Thursday, May 31
Urban Air Market to Los Feliz
For those with a jones for sustainable clothing, Urban Air Market is coming to the Los Angeles area on June 3.
Guess Inc. Sees Net Loss Despite Growth in Europe and Asia
Retail
Guess? Inc. is an apparel brand synonymous with the cool California lifestyle, but most of its sales are now done in Europe and Asia.
Tariff War Heats Up and Expands to U.S.-Made Clothing
Import/Export
A major trade war that started with aluminum and steel is now migrating into steep tariffs being placed on U.S.-made apparel exported to Europe.
Los Angeles Trade-Tech Fashion Students Travel Through the Years
Fashion Stays Golden
The fashion-design students at Los Angeles Trade-Tech College showed off their creations at the recent Gold Thimble Fashion Show.
Automation and High-Tech Collaborations Are the Future for Apparel and Textile Industries
High-tech Apparel Production
Micro factories, made-to-order programs and the automation required to put these systems in play were big themes at the recent Texprocess Americas exhibition.
Cone Denim Introducing Sustainable Denim
Manufacturing
As consumers are requesting more-sustainable options in their clothing, Cone Denim announced it is introducing a new denim fabric that will be made of Tencel andRefibra-branded lyocell fibers, which are among the most sustainable fibers available.
Volcom Names New Director for Global Men’s Design
Manufacturing
Volcom picked label veteran Jeffrey James “JJ” Gonzales as its new director to lead the company’s global men’s design department.
ShopTheFloor, OffPrice365 Up Their Games
Technology
About 30,000 retailers shop for fashion on the online trade show ShopTheFloor, which is owned by UBM, the parent company of MAGIC.
New Marketing Chief Hired for Agenda
Trade Shows
The Agenda trade show has a new vice president of marketing.
Changes on the Fashion District’s Los Angeles Street
Changing Los Angeles Street
Renovation in the Los Angeles Fashion District is hitting high gear as the mammoth Broadway Plaza apartment complex on Broadway is getting ready to open and a major lease has been signed at the hip retail complex called Row DTLA.
Ross Stores Continues to Add to Retail Line-up
Retail
Running a discount store chain is turning out to be very profitable these days.
Manny J Style & Laura Howe of Matrushka Unveil Collab Line
Los Angeles fashion people have gotten to know the indie looks of Manny J Style and Laura Howe of Matrushka. These two worked for Deconstructed Symmetry, a collaboration line.
Rachael Ray Cleans Out Her Closet for Charity Initiative with Poshmark
Fashion
In the spirit of giving, television chef Rachael Ray has partnered with social clothing marketplace Poshmark to launch a pop-up closet, the proceeds from which will support the celebrity's Yum-o! charity.
Wednesday, May 30
New Marketing Chief Hired for Agenda
The Agenda trade show is expanding its staff.
Tuesday, May 29
Victoria's Secret Hosts Styling Suite in Los Angeles
Fashion
Victoria's Secret sets up Villa Victoria in a private residence in Los Angeles.
Friday, May 25
Women of the White Buffalo
Photography and Fashion
Images from traveling to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.
Thursday, May 24
FIDM Captures the Catwalk Through Michel Arnaud Donation
Parties
A night of fashion and photography celebrated prolific photographer Michel Arnaud, while unveiling "Capturing the Catwalk: Runway Photography from the Michel Arnaud Archive," a new exhibition at the FIDM Museum and Library.
Possible Merger Between PacSun and Eddie Bauer?
Retail
Rumors are swirling that private-equity firm Golden Gate Capital might be doing a little matchmaking for two of its brands that it owns.
Old Navy Drives Growth for Gap in First Quarter
Retail
The tried-and-true formula of trendy casual wear at a bargain price was the right formula for Old Navy, a division of Gap Inc.
Planet Blue Gets a New Chief Executive
Retail
Planet Blue, the retailer that carries young contemporary fashion, has named Eddie Bromberg to be its new chief executive.
Academy of Art University Students Present a Stellar Runway Presentation
Fashionable Student Collaborations
Geometric silhouettes, digitally printed textile designs and unusually woven knit garments were some of the creative looks seen on the runway by graduating seniors at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.
