Thursday, March 29
Australia’s Honey Birdette Rolling Out a Chain of U.S. Lingerie Stores
Retail
The lingerie label Honey Birdette started out in Australia in 2006 as a tiny boutique in Brisbane’s West End—a hip area known for its bars and ethnic restaurants. Over time, the label grabbed people’s attention by selling to bachelorette parties that visited the store.
David Meister’s Formal Collection for Fall 2018
Fall Finery
For his Fall 2018 collection, David Meister created formal pieces with ornate accents and intricate embroidery. Looking beyond this fall, he also shared his prediction for a shift in coming seasons.
Rebranding at Bella Dahl Includes Reimagining Denim
Manufacturing
Over the past eight years, Bella Dahl became a source for women’s apparel that embraced the Southern California lifestyle of trendy pieces that are comfortable to wear.
Booth Space Goes Quickly at the LA Men’s Market
LAMM
Vendor space was sold out at the LA Men’s Market for its March 27–28 run at the California Market Center.
Versatility is the Key to This Fashion Label
Manufacturing
When Nicole Frank had a real-estate business, she found her days were long and her wardrobe options were short.
Billabong Shareholders Agree to Boardriders Merger
Manufacturing
Shareholders of Billabong International Limited approved a merger with rival Boardriders Inc., putting an end to protests by Billabong’s dissident shareholders.
Desert Hills Premium Outlets Announces Expansion
Retail
Desert Hills Premium Outlets, the gargantuan outlet mall between Los Angeles and Palm Springs, recently announced it would be adding 5,000 square feet of retail space at its shopping center in Cabazon, Calif.
Centric Aims to Innovate PLM With Mobile Apps
Technology
Product Lifecycle Management is considered a way to get different teams of people to work on a project through one software program. Centric Software, headquartered in California’s Silicon Valley, is aiming to allow many more people to get involved in a project.
Z.Cavaricci Invests Deeper Into Comeback
Z.Cavaricci
When you think of fashion from the 1980s and 1990s, the Z.Cavaricci brand might come to mind.
Furo Partners With Women Who Inspire Its Designs
Fashion
Not one to rest on her laurels, Furo clothing brand founder Lisa Elliot-Rosas has expanded the new line’s reach by entering into partnerships with the women for whom her pieces are named.
The 'Peacock Effect' at Leica Gallery
Fashion and Photography
The photos of Ram Shergill are on display in West Hollywood.
Wednesday, March 28
HHLA Puts On Art Show for Remodel
‘Tis the season for major mall renovations. HHLA - formerly known as Promenade at Howard Hughes Center - is doing an art show along with its $30 million remodel
Tuesday, March 27
Elyse Walker Announces Towne by ElyseWalker
Towne by ElyseWalker will debut in September at the upcoming Palisades Village district in Los Angeles' Pacific Palisades neighborhood.
Monday, March 26
Clothes by Anwar Carrots…and LA Men’s Market
Brands making cool clothes for staff at trade shows. Seen it. Trade shows selling the cool clothes to the public. That’s unique, and that’s the way LA Men’s Market will start its run on March 27-28 at the California Market Center.
Friday, March 23
On 80th Anniversary, Candiani Vows To Make A More Sustainable Denim Market
Candiani says it is the "greenest textile company in the Blue World." It held an 80th birthday party in L.A.
Thursday, March 22
Social Marketplace Depop Opens First Physical store in L.A.
Bet on the jeans obsessive to know where to find the best denim. Rely on a high fashion fanatic to point you to where to find the most unique gown. If you think like Simon Beckerman, don’t stop until you can make a purchase from an inspired fashion nerd’s well curated collection.
New Chairman Elected for the National Council of Textile Organizations
Textiles
At its annual meeting, the National Council of Textile Organizations elected Marty Moran, chief executive of Buhler Quality Yarns Corp. in Jefferson, Ga., as its chairman. Previously, he had been the vice chairman of NCTO.
