfield
The glittering and the beautiful dropped by pioneering boutique Maxfield March 20 for the Dior Pop-Up. The pop-up displayed Raf Simons’ debut Prêt-a-Porter collection for Spring 2013 for Dior.
Diesel + Edun, A Tribute to Africa
Fashion Collaboration
Diesel and Edun launched their denim in Africa series
Monday, March 25
Lubell Steps Down as CEO of True Religion, Koplin to Take Interim Role
Finance
Jeff Lubell, the chairman, chief executive officer and chief creative officer of Vernon, Calif.–based True Religion Apparel Inc., is stepping down from the company he co-founded and will serve as chairman emeritus and creative consultant. Lynne Koplin, president of the company, will serve as interim CEO.
StudioCL Loses Court Case Against Chinese Manufacturer
Lawsuit
After deliberating for one day, a jury ruled on March 25 that StudioCLmust pay a Chinese manufacturer more than $400,000 for money the Los Angeles apparel maker still owes the garment factory.
Friday, March 22
Designer Collabs: Fab or Bad?
Trends
This week it was announced that supermodel (and famous non-eater) Kate Moss has designed a sushi box for a French sushi chain. Sure to become a collectors’ item for Moss fans, it’s important to note that the model is not designing the actual sushi inside. Although model-designed snack foods are, apparently, a thing. Are fashion collaborations getting weirder? I headed straight to Google to find out.
Thursday, March 21
Woodbury to Open Show to the Public
Fashion News
This May, Woodbury University is throwing open the doors to its fashion and costume design program and inviting the public.
Williamson-Dickie CEO to Chair AAFA Board
News Brief
Philip C. Williamson, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Co., was named chairman of the board of the American Apparel & Footwear Association at the Arlington, Va.–based trade association’s annual Executive Summit in Washington, D.C. (see related story, this page).
OSHA Expanding Injury-Prevention Program Guidelines
Manufacturing
California companies are required to have programs in place to reduce workplace injuries to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Injury and Illness Prevention Program, which is currently under review for a second phase of the program.
Wet Seal to Open Outlet Shops
The Wet Seal Inc. reported its fourth quarter and fiscal 2012 results on March 21. Same-store sales declined 8.3 percent, and net sales for the fourth quarter were $161.7 million, compared wi...
AAFA Summit: Technology and International Trade to Fuel Industry Growth
Manufacturing
With a crowd of more than 180—which included 52 first-time attendees—the American Apparel & Footwear Association hosted its three-day Executive Summit March 13–15 at the Four Season...
LAFW Fall 2013: Michael Cinco
LAFW | Fall 2013
Michael Cinco made his Los Angeles debut March 15 at Style Fashion Week at Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles. The Dubai-headquarte...
LAFW Fall 2013: Ash Haute Couture
LAFW | Fall 2013
At her second appearance at Style Fashion Week LA, Ashna A. Kalra of the Mumbai-based Ash Haute Couture line showed a mix of Western and Indian looks when she produced a...
Simparel Hosts ERP Demo at the CMC
Apparel software-solutions provider Simparel hosted an educational event at the California Market Center in downtown Los Angeles to showcase its advanced technological tools and disc...
PacSun Sales Up
Retail
Pacific Sunwear of California Inc. forecast a smaller store lineup, improved financial performance and a cautiously optimistic outlook on the economy when the rebounding mall-based surf, skat...
LAFW Fall 2013: Bryan Hearns
LAFW | Fall 2013
Los Angeles designer Bryan Hearns has produced fashion installations and runway shows at Concept LA Fashion Week in the past. For Fall...
LAFW Fall 2013: Pia Gladys Perey
LAFW | Fall 2013
Philippines-headquartered designer Pia Gladys Perey took a bow at Style Fashion Week on March 13 at the ornate Vibiana complex with a...
LAFW Fall 2013: Scott x Scott
LAFW | Fall 2013
Los Angeles–based apparel and accessories line Scott x Scott is designed by the brother-and-sister duo of Brandon Scott of B:SCOTT menswear and Sarah Scott womenswea...
LAFW Fall 2013: Elliot Evan, ODA and Wayward Installations
LAFW | Fall 2013
Elliot Evan, ODA and Wayward presented Fall 2013 installations at Concept LA Fashion Week on the rooftop at Siren Studios in Hol...
LAFW Fall 2013: Mike Vensel
LAFW | Fall 2013
American fashion designer Mike Vensel brought out the witch hazel and sartorial spells to debut his Winter 2013 co...
LAFW Fall 2013: Nikki Rich
LAFW | Fall 2013
Nikki Rich debuted its Fall 2013 collection on March 9 at Concept Los Angeles Fashion Week at Siren Studios in Hollywood....