Jobs in the Creative Industries Take a Big Step Forward in California
Finance
Over the past five years, the creative economy in California has seen a growth spurt as more jobs have been added in the sector’s core areas of entertainment, fashion and publishing.
Lectra Brings Cloud-Connected Cutting Room 4.0 to Texprocess
Technology
During the first day of this year’s Texprocess Americas—the apparel-manufacturing event in Atlanta that showcases new technology and equipment—Lectra continued to reveal its fresh innovations, which allow industry professionals to streamline production.
Speed to Market Keeps Guatemala’s Apparel Production Humming
Apparel Sourcing Guatemala
With several free-trade agreements in limbo, many Guatemalan factories and American buyers are optimistic about the future of their partnerships together as the Dominican Republic–Central American Free Trade Agreement remains relatively stable.
The Leverage to Open Los Angeles Store
Retail
After wholesaling its brands to retailers that range from Pacific Sunwear to Zumiez, The Leverage is opening a new boutique in Los Angeles.
After Years Making Shoes, Hi-Tec Tries Apparel
Manufacturing
Cherokee Global Brands’ Hi-Tec footwear division is stepping into apparel.
Macy’s Turnaround Efforts Gaining Momentum in California
Making Macy’s Profitable
As the retail world turns to keep customers walking through the doors, Macy’s is banking on a new store concept, new technology and updated looks to its traditional stores to entice customers to keep on shopping.
Luxury Garage Sale to Los Angeles
2018 is the year of the pop-up for Luxury Garage Sale. One of its pop-ups recently opened in the West Hollywood area.
Wednesday, May 23
Jobs in the Creative Industries Take a Big Step Forward in California
Creative jobs in California and Los Angeles County continue to grow as the economy holds strong.
Tuesday, May 22
Louis Vuitton's Time Capsule to Westfield Century City
There is no Louis Vuitton boutique at Westfield Century City. But a pop-up exhibition on the history of the French fashion house recently rolled into the center
Monday, May 21
Nordstrom Rack Expanding to El Segundo
Retail
Nordstrom Rack continues its expansion for shoppers loving a bargain.
Sato Hughes, Surf Pioneer, Celebrates 90
Katin threw 90th birthday party for Sato Hughes, one of the pioneers of boardshorts style.
Thursday, May 17
Vans Names Tennessee High School the Winner in its Custom Culture Competition
Fashion
Tennessee high school gets $75,000 prize from Vans.
Zara, The Webster To Open at Beverly Center
A giant Zara opened in Beverly Center today. The Webster is scheduled to open in 2020.
This Propaganda Agency Doesn’t Lie
It's called Propaganda Agency, but Jack Watkins promises that there's nothing iffy with the materials in his new men's line.
St. John Knits Makes Top Executive Changes as CEO Retires
Manufacturing
After 15 years at the luxury label known for its women’s knit suits, Bruce Fetter has retired as St. John Knits’ chief executive officer, president and chief operating officer. He has been replaced by Eran Cohen, who joined the company May 1.
U.S. Textile Industry Calls for Tariffs on Imported Textiles and Apparel End Products
Import/Export
The U.S. textile industry has asked the Trump administration to place tariffs on certain textile and apparel products made by China that may infringe on U.S. companies’ intellectual-property rights.
Ron Robinson at 40: New World Vision…Old School Values
Ron Robinson: 40 Years
Ron Robinson said the late 1960s were an exhilarating time to be in the retail business in Los Angeles.
Retail Sales Inch Up in April
Retail
The National Retail Federation said that retail sales in April showed a 2.8 percent year-over-year increase in the U.S retail market, excluding auto sales, gasoline stations and restaurants.
Sophia Denim Opens a Pop-up Store at Fred Segal
Manufacturing
After spending time designing handbags and women’s ready-to-wear, Sophia Tezel-Tzelepis last year decided to branch out to denim with a label called Sophia.
Bridging the Cultural Divide Through Fashion
Fashion
For Alexander Andronescu, becoming immersed in Middle Eastern and south Asian cultures was not something that was passed down to generations in his family.
Woodbury Puts ‘InnerVision’ on Runway
Runway Ready
Woodbury University presented its 54th annual fashion show, called “InnerVision,” which focused on the connection between emotion and fashion.