San Francisco Passes Fur Ban
Legal
Joining West Hollywood and Berkeley, Calif., San Francisco implemented a similar ban restricting the sale of fur products following a unanimous 10–0 vote by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. At the forefront of the ban was Supervisor Katy Tang, who represents the city’s Sunset and Parkside neighborhoods.
Tariffs on China Could Broadly Affect Clothing and Footwear Imports
Imports/Exports
With about 33 percent of all clothing and 72 percent of all footwear sold in the United States coming from China, President Trump’s latest volley to impose some $50 billion in tariffs on that Asian country could have a dire effect on the average consumer.
Guess Earnings Fall for Fiscal 2018
Manufacturing
Guess? Inc., the decades-old denim and lifestyle label, no longer counts on the United States for the bulk of its sales.
It’s All in a Name for Google’s Wearable Technology
Technology
One week before Baselworld, Europe’s leading watch and jewelry event, Google announced a change to its Android Wear, which will now be known as Wear OS by Google.
A Return to Hollywood Glamour with Adrian
Hollywood Glamour
Last fall, the Adrian label was introduced as a revival of designer Gilbert Adrian’s work nearly 60 years after the founder’s passing. As a stylist for some of MGM’s most revered golden-age actors—including Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford and Judy Garland—Adrian laid the foundation for old Hollywood glamour.
NuOrder Extends Online Trade Show
Technology
At the beginning of the year, the NuOrder business-to-business e-commerce platform worked with the Agenda trade show to produce a digital extension of the event.
Lira Finds More Business In the Wash
Creative T-shirts
Novelty has always been important to the T-shirt market, but in the past 12 months the Lira brand has been focusing more on the concept.
TalkShopLive Retails Through Live Streaming Video
Retail
The days of selling clothing on e-commerce with still photographs are considered boring to Tina and Bryan Moore, who recently launched the e-platform TalkShopLive.
Wednesday, March 21
New Boutiques for Santa Monica
Main Street in Santa Monica, Calif. is a fashion boutique street. Some new boutiques have moved in.
Monday, March 19
Sue Wong’s Career – On the Runway
After a career of making gowns inspired by empresses and gypsies, Los Angeles fashion veteran Sue Wong was honored with a lifetime achievement award from Art Hearts Fashion Week on March 16.
HelpJess Unveils App at DTLA Event
The period of beta testing for the app of e-tailer HelpJess.com officially wrapped up on March 17. HelpJess founder Simon La Barrie produced a demonstration of his site’s ‘show & sell’ retail.
Mr. Turk Teams Up With Jonathan Adler for Swimwear Capsule Collection
Fashion
Think cabanas and swimming pools with this collaboration
Friday, March 16
Jacqueline Castillo Goes on Her Own
Fashion
A stark-white salon, a neon-light sculpture at the end of the runway and six beautifully coifed models was the scene for recently inducted hairstylist Jacqueline Castillo for her debut soirée at Ramos Carreon Salon on Beverly Boulevard.
Beverly Center Remodel Continues With Farmhouse
Driving a Kubota tractor to the 3rd Street entrance of Los Angeles’ Beverly Center, Nathan Peitso signaled the March 15 opening of Farmhouse, his seed-to-farm restaurant.
Thursday, March 15
Art Hearts Fashion Changes Venue With Full Schedule
Game of Fashion
Los Angeles Fashion Week kicked off with Art Hearts Fashion, the first of two back-to-back, multi-day shows that filled the week with more than 35 designers on the runway.
February Retail Sales See Solid Jump
Retail
February was a very good month for sales. The National Retail Federation reported that retail sales last month rose 4.4 percent year-over-year as the economy continued to grow.
Can Progressive PLM Fix a Fashion Problem?
Technology
The new generation of shoppers is constantly connected, which sets up new expectations and selling models such as “see now, buy now,” direct-to-consumer and IWWIWWIWI (I Want What I Want When I Want It). Customers are now fully in charge of what, when and where they engage and how they buy.
