Wednesday, December 31
Anatomy of Fashion Week
Behind the Scenes
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week hired Sarasota-based Fawley Bryant Architects Inc. to come up with a more-efficient design for New York Fashion Week.
Tuesday, December 30
A.P.C. Moves Opening Dates for LA Stores
Retail
French brand A.P.C. pushes back opening dates in downtown LA and Silver Lake.
Monday, December 29
Longshore Union Wants to See More Shipping Line Honchos at the Negotiating Table
Talks between longshore workers and their employers have been slogging along since last May with no end in sight for a new contract that would replace the last contract that expired July 1.
Buyout Firm Lion Capital Urges American Apparel Sale
The pressure keeps mounting for American Apparel to put itself on the auction block.
Friday, December 26
Frederick's of Hollywood Losing Lease on Flagship Store
Retail
Frederick's of Hollywood losing lease on Hollywood Boulevard store.
Thursday, December 25
2014 in Review: Notable Retail Openings and Closings
Ace Hotel takes a bow in downtown Los Angeles. Many hope the boutique hotel will be the catalyst to bring high-end retail to downtown’s Fashion District.
New California Laws Will Change Some Workplace Rules in 2015
A new year means a flurry of new workplace laws that go into effect.
2014 in Review: In Memoriam
Remembering some of the California designers and executives who died this year.
2014 in Review: More Apparel Production Returns to the United States
Everyone talks about making their clothes in the United States, but is it all talk and no action? Apparently not. According to a study by a Chicago management consulting firm
CFF and TALA Celebrate 67th-Annual Holiday Party for Neighborhood Kids
The kids knew all the answers to the “Frozen” quiz. In fact, most raised their hands before deejay Christina Dimakides finished asking the question.
2014 in Review: Trade Agreements a No-Show for 2014
The big apparel trade show news of 2014 was the September announcement that Advanstar—parent of MAGIC, Project and Coterie—was sold for $972 million to British trade-show producer UBM PLC.
Altamont Capital Leads Strategic Investment in Hybrid Apparel
Altamont Capital Partners finished the year with the announcement that it made an investment in another clothing business.
2014: Year in Review
As 2014 draws to a close, the editors of California Apparel News take a look back at the year’s significant news from key industry sectors such as retail, trade shows and international trade agreements. We also take a look at the burgeoning interest in made-in-America manufacturing and some of the most-read stories of the year. Plus, we remember some California industry notables in our in memoriam section.
Wednesday, December 24
Forever 21 Opens for 14 Hours on Xmas Day
Retail
Forever 21 is one of the few clothing stores open Christmas Day.
French Quarter Meets Fashion District
The LA Fashion District now has a little New Orleans style since Preux & Proper opened at 840 S. Spring St.
The Top-25 Most Read Stories of the Year
Year In Review
From breaking news to must-read business profiles, these were California Apparel News' most-read stories of 2014.
Tuesday, December 23
Halston Sells Two Diffusion Brands
Manufacturing
House of Halston sells two brand names for $27.7 million.
Monday, December 22
Longshore Employers Call for Federal Mediators to Help Push for a New Contract With Dockworkers
For seven months, longshore workers have been head to head at the negotiating table to hammer out a new six-year labor agreement with their port bosses.
DJ Mustard X Crooks & Castles
On the heels of performing at the Karl Kani 25th anniversary party on Dec. 13, DJ Mustard dropped by Crooks & Castles Fairfax Avenue flagship in Los Angeles Dec. 21, to celebrate his album Ten Summers.
American Apparel Receives Bid to Buy the Company
On Dec. 22, American Apparel's board of directors said that it received a bid to acquire the Los Angeles clothing company for $1.30 to $1.40 a share. As of early morning on Dec. 22, the stock was trading at around $1.15 a share, almost double what it was trading for last week.
Friday, December 19
Pez Cantina: Fashion District Edge To L.A. Foodie Obsession
L.A. foodies have been salivating over the debut of Chef Brett Thompson’s newest restaurant Pez Cantina for about a year. California Apparel News uncovered the high end Mexican seafood restaurant's Fashion District edge.