Wet Seal Back With New Fashion Line
Retail
Almost one year after juniors retailer Wet Seal was acquired by investment firm Gordon Brothers, the now online-only retailer announced a new collaboration called Niki + Gabi for Wet Seal.
Tellason: A Rare Find in the Denim Industry
Tellason: Raw Denim
Ever since the brand was launched in San Francisco nearly 10 years ago, Tellason has been one of those rare clothing companies that only uses American raw materials for its collection of menswear blue jeans.
Shop & Dine
Trade Shows
Keeping pace with a busy trade-show schedule is exciting but exhausting. At the end of a day spent running between appointments, making new connections, visiting with longtime partners and negotiating deals, enjoying a delicious meal or strolling around a unique shop is the perfect way to recharge.
The Crystal Ball Outlook for Trade Shows
Trade Shows
The trade-show world is always spinning at a fast pace as event organizers try to keep up with competition, technology and the latest demands for better shows. We caught up with the executives from several apparel and sourcing events to find out what is on the horizon over the next three years. Take a look at their plans for the future.
Agenda Taps Stab to Design Trade Show’s Surf Area
Surf is up for Agenda trade show and Stab magazine.
High-tech and High-speed at Guatemala's Apparel Sourcing
Trade Shows
During the 27th-annual Apparel Sourcing Show in Guatemala City, attendees found the latest in new technology and textiles.
Wednesday, May 16
Nordstrom Expanding Large-Size Selection in Stores
Retail
A trend that started at a Los Angeles store is being brought to 30 more Nordstrom stores and online.
Tuesday, May 15
Getty Villa Opens 'Plato in LA' Exhibit With Fashionistas
Art and Fashion
Creative hats were in order for the opening of the 'Plato in LA' exhibit at the Getty Villa.
Monday, May 14
New CEO Named for 7 For All Mankind and Splendid
Manufacturing
After an executive search, Delta Galil names a new CEO for its Los Angeles labels.
Friday, May 11
UBM Fashion Launching New LA Event in November
Trade Shows
New event will feature speakers and experts from all areas of the fashion and retail world.
FabFitFun Partnership with P.S. - I Made This … Promotes DIY
Fashion
West Hollywood-based beauty-and-fashion subscription box service FabFitFun brings the do-it-yourself (DIY) spirit to its members through a partnership with New York's DIY master Erica Domesek, whose lifestyle brand P.S. - I Made This ... has become the destination for maker enthusiasts.
Thursday, May 10
Closer Lead Times in Apparel Is Benefiting Los Angeles Knitters, Dyers and Finishers
Manufacturing
The stainless-steel vats that populate the factory floor at Swisstex California churn out ribbons of damp, recently dyed knit fabric that piles up in large plastic carts before being sent to the finishing machines.
Otis College Celebrates Student Fashion Show and Fund-raiser With New York Designer Jason Wu on Hand
Celestial Styling
The special guests lined up for photos as the students at the Otis College of Art and Design got ready for their 36th annual student fashion show.
No NAFTA Means Retailers Would Have to Increase Prices and Decrease Jobs
Import/Export
The North American Free Trade Agreement is still being negotiated between the United States, Mexico and Canada, but no new trade accord has been hammered out and retailers are getting worried.
New Event Being Introduced for Swim Week in Miami Beach
Trade Shows
Swim Week is an annual event packed with fashion shows and trade shows in Miami Beach, Fla.
Cotton Prices Are Rising—Whose Fault Is It?
Textiles
Hovering at approximately 85 cents a pound this week, cotton has been selling at record highs not seen in four years. The causes vary, but there is one issue taking a lot of the blame—the looming trade war between the United States and China.
Upgraded 3D Platforms Go High-tech
Technology
The age of fast fashion has led to a need for faster design technology, but breakthroughs to produce a better 3-D platform have been moving slowly. During the first half of 2018, leaders in the apparel-technology segment have elevated their digital solutions to generate realistic patterns, accurate samples and streamline product lifecycle management (PLM).
Brooks Brothers to Leave Rodeo
Bye, Brooks Brothers
After a 15-year run on luxe shopping street Rodeo Drive, Brooks Brothers is scheduled to move from its two-story building on Aug. 1, with the property being put up for sale for $300 million.
