Friday, September 28
Photographer Melanie Pullen's 'Unseen Stories' at the Leica Gallery
Photography and Fashion
Excitement was in the air at the Leica Gallery in West Hollywood for the opening night of Melanie Pullen's latest photo series, "Unseen Stories."
Thursday, September 27
MAFI Award Will Be Presented to Designer Elie Madi at LA Fashion Week
News
Accounting and consulting firm Moss Adams LLP will be presenting the 2018 Moss Adams Fashion Innovator Award, also known as the MAFI Award, to Elie Madi.
Hawn and Hudson’s First Collaboration Benefits MindUP Through Fabletics Capsule
FASHION
Working together for the first time, mother-and-daughter actors Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson launched a Fabletics x MindUP capsule collection of activewear to benefit MindUp.
Nordstrom Local Ready To Open Brentwood, DTLA Spaces
A year ago, Nordstrom Inc. introduced the Nordstrom Local concept. Currently, Nordstrom Local is being rolled out to two more Los Angeles area locations.
California Market Center Outlines Events for October
Events
The California Market Center has a number of textile, apparel and footwear trade shows and events taking place in October for the Spring/Summer 2019 season.
How Tariffs on Chinese Products Are Affecting the Manufacturing and Retail Community
Import/Export
Now that the Trump administration’s $200 billion of additional tariffs have gone into effect on thousands of Chinese imports, the apparel and retail industries are figuring out what to do next. Covered in this round of tariffs are buttons, bobbins, yarns, embroidery, textiles, handbags and leather. Apparel is not part of the equation yet.
Court Tells Dov Charney to Pay Nearly $20 Million to Hedge Fund
Manufacturing
The Delaware Supreme Court upheld an early court ruling that Dov Charney, the founder of American Apparel, must repay $19.5 million to Standard General, a New York hedge fund.
n:Philanthropy Launches First West Coast Showroom at Cooper Design Space
Manufacturing
After launching her Los Angeles brand n:Philanthropy in 2014, Yvonne Niami has finally opened her first West Coast showroom at the Cooper Design Space in downtown Los Angeles.
Sanctuary Creates Smarter Sustainable Manufacturing for Spring ‘19 Collection
Sanctuary’s Sustainable Spring
Ahead of its Spring 2019 launch, Los Angeles women’s lifestyle brand Sanctuary announced its “Smart Creation” production process, which will build the brand’s reputation for environmental and social responsibility.
Road Twenty-Two, a T-shirt Line With a Message, Closes Its Doors
Manufacturing
Road Twenty-Two, a socially conscious San Francisco brand, announced that after four years it is shutting down its business.
What’s Checking La Brea Avenue: Still Eclectic After All These Years
What’s Checking: La Brea
Since the mid-1980s, Los Angeles’ La Brea Avenue has been a fashion street.
Wednesday, September 26
Never Mind Shoes, Vans Does Its 1st Apron
Better known for its sneakers and apparel, Vans teamed up with Hedley & Bennett to make...an apron!
Levi Strauss & Co. President and CEO Chip Bergh Named The Visionary 2019 by NRF
EVENTS
Recognizing the innovative efforts of Chip Bergh, Levi Strauss & Co.'s president and chief executive officer, the National Retail Federation named the leader as the recipient of "The Visionary" award for 2019.
The U.S. Economy Cruises Along But With Speed Bumps Down the Road
Could the U.S. economy be partying like there’s no tomorrow only to be faced with a hangover in two years?
Tuesday, September 25
South Coast Plaza's Gala Autumn Harvest Festival
Millions of people are celebrating Autumn Harvest festival holidays across Asia. South Coast Plaza observed the festival Sept. 23 with food, dance, costume and dignitaries.
Monday, September 24
Charlie Matthews: The Big Shoot for Guess? and How To Make It in Modeling
Guess? Model Charlie Matthews talks about moving from shooting photos for the label's e-commerce channel to a main event; the Fall '18 campaign.
Friday, September 21
Rent the Runway Opens First Stand-alone Store in San Francisco
RETAIL
Expanding its bricks-and-mortar store presence, Rent the Runway opened the doors to the its first stand-alone location in San Francisco on Sept. 18.
Puma Takes Inspiration from the Fashion District and Other DTLA Spots
Fashion and Footwear
Puma develops a line of limited-edition boots taking inspiration from the Fashion District, the Jewelry District and the Flower District in downtown L.A.
Thursday, September 20
The Hundreds Does Looney Tunes
No screwy rabbits. No suffering succotash. The Hundreds does a collection around Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner.
The Many Ways 3-D Technology Is Changing Fashion
Technology
The IHL Group, a global research and analysis company, has reported a loss of $8.4 billion annually for fashion and retail due to returns for wrong sizing and fit. This makes 3-D technology for fashion and retail one of the fastest-growing technologies, with proven value for design and product development as well as consumer engagement.
H&M Launches Collection With Recycled Cashmere, Velvet and Eco-Conscious Fabric
Manufacturing
With sustainability the buzzword for responsible fashion, H&M has launched a collection for Fall/Winter 2018 that incorporates recycled textiles, which include cashmere and velvet made from recycled polyester.
