Thursday, November 30
U.S. T-Shirt Factory Receives GOTS Certification
Manufacturing
Sundog Productions, a 25-year-old apparel manufacturer in Fairfax, Va., recently was certified as a fully integrated GOTS factory by the Global Organic Textile Standard.
CMC Shifts to Three-Day Market
Trade Shows
Starting in 2018, the California Market Center will shift its Los Angeles Fashion Market schedule to a three-day format.
The Veranda: New Mall Takes a Bow
The Veranda
In a market when mall development seems to be mostly focused on remodeling existing sites, CenterCal Properties is scheduled to mark the grand opening of a new shopping center later this month in the San Francisco Bay Area town of Concord, Calif.
Defyant’s Dare to Be Different
Defyant
After running a basics apparel company and working on music documentary projects, Joe Jihoon got the opportunity to take over the streetwear line Defyant<. He hesitated because he didn’t know where he could take the brand. Then he took inspiration from the brand’s name.
Denim Production in the United States Hit With Another Blow
Textiles
One of the last mills in the United States to make denim fabric has decided to shutter its denim production and concentrate on technical fabrics.
Trade Observers Fear Trump May Pull Out of NAFTA Negotiations
Import/Export
With little progress in the last negotiating round for the North American Free Trade Agreement, trade experts believe it is becoming more likely that President Trump will follow through on his threat to withdraw from the talks.
Rock The Wheel in the Menswear Market
Rock The Wheel is a new Los Angeles–based men’s start-up company founded by owner Robert Rodriguez and Creative Director Francisco Platt. Years ago, Rodriguez was involved in a serious car accident which left him paralyzed from the chest down. Now finding himself living in a wheelchair in a seated position, off-the-rack clothing became very problematic to wear.
Wool & Thimble Debuts at Bloomies’ Top of the List
Contemporary men’s brand Wool & Thimble made its debut at Bloomingdale’s in Westfield Fashion Square.
Tuesday, November 28
Holiday Season Business Off to a Good Start
Retail
The 2017 holiday season is off to a strong start after consumers beat forecasts for shopping during the Black Friday Weekend and Cyber Monday, the traditional beginning of the holiday shopping season.
Monday, November 27
Farewell, Fashion Police!
After more than two decades, E! television’s “Fashion Police” aired its final episode on Nov. 27 at 8 p.m.
New Era + Fred Segal's Sunset Collection Goes Down Home L.A.
New Era collaborated with Fred Segal to make Sunset Collection. It's very Los Angeles. How Los Angeles? The collection features caps for prominent L.A. area high school sports teams. Go Hamilton High School Yankees!
Jennifer Lopez the Next Face of Guess Jeans
Retail
Guess launches its Spring 2018 jeans campaign with a superstar.
Wednesday, November 22
IndieSource Founders named to Forbes ’30 Under 30’
Manufacturing
Indie Source founders Zack Hurley and Jesse Dombrowiak were recently named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30,” the publication’s annual list of rising stars under 30 years old in a host of industries.
Designer, Guest Lecturer, Icon: Zandra Rhodes
Designer Zandra Rhodes will discuss her career designing fashion and costumes at a Nov. 28 event organized by The Chimaera Project and the Huntington Beach Academy of Performing Arts in Huntington Beach, Calif.
Guess Inc. Faces Challenges in U.S. Market With Europe and Asia Taking the Lead
Manufacturing
Guess?, Inc. was founded in Los Angeles nearly 40 years ago with its eye on the U.S. consumer, but its weakest market now is the United States and the Americas region.
‘Project Runway’ Winner is L.A.–based Fashion Instructor at FCI
‘Project Runway’ Winner
The 16th season of the fashion reality show “Project Runway” concluded with the top prize going to Kentaro Kameyama, the first Japanese winner of the long-running Lifetime television show.
