Monday, February 29
Robot Meets Mannequin
A Professor at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Institute of Textiles and Clothing has developed a dress form than can shift from a size 2 to a size 12—and back again—with the flip of a switch.
Uniqlo’s Made In LA Jean
Last week, Uniqlo, the Japanese casual wear designer, manufacturer and retailer, introduced its Made In LA jeans.
Friday, February 26
Flagship’s Big Debut Party
After moving into a sprawling, street-level showroom in downtown Los Angeles' Fashion District, Flagship Agency put on a big debut party on Feb. 26
BNKR Store Expected to Open Soon in Downtown LA
Retail
Much-delayed BNKR store coming to downtown LA in April.
Thursday, February 25
Wholesale Jewelry Show IFJAG Bows in Las Vegas
Long-running wholesale jewelry show IFJAG debuted its first Las Vegas show during its Feb. 15–19 run at Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel and Casino.
Carlsbad Voters Give Thumbs Down to Caruso Mall
Retail
In a tightly contested special election, voters in Carlsbad, Calif., rejected a retail center proposed by Caruso Affiliated, the developer of the prominent retail centers The Grove and The Americana at Brand, located in Los Angeles and Glendale, Calif., respectively.
Big Growth at Materials Shows
Trade Shows
Two big trade shows that display raw materials and components for footwear, fashion, high-tech and the automobile industries have grown by 25 percent over the last year.
New President Named at Mountain Hardwear
Manufacturing
After more than six months of searching for a new president, John Walbrecht has been appointed to take over the top job at Mountain Hardwear.
Call it a Comeback
Two years ago, former financier Jacob Harrison Long set out to revive a shuttered 19th century textile mill in Connecticut with the hopes of launching a collection of American-made woolen fabrics.
Capsule: Forum for Emerging Style
Trade Shows
Before the Capsule trade show started its run Feb. 15–17 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, two of the show’s vendors gained some fashion-industry buzz.
Offprice Busy
Trade Shows
Activewear styles, plus sizes and medical scrubs were important categories at the 43rd Offprice show, which was held on the first level of the Sands Expo and Convention Center.
Good Biz at Curated Liberty Show
Trade Shows
The Diesel and Will Leather Goods brands made their debut at the recent run of the Liberty Fashion & Lifestyle Fairs trade show, which ran Feb. 15–17 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas.
Curve@MAGIC Debuts New Format for Lingerie/Swim
Trade Shows
This season, rather than show in an enclosed space next to WWDMAGIC at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Curve@MAGIC was held within WWDMAGIC in an area easy for buyers to spot with large signage, balloons and strings of pastel panties between the booths.
Agenda: Streetwear Rebound
Trade Shows
Streetwear and art brand 7th Letter made a return to Agenda after a three-year hiatus. In 2013, the brand opened the 7th Letter Gallery on Los Angeles’ Fairfax Avenue, where it also exhibits art.
Pool Relocates Within Project
Trade Shows
After several seasons moving around the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, the Pooltradeshow has a new home within the Project show at Mandalay Bay.
Busy at Stitch, Accessories The Show, MRket
Trade Shows
Exhibitors at the trio of shows organized by Business Journals Inc. were generally happy with the wide aisles, ample space and airy ambience at the event, but that great environment didn’t prevent retailers from riding a wave of caution.
With New Owners, WWIN Stays Consistent
Trade Shows
Even though the Women’s Wear In Nevada show has a new owner, not much changed at the jam-packed event, where women’s clothing and accessories filled six ballrooms and two large meeting rooms at the Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino.
Bright Lights and Music at WWDMAGIC
Trade Shows
The energy was high at the WWDMAGIC show held Feb. 16–18 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Show Floor Expands at Sourcing at MAGIC
Trade Shows
More than 40 countries from around the world set up booths in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center for the Sourcing at MAGIC trade show, held Feb. 15–18.
Diverse Mix at Project, Project Womens, The Tents and The Collective
Trade Shows
Buyers visiting the Mandalay Bay Convention Center had a lot to see during the Feb. 16–18 run of trade shows produced by MAGIC and Project parent UBM Advanstar.
SIMA Image Awards Names Roark Revival ‘Breakout Brand’
SIMA Image Awards
Roark Revival was named the Breakout Brand of the Year at the SIMA Image Awards.
Fred Segal, Barnabas to Move Into New Tech Enclave in Playa Vista
Retail
Major tech companies such as Facebook and Google already have offices in Los Angeles’ Playa Vista district. Now it is time for fashion boutiques.
