Tuesday, May 31
Go Shopping With Rachel Zoe
Stylist and designer Rachel Zoe and her husband Rodger Berman will host the West Coast version of Super Saturday, the all-day shopping fund-raiser for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance (OCRFA).
Oak Opens Outlet Store in DTLA
Retail
Oak converts one-half of its downtown LA store into an outlet.
Friday, May 27
The Way We Wore’s Doris Raymond Takes Vintage Online
Voguely Familiar
The Way We Wore owner Doris Raymond has launched a new e-commerce site featuring vintage and more recent pieces.
What to Wear in Zero Gravity
Forget the bulky silver spacesuits. A group of European fashion school students have a new take on the future of space fashion
Thursday, May 26
WithMe: Meet the Store of the Future
Store of the Future
On May 26, WithMe took the wraps off its first permanent mall-based store, housed inside Santa Monica Place in Santa Monica, Calif., where an arsenal of high-tech gadgets is used to make shopping easier for customers and retailing more efficient.
Footwear Brand EMU Australia Moving Back to California
Manufacturing
After five years in the Midwest, Emu Australia has decided to bring its U.S. headquarters back to California.
Study Finds Trans-Pacific Partnership Would Have Little Effect on Apparel Imports and Export
Import/Export
The U.S. International Trade Commission recently published an independent study of the free-trade accord and found that U.S. apparel imports would inch up 1.4 percent with a $1.9 billion increase by the year 2032 while exports would barely budge, seeing a 0.3 percent rise, or a $10 million increase.
ModCloth Names New Chief Technology Officer
Retail
ModCloth—the San Francisco–based online purveyor of its own clothing brand as well as an e-commerce site that offers an assortment of fashion, accessories, shoes and home décor from independent designers—has named Nicolas Genest as its chief technology officer.
Express Trade Expands Team With 1st SVP Appointment
Finance
Express Trade Capital Inc. named Ignatius “Nat” Marotta as first senior vice president for the New York–based finance company, which specializes in trade finance, factoring and purchase-order financing.
Industry Voices: Sellers Beware: The Ever-Shrinking Copyright Coverage in Your Insurance Policy
Legal
Many players in the apparel industry face tremendous exposure from copyright-infringement lawsuits. Every day, copyright holders (plaintiffs) file dozens of lawsuits against apparel manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers, alleging that the goods they manufacture, distribute, advertise and sell infringe on a plaintiff’s copyrighted design.
AIMS360 Treats Customers to a Day of Business Advice and Burgers
Technology
AIMS360 customers, the LA-based technology company has covered quite a bit of ground, from breaking down batch processes to making EDI (electronic data interchange) more efficient to tips for creating business intelligence reports and pivot tables using AIMS360 software.
Finding Dory x Trina Turk Summer ‘16 Capsule Collection
Trina Turk
Los Angeles designer Trina Turk dove into an animated sea for inspiration for her new capsule collection for women, men and children, inspired by the upcoming Disney Pixar film “Finding Dory.”
Kristopher Enuke: A New Take on the 5-Pocket Jean
Kristopher Enuke
Kristopher Enuke is launching a chic new look for denim this fall. The veteran Los Angeles designer’s namesake label challenges the traditional five-pocket jean with a unique fashion and fit sensibility.
Wednesday, May 25
Naja’s Nude For All
Lingerie brand Naja recently kicked off a campaign titled #NudeForAll, which hopes to draw attention to the idea that the color “nude” is exclusionary and does not reflect the reality that people come in many shades of skin color.
Sports Authority Holds Going-Out-of-Business Sale
Retail
All 450 Sports Authority stores are holding a going-out-of-business sale.
Tuesday, May 24
Naomi Campbell: Lady in a Red Nose
Naomi Campbell recently flipped the switch on the Empire State Building turning the iconic New York landmark red in honor of Red Nose Day, the international fund-raiser for children in need around the world.
Monday, May 23
Designer Monique Lhuillier Expands Into Stationery
Fashion
Bridal and fashion designer Monique Lhuillier launches stationery brand.
Thursday, May 19
Gap Closing All Old Navy Stores in Japan, Plus Select Banana Republic Stores
After reporting dismal sales for its first quarter, Gap Inc. announced it is closing all 53 of its Old Navy stores in Japan and 75 Banana Republic stores in mostly overseas locations as it concentrates on other geographies.
Store of the Future Opening at Santa Monica Place
Retail
WithMe debuts its first mall location with shopping lineup that changes all the time.
JCP’s Got a Winner!
On May 24, Project Runway winner Ashley Nell Tipton will be at the Glendale Galleria in Glendale, Calif. , for the opening of JCPenney’s plus-size in-store concept called The Boutique and the launch of JCP’s own plus-size fashion line Boutique+.
Diane Merrick Closing Sale
LA retailer Diane Merrick just announced her final closing sale with 50 percent discounts off everything in the store.
Technical Advice for the Retailer—from Brick-and-Mortar to Online-Only
Technology
Sean Finnigan, vice president of program services for Teamwork Retail, was speaking at “Take It to the Next Level: Empowering Retailers Through Technology,” an all-day event on May 10 at the Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach, Calif., hosted by One Step Retail Solutions.