Junk Food and Levi’s Team Up for Tees + Jeans
Tees + Jeans
After a four-year run, Junk Food Clothing has revamped its flagship store in Los Angeles’ Venice district and relaunched as a collaboration with Levi Strauss & Co. called Tees + Jeans, a boutique devoted to Junk Food’s blank T-shirts and Levi’s jeans.
Brazilian-L.A.Connection at Fashion Panel
Manufacturing
It was a call that every American red carpet–gown label in America is waiting for: a personal request from an A-list star. But in this case, Sofia Vergara was calling a Brazilian label.
CFDA Hosts Incubator Showcase in Hollywood
CFDA Hosts Incubator
The Council of Fashion Designers of America returned to the W Hotel in Hollywood for a Nov. 16 showcase featuring designers in the CFDA {Fashion Incubator} program.
Paula Schneider Takes Over as Head of Susan G. Komen
Manufacturing
After decades of working in the apparel industry, Paula Schneider is moving her career in a different direction by taking over as president and chief executive of Susan G. Komen, the world’s largest breast-cancer organization.
Stitch Fix Files IPO
Technology
San Francisco–headquartered fashion company Stitch Fix filed an initial public offering on Nov. 16, releasing 8 million shares of Class A common stock at a price of $15 per share.
Shopify Embeds UPS Services
Retail
Shopify recently embedded a suite of UPS services on its platform.
Lakers Star Invests In New Men's Brand
Butter Cloth
Former Los Angeles Lakers star Metta World Peace made sports headlines in October when he took a coaching job with the South Bay Lakers, the development team for the NBA organization.
Los Angeles Denim Factories Are Struggling to Stay Alive
Manufacturing
Los Angeles has always been the epicenter for manufacturing blue jeans in the United States. Major labels such as True Religion, Lucky Brand, Hudson and 7 For All Mankind built their reputations on that “Made in the USA” cachet, which signaled quality and prestige in their premium-denim products.
Forever 21 Sets Up Marathon Shopping on Thanksgiving Day
Retail
If you need an outfit for Thanksgiving Day, Forever 21 will be open for you.
Tuesday, November 21
Swatch What Happened Next
The watch business these days is dominated by connected smart watches, high-tech timepieces and status brands. But there once was a time when the watch revolution came in a plastic box.
Black Friday, A History
Gear up for Black Friday—and the rest of the Holiday season, for that matter—with a little history lesson.
Monday, November 20
Tradesy Unveils First Showroom
Peer-to-peer luxe marketplace Tradesy unveiled its first physical showroom in Santa Monica.
Cherner Memorialized with Tree Planting
Henry Cherner spent more than two-decades of his career placing a focus on educating fashion entrepreneurs and workers in the growing world of technology. Earlier this month, a tree was planted in his honor on the campus of California Polytechnic University, Pomona
Soho Style, A Hair Extension Biz, Opens in Fashion District
Soho Style, a retailer of hair accessories and hair extensions, opened in L.A.'s Fashion District Nov. 18.
Friday, November 17
Rodeo's Big Tree Lighting
By the end of this week, Christmas lights went up all over retail districts in Southern California.Beverly Hills produced its Annual Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration on Nov. 16.
The Project Runway Winner Is...
There was plenty of drama going into the finale of “Project Runway,” with four designers with very distinct points of view competing for the top prize.
Thursday, November 16
Cult Gaia Opens Melrose Place Pop-up
Retail
A hobby of making floral crowns for friends gained momentum for Jasmin Larian, and she later parlayed it into a fashion label called Cult Gaia.
Avery Dennison Helps Rebecca Minkoff Connect to Customers Through the #AlwaysOn Handbag
#AlwaysOn
Rebecca Minkoff’s #AlwaysOn handbags feature technology that allows customers to receive exclusive offers, product recommendations and video content. But that’s not all the bags can do, according to a recently released study.
HOFB to Start E-Marketplace for New Designers
Technology
For many independent designers and brands, the goal of selling to department stores and major specialty retailers is out of reach because of the challenge of finding the right retail contacts and the manufacturers who can produce in volume for major retailers.
