Friday, July 31
Israeli Clothing Company Acquires P.J. Salvage Brand
After 20 years of making women’s pajamas and loungewear, P.J. Salvage has been sold to an Israeli clothing company for an undisclosed price.
Thursday, July 30
Citadel Outlets Gets In the Spirit of the Special Olympics World Games
The World Games of the Special Olympics rolled into Los Angeles recently. Citadel Outlets, an outlet center just south of downtown Los Angeles, got in the spirit of the event by offering free trips to the center and discounts to the Special Olympians and their families.
Cabana to Newport Beach for 1st West Coast Dates
Trade Show
Cabana, the high-end swim and beach lifestyle trade show, will sail into Newport Beach, Calif., for its first West Coast show, set for Aug. 13–14, said Janet Wong, the show director and co-founder of Cabana.
The Point Takes Its Bow, Lou & Grey Opens 8th Store
The Point - a park-like retail center in El Segundo, Calif. - celebrated its opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 30. Lou & Grey, a sister store to Ann Taylor and Loft - opened its 8th store at The Point. Check it out.
Zimmermann to Melrose Place
Models Miranda Kerr and Chanel Iman graced the opening party of the Zimmermann brand flagship in the exclusive Melrose Place enclave in Los Angeles. The party took place July 29.
Liberty Fairs Sees 26 Percent Growth in Year Two
Trade Show Report
NEW YORK—In its second year in New York, men’s contemporary fashion trade show Liberty Fairs saw buyer attendance rise 26 percent over January’s show and an 87 percent increase in international attendees.
Collaboration and Curation at MRket
Trade Show Report
NEW YORK—Fashion collaborations and curated offerings were front and center at MRket, the menswear show organized by Business Journals Inc.
Agenda’s Mix Includes Sport, Street, Skate and Surf
Trade Show Report
NEW YORK—“I used to be the young guy,” said Aaron Levant, the 30-year-old founder of lifestyle fashion trade show Agenda. “Now I feel like the old guy.”
Project’s Lineup Includes Returning Exhibitors, New Brands
Trade Show Report
NEW YORK—On the heels of the first-ever New York Fashion Week: Men’s, Project New York held its 12th show July 19–21 at New York’s Javits Center.
Showroom Profiles: Hôtel Particulier
Showroom Profiles
After several years building a U.S. retail base, French contemporary collection Hôtel Particulier opened a West Coast showroom in June on the fourth floor of The New Mart.
Showroom Profiles: Nicasa Showroom
Showroom Profiles
For eight years, Nicole Odenwald was the national sales director for Wildfox, working out of the Los Angeles clothing company’s third-floor showroom in the Cooper Design Space.
Showroom Profiles: Lila Clothing Co.
Showroom Profiles
Women’s fashion label Lila Clothing Co. wanted to make a bigger splash in its hometown of Los Angeles, so in June it opened a showroom at the California Market Center in downtown Los Angeles’ Fashion District, said Ricardo Lee, the company’s sales director.
Michael Costello
Black & White World
In a new capsule collection, Michael Costello took a small detour from the colorful gowns that he had become known for since appearing on season eight of the fashion reality show “Project Runway.”
Land of Women X The Dreslyn
Swim’s Little Black Dress
For Brooke Taylor Corcia, one thing missing from women’s swimwear was its version of the little black dress, so her pure-play e-commerce shop, The Dreslyn, headquartered in Los Angeles, worked with emerging lingerie label Land of Women to make it.
Hemingway and Sons: Practical But Unique
Hemingway and Sons
For Toby Burke Hemingway, there are enough high-end men’s stores in Los Angeles. “We wanted stuff that was practical and affordable,” he said.
COS Opening Its Second California Store
Retail
Up until now, there have been only two COS stores in the United States—one in New York and one in Beverly Hills.
ModCloth's Next Step: Private-Label Line, Physical Retail Store
Retail
San Francisco–headquartered ModCloth has been one of the innovators in the pure-play e-commerce space, but the women’s clothing retailer announced new angles to its way of doing business.