Feedback on Chargebacks: Stage Stores VP Offers Advice for Avoiding Chargebacks
Finance
At a recent event in Los Angeles, Stage Stores executive Kenneth J. Lettre offered some words of advice for avoiding chargebacks.
AAFA Names Joseph Abboud ‘Person of the Year’
Fashion
The American Apparel & Footwear Association has named Abboud the 2016 “Person of the Year.” The award is being presented to the designer at the AAFA’s 38th annual American Images Awards in New York on May 24.
Retailers Relying More on Promotions This Year to Clinch a Sale
Retail
Statistics show that during the first three months of this year, retailers were putting up more signs for special promotions than during the same period last year.
CCA Collections on the Runway in San Francisco
CCA Collections
California College of the Arts hosted its 2016 annual fashion show on May 13 on the back lot of the design school’s San Francisco campus.
Academy of Art Taps Rodarte Designers for Graduation Runway Show
Rodarte Designers Honored
Rodarte designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy received honorary doctorate degrees from the Academy of Art University on May 11 at the San Francisco design school’s graduation fashion show.
For Better, Not Worse: Apparel With a Purpose
Apparel With a Purpose
With every For Better, Not Worse (FBNW) shirt sold, a bag of groceries goes to a child in need.
Kent Smith Stepping Down as Head of Los Angeles Fashion District BID
Manufacturing
With a major improvement in the neighborhood since he took over, Kent Smith is stepping down this summer as the executive director of the Los Angeles Fashion District Business Improvement District—formed in 1996 as the first business improvement district in Los Angeles.
The RealReal Gets Real in SF
Online luxury consignment shop The RealReal is expanding its physical presence with the May 17 opening of its fourth watch evaluation office.
Wednesday, May 18
Jovani Celebrates First U.S. Store Now on Robertson Blvd.
Retal
The evening gown label has never had a stand-alone store until it opened on Robertson Boulevard.
Tuesday, May 17
Agave Denim and XCVI Ink Design, Manufacturing and Distribution Deal
Manufacturing
Los Angeles–based XCVI has acquired Agave, the men’s and women’s denim lifestyle collection founded by Jeff Shafer in 2002.
Monday, May 16
Aussie Retailer Opening First U.S. Store in Los Angeles
Retail
General Pants Co. coming up from down under.
Friday, May 13
Outlander Costumes Behind the Scenes
For the second season of “Outlander,” costume designer Terry Dresbach pulls out all the stops.
Frame’s ‘Sartorial Puzzle’
Frame has released a new limited-edition style called Le Mix, which was made from reworked Frame jeans.
Thursday, May 12
Topshop/Topman Opening Next Week in Glendale
Retail
Topshop/Topman soon opening second Los Angeles-area store.
Trade Show: Shop & Dine
Trade Shows
Here are a few suggestions on some of the newer restaurants and fashionable boutiques found in the major cities on the trade-show circuit.
Trade Show Dilemma: What Makes a Trade Show a ‘First Stop’ for Attendees?
Trade Shows
With a packed trade-show calendar—as well as new trade shows launching—event organizers are faced with the task of driving traffic to their shows. It’s even more challenging in markets such as Las Vegas, where multiple events run concurrently at locations scattered around town.
Sue Wong Shares Story, Archival Pieces at FGI Event
Sue Wong
Sue Wong is preparing for the next chapter in her career. The Los Angeles designer recently inked a licensing deal for her namesake eveningwear collection and a new day-to-eveningwear collection with DNAM Apparel Industries LLC.
St. Roche: L.A. Brand Mixes British Irreverence and N.Y. Chic
St. Roche
English designer Sue Stemp channels a touch of British irreverence and New York City chic into Los Angeles–based St. Roche to create its direction each season.
Michael Topliss joins Wood Underwear
Manufacturing
Men’s brand Wood Underwear named Michael Topliss its new head of global sales, a position that includes overseeing and expanding the brand’s sales as well as providing input to marketing, merchandising and product development.
Levi’s Partners With Recycled-Cotton Start-Up
Manufacturing
Levi Strauss & Co. has created a jean made from post-consumer recycled cotton.
Container Cargo Imports Not as Robust as Last Year
Import/Export
Slow growth in consumer spending and high inventory levels at stores across the country are affecting import cargo volumes at the nation’s ports.
U.S. Thread Maker to Buy Second Largest Thread Maker in India
Manufacturing
American & Efird—the largest U.S. manufacturer of industrial and consumer thread, embroidery thread and technical textiles—is acquiring a majority ownership of Vardhman Yarns and Threads Ltd. from its joint-venture partner, Vardhman Textiles Ltd.
Contempo Inc USA Controller Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud
Legal
Peter Suk Lee started working for Los Angeles accessories maker Contempo Inc. USA in August 2014 as the controller at the company. But one year later, the owners were alleging that the 49-year-old had embezzled nearly $1.4 million from the company, according to court documents.
Rosemary Brantley, Jenni Kayne and Joie Honored at 34th Annual Otis Gala
34th Otis Gala
For 34 years, Rosemary Brantley has presided over the Otis College of Art and Design annual scholarship benefit and fashion show. The first year the event was held it was a small party at the Hard Rock Café, where models stood on the tables.