Dreamgirl CEO Scharff Leaving Company
Manufacturing
Christopher Scharff, chief executive officer of DG Brands, parent company of the costume and lingerie label Dreamgirl International, is leaving the company after 14 years to pursue other ventures, according to the company.
Westside Pavilion Soon to Be Mall With No Anchors
Retail
Nordstrom closed on Sept. 30, then on Nov. 9 Macy’s stated that it was going to close its store at Los Angeles’ Westside Pavilion.
Owner of Hudson Jeans and Robert Graham Sees Net Loss in Third Quarter
Manufacturing
Differential Brands, the Los Angeles parent company of Hudson Jeans, Robert Graham and SWIMS, reported that its third-quarter net loss was $183,000, down from a net loss of $2.82 million for the same time last year.
Buck Mason Opens in NYC
Retail
Downtown Los Angeles–headquartered California basics brand Buck Mason opened a New York boutique on Nov. 11. Buck Mason has been expanding from its roots as a pure-play e-tailer by opening one bricks-and-mortar store each year since 2015.
Hermèsmatic, C Magazine Open Pop-ups at Westfield Century City
Retail
Paris fashion house Hermès will be taking a headlong dive into color at the Hermèsmatic pop-up, which opened Nov. 10 at Westfield Century City and is scheduled to remain open until Nov. 19.
Robertson Plaza Opens
Retail
Once one of the top retail streets in Los Angeles, Robertson Boulevard is lined with both high-end boutiques and vacancies—around eight between Alden Drive and Beverly Boulevard.
Beyond the Label Sustainable Fashion Show Returns in Santa Monica
Beyond the Label
At the Beyond the Label Sustainable Fashion Show in Santa Monica, Calif., all the looks on the runway were sustainably dyed, featured natural materials, and were made using ethical and fair-trade manufacturing methods.
Bendoni Breaks Down Trend Science at FGILA Event
FGILA
When Wendy K. Bendoni got her start in the trend-forecasting business, the job involved multiple overseas trips to international fashion capitals with a long lead time to distill the trends for the upcoming season.
Apparel Marts Across the Country Are Figuring Out How to Adapt to Changing Times
Manufacturing
Six months after Brookfield acquired a controlling interest in the California Market Center in Los Angeles, plans are still swirling around about how the half-century-old complex will be modernized and updated.
Wednesday, November 15
Mercado Sagrado: Into the Organic
A Wild West town became the address for Mercado Sagrado's handmade and artisanal goods and fashion.
Musika Frère: Bespoke from Old, Old School
We live in an age besotted with anything tech. So it’s a unique experience to meet people and businesses who prefer the way it was before 1990. New York’s Musika Frère is one such business.
Tuesday, November 14
Which Retailer Is Adding Stores Across the Southwest?
Retail
First launched as a catalog company and then expanding online, Sundance is on a retail roll-out binge.
Monday, November 13
Then and Now Opens at Platform
Then and Now is a temporary collective of apparel, accessories and lifestyle merchandise.
EFM Takes A Bow at Universal Body
Engineered for Motion makes luxe, fashion looks for a man on the move. On Veterans Day Weekend, it launched at Universal Body, an "athletic glam" boutique.
Robin Wright’s Pour Les Femmes at Nordstrom in Westfield Century City
Sleepwear can change the world. That’s the point-of-view of Pour Les Femmes, a luxe sleepwear line. Robin Wright, the brand co-founder, made an appearance at the Westfield Century City Nordstrom on Nov. 11
Friday, November 10
Woodbury Students Design Outfits for Burbank Philharmonic
Fashion
For the fourth time, Woodbury University fashion students design attire for musicians playing with the Burbank Philharmonic Orchestra.
Thursday, November 9
Avattire: Avatars Step Into the Dressing Room
Technology
Video and online gamers are familiar with avatars, the fantasy characters they use to represent themselves in online forums and games. A Santa Monica, Calif.–based startup company wants to bring the avatar concept to fashion retail.
