Stories for May 2018

Subscribe

Thursday, May 31

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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

Tease photo

Uniqlo Coming to DTLA

Retail

Uniqlo will open a flagship store in downtown Los Angeles.

New Marketing Chief Hired for Agenda

The Agenda trade show is expanding its staff.

Tuesday, May 29

Tease photo

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

Tease photo

Women of the White Buffalo

Photography and Fashion

Images from traveling to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

Thursday, May 24

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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

Tease photo

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

Tease photo

Nordstrom Rack Expanding to El Segundo

Retail

Nordstrom Rack continues its expansion for shoppers loving a bargain.

Tease photo

Sato Hughes, Surf Pioneer, Celebrates 90

Katin threw 90th birthday party for Sato Hughes, one of the pioneers of boardshorts style.

Thursday, May 17

Tease photo

Vans Names Tennessee High School the Winner in its Custom Culture Competition

Fashion

Tennessee high school gets $75,000 prize from Vans.

Tease photo

Zara, The Webster To Open at Beverly Center

A giant Zara opened in Beverly Center today. The Webster is scheduled to open in 2020.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

Agenda Taps Stab to Design Trade Show’s Surf Area

Surf is up for Agenda trade show and Stab magazine.

Tease photo

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

Hudson Jeans Names New President

Manufacturing

New president comes from Thakoon LLC.

Tease photo

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

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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).

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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

Tease photo

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

Tease photo

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.