Brand Building With a Legal Foundation at Loyola’s Summer Fashion Law Program
Legal
Brand narrative—and the legal knowledge necessary to further a company’s vision—was at the heart of Loyola Law School’s second annual Fashion Law Summer Intensive program.
Industry Focus Finance: How Will Mergers in the Factoring Business Affect Clothing Manufacturers?
Finance
In recent months, there has been some consolidation in the factoring and banking business, with CIT Group acquiring OneWest Bank and Sterling National Bank purchasing a factoring portfolio from First Capital Corp.
L.A. Swim Week: West Coast Debut
LA Swim Week
The newly launched event was called Los Angeles Swim Week, but the organizers packed all the festivities—13 runway presentations—into one night on the roof of The London West Hollywood hotel in West Hollywood, Calif.
Wednesday, July 29
Cashmere Sample Sale in Santa Monica
Shopping
With a move to a new office, 360 Cashmere is selling some of its samples.
Inside the '80s Modeling Wars
Fashion TV in Development
Cindy Crawford is developing a TV show about the modeling world in the 1980s.
Tuesday, July 28
Monday, July 27
Sampling Australia
LA Fashion District
Australian Fashion Labels is holding a sample sale this week in L.A.
Athleta Opening Fifth Store in LA Area
Retail
Athleta one of many stores opening at The Point in El Segundo.
Friday, July 24
Celebrating TV Costumes at FIDM
Costume Design
Actors, costume designers and fashion designers turned out on July 18 for the ninth annual “Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design” exhibition presented by the FIDM Museum at FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and the Television Academy.
Thursday, July 23
CIT Merging With OneWest Bank
Manufacturing
CIT Group, the largest apparel factor in the United States, is merging with OneWest Bank in Pasadena, Calif., in a deal worth $3.4 billion.
Cruising the Swimwear Scene
Miami Wrap
The Miami Beach sands were hot with new swimwear looks shown by designers around the world for the Cruise ’16 season.
Maaji: Funkshion Fashion Week
Colombian brand Maaji sported an activewear look when it produced its July 19 runway show at Funkshion Fashion Week in Miami Beach. Check it out.
Montiel: Direct-to-Consumer Marketing and Sales
Manufacturing
Maggie Montiel established her namesake activewear collection, Montiel, in 2013 with a mission to deliver high-quality, thoughtfully designed pieces at competitive price points.
Cotton for the Next Generation
Spanish Mill Hilaturas Ferre Sets Its Sights on the U.S. Market With Recycled Cotton
Spanish mill Hilaturas Ferre sets its sights on the U.S. market with recycled cotton
Cabana: Busy Show Under Punishing Sun
Trade Shows
In a couple of big tents by the Atlantic Ocean, the Cabana trade show provided a busy and easygoing forum for fashion swimwear brands during the Miami SwimShow.
Enlightened Energy-Inspired Activewear
Daquini
Inspired by the Sanskrit word “dakini,” meaning sky dancer—the female embodiment of enlightened energy—Daquini was established in 2013 by Emese Antal.
P.J. Salvage Hires New Executive to Focus on International Expansion
Manufacturing
P.J. Salvage—the Irvine, Calif., company that specializes in making fashionable loungewear, pajamas and women’s intimates—has hired Emma Wessman to make the venture more global.
Z Supply Hires New Chief Operating Officer
Manufacturing
Z Supply hires on Heidi Muther as chief operating officer to further promote the company's aggressive growth path.
Levi’s Expands Recycling Program
Manufacturing
Levi's, the San Francisco clothing company recently announced it has expanded its used-clothing recycling program to include all its stores instead of a limited number of outposts.
New CEO at Saban Brands
Manufacturing
Los Angeles–based Saban Brands has named Janet Hsu as its chief executive officer effective Aug. 17.
Lucky Brand Reaches Settlement With Laser Company
Technology
Lucky Brand Dungarees and RevoLaze have settled a lawsuit filed last year over a laser technology used for distressing blue jeans.