Ziran Travels Across the Ocean for Sustainability
Sustainable Chic
Sustainable fashion has long been criticized as being unable to go beyond the category of basics. Kelly Wang Shanahan hopes that her sustainable brand Ziran can bust that theory.
Comrad: Making the Compression Sock Stylish
Probably no one ever called compression socks sexy, much less stylish.But entrepreneur Andrew Ferenci saw opportunity in the stodgy sock.
Emo Nite – the Club! The Shirt!
Emo Nite runs rock clubs in more than 30 cities. It also rocks a lot of clothing merch.
Monday, May 7
Noon Goons Goes Jazz With Chet Baker Collab
Downtown Los Angeles’ Noon Goons made a splash last year when it made clothes inspired by the Southern California punk scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Now it’s going for West Coast jazz.
American Apparel to Open First Store in Los Angeles
Retail
Look for a new American Apparel store on Melrose Avenue later this year.
Barrio Saints to DTLA
You may have met Deeso when he worked at Crooks & Castles' flagship stores. Recently, he opened a space for his own brand in DTLA.
Thursday, May 3
Fabletics Launches Capsule to Support Girl Up
Fashion
Building upon their partnership that started in 2016, Fabletics will support Girls Up--the United Nations initiative that promotes gender equality--with a limited-edition capsule collection.
Shopping Center Owner Macerich Shows Net Loss for the Quarter
Retail
Macerich Company, the owner of retail centers Santa Monica Place in Santa Monica, Calif., and the Westside Pavilion in Los Angeles as well as other properties, had a $33.6 million net loss for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared with a profit of $69.2 million for the same period last year.
Former Liz Claiborne CEO Named to Deckers Brands Board of Directors
Manufacturing
William McComb, who headed up Liz Clairborne for eight years and was there when the label changed its name to Fifth & Pacific Companies, has been named to the board of directors of the California shoe company Deckers Brands.
How Millennial Parents Shop Differently Than Other Generations
Retail
Now that millennials are becoming parents, their way of shopping for their families varies wildly from their parents. The phone is practically the command center for this generation, born between 1981 and 1994.
The Future in Retail Leadership Lies in Discovering Its Core Customer and Technology
Retail
For retailers, it should be more about millennials.
Designer Candice Cuoco Sees Inspiration in Her Move to Los Angeles
Manufacturing
In the past, Candice Cuoco’s connection to Los Angeles was when she traveled down from her native Bay Area eight times a year, spending two weeks in the city during each visit to source materials. Now a place she calls home, Los Angeles provides a lot more than valuable manufacturing and fabric sourcing.
Ghost Flower Blends Apparel Innovation With Eastern Medicine
Acupressure Activewear
When avid tennis player and marathon runner Susie Peebler woke up one morning unable to move, she couldn’t understand the cause of her injury. After her doctor recommended back surgery, she instead self-healed through yoga. As a geophysicist, Peebler wanted to know the scientific reasons behind her relief and sought answers through Chinese medicine.
Nordstrom Rack Headed to New Porter Ranch Mall
Retail
A Nordstrom Rack will be coming to The Vineyards, a shopping center under construction in Porter Ranch, which is nestled in the northwest section of Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley.
A Clothing Label to Fill In the Gaps
Manufacturing
After years of being surrounded by pixels and algorithms in the tech industry, Scott Carter was ready for a change. His next career move was to transition to the fashion industry and start a new label called Kiln.
These Days Those Second-Hand Threads Are Big Business in Los Angeles
Secondhand Skyrockets
More than 10 years ago, the idea of wearing secondhand clothes or vintage garb carried a certain stigma, according to some style watchers, but that no longer holds true. The fashion market is changing.
Kentaro Kameyama Leads FCI Fashion School Show
Fashion’s Future
After producing a fashion show at last February’s New York Fashion Week, “Project Runway” winner Kentaro Kameyama went back to class. He produced a fashion show at the FCI Fashion School in Los Angeles, where he works as an instructor.
Wednesday, May 2
Kevan Hall Unveils Fall Designs With a Hint of the Modern Woman
Fashion
Kevan Hall's designs speak to the modern woman who loves lace.
Tuesday, May 1
Rodeo Gucci In Store for a Big Remodel
The Gucci flagship on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Calif. unveiled a major remodel in 2014. Looks like the flagship is going for another round.