New Dates for Next LA Textile Show
The California Market Center is continuing its effort to shift the dates of its Los Angeles International Textile Show, which will host its Fall/Winter 2014/15 edition Sept. 30–Oct.2. ...
Wednesday, March 20
Lubell Steps Down as CEO of True Religion, Koplin to Take Interim Role
Manufacturing
Jeff Lubell, the chairman, chief executive officer and chief creative officer of Vernon, Calif.–based True Religion Apparel Inc., is stepping down from the company he co-founded and will serve as chairman emeritus and creative consultant.
Agenda Names a New Executive
New Position
Burgeoning streetwear, lifestyle and action-sports trade show Agenda named action-sports industry veteran Mike Carter vice president of sales and marketing, a new position within the organization, said Aaron Levant, Agenda’s president.
Cerre's Fall Preview, Party and Video Installation
Events
Cerre brought a chic crowd to Melrose Avenue last week when it held a party and video installation at its store on March 20.
A Current Affair is This Saturday
Vintage Shopping
A Current Affair: Pop Up Vintage Marketplace, LA’s destination for vintage chic finds, is taking place this Saturday at the Cooper Design Space.
Tuesday, March 19
Importing Practices at the Center of StudioCL, Donshen Lawsuit
Lawsuit
For more than 15 years, Los Angeles apparel manufacturers Carole Little and Leonard Rabinowitz bought tops, sweaters and dresses from a Hong Kong manufacturer they considered a reliable source.
Adidas Adds Color—and Sports Stars
Blog
A Trail Blazer, a Knick and a Bronco walk into an Adidas commercial and provide a little color commentary.
Agenda Plans Growth Strategy With New Partner Reed Exhibitions
Burgeoning streetwear, lifestyle and action-sports trade show Agenda named action-sports industry veteran Mike Carter vice president of sales and marketing, a new position within the organization, sa...
Frederick’s of Hollywood Fires President
Retail
After reporting a same-store-sales decline of 15.7 percent for its second fiscal quarter of 2013, Frederick’s of Hollywood Group Inc. announced March 18 that it fired President a...
Frederick's of Hollywood Fires President
Boot
After reporting a same-store-sales decline of 15.7 percent for its second fiscal quarter of 2013, Frederick’s of Hollywood Group Inc. announced March 18 that it fired President and Chief Operating Officer Don Jones and will change some of its merchandising strategies.
Monday, March 18
Focused Buyers at LA Textile Show, Despite Shift in Schedule
Timing
A jam-packed calendar pushed the dates of the Los Angeles International Textile Show up a month earlier, putting the show immediately after the Las Vegas trade shows and concurrent with Coterie in New York.
Hot Topic Acquired by New York Private-Equity Firm
Retail
City of Industry, Calif.–based mall retailer Hot Topic Inc. was acquired by New York–based Sycamore Partners for $14 per share in a cash deal valued at $600 million.
Fashion Companies: A Step-by-Step Guide to Protection
Protecting the Brand
In fashion, a company's brand, or its trademark, is the most important part of the company's image. Companies need to take branding very seriously because the clothing itself doesn't have as much meaning without the brand that is attached to it.
Friday, March 15
Designed in California, but Sold in China
Rearrangement
China typically makes the world’s clothes, but Los Angeles residents Tony Zhang and Frances Harder plan to turn that arrangement upside down.
Crailar: Promoting Flax as a Cotton Alternative
High-Tech Textile
Representatives fromPortland, Ore.–based Crailar were on hand at the recent Los Angeles International Textile Show at the California Market Center to promote the use of its flax fiber as a natural alternative to cotton.
Lavish on Dresses
Homey Fashion
The boutique is called Lavish, but owner Nicole Bald strives to give it a welcoming, “homey” feel rather than the luxurious ambiance suggested by its name.
LAFW Fall 2013: Jen Awad
LAFW
Los Angeles designer Jen Awad went old-Hollywood glamour with an edge for her collection, shown March 9 at Concept LA Fashion Week at Siren Studios in Hollywood.
Technology and Textiles Resources
Technology and Textiles Resources
Slowly Recovering Economy Keeps Los Angeles Fashion Market Upbeat
trade show report
There was a certain buzz in the air at Los Angeles Fashion Market for Fall 2013....
Cotton Citizen: One-Stop Shop for Luxury Basics
down to a tee
Adam Vanunu grew up in the industry, learning about color and fabric at American Dye House...
Outdoor Retailer, ISS and GlobalShop for Sale?
Trade Shows
Nielsen Holdings NV, parent company of several apparel trade shows, has enlisted the help of Credit Suisse Group AG to sell its $183 million trade show division, Nielsen Expositions.