Law Firm Steps Down From Paul Marciano Investigation
Manufacturing
A little more than three weeks after Guess? Inc. cofounder Paul Marciano relinquished his day-to-day duties following sexual-harassment allegations, the law firm that was investigating the accusations is stepping aside.
Gap Wants Its Factories to Go Digital When Paying Workers
Manufacturing
Gap Inc. is asking 800 of its factories in 30 countries to skip the cash when paying their workers and start depositing workers’ checks using a digital system by 2020.
Making Tall Women Comfortable in Their Own Skinny Jeans
Midheaven Denim
When women who measure at least 5 feet 9 inches tall shop for denim, they are often left feeling as though styles such as flares or skinny jeans will end up resembling cropped gauchos or capris.
LA Market Sees Showrooms and Stores Adjusting to the ‘New Normal’ in Retail
LA Fashion Market
Buyers fanned out to the various showroom buildings in the Los Angeles Fashion District for the March 12–14 run of Los Angeles Fashion Market, which was highlighting the fashions for Fall/Winter 2018.
City of Hope 2018 Spirit of Life Event Parties for a Cause
City of Hope
At the City of Hope’s Annual Spirit of Life celebration, Grammy-nominated blues singer Janiva Magness sang the blues and fashion executives, factors and other attendees played casino games at the James Bond–themed “Casino Royale” night, held March 10 at The Reserve nightclub in downtown Los Angeles.
Trend Forecaster WGSN Paints a Picture of the Future Consumer
Retail
In 2020, consumers will increasingly be doing business by smartphone while retailers will depend more on artificial intelligence and virtual reality to produce retail experiences. Young consumers will be more likely to support businesses imbued with a sense of activism, such as Patagonia.
Allen Schwartz Closes Flagship Store
Retail
After a 30-year run in Santa Monica, Calif., the flagship store for the Allen Schwartz label has closed its doors.
Wednesday, March 14
Art Hearts Fashion Returns to L.A.
Fashion Week
Following shows in New York, Art Hearts Fashion was in Los Angeles again for a March 12 to 16 run at The MacArthur, which was built in 1925 as a lodge that housed the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Tuesday, March 13
Bebe Opens First Lifestyle Store in New York
Retail
After a hiatus on the retail scene, Bebe opens its first lifestyle store.
Monday, March 12
NYDJ Launches Spring Fashion Campaign With Real Women
Fashion
Three of the 12 women used in the recent By Women, For Women campaign are from Los Angeles.
Law Firm Steps Down From Paul Marciano Investigation
Law firm steps down in investigation of sexual harassment allegations against Guess? Inc. cofounder Paul Marciano.
Friday, March 9
Art Hearts Fashion Week Fall 2018 Calendar
Art Hearts Fashion Week begins on March 12 and runs through March 16.
Thursday, March 8
Complete LA Fashion Week Fall 2018 Calendar
Fashion shows begin March 12 for Art Hearts Fashion and LA Fashion Week.
European Retaliation Tariffs Planned on U.S. Clothing
Import/Export
After President Trump signed an order on March 8 to impose tariffs on imported aluminum and steel, apparel makers were bracing for Europe to slap retaliatory tariffs on a variety of apparel coming from the United States.
Trans-Pacific Partnership Signed in Chile
Import/Export
The much anticipated Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, formerly known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, was signed March 8 in Santiago, Chile, as member nations moved forward without the United States to build a stronger global economy.
Ten79LA
Manufacturing
After a move from the California Market Center’s 10th floor to the fifth floor last year, accessories brand Ten79LA has settled in.
Protecting Your Brand Is the First Step to Being Successful
Trade Shows
One of the first things a new fashion company needs to learn is how to protect its brand. It is the lifeblood of the business.