Print Technology Meets Design at Epson Fashion Week Event
Epson Fashion Week
Epson taps 11 designers for second annual show at N.Y. Fashion Week.
Brazilian Pop-Up Shoe Store Coming to L.A.
Retail
Schutz is opening its very first pop-up store in the United States.
Wednesday, February 24
Ross Stores Supplier in L.A. Ordered to Pay $212,000 in Back Wages
Manufacturing
A Los Angeles manufacturer that supplies garments for Ross Stores has been ordered to pay $212,000 in back wages for employees of 13 of its subcontractors after the labor department found YN had violated requirements for minimum wage and overtime, according to a labor department release.
Monday, February 22
Etnies 30th Anniversary
2016 is 30th anniversary of Etnies. Etnies is said to be the first skateboarder-owned sneaker brand. The Orange County-headquartered brand is planning some 30th anniversary celebrations.
Friday, February 19
Pobega’s Bowie Inspired Heroes Collection
When David Bowie died last month, the fashion world seemed to be the most shaken. On Feb. 18, designer Valerj Pobega introduced a capsule collection honoring the influential performer, composer and artist.
Mashouf Rejoins Bebe, Announces Restructuring
Retail
Bebe Stores Inc. Founder Manny Mashouf is taking the reins of the struggling mall-based women’s retailer, it was announced on Feb. 19. He also announced a 14.6 percent job cut in the company’s design, merchandising and production division.
Thursday, February 18
Miss Me Vintage Takes Bow at WWDMAGIC
Denim veteran Philippe Naouri and Ayumi Shibata, a designer who won WWDMAGIC’s Crème de la Crème contest in August 2015, dropped by the trade show this week to introduce a new fashion line, Miss Me Vintage.
Wynn to Develop Retail on Las Vegas Strip
Retail
Casino magnate Steve Wynn announced new retail development Wynn Plaza, a 75,518-square-foot retail center scheduled to make its debut on the Las Vegas Strip by Fall 2017.
D&A to Launch U.S.–Made Concept in Partnership With N.Y. Economic Development Group
Trade Shows
At the September run of Designers and Agents in New York, a new concept will bow showcasing designs that are made in New York.
California Snowboarder Shaun White Partners With Macy's for Capsule Collection
Retail
The new line will be called Wht Space.
Trunkettes Swimwear Makes Splash in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2016 Issue
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2016 issue is on newsstands, and Los Angeles brand Trunkettes Swimwear made a splash in the highly anticipated issue.
Toms to Open Second Los Angeles Store
Retail
The California shoe company is venturing into an upscale mall for its second retail outpost.
What’s Checking: Silver Lake
What’s Checking
Reflecting the all-embracing community surrounding Sunset Junction, Silver Lake’s boutiques boast an eclectic mix of merchandise that bears the common denominator of quality.
Diane Merrick Looks Back on 50 Years in Fashion
Retail
Call it the end of an era for Los Angeles boutique retail. Diane Merrick announced last month that she was closing her 45-year-old, self-named Diane Merrick boutique. Most likely, she is the last of her pioneering generation of boutique retailers to close operations.
Wolves + Wildflowers: T-shirts for the Bad Girl
Manufacturing
The Wolves + Wildflowers young contemporary brand, which will roll out later this year, was inspired by the girl who likes bad boys, said Tina Rani, a cofounder of the Huntington Beach, Calif.–based label.
Bustling Milano Unica Show Prepares to Relocate Next Season
Milano Unica
Traffic kicked off early during the Feb. 9–11 run of Milano Unica, the textile trade show that focuses on upscale fabrics.
Buyers Navigate Multiple Venues, Categories at Las Vegas Shows
L.V. Trade Shows
When visitors arrived at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas for the Feb. 16–18 run of Project, Project Womens, Pooltradeshow, Collective and The Tents, the registration line snaked around the lobby, forcing buyers to wait up to 30 minutes to get their badges and enter the trade show.
Wednesday, February 17
California and Nation to See Continued Economic Growth
Finance
The latest LAEDC economic forecast calls for continued growth in California and the rest of the country.
Monday, February 15
Talking caps with Hall of Fame & Original Chuck
After more than 100-years of style in baseball cap, one may think that there are no more new looks for the iconic headwear. But headwear gurus Hall of Fame and Original Chuck said cap style is ready for a shakeup.
Thursday, February 11
Pantone Unveils a Palette of Colors for Fall 2016
Fashion
Blue is one of the predominant colors for the Fall season along with lots of mustard, red and forest green.