San Francisco Fashion Incubator Announces New Class of Designers
Macy’s Fashion Incubator Program San Francisco (FISF) announced the initiation of six local fashion apparel designers into the second session of its “Designers in Residence” program.
The Ins and Outs of Selling Your Apparel Company
Manufacturing
Plenty of money is floating around for merger-and-acquisition deals to be done in the apparel industry.
Retail Cargo-Container Imports to Be Up This Year
Import/Export
Despite a federal budget cut to ports and other transportation entities, retail cargo volumes imported into the United States are expected to inch up gradually.
Haber by Heather Goldberg
Collection Debut
LA based designer Heather Goldberg debuted her dreamy collection Haber
Forever 21 Subpoenaed by U.S. Labor Department for Factory List
hot goods
After a series of raids on downtown Los Angeles garment factories suspected of underpaying their workers, federal authorities are demanding that Forever 21 produce documents that list the names of the LA garment factories used by the low-cost retail chain.
Thursday, March 14
Christie's New York Magnificent Jewels Preview in LA
Fine Jewelry Auction
If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, then fine jewelry of all kinds must be a girl’s BFF.
Technology and Textiles Resources
American & Efird LLC
Outdoor Retailer, ISS and GlobalShop for Sale?
Nielsen Holdings NV, parent company of several apparel trade shows, has enlisted the help of Credit Suisse Group AG to sell its $183 million trade show division, Nielsen Exp...
The Ins and Outs of Selling Your Apparel Company
Manufacturing
Plenty of money is floating around for merger-and-acquisition deals to be done in the apparel industry....
The Ins and Outs of Selling Your Apparel Company
Cash In
Plenty of money is floating around for merger-and-acquisition deals to be done in the apparel industry.
San Francisco Fashion Incubator Announces New Class of Designers
Macy’s Fashion Incubator Program San Francisco (FISF) announced the initiation of six local fashion apparel designers into the second session of its “Designers in Residence” prog...
Wednesday, March 13
Value-Added Employment: Study Looks at U.S. Jobs Retained Despite Offshore Production
EMPLOYMENT
Just because apparel is made overseas, it doesn’t mean there aren’t a lot of U.S. jobs that go into making a label.
Tuesday, March 12
Go Behind the Scenes
Military Chic
From camouflage to officer's jackets and leather details, "Military Chic" is the look of the season.
Go Behind the Scenes of Military Chic
Photo Shoot
From camouflage to officer's jackets and leather details, "Military Chic" is the look of the season.
Monday, March 11
Hollywood and Rock Royalty at John Varvatos Stuart House Benefit
Events
John Varvatos knows how to draw on star power. Hollywood and rock n’ roll royalty were out in full force yesterday for the 10th Annual John Varvatos Stuart House Benefit.
Thursday, March 7
True Religion Decides Not to Renew Its CEO's Contract
Manufacturing
True Religion, the high-end Los Angeles denim company, is paving the way for a sale by deciding not to renew the contract of Jeffrey Lubell, the company’s founder, chairman of the board, chief executive and creative director.
Gerry Building Mosh Showroom
Showroom Profiles
Mojie Shayan started her Mosh Fashion business two years ago, importing costume jewelry from China.
Suiteshop Showroom
Showroom Profiles
Originally founded in 2008 in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood, Suiteshop Showroom opened the doors of its West Coast showroom in January at the Cooper Design Space
Korner Runway Inc.
Showroom Profiles
Growing up in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Alex Um got his start in the fashion industry working in his parents’ showrooms, where he did business in four languages: Portuguese, Korean, Spanish and English.
Volcom Rides it Breezy
Tee Collection
The Volcom ‘Barely Available Strictly Limited’ collection is an exclusive line
Fashion Resources
California Gift Show
Finance Resources
Bibby Financial Services
Gap Forecasts Asian Expansion in 2013
Retail
International expansion fueled a 5 percent increase in comparable sales for Gap Inc. in fiscal year 2012, compared with a 4 percent decline in fiscal year 2011, the company announced on Feb. ...
Wednesday, March 6
Engel's Showroom
After 35 years at the California Market Center, Kami Engel moved her Engel’s Showroom earlier this year to a new 1,400-square-foot space on the fifth floor of The New Mart.
Las Vegas Trade Shows in Flux
trade show report
New locations, new names and renewed energy marked the recent run of the Las Vegas apparel, accessories and sourcing trade shows.
Monday, March 4
East Coast Port Strike Averted With Tentative Deal
Import/Export
After months of negotiations, a potentially crippling strike at 15 East Coast and Gulf Coast ports has been avoided after negotiators representing longshore workers and shipping companies agreed to a tentative deal on a new six-year contract.
Gap Launches Jimi Hendrix T-Shirts
Tee- Shirt Collaboration
The global apparel and accessories brand celebrates Jimi Hendrix