Adding Stores in California
Yogasmoga
Yogasmoga, a relatively new New York-based yogawear chain, recently announced it would be adding a small fleet of stores in California as it revs up its expansion plans.
Hammock Rolls Out New Format
Trade Shows
Formerly known as Salon Allure, the swimwear-centric Hammock trade show introduced a rebranding campaign that included a new name and a new format for the 5-year-old show.
Swimwear Companies Dive Into New Business at SwimShow
Trade Shows
MIAMI BEACH, Fla.—SwimShow, the biggest North American trade show devoted mostly to women’s swimwear, made a splash in the fashion world when it ran at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
National Retail Federation Revises 2015 Forecast
Retail
National Retail Federation, a retail trade group based in Washington, D.C., has lowered its 2015 retail sales forecast to 3.5 percent growth compared with a previous growth forecast of 4.1 percent.
Wednesday, July 22
6 Shore Road: Funkshion Fashion Week
It was going to be her biggest fashion show, so Pooja Kharbanda started it with a prayer.
Monday, July 20
Acacia Swimwear: Funkshion Fashion Week
When Acacia Swimwear took the stage at Funkshion Fashion Week on July 19, the Hawaiian swimwear label displayed its own take on activewear.
We Are Handsome Brand's Moving To L.A. -With a Miami Pit Stop
The We Are Handsome swim brand announced on July 19 that it is moving to Los Angeles from Australia. Get ready Los Angeles.
Sunday, July 19
Luli Fama's Lively Funkshion Fashion Week
Luli Fama produced a lively, festive runway show at Funkshion Fashion Week on July 18 with Native American dancers, thumping classic rock...and bikinis. Take a look.
Tori Praver: My Collection Was Ready
Yes, Tori Praver Swimwear has been gracing poolsides and beaches since 2009. Her ongoing collaboration with Target also made her prominent. But Tori decided to produce her first runway show on July 19 at Funkshion Fashion Week in Miami Beach.
Friday, July 17
Miami Swim Week Cruise ‘16
Runway Recap
The swimwear runway and trade shows kicked off in Miami Beach.
Ralph Lauren Exits Robertson Boulevard
Robertson Boulevard changed when an 11,000-square-foot Ralph Lauren boutique moved on the fashion street in 2008.The street of independent retailers had became a destination for high profile fashion houses. The street's character must be in for another change. The Ralph Lauren boutique, located at 143 N. Robertson Blvd., has closed.
Clade’s Women’s Looks Takes A Bow At Niki Schwan
Maya Reynolds’ Clade menswear line has been headquartered at her boutique, also called Clade, in downtown Los Angeles since 2011. Reynolds has been working on a women’s look for Clade. She traveled to West Hollywood to show it. On July 17, the collection took a bow at a party at the Niki Schwan boutique on West Hollywood’s Melrose Place.
Thursday, July 16
Neapolitan Fashion House Isaia To Beverly Hills
Venerable Neapolitan Men's Suiting Isaia will observe a formal opening of its first US flagship on July 23. It's located in Beverly Hills, Calif. Take a look at the new shop.
eBay Inc.: PayPal Spinoff Official, Sells eBay Enterprise
retail
eBay Inc., the San Jose, Calif.–based commerce platform is scheduled to spin off its PayPal division on July 17, and the two will operate as separate companies.
Swim Collective Launching Beach Collective in August, Planning Swim Week in 2016
Swim Business
On the heels of its first standalone Active Collective trade show, Swim Collective will launch a new premium beachwear section during the upcoming Swim Collective—International Edition show Aug. 13–14 in Huntington Beach, Calif. The new section is part of a larger effort to build a week-long swimwear and activewear trade show series planned for 2016.
Cavaliers Player Kyrie Irving Designing for LA Underwear Co.
Manufacturing
This basketball player is shooting for design success.