Bohemian Society Debuts Black Rose
Victor Wilde, the downtown Los Angeles fashion provocateur and founder of the Bohemian Society fashion label, recently debuted a new Bohemian Society collection. It’s called Black Rose. Take a look.
True&Co. Lingerie Store Hits the Road
Retail
Michelle Lam calls it “nomadic retail.” A trailer outfitted with a boutique will bring her e-commerce lingerie brand True&Co. to cities across the United States this year.
Finding a Niche for Made-in-USA Headwear
Manufacturing
Cloquet is a small town in northeast Minnesota, about 20 miles west of Duluth. It is not a typical textile manufacturing center, and it’s home to a not-typical company called Wear-A-Knit.
Athleisure, Fine Fabrics and Authentic Lifestyle Lines at West Coast Trend Show
Trade Shows
Attendees at the West Coast Trend Show’s Fall ’16 menswear fashion market found a number of designer lines offering athleisure collections.
Staud Clothing: Customizing with Accessibility and Quality in Mind
Custom Built
Staud clothing is a customizable luxury line that takes women virtually to the design table.
Fashion Biz Veteran Joins RMSA Tech Firm
Technology
After three decades in the apparel industry, Donald Reichman, who has represented various womenswear brands, has joined technology company RMSA Retail Solutions.
New York Designer B Michael Sparkles on the Runway
Dressing Up
New York designer B Michael recently had his first Los Angeles runway show, which was part of the 47th Annual NAACP Image Awards luncheon, honoring people of color in film and television.
E-Commerce Showing More Interest in Bricks-and-Mortar
Retail
For 18 months, People’s Project LA has been selling its sweaters, dresses, dusters, rompers and everything fashionable through its website.
Retail Sales on a Positive Trail for 2016
Retail
Despite an uncertain economic beginning to the year, the National Retail Federation is forecasting that retail sales will be up 3.1 percent this year, which is slightly better than the 10-year average of 2.7 percent.
Chinese Website Promotes U.S. Apparel Brands in China
Technology
China, with a population of 1.4 billion people, is a burgeoning consumer market where shoppers are hungry for American clothing labels.
What Does an Economic Shift Mean for the Factoring Industry?
Finance
The global economy started out this year with a whimper, not a bang.
Saltwater Luxe; For Beach & Evening
Manufacturing
After a decade of designing for some of the biggest surfwear designers, including Billabong and Rip Curl, Christa Bischofberger and Kristy Kalsman started their own brand, Saltwater Luxe, which is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif.
Express Trade Opens Los Angeles Office
Finance
New York–based Express Trade Capital Inc. now has a West Coast office, which is headed by Dina Davletshina.
Wednesday, February 10
Everything But Water Opening in Beverly Hills
Retail
Everything But Water to establish an outpost on Beverly Drive in April.
Olsen Twins' Elizabeth & James To The Grove
Olsen Twins' Elizabeth & James brand will open its first bricks-and-mortar store at The Grove this summer, according to a statement from the popular Los Angeles area retail center.
Retail Sales on a Positive Trail for 2016
NRF forecasts retail sales to be up 3.1 percent in 2016.
Tuesday, February 9
Chinese New Year Rolls Into SoCal Malls
Southern California malls have embraced the Chinese New Year. In case you have not heard, it is the Chinese Year of the Monkey.
Monday, February 8
Oscar-nominated Costumes on Display at FIDM
Fashion
Design school goes all out for motion picture costume display.
Friday, February 5
American Apparel Emerges From Bankruptcy
After four months in bankruptcy, Los Angeles clothing maker American Apparel announced on Feb. 5 that it had exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy after a reorganization plan was approved days earlier by the U.S. bankruptcy court.
Turkish Denim Mill Bossa Opens Showroom in LA
Denim
To celebrate the opening of its new showroom in downtown Los Angeles, Turkish denim mill Bossa hosted a grand opening party and denim trend presentation on Jan. 15.
Thursday, February 4
Capsule Moves to Pier 92
Capsule's New Home
For its Jan. 26–28 run, Capsule trade show moved to a new location, Pier 92 on New York’s west side, from its previous location at Basketball City on the city’s Lower East Side.
Project Exhibitors Hustle for Business Amid N.Y. Snowstorm
NY Hustle
One day after a historic snowstorm dumped two feet of snow on New York, menswear trade show Project opened its doors for its Jan. 24–26 run at the Javits Center. The storm cut into traffic on opening day, but exhibitors scrambled to rebook appointments and make the most of the remaining days of the show.