Messe Frankfurt, SPESA to Continue Co-Producing Texprocess Americas
Trade Show
The Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas and trade-show producer Messe Frankfurt Inc. announced they have extended their contract to co-produce the Texprocess Americas trade show through 2032.
Raphael Camp Joins Eurovet Americas, Curvexpo as General Manager
Trade Show
Eurovet Americas, the U.S. division of Paris-based trade-show producer Eurovet, has a new general manager.
Agenda, Liberty, Capsule launching Assembly Conference in Las Vegas
Trade Show
Three apparel trade shows are teaming up in Las Vegas to launch a conference for retailers and brands that will feature keynote speakers and workshops as well as industry services and tools.
New Show Director Named for Womenswear in Nevada
Trade Shows
The Womenswear In Nevada show, which takes place twice a year in Las Vegas, has been undergoing a number of changes recently. The decades-old show was sold two years ago to trade-show organizer Urban Expositions, and since then it has seen a revolving door of show directors.
The Leverage Releases Karter Collection
Karter Collection
After developing a host of brands for jeans and shorts, The Leverage recently introduced the Karter Collection, a men’s brand focusing on jackets, hoods and tops.
Creora and Bossa Team Up for Xplay
Denim
Korean fiber and yarn company Hyosung Corp. and Turkish denim mill Bossa are introducing a new collection of bi-stretch denim at the Nov. 14–15 run of Denim Première Vision in Paris.
Le Club Comes to Lacoste Rodeo
Lacoste
French sportswear brand Lacoste unveiled its “Le Club” design concept at its Rodeo Drive boutique, which is scheduled to reopen on Nov. 16.
Traffic Remodels and Expands Beverly Center Stores
Retail
Traffic holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating tenant in the Beverly Center. It’s been selling designer looks to Los Angeles’ stylish men and women since 1984, but change is coming to the boutique.
Commonwealth Opens in DTLA
Retail
After 13 years of running high-end streetwear shops in Washington, D.C., and Virginia Beach, Va., Commonwealth is scheduled to open a boutique at 2008 E. Seventh St. in downtown Los Angeles’ Arts District.
Complexcon’s ‘Concert for Clothes’ Makes Over $20 Million
Complexcon
Exclusive skateboard decks, rare screen-printed T-shirts crafted by design hero Virgil Abloh, appearances by VIPs such as former Lakers star Kobe Bryant.
Gerber Technology Brings Ideation Conference, Tim Gunn to Los Angeles
Technology
For the first time, Gerber Technology hosted its Ideation technology conference in Los Angeles, where visitors to the three-day event previewed software demos, panel discussions, runway shows, a design contest and a “fireside chat” with “Project Runway” star Tim Gunn.
Will Tax-Free Online Sales Die With Newest Challenge?
Retail
The issue of whether e-commerce retailers have to charge sales tax for out-of-state purchases could be headed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Shop & Dine
Trade Show
New restaurants and shops are popping up all the time, but here’s a selection of some of the latest hot spots that will help you make your trade-show foray in the nation’s major cities even more of an adventure.
Q&A: Trade Show Outlook on 2018
Trade Show
As we get ready to ring in the new year, trade-show organizers are starting to roll out some of their plans for 2018.
YKK’s Remote-Zip Future
YKK has released a video demonstrating the zipper of the future—which is currently in development at the Japanese zipper and fastener maker.
Scandinavian Man Wraps Up Tour at Sand
Scandinavian Man magazine wrapped up a tour for its inaugural issue at Sand Copenhagen boutique in West Hollywood Nov. 8.
Wednesday, November 8
Please Do Not Enter Curates Arik Levy Gallery Show
Please Do Not Enter boutique’s temporary space in West Hollywood will become an art gallery. On Nov. 8, it will host the debut of a show of Arik Levy's sculptures.