Thursday, December 18
2014 Retrospective
Manufacturing | Retail | Import/Export
From domestic employment figures and the latest import/export data to retail real estate and retail sales, the editors of California Apparel News take a look at some of the key indicators for the apparel industry in 2014.
2014 Retrospective: Import/Export: Vietnam Makes Great Inroads in Apparel Exports to U.S. Stores
Import/Export
Even though the Southeast Asian nation has a population of 93.4 million people, not even 10 percent of the Chinese population, it is becoming an increasingly popular place for apparel manufacturing. The country’s wages are about one-third to half as much as those in China, and its workers are known for their fine, detailed work.
2014 Retrospective: Real Estate: Retail Rents Climb in Beverly Hills
Retail
During the past year, rents on several prime Los Angeles shopping streets have stayed the course and not risen over last year.
2014 Retrospective: Retail Employment: Key Seasons Provide Lift
Retail
Retail employment in apparel and accessories stores across California remained steady for much of the year, with upticks in employment in the months leading up to retail’s busiest seasons—Back to School and Christmas.
2014 Retrospective: Retail Sales: Target, Macy’s Navigate Tough Year
Retail
As 2014 came to a close, Target Corp. was still dealing with the massive data breach of 2013 and taking steps to bring back the Minneapolis-headquartered company’s cheap chic glory days of the 1990s.
2014 Retrospective: Retail Sales: Urban Outfitters/Wet Seal
Retail
2014 has been a year of headlines for Urban Outfitters Inc and business seems to have been particularly tough at The Wet Seal Inc.
2014 Retrospective: Apparel Employment: Looking Beyond the Numbers
Manufacturing
California continues to be the apparel manufacturing center of the United States, thanks to a steady interest in quick-turn delivery and made-in-America production. But that position is maintained by an increasingly lean employment base.
Parker & Barrow Store Opening on Broadway
Downtown Retail
Parker & Barrow store with custom-made clothes opening in downtown Los Angeles.
Tiniest Flagship
LAEX
Alexander Khater,owner/creative director of the 2-year-old downtown Los Angeles brand LAEX, planned to turn conventional wisdom on its head with the firstLAEX flagship, which opened Dec. 8 at 218 W. Eighth St., on the corner of Broadway, in downtown Los Angeles.
Shawmut Names New CEO
Retail
Shawmut Design & Construction has worked on many high-marquee projects on Rodeo Drive and has also done work on the Saint Laurent flagship on Rodeo and Louis Vuitton, which is scheduled to take a bow in the first quarter of 2015.
L.A. Made, Accessible to All
Mark and Estel
Music has been at the heart of the Mark and Estel brand since it was launched in 2005 by Mark Tango and Estel Day.
Venue Tradeshow Grows with New Dates, New Location
Trade Show
Miles Canares, Venue’s founder, recently announced major changes to the biannual show’s schedule and a new location for the show. However, the event willcontinue to mostly be devoted to men’s streetwear and emerging brands.
Shepard Fairey, Bob Hurley to Speak at Agenda Emerge
Agenda Emerge is something like TED Talks for the streetwear, action sports and fashion crowds. At the upcoming Agenda Emerge, Shepard Fairey of Obey and Bob Hurley of Hurley will take the stage.
Wednesday, December 17
American Apparel Managers Write Letter Urging Board to Keep Charney On After Hiring New CEO
After American Apparel’s board announced its decision on Dec. 16 to fire Dov Charney as the clothing company’s president and chief executive, a group of 30 managers and directors wrote a letter saying they wanted the controversial founder to stay on in some capacity
Tuesday, December 16
Will.i.am To District La Brea
For months, shop-owners around the District La Brea compound in Los Angeles heard gossip that will.i.am, Grammy award winner and entrepreneur, was going to open a shop in the compound, which is located across the street from pioneering specialty store American Rag. The music star’s shop opened today.
American Apparel Fires Dov Charney, Hires New CEO
Executive Shift
After months of deliberating, a special committee appointed by the American Apparel board of directors decided on Dec. 16 to fire company founder Dov Charney as its chief executive and president. He had been working as a paid consultant during the investigation, an arrangement
Monday, December 15
Bringing Hip Hop Home: Karl Kani’s 25th at WildStyle
Karl Kani, one of the heavyweights of urban fashion stepped back into the ring on Dec. 13.