Handmade Classics at the Heart of Coeur Cofounder Lisa Elliot-Rosas’ New Line
Manufacturing
Even though she is the owner of the eM Productions showroom and cofounder of the Coeur trade show, Lisa Elliot-Rosas has one more talent.
Standouts Sell at LA International Textile Show
LA International Textile Show
Now in its 25th year, the Los Angeles International Textile Show at the California Market Center brought together manufacturers, designers and production specialists who attended the three-day show, which took place March 5–7.
Impulse Moda Showroom
Manufacturing
After four years of operating her Impulse Moda showroom on the eighth floor of the Gerry Building, Lori Marchand moved up a notch at the beginning of the year to the ninth floor, where there is a friendly vibe because all the showroom owners have known each other for years.
The UCLA Anderson Forecast Sees Big Changes in Store for U.S. Economy
Finance
Last year, President Trump had just taken office and the economy was slowly slogging forward as unemployment rates dropped steadily, inflation was modest and interest rates were changing every so slightly.
Ross’ Fourth-Quarter Sales Climb
Retail
Off-price retailer Ross Stores Inc. reported a very good fourth quarter in fiscal 2017.
Westside Pavilion to be Remodeled Into Offices
Retail
Facing a future as a mall with no traditional anchors, Los Angeles’ Westside Pavilion will be undergoing a major revamp to turn it into creative offices.
Marine Layer Suits Up With Activewear Line Weekend Sport
Weekend Sport
Anyone can see that the San Francisco label Marine Layer emphasizes comfort with a carefree California lifestyle in mind.
Skechers Makes First Wholesale Apparel Line
Skechers’ Apparel Line
With more than $4 billion in net sales in 2017 and a fleet of 2,750 stores aross the world—645 of them are company owned—Skechers USA Inc. has been ranked as the second-best-selling sneaker brand in America
Trade Showroom
Manufacturing
When Diana Oh gave birth to her daughter, Mila, in late 2016, she wanted to make some changes to the way she worked.
Lenchner & Kane Sales
Manufacturing
Since 1987 Lisa Lenchner Sales had been a constant presence in the California Market Center showroom building.
Two Important Textile and Fiber Organizations Merge
Textiles
As of April 1, the National Council of Textile Organizations and the American Fiber Manufacturers Association will be one.
Methven Brings Lingerie Manufacturing to Los Angeles
Manufacturing
Los Angeles is known as the place where high-end blue jeans are made. But design newcomer Kaila Methven is setting her sights on manufacturing high-end lingerie in the nation’s apparel-manufacturing hub.
Cherokee CEO Says the Old Ways of Brand Management Are Over
Manufacturing
When Henry Stupp became the chief executive of Cherokee Global Brands in 2010, revenues at the brand-management company had been declining for five years.
Retail Sales Up in February
Retail
February was a very good month for retailers, who reported strong sales across the board.
Wednesday, March 7
Hudson Jeans Unveils Billboard for The Bad and Beautiful
We saw a preview of Hudson Jeans’ The Bad and Beautiful Spring/Summer ’18 campaign in Las Vegas. A billboard for the campaign was recently unveiled in West Hollywood.
Project Social T and Make March Matter
Los Angeles’ Project Social T raises funds for non-profits with the sales of the brand’s t-shirts. Recently, it partnered with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles’ Make March Matter campaign.
The UCLA Anderson Forecast Sees Big Changes in Store for U.S. Economy Through 2020
Business investment is going to be driving the bus this year.
Tuesday, March 6
Moods of Norway Shutters Melrose Store
For 14-years, Moods of Norway has been on a mission to push the borders of menswear. But on March 1, it shut down its Los Angeles store.
Monday, March 5
Paris Baguette Opens in LA Fashion District
Retail
New eatery opens up where a clothing store used to be located.
The Hundreds Moves Fairfax Flagship
After more than eight of years of running a store a little off of Los Angeles’ Fairfax Avenue, The Hundreds moved onto the street, which has been called the Rodeo Drive of streetwear.