Tuesday, November 7
Lou & Grey Pops at The Grove
It's chilly in Los Angeles. Sweater loving brand Lou & Grey produced a pop-up shop at The Grove.
Monday, November 6
Where Art, Fashion and TV Collide
Street Style
Artist Kymm Swank's work has been seen on TV shows such as “The Newsroom,” “American Horror Story” and “Mad Men.” an exhibition of Swank's "Central Ave" collection recently opened at the Wallspace gallery in Los Angeles.
Fashion For Profit Makes A Debut
Frances Harder ushered in the debut of her new group Fashion For Profit.
ADIFF's Design for Refugees
The global refugee crisis continues. American clothing company ADIFF hoped to help out by making something that could both clothe and give shelter.
Poketo Pops at MOCA
Poketo opened permanent stores over the past few years in Culver City, Calif., Los Angeles' Koreatown and Little Tokyo districts. On Nov. 2, it opened a pop-up shop at Museum of Contemporary Art in downtown Los Angeles.
Thursday, November 2
CFDA Hosts Event With DHL, Accenture in Los Angeles
Events
About 25 manufacturers, suppliers and designers discussed collaboration, transparency and supply-chain efficiency at an Oct. 26 event hosted by the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
Superdry Parties for New Flagship
Superdry produced a super, big party for the Nov. 1 opening of its Westfield Century City flagship.
October Sales Strong
Retail
Cash registers were ringing during October, and retailers reported good sales.
Fashion Industries Guild Celebrates 60 Years of Stylish Service
Fashion Industries Guild
Members of the Los Angeles fashion community turned out to honor Sabrina Kay and Anine Bing on Oct. 14 at the Fashion Industries Guild of Cedars-Sinai at the Montage Beverly Hills hotel in Beverly Hills. The black-tie affair featured cocktails, dinner and an awards ceremony that recognized this years’ honorees and celebrated the organization’s 60th anniversary.
Artisan Cloth’s New L.A. HQ Showcases International mix of Premium Denim
Artisan Cloth
Brad Alden Mowry and Danielle Lee are putting the finishing touches on the new 2,600-square-foot showroom space in downtown Los Angeles for their denim textile company, Artisan Cloth.
CFF and TALA Gear Up for Annual Christmas Party for Local Children
Events
For 70 years, Los Angeles apparel and textile executives have been hosting a Christmas party for local children funded by donations from apparel manufacturers and related businesses.
Make-A-Wish Young Legends Event Returns With Celebrities—On and Off the Runway
Make-A-Wish
Designer Christian Cowan—who has created iconic looks for Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga and Cardi B—was the featured designer at the Oct. 24 Make-A-Wish Young Legends fund-raiser at the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood.
FCI Highlights Students’ Work and Guest Designers from ‘Project Runway’
'Runway' Star
FCI Fashion School hosted its most recent runway show on Oct. 5 at a studio space in the Boyle Heights section of Los Angeles. Several hundred guests turned out to see the show, which featured designs by seven FCI students and four designers competing in the current season of fashion reality show “Project Runway.”
Cotton Citizen to Bring Burst of Color to Jeans
Manufacturing
Since 2012, the Los Angeles–based Cotton Citizen brand has made a business of dyeing T-shirts and other high-end basics in bright and unique colors. Now the company will extend that color palette to jeans.
Santa Monica Place Being Refinanced by Owner
Retail
As the mall world continues to spin with winners and losers, The Macerich Co. reported solid financial results for the third quarter and said it is refinancing its high-end Santa Monica Place.
Vimmia Opens First Shop
Retail
Featuring mannequins cast in yoga poses, the first boutique for the activewear brand Vimmia recently opened in Los Angeles’ exclusive Brentwood neighborhood.
Arts District Shops Hit Roadblock
Retail
Guerilla Atelier, Apolis and Poketo are among the retailers who have closed or relocated recently.
DSTLD Pops Up in West Hollywood
Luxury essentials brand DSTLD has opened a new pop-up shop in West Hollywood.