Wiggett Named Bebe CEO
Executive Moves
Jim Wiggett was named as the permanent chief executive officer for Bebe Stores Inc.
Friday, December 12
The Mysterious Los Vladimirovich Pops
Men’s fashion labels don’t come more mysterious than Los Vladimirovich. California Apparel News investigates.
Thursday, December 11
Altamont Continues Its Action-Sports Play
Manufacturing
In November, the Palo Alto, Calif.–headquartered private-equity firm announced that it had made significant investments in action-sports brands Huf Worldwide Inc. of Los Angeles and Brixton, which is headquartered in Oceanside, Calif.
2014 Newsmakers: Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Minimum Wage Proposal
Manufacturing | Retail
On July 1, the minimum wage in California increased from $8 per hour to $9 per hour, the first increase in California’s minimum wage since 2008. In 2016, the minimum wage will increase to $10 per hour,
2014 Newsmakers: Iconic L.A. Retail Tests the Waters in Las Vegas
Retail
High-end shopping has been part of the Las Vegas Strip experience for years, but 2014 was the first time Los Angeles retail came to the strip.
2014 Newsmakers: Staci Riordan and The Fashion Law Project
Legal
Attorney Staci Riordan is known for having a lot of energy and creative ideas swirling around in her head.
2014 Newsmakers: Frances Harder and Fashion Business Inc.
Manufacturing
Since 1999, Fashion Business Inc. has been helping small apparel companies grow their businesses through its series of courses, workshops and webinars.
2014 Newsmakers: Avery Dennison RBIS Opens Innovation Center in Downtown L.A.
Technology | Manufacturing
For its third Customer Design and Innovation Center, or CDIC, Glendale, Calif.–based Avery Dennison’s Retail Branding and Information Solutions unit (RBIS) looked to downtown Los Angeles’ Arts District, where the branding, packaging and technology solutions company opened a 15,000-square-foot facility on East Third Street in September.
2014 Newsmakers: Rodeo Drive Construction Brings Even More Luxury to Beverly Hills
Retail
This was a big year for remodels and construction of new buildings on Rodeo Drive, often considered the most exclusive of luxury shopping districts in Southern California.
2014 Newsmakers: Nasty Gal Rising
Retail
On the heels of the Nov. 21 debut of the hip e-commerce emporium’s debut of its first physical shop at 8115 Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles, it’s getting ready to open another boutique. The second shop will be located at 1254 Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, Calif. It was the former site of a MNG by Mango.
2014 Newsmakers: Ace Moves Into Fashion District
Retail
The Ace Hotel was one of the most highly anticipated projects to open in the Los Angeles Fashion District.
2014 Newsmakers: Ilse Metchek and the California Fashion Association
Manufacturing
For nearly 20 years, Ilse Metchek, president of the California Fashion Association, has served as the spokesperson for the California apparel community. She is the person to call for business intelligence or a pithy comment for the press or to consult about a new business strategy or the ramifications of a new piece of legislation.
2014 Newsmakers: The Controversy Over ‘Made in USA’ Labeling
Manufacturing
A class-action lawsuit filed earlier this year has led to a lot of confusion lately about how California apparel companies cutting and sewing their garments locally should label their products.
2014 Newsmakers: Federal Raid in Los Angeles Fashion District Uncovers Drug-Money Laundering Scheme
Manufacturing
Federal agents in September raided some 70 LA garment companies and residences in an investigation undercovering a Mexican drug money-laundering scheme that had been going on for years right in the heart of the Los Angeles Fashion District.
2014 Newsmakers: West Coast Ports’ ‘Perfect Storm’
Import/Export
For many retailers and apparel importers, this holiday season didn’t turn out to be very merry and bright.
2014 Newsmakers: Dov Charney’s Fight With American Apparel
Manufacturing
For American Apparel founder Dov Charney, it’s been a harrowing year.
2014 Newsmakers: MAGIC Parent Advanstar Acquired
Trade Show
Twice a year, more than 5,000 brands and more than 65,000 attendees decamp to Las Vegas to show their latest wares at the sprawling über trade show MAGIC and its sub shows, which include WWDMAGIC, Project, ENKVegas, Pooltradeshow and Sourcing at MAGIC.