Janelle Carothers’ Stylist Mixtape
For view on how stylists do what they do, Janelle Carothers suggests you check out her mixtape.
Friday, March 2
P.J. Salvage Pops Up for a Party on Laguna Beach
Parties
During its second P.J. Party by the Sea event, luxury pajama and lifestyle brand P.J. Salvage collaborated with jewelry-design line Gorjana, as they invited social-media and fashion influencers to Laguna Beach’s Pacific Edge Hotel for an evening of pampering and pajamas.
Thursday, March 1
Gap Inc. Moves in a Positive Direction Seen in Fourth-Quarter Earnings
Retail
There was no gap in the financial results reported on March 1 by Gap Inc. The San Francisco–based retailer—one of the largest in the United States—saw a huge jump in net earnings for the year and even experienced positive same-store sales in the fourth quarter for all its various nameplates except for the Gap stores.
Sanctuary Expands into More Sizes and Adds Denim
Sanctuary Movement
For Sanctuary cofounders Ken and Debra Polanco, the cargo-pant brand’s 20th anniversary meant more than simply savoring the longevity that is rare in women’s apparel.
New Logo for LA Fashion District
Fashion
Times are no doubt changing in the Los Angeles Fashion District, and with this shift the LA Fashion District Business Improvement District (BID) has changed its logo.
Making a Case for Working Women
Fashion
As a doctor and lawyer with degrees from Stanford University, the University of California at Berkeley and Yale, Julie Cantor doesn’t seem to be a likely candidate to be designing handbags. It is, however, her work as an attorney that led Cantor to develop Harlen, a luxury collection tailored to the needs of career-minded women.
The Big Issue of Microfibers in AB 2379
Legal
Last month, state Assembly member Richard Bloom introduced Assembly Bill 2379 to the California State Legislature. The bill would require manufacturers of clothing that comprises more than 50 percent polyester to include a label recommending consumers bypass the washing machine and handwash these items instead.
Tax Survey Finds More Consumers Will Save Their Refund
Retail
The savings from the recently passed federal tax relief bill won’t necessarily turn into retail sales this year.
UBM Sells MR Magazine and Sister Publications
Retail
UBM—the parent company of UBM Fashion, which organizes various apparel and footwear trade shows in Las Vegas, New York and other venues—has sold MR Magazine to Wainscot Media, based in Montvale, N.J.
Several California Designers Show at Art Hearts Fashion in New York
LA in NY
As a warm-up for Los Angeles Fashion Week, several California designers participated in the Feb. 8–11 edition of Art Hearts Fashion in New York, which took place at the Angel Oresnanz Foundation event space in lower Manhattan.
New Owners of American Apparel Set Goal to Double Sales This Year
Manufacturing
It has only been a little more than one year since Gildan Activewear acquired the intellectual-property rights of American Apparel, the decades-old Los Angeles apparel company that twice declared bankruptcy in a little more than one year.
Levi’s To Roll Out More Efficient, Eco-Friendly Process
Manufacturing
Levi Strauss & Co. unveiled Project F.L.X. (Future Lead Execution), which the San Francisco denim giant described as a new operational model that will make the company more efficient and more eco-friendly
Boardriders Chief Eulogized With Paddle-Outs
Manufacturing
The life of Pierre Agnes, chief executive officer of surfwear company Boardriders Inc., will be memorialized with a number of paddle-outs at sea.
Former Nike Executive to Helm Agenda Show
Trade Shows
Reed Exhibitions named Ron Walden as its group vice president and head of the trade-show giant’s fashion and festival portfolio.
7Diamonds Unveils First T-shirt Line
7Diamonds
Orange County, Calif., is the home to scores of action-sports brands that made their fortunes selling T-shirts, but 7Diamonds cut a different path from its neighbors.
Bachrach Menswear Stores Closing After Filing for Second Bankruptcy
Retail
Centuries-old Bachrach menswear stores is closing all its outposts across the country.