Academy of Art University Students Shake It Up During NYFW
Fashion
The fashion students from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco hit the runway during New York Fashion Week, showing their avant-garde and creative collections for both Spring and Fall 2019 at Pier59 Studios, located on the Chelsea Piers in Manhattan.
Los Angeles Designers Show at Art Hearts Fashion During New York Fashion Week
Art Hearts Fashion at NYFW
A handful of Los Angeles designers stepped onto the runway during Art Hearts Fashion’s five days of runway shows held at the Angel Orensanz Foundation building, originally built in 1849 as a neo-Gothic Jewish synagogue on the Lower East Side.
Intimate Environment Rules at the OC.Mix Show
OC.Mix’s Intimate Vibe
You won’t get lost at the OC.Mix Show, a compact trade event organized twice a year by apparel company Z Supply at its company headquarters in Irvine, Calif.
Huf Introduces a Collection for Women
Manufacturing
Huf made its reputation as a men’s skate and streetwear brand, but since its very first day women have been wearing its T-shirts and hoodies.
L.A. Retail Real-Estate Scene Outpaces Some Parts of the U.S.
Retail Vacancies Low
E-commerce business has been skyrocketing, but judging from retail vacancies in Los Angeles County, bricks-and-mortar retail is still a contender.
German Trade Show Producer to Buy a Stake in Liberty Fairs
Trade Shows
Berlin-headquartered trade-show company Premium Group announced it is buying a minority stake in the U.S.-based Liberty Fairs Fashion Group.
Gap Inc. Introduces New Menswear Line: Hill City
Manufacturing
In mid-October, Gap Inc. is scheduled to release a new clothing brand called Hill City, a men’s performance-wear label geared toward the active guy who exercises, bikes, runs or just likes to hang out in athletic wear.
Creating Thread DNA to Ensure Apparel Authenticity
Textiles
To decrease the threat of counterfeit products in different industries, Applied DNA Sciences has introduced a biochemistry-based innovation in apparel authentication.
Liz Muñoz Appointed CEO of Torrid Inc.
Retail
Torrid Inc. announced the appointment of Liz Muñoz to lead the fashion retailer as chief executive officer.
Fashion Domino Knocks Down E-Commerce Roadblocks for Apparel Manufacturers
E-Commerce for Manufacturers
The importance of e-commerce continues to grow as manufacturers seek tools to fortify their relationships with buyers.
Ariana Gomez to Depart L.A. Fashion District BID
News
After seven years of working with the L.A. Fashion District Business Improvement District, the organization’s director of marketing and external relations, Ariana Gomez, will leave on Sept. 21 to pursue other career interests in content strategy with an unnamed swimwear brand.
Wednesday, September 19
Guess Inc. Partners With J Balvin on Tour Merchandise Capsule
FASHION
Los Angeles-based apparel brand Guess? Inc. launched a partnership with J Balvin, as the Latin Grammy Award Winner kicks off his Vibras tour today in Fresno, Calif.
Tuesday, September 18
Wildfang to Los Angeles
The Wildfang brand of Portland, Ore., made a splash for outfitting the tomboy. By Oct. 1, it is scheduled to open in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles City Council Votes to Ban Fur Sales
Retail
Los Angeles has become the largest city in the United States to take a big step toward banning the sale of fur. Sales of vintage and used fur are exempt.
Monday, September 17
Trump Administration to Impose $200 Billion in New Chinese Tariffs
Trump administration will impose tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods as of next week.
Thursday, September 13
3D Designs Become Wearable With Julia Daviy NYFW Collection
FASHION
Bringing more ethical manufacturing to fashion, Julia Daviy unveiled The Liberation Collection—a line of 3D-printed clothing—during New York Fashion Week.
Informa Exhibitions Appoints Mark Temple-Smith as Managing Director of Fashion Exhibitions Business
Trade Shows
Informa Exhibitions has appointed Mark Temple-Smith to the role of managing director of its fashion exhibitions business, a segment that includes WWDMAGIC, Coterie, Project and Project Womens.
Clarion UX Brings Aboard Susan Milano to Manage WWIN Key Buyer Initiatives
Trade Shows
As it expands its key-buyer program with new initiatives for its Womenswear In Nevada (WWIN) trade show, Clarion UX has hired Susan Milano to manage its key accounts.
Founder of Downtown Center Business Improvement District Is Retiring
News
After 20 years of leadership as the founder of the Downtown Center Business Improvement District (DCBID), Carol Schatz will retire on Sept. 30.
American Giant Enters the Made-in-America Denim Segment
Manufacturing
Since its 2011 inception, American Giant has made a big impression on fans of premium basics. The San Francisco–based, primarily e-commerce apparel company founded by Bayard Winthrop has become known for its high-quality hoodies made in Los Angeles.
Surf Expo Avoids the Perfect Storm This Year
Trade Shows
A year after officials closed the Surf Expo show as Hurricane Irma fast approached, the show welcomed eager retailers from throughout the Southeast and the Caribbean—many of whom have weathered more than just storms since then.