Surprises and Contrasts
2014 Newsmakers
From the sale of trade show giant Advanstar to the high-profile federal raid on Los Angeles Fashion District businesses, 2014 was a year of surprises and contrasts.
Apparel Importers Push to Bring Cargo In Before Chinese New Year
New Year's Deadline
Wary apparel and textile importers who have lost millions of dollars due to late-arriving merchandise are setting their shipping plans on fast forward even though the holiday season normally signals a shipping slowdown.
Rose Jannuzzi Names SVP of Operations for SwimSpot
Retail
SwimSpot, the swimwear retailer owned by Raj Manufacturing, named Rose Jannuzzi senior vice president of operations.
Kelly Slater Appoints More Execs to His New Brand Outerknown
Manufacturing
Surf legend Kelly Slater is hoping to rip it with his new clothing label, Outerknown, which will see the men’s collection in stores for Fall 2015 and women’s debuting for Resort 2015.
Guerilla Atelier & The Lost Warhols
Carl Louisville, founder of the Guerilla Atelier boutique at the edge of downtown Los Angeles, mixes a Californian sense of refinement with an Arts District sense of adventure at his shop, and Dec. 10 was the atelier’s night for giving back with a photographic series called The Lost Warhols.
Wednesday, December 10
Wet Seal Discusses Bankruptcy, Other Options During 3rd Quarter Call
Retail Finance
During a conference call on Dec. 10, executives of The Wet Seal Inc., discussing third-quarter results, raised the possibility of a company bankruptcy.
Uniqlo: 1,000 Ways To Thank L.A.
After opening a bunch of emporiums in Southern California, Uniqlo planned to give away some holiday freebies around Dec. 13. Check it out.
UCLA Anderson Forecast Takes a Look at California’s Future
2015 Report
California is on a steady course to see job growth outpace the U.S. economy through the end of 2016, eventually driving down the state unemployment to 5.6 percent during that period. That is considerably lower than the 7.3 percent recorded in October.
Tuesday, December 9
Kaye Morales After Style Fashion Week
After making her L.A. debut with a Style Fashion Week runway show in October, Kaye Morales returned to the Philippines to work on her self-named collection's fall/winter 2015 line called Samurai.
Monday, December 8
Diane von Furstenberg Comes to The Grove
Retail
At The Grove, Diane von Furstenberg opens her newest shop.
Rachel Tribble: Peace, Contradictions & Skateboarding
Artist Rachel Tribble made some paintings inspired by meditation and peace, but the art was placed on something known to disrupt order on sidewalks all over the world; the skateboard.
Friday, December 5
Caruso Outlines Plans for Palisades Village
neighborhood development
Reviving a long-gone movie theater, introducing unique, boutique retail, building a park; these are some of the new features that Rick J. Caruso plans to bring to his proposed Palisades Village development in Los Angeles’ exclusive Pacific Palisades enclave.
Macy’s Remodel, New Retailers Planned for The Bloc
Downtown Development
Plans for The Bloc, the 1.8 million-square-foot, mixed-use shopping center in downtown Los Angeles are taking shape with a remodel planned for the center’s Macy’s store and new tenants signing on to open in 2015.
The Treeman Cometh
Venice boutique In Heroes We Trust threw a party dubbed Theatre on Dec. 5, and in a case of a party living up to its name, it was visited by Venice-style agitprop; the Tree Man of Venice planted his feet at the party.
Lululemon’s Sweaty Santa Monica Debut
Huff,puff, huff! The Lululemon Athletica emporium on Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade opened Dec. 4 on a sweaty note.
Delia’s: End of an Era
Delia’s, the teen retailer that pioneered the whole “magalog” category is soon to be no more.
Solstiss Lace Opens an Online Boutique
French lace mill Solstiss has launched an online boutique where lace lovers can find an assortment of textiles, accessories and home décor items—all featuring the company’s couture textiles.
Thursday, December 4
Honoring Signal Brands’ Jack and Jason Rimokh
City of Hope
The roof of the W Hotel in Hollywood was transformed into a Roaring ’20s bash by Signal Brands’ Jack and Jason Rimokh, this year’s Spirit of Life Award recipients for the City of Hope’s Fashion & Retail Industry Group.