Dreamgirl Parent Company Taps Simparel for Complete Enterprise System
Technology
Bell, Calif.–based DG Brands is replacing its existing ERP (enterprise resource planning) system and other business software with an all-in-one solution from Simparel Inc.
YuniquePLM Update Adds New Features, Improved Interface for Greater Collaboration
Technology
YuniquePLM, the software solution under the Gerber Technology umbrella, introduced an update to its product lifecycle management solution.
OBITUARY: Burton Horwitch, Lingerie Manufacturer, 89
Manufacturing
Burton Horwitch, who was president and chief executive of Deena Lingerie for more than 50 years and a founder of Kellwood Co., died at his Los Angeles home on June 18. He was 89.
LAFC’s Kelsi Smith Bows Out of LA Fashion Week
Fashion
Just a few months before Los Angeles Fashion Week is scheduled to run in October, Kelsi Smith, one of the week’s prominent producers, announced that she should would not produce runway shows for Los Angeles Fashion Week again.
Workwear Meets Streetwear
DC x Ben Davis
The raw denim used in the 80-year-old workwear brand Ben Davis will make way for a contemporary ease of movement, and the mix of tough and loose will be featured in the capsule collection DC x Ben Davis, said Michael Le, global head of product, DC Apparel at DC Shoes.
SoCal Materials Show Changes Location for Second LA Event
Sourcing for Shoes
The newly minted SoCal Materials Show decided that for its second edition it would move its location from the California Market Center to a hotel near Los Angeles International Airport to make it more convenient for vendors flying in from around the world and the buyers who want to see them.
M.Fredric to LAX Retail District
Sky + Mall
M.Fredric, the Los Angeles–area contemporary boutique chain, opens a store at the upcoming The Village at Westfield Topanga development this fall.
Wednesday, July 15
Wilhelmina Seeking Summer Goddesses
Wilhelmina Models is hosting is “Summer Goddess 2015 Model Search” open call on July 18 on the rooftop of the W Hotel in Hollywood.
Tuesday, July 14
New Chief Executive Joining Guess Inc.
Manufacturing
Guess Inc. has hired a new chief executive who will be joining the Los Angeles clothing company in August.
Monday, July 13
Jill Granoff Stepping Down as CEO of Vince
Manufacturing
Jill Granoff resigns as chief executive of Vince.
Sustaining Jobs and Clean Water in Haiti Via Fashion Accessories
Simbi Haiti
Brigit Grossmann and Lori Manuel Steed’s accessories company is on a mission to provide clean water and jobs to Haiti.
Versatility Meets Simplicity
Cali Dreaming
The founders of Cali Dreaming draw inspiration from natural and nude pigments, which they say are both sophisticated and flattering because the nude skin tones elongate the body.
Huf to Fairfax
About a year ago, we checked in with Keith Hufnagel about his plans for a Huf brand store on Los Angeles’ Fairfax Avenue. On the weekend of July 10, the store opened at 451 N. Fairfax Avenue.
Diving Into Swimwear With a Splash
Karen Kane Swim
After more than 35 years of making women’s clothing sold in stores such as Macy’s, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s, Karen Kane is wading into the world of swimwear.
Engineered for Moms
Rosewater
Rosewater was created to provide supportive, functional swimwear that is comfortable and complements the lifestyle of a modern woman.
Oh Man! Clothing’s 1st Six Years
It’s been six years since Oh Man! Clothing started business. Label Chief Nam Ho celebrated with a bunch of his best friends at an art gallery in Costa Mesa, Calif. on July 11. Check it out.
Bikinis and Surfing Should Be Perfect
Elle Mer Swim
Keri Ogden, a surfer and a graduate of the University of Hawaii’s law school, wanted to do something to bridge the gap between the bikini’s style and function.
Island Style in a Cheeky Cut
Chamorrita
Guam-based Sandrine Stewart launched Chamorrita, a collection of itsy-bitsy bikinis in island-inspired colors and prints and trimmed with tropical details such as coconut and mother-of-pearl shells.
Raj Manufacturing is Building Business With New Brands, New Categories.