Negotiations for New Port Clerks Contract Nearing Deadline
Import/Export
600 full-time port clerks and 300 temporary clerks at the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach have made great strides in this year’s negotiations for a contract that expires June 30.
Reshoring Among the Supply-Chain Trends at Texprocess Americas
Texprocess Americas
One of the continuing themes at Texprocess Americas in Atlanta was Made in the USA production and re-shoring resources. It’s somewhat anecdotal and not everyone is benefiting, but clearly some companies are.
Wednesday, May 11
Billabong’s Beach Hair
Finish off your beach look with Billabong beach hair thanks to a collab between the surf label and hair care brand John Frieda.
Guess Russia: From LA With Love
Los Angeles–based Guess? Inc. is opening a new 1,600-square-foot flagship store in Moscow's Europeisky Mall. A 590,000-square-foot shopping center with more than 500 stores.
French Eco-Friendly Brand Opens First Store in SF
Retail
Les Lunes, which champions the slow-fashion movement, established its first outpost in Cow Hollow.
Tuesday, May 10
Gap Inc. Posts Dismal April Sales in All Categories
Retail
All of Gap Inc.'s retail chains showing negative same-store sales for April.
BNKR Celebrates Grand Opening for DTLA Store
Retail
Two big events celebrate opening of BNKR's new U.S. flagship store.
Monday, May 9
Scoop NYC Closing All Stores, Including LA
Retail
Scoop NYC has already shut down its SoHo store and plans to shutter LA stores.
Friday, May 6
The North Face (Re) Opens in Palo Alto
The North Face celebrated the opening of its new store in Palo Alto, Calif., with a packed schedule of events for outdoor enthusiasts.
Thursday, May 5
Sales in April Disappoint with Lackluster Performance
Retail
With Easter falling in March this year, retailers reported that April same-store sales dipped at many big clothing store chains that depend on the holiday to bring customers through the doors.
A Warehouse Sale? Splendid!
Splendid and Ella Moss are having a big warehouse sale on May 20-21 on the top floor of the Cooper Design Space.
Cone Denim Opens White Oak Web Shop
Cone Denim recently launched the White Oak Shop online with a selection of premium selvage denims available in smaller quantities.
Levi’s Names New President of Americas Division
Manufacturing
Levi Strauss & Co. has promoted Roy Bagattini to the role of executive vice president and president of Levi Strauss Americas.
Robert Ezra Joins Freeman Freeman Smiley to Head New Fashion Law Practice
Legal
Over the course of its 40-year practice, Freeman Freeman Smiley LLP has represented apparel-industry clients, but until now the Los Angeles law firm didn’t have a dedicated fashion law group.
Retail Veteran Lana Cain Krauter Joins Simparel Board
Technology
New York–based Simparel Inc. named Lana Cain Krauter to its board of directors. Krauter’s résumé includes holding executive positions at JCPenney, Sears, Bealls and Goody's during her more than 30-year career in retail.
Jeanologia Software Release Aimed at Faster Laser Finishing in Production
Technology
Spanish laser equipment maker Jeanologia has introduced eMark 3.0, the latest release for its laser-finishing software, created to help production designers maximize speed and creativity.
LA Fashion District Intersection Renamed for Stanley Hirsh
Stanley Hirsh Square
The intersection of Ninth and Los Angeles streets in the Los Angeles Fashion District will be renamed Stanley Hirsh Square in honor of the late businessman, who was instrumental in creating the L.A. Fashion District Business Improvement District.
Fraser Ross Prepares for Retail Return with Kitross
Retail
Retailer Fraser Ross, the founder of the retail chain Kitson, is returning to retail with Kitross, which is set to open in his original 5,000-square-foot space on Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles.
Gildan Buying Alstyle
Manufacturing
Midlothian, Texas–based Ennis Inc. will sell its Alstyle Apparel LLC division to Canadian T-shirt giant Gildan Activewear Inc. for a $110 million all-cash offer subject to a working capital adjustment. The deal is expected to close by the end of June.
Creativity Walks Down the Runway at Woodbury University Student Show
Creativity Walks
A fresh look at fashion was seen on the runway when the students at Woodbury University displayed their design skills at the 52nd annual Envision Fashion Show at The Reef in downtown Los Angeles.
Kingpins Transformers Tackles Industry Waste in Latest Roundtable Series
Kingpins Transformers
Cotton is compostable; polyester is forever. That was the message at a recent roundtable discussion hosted by denim trade show Kingpins.
U.S. Trade Rep Hopes to Have New Free-Trade Agreement Signed, Sealed and Delivered Before Obama Leaves Office
Import/Export
The Obama administration has been talking about the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement ever since the president arrived in office in 2009.
Bella Dahl at Bloomingdale’s
Bloomingdale’s opened Bella Dahl in-store shops in Los Angeles, the New York metro area and Florida.
Wednesday, May 4
Big Sale at ABS by Allen Schwartz Headquarters
Manufacturing
ABS by Allen Schwartz holds big sale at headquarters near DTLA.