CMC to Launch ‘Athleisure’ Lifestyle Show in March
Trade Show
The California Market Center will launch Shape, a new trade show focused on the “athleisure” trend, during the March 16–18 run of Los Angeles Fashion Market.
Hong Kong Fashion Week Takes a Look at the Fall/Winter 2015 Season
Trade Show
The 46th semiannual Hong Kong Fashion Week will be held Jan. 19–22 at the Hong Kong Convention Centre with a number of fashion shows, seminars, exhibitors and trend forecasts tailor-made for buyers and other attendees.
Westfield Santa Anita Gets a $20M Upgrade
Retail
Shopping-center juggernaut Westfield wrapped up a $20 million renovation of its Westfield Santa Anita mall in Arcadia, Calif., on Black Friday.
November Sales Strong Despite Black Friday Disappointments
Retail
Black Friday sales results disappointed, but overall retail business for the month of November generally pleased retailers and Wall Street analysts.
Retailers Await Next Big Shopping Event
After Black Friday
Retail analysts forecast a lull in business in weeks following the big deals and buzz of Black Friday, generally considered the kickoff of the winter holiday retail season. Business is predicted to skyrocket sometime before Dec. 20, Super Saturday, the weekend before Christmas.
International Checkout Goes Where Few Shippers Dare
Technology
International Checkout Inc., a Van Nuys, Calif.–based shipper, has carved a niche of managing international sales and fulfillment for retailers such as Bebe, Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet, Trina Turk, Joe’s Jeans and Kitson. It recently announced that it would be working with high-profile boutique Ron Herman.
Doneger Acquires Huepoint
Retail
New York–based Doneger Group, the retail consultancy and partner of Los Angeles–based Directives West, has acquired New York–based color trend-forecasting agency Huepoint.
Domestic Knitter Focuses on Efficiency and Technology
Texollini
Founded in 1989, Texollini is a vertical operation producing circular knits for the activewear, contemporary, ready-to-wear, swimwear, intimates and technical markets.
California and U.S. Economic Growth Looks Brighter for 2015
Finance
California has been slowly adding jobs to its payrolls, and next year should be no different.
Kora Rae's Preview Party at Avedon
It was a rainy night in Beverly Hills on Dec. 3, but a little wet weather did not stop New York-based luxe fashion brand Kora Rae from producing a preview party for its Fall/Holiday2015 collection at the independent, multi-brand boutique, Avedon.
Schott’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Debut
What could be more rock ‘n’ roll than a leather jacket? Schott NYC makes leather jackets which were worn by Marlon Brando, The Ramones, and a long list of other stylish malcontents. Schott produced a Dec. 3 debut party for its first West Coast boutique, located at the Americana at Brand retail center in Glendale, Calif. Check it out.
Poshmark Fashion App Adds a Layer to Detect Fake Designer Labels
Poshmark, a 3-year-old mobile app launched by Manish Chandra out of Menlo Park, Calif., has unveiled a free new service that will help buyers on the fashion and accessories destination make sure the brands they are buying are the real McCoy.
Wednesday, December 3
Bloggers Night Out Big Toy Drive
On Dec. 4, Swank Stylista blogger Raven Roberts and Vic Sanders of the Vic Styles blog will host a Blogger’s Night Out/Toys for Tots Drive from 6PM to 9PM at The Park Showroom at 845 S. Los Angeles St. in downtown Los Angeles. To make your appearance at the toy drive, party, email RSVP@mediaplaygroundpr.com .
Torrid’s New Face is Beautiful and Brainy
The new face of plus-size retail chain Torrid is more than just a pretty face.
Tuesday, December 2
Bright Holiday Lights Come to The Bloc
Holiday Retail
Downtown L.A. lights adorn The Bloc, the ongoing restoration of the former Macy's Plaza on Seventh Street.
Monday, December 1
Belk Competition Spotlights Southern Charm
Design competition
If so,you might be interested in submitting your designs to the Southern Designer Showcase competition, the third-annual design competition hosted by family-owned department store chain