Active Future
There are changes underway at Raj Manufacturing as the Orange County, Calif.–based company builds its brand portfolio and manufacturing infrastructure.
Free Spirit
Desert Chic
Earth tones, bohemian details and the wide-open sky set the mood for Cruise.
Sole Society and StyleSaint Join Forces
E-commerce
Sole Society offers exclusive StyleSaint apparel on its website.
Friday, July 10
Sheikh Shoes Takes a Downtown Los Angeles Bow
Sheikh Shoes opened its Legacy Level store in downtown Los Angeles on July9. Sheikh President Matt Fine forecast that the store would sell more apparel than the others in Sheikh's 140 store fleet. Take a look.
OBITUARY: Christian Audigier, Founder of Ed Hardy, 57
Manufacturing
Christian Audigier, one of the more flamboyant clothing makers on the West Coast who launched the wildly popular Ed Hardy label, died Thursday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles from cancer. He was 57.
Thursday, July 9
Black Flys Goes Way Back with Agenda Debut
When Black Flys made its Agenda trade show debut on July 7-8, it went way back for inspiration; think the black and yellow California license plates of the 1960s.
Mid-Year Economic Forecast: Signs of Strength Tempered With Notes of Caution
California’s economic outlook for the remainder of the year is good, but it’s not exactly time to pop the champagne cork because the forecast is served with a helping of caution.
Buyer Traffic Revs Up at Agenda
Show Business
Aisles and booths were buzzing with buyers at the Agenda trade show, which ran July 8–9 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, Calif.
June Sales Mixed
Retailers such as The Buckle Inc. and Steinmart Inc. reported what some analysts believed were surprise performances, and their respective same-store sales increased 2.4 percent and 1.9 percent.
Swim, Sunnies and Sandals in Malibu
What’s Checking
Situated opposite the Pacific Ocean right off Pacific Coast Highway, the Malibu Country Mart is a relaxed lifestyle destination shopping spot for locals, celebrities, families and tourists.
Revolve Popping Up in the Hamptons
Retail
Los Angeles e-tailer Revolve is setting up a weekly pop-up shop this summer in The Hamptons, the seaside Long Island getaway for many in the New York area.
Joe’s Jeans Gets a Little Help From Its Creditors
Manufacturing
Joe’s Jeans got a lifeline when two major creditors gave the Los Angeles blue-jeans manufacturer some more time to pay off some hefty loans—for a price.
Port Traffic Up for Back-to-School Season
Import & Export
Cargo volumes at the nation’s ports are seeing a healthy upswing as retailers start stocking their shelves for the Back-to-School season.
American Apparel Cutting Workers and Costs to Improve Its Financial Pulse
Manufacturing
Days after American Apparel announced it would be closing some stores and laying off workers, about 80 American Apparel workers rallied outside the company’s enormous factory near downtown Los Angeles to protest the way the company is being managed.
After Long Drought, Mall Construction Back In Coastal SoCal
Mall Rebound
The Outlets at San Clemente, a more than 325,000-square-foot project in San Clemente, Calif., is scheduled to open in October. It is the first major retail project to be built in more than a decade in San Clemente, a well-to-do hub of South Orange County.
N.Y. Textile Preview: Textile Trends
Textile Trends
Textile trends from graphic prints to athletic knits and lace looks
CGS: More Features In BlueCherry PLM
Technology
Last month, CGS introduced new features for its BlueCherry PLM product lifecycle management software.
Gerber Launches I-Table for Fabric Spreading
Technology
Gerber Technology introduced the I-Table series, an automated spreading and cutting system designed to help increase consistency in a variety of manufacturing environments.
Luxe Fabrics Are the Foundation of a New Contemporary Collection
The Beginning Of...
Ecotex owner Raphael Javaheri is launching a new contemporary apparel brand beginning with a luxury knits collection that will officially bow in August in Las Vegas.