MRket New York Bows Activewear Section, Fashion Installations
Fashion + Active
Outside the Javits Center, people were bundled up in winter coats and snow boots, but inside at the MRket menswear trade show, men in shorts and T-shirts were taking their turn on the Cycle for Survival bike to help raise funds for rare cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Liberty Fairs NYC Skirts New York Snowstorm
Fair Weather
Most buyers arriving for the Liberty Fairs NYC show at Pier 94 in New York missed the historic snowstorm and the resulting travel cancellations.
January Sales Slow
Retail
Retailers typically regard January as a clearance month, a period of time to slog through while focusing on the important business of upcoming Spring fashion. However, January did not start the year with much cheer.
Westfield’s Mall at LAX
It was the official grand opening of the dining and retail section at Terminal 2 at LAX recently. Developed by Westfield, the shopping center company made a statement that its dining and retail section in the would have projected annual sales of $41 million.
Levi’s Clothes for Superbowl 50
Wanna cheer the Superbowl in a denim style? Levi Strauss & Co. announced that it had expanded its Levi's NFL Collection.
Wearable Tech Expo Planned for Downtown Los Angeles
Technology
Los Angeles–based District2.co, an online B2B resource for connecting apparel designer and manufacturers, will host TomorroWear, a wearable-technology exposition, on Feb. 17 at Maker City at The Reef in downtown Los Angeles.
Starmout Released Engage 5.0 for Omnichannel Retailing
Technology
E-commerce solutions company Starmount recently launched new products to assist retailers with their omnichannel initiatives.
Milano Unica’s Second Run in New York Coincides With Historic Snowstorm
Trade Shows
NEW YORK—Late in the afternoon on the last day of the Milano Unica trade show, two designers were walking in and out of booths showcasing luxury Italian fabrics.
Texworld USA Offers a Showcase of International Textile, Fiber and Trim Resources
Trade Shows
Before winter storm Jonas slammed into New York on Jan. 22, organizers of international textile show Texworld USA said preregistration was up 25 percent for the show’s Jan. 24–26 run at the Javits Center.
Congressional Vote of Trans-Pacific Partnership Moves Farther Down the Road
Import/Export
Congress may not vote on the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal until sometime after the November presidential election.
Denim from the 19th Century to the 21st
Denim
Levi Strauss filed the first patent for a distinctive pair of work pant made from a twill fabric in 1873. But denim work pants—or jeans—had been worn even earlier. The Fashion Institute of Technology recently organized “Denim: Fashion’s Frontier,” an exhibition charting the history and evolution of jeans, at the Fashion and Textile History Gallery at the Museum at FIT in New York.
Fox Names David Durham Creative Director
Manufacturing
Motocross and mountain-biking clothing brand Fox Racing, a division of Fox Head Inc., announced some big changes, according to a Feb. 3 company statement.
FMNC: 2016 Starts on Optimistic Note
Trade Shows
Many vendors felt optimistic about 2016 business after Fashion Market Northern California wrapped up its Jan. 24–26 run at the San Mateo Event Center in San Mateo, Calif.
California Market Center Makes Big Push to Add More Exhibition Space
Manufacturing
The California Market Center—the biggest apparel showroom complex in the Los Angeles Fashion District—is undergoing a metamorphosis by adding more mammoth exhibition space and consolidating showrooms onto fewer floors.
Denim Gets Chic for Fall ‘16
Fashion
Denim’s ultra-chic new look will be getting major street cred this Fall.
Wednesday, February 3
Rachel Zoe to Pop at The Grove
Rachel Zoe’s 2016 looks will pop at The Grove, one of Los Angeles’ most popular retail centers. The fashion star will produce a pop-up shop at The Grove from Feb. 24 to March 31.
Tuesday, February 2
Third-Quarter Revenues Slip for American Apparel
Manufacturing
Just days after American Apparel was cleared to exit bankruptcy, the troubled Los Angeles clothing maker filed its third-quarter earnings results showing the company is bleeding money.
Monday, February 1
More Stores To La Brea
Galia Lahav Haute Couture boutique opened last week at 169 N. La Brea Ave. in Los Angeles. It's just one of the new stores on La Brea.
Paul Frank Returning to the Company He Founded
Manufacturing
Paul Frank Sunich, the man who invented Julius the Monkey and founded Paul Frank Industries—only to be forced out from his namesake venture—is back with the label.
Nordstrom Rack Opening in Orange County
Retail
Nordstrom Rack to open in Tustin, Calif., in a mall owned by the Irvine Company.