Tuesday, July 7
After Agenda – RVCA Gets Artsy
Sure, RVCA is leading lifestyle brand, but its founder, PM Tenore, also intended RVCA to be a cultural force. After a two-year hiatus, the designer is going to flex a little arts muscle.
Forever 21 Closing Big SF Store
Retail
A big Forever 21 store in downtown San Francisco shuttering its doors.
Anil Arjandas To Sunset Plaza
The Anil Arjandas Jewels flagship boutique took a bow in West Hollywood's Sunset Plaza retail district last week. Take a look.
Monday, July 6
American Apparel Cutting Workers and Costs to Improve Its Financial Pulse
Manufacturing
American Apparel sets out to cut $30 million in operating costs and trim non-performing stores.
Thursday, July 2
Authentic Brands Acquires Tretorn
Manufacturing
Nearly a month after it acquired Frederick’s of Hollywood, Authentic Brands Group (ABG), announced it completed the purchase of Tretorn, a 124-year-old outdoor-lifestyle brand reportedly favored by tennis stars Bjorn Borg and Martina Navratilova.
How a New Free-Trade Agreement Would Affect U.S. Textile and Clothing Makers
Import & Export
One of the biggest free-trade agreements ever negotiated by the United States could be a done deal by the end of this year. But it is still unclear how the Trans-Pacific Partnership will affect textile and apparel makers that manufacture in the United States.
New Hire at Matiere
Manufacturing
Matiere, a menswear brand headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif., announced July 1 that Matt Feniger would join the company as a brand marketing manager for its Matiere and Strand collections.
Outlets at San Clemente to Open in October
Retail
Craig Realty Group, which developed and manages the Desert Hills Premium Outlets and Citadel Outlets in Southern California, recently announced it would build an outlet retail center in San Clemente, Calif., devoted to off-price goods from well-known brands.
Thorn Joins The Men’s Wearhouse
Retail
The Men’s Wearhouse, a specialty men’s apparel retailer headquartered in Fremont, Calif., announced on July 1 that Bruce K. Thorn was named executive vice president, chief operating officer.
Topher Gaylord Leaves Mountain Hardwear
Manufacturing
After five years on the job, Topher Gaylord is leaving his position as president of Mountain Hardwear.
Woodbury University Names Five People to Its Board of Trustees
Fashion
Woodbury University, known for its wide array of classes, which include fashion and architecture, has appointed five people to its board of trustees.
Zimmermann to Melrose Place
Retail
The Los Angeles area will get a second helping of Zimmermann, the Australian luxury ready-to-wear and swim brand.
The Stronghold to Move Abbot Kinney Store, Plans Retail Expansion
Going Strong
The Stronghold, which bills itself as Los Angeles’ oldest clothing label, will be making some new moves.
Clear/Kai Milla Takes a Bow
Fashion Debut
On June 27, Kai Milla introduced her contemporary collection Clear / Kai Milla at a runway show at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Park Showroom to Move Men’s Brands & Seven Points Boutique
Retail
After serving as one of the first tenants of the renovated Lady Liberty Building in Los Angeles’ fashion district in 2007, The Park Showroom will be moving the operations for its men’s brands a block away to Area 4.
Flagship to Open Fashion District Showroom
Manufacturing
After nine years of working out of a renovated kung fu cinema at the edge of downtown Los Angeles’ Chinatown, Flagship, a multi-channel showroom, will open a 3,000-square-foot satellite office located in the city’s Fashion District, said Christopher Josol, a Flagship partner.
Buyers Looking for Immediates and Fall Merchandise at Fashion Market Northern California
Traffic Jam
SAN MATEO, Calif.—Fall fashions, Immediate Summer items and accessories filled the nearly 105,000-square-foot space at the San Mateo Events Center for the June 21–23 run of Fashion Market Northern California.
Wednesday, July 1
You Can’t Spell Fashion Capital Without L.A.
Fashion Exhibition
The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology recently opened a new exhibition titled “Global Fashion Capitals,” featuring a mix of established fashion cities and “emerging” ones.