Los Angeles Designers on the Runway at Style Fashion Week in New York
LA Designers at NYFW
Los Angeles designers were front and center during New York Fashion Week when they showed at Style Fashion Week, a fashion and art–oriented event founded by Veronica Welch-Kerzner, whose first runway shows were held in downtown Los Angeles.
Tadashi Shoji Shoots for the Moon at NYFW
Celestial Bodies
The stars and the heavens above were the inspiration for Tadashi Shoji’s Spring/Summer 2019 collection, seen on the runway on Sept. 6 during New York Fashion Week.
Tariff Threat Pushes Importers to Bring in Cargo Early
Import/Export
There is nothing like the prospect of tariffs on Chinese goods to nudge importers to bring in their merchandise a little early to avoid a hefty increase in prices.
New Los Angeles Retail District to Be Unveiled Near the Ocean
Caruso's Retail Plan
When Caruso, a well-known Los Angeles developer, unveils Palisades Village in a week, it will answer the question about whether the high-flying company behind the game-changing The Grove shopping mecca still has its magic touch.
Macerich and Simon Join Forces to Develop an LA Outlet Mall
Retail
Two major shopping-center developers are getting together to construct a big outlet mall that will be located south of Los Angeles and not far from the new Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers football stadium.
Forever 21 Introduces Its Kodak Collection
Fashion
Kodak teams up with Forever 21 for a collection of clothing that will be in 600 stores.
Wednesday, September 12
Paul Smith’s Selfie Friendly Shop Defaced
For years, people have crowded the Paul Smith flagship’s parking lot to take selfies in front of the store’s idiosyncratic Pepto-Bismol colored pink wall. On Sept. 12, act of taking a selfie was crudely satirized.
Tory Sport Runs To Rodeo
Tory Burch's performance line Tory Sport recently parked into a permanent shop-in-shop at the Rodeo Drive Tory Burch flagship.
Tuesday, September 11
NYFW Launch for Tanesha Awasthi's Girl With Curves x Lane Bryant Collaboration
FASHION
During New York Fashion Week, San Francisco fashion blogger and stylist Tanesha Awasthi launched her Girl With Curves x Lane Bryant collaboration to great acclaim.
Monday, September 10
David Lerner Pops at Alfred Melrose Place
Melrose Place is the address to elegant designer flagships. David Lerner NY recently opened a pop-up there.
Friday, September 7
John Elliott's LA Influence at NYFW Following City of Los Angeles Partnership Announcement
Fashion
After announcing a partnership with the City of Los Angeles on Sept. 5, John Elliott unveiled his Spring/Summer 2019 collection on Sept. 6, which showed influences from the West Coast city, during New York Fashion Week.
Informa Exhibitions Appoints Mark Temple-Smith as Managing Director of Fashion Exhibitions Business
TRADE SHOWS
Informa Exhibitions has appointed Mark Temple-Smith to the managing director role of its fashion exhibitions business a segment that includes WWDMAGIC, Coterie, Project and Project Womens.
Thursday, September 6
UK Retailer Browns Sets Up Shop at Fred Segal
For Ida Petersson, one of the best things about her job is telling the world about new, emerging fashion designers. Until recently, she’s been doing it only in Browns, an influential boutique in London.
August Sales Strong
Retail’s Strong August
RETAIL HEALTH: After many retail chains crashed and burned, retail business is starting to improve. Retail sales for August, which includes the Back-to-School Season, were just released.
Activewear Moves to the Head of the Class Through Herbalife and FIDM Partnership
Events
This week, the apparel industry found an unlikely partner as Herbalife Nutrition—distributor of nutrition, weight-management and fitness products—unveiled an activewear competition it is sponsoring with the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in downtown Los Angeles.
Robotic Models Will Make Debut During London Fashion Week
Robot Models for LFW
When London Fashion Week starts this year, there will be something new on the runway: robots showing some of a Los Angeles designer’s collection.
WESA Will Be Dallas Bound in 2021
Trade Shows
Beginning in January 2021, the Western & English Sales Association (WESA) will host its International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Markets at its new home at the Dallas Market Center.
Finding Body Confidence in the Foundation of Sheer’s Little Black Dress
Manufacturing
Many consumers often battle personal insecurities about their bodies and make apparel purchasing decisions based on how a piece of clothing makes their bodies appear—not simply how a garment looks on a hanger.
Nubia Natalie's Approach to Activewear Reflects Appreciation for Indigenous Artisans
Manufacturing
Not simply another activewear line, Nubia Natalie celebrates the artisans of Mexico’s Huichol community, located in the country’s Sierra Madre mountain region.
Indie Source Selects Bobo Design Studio as the Winner of Sourcing at MAGIC Award
Manufacturing
Apparel manufacturing and consultancy firm Indie Source announced the winner of its Indie Fashion Contest, held during Sourcing at MAGIC, the industry trade show held Aug. 12–15 in Las Vegas.
Downtown LA Garment Factories Cited for Labor-Law Violations
Manufacturing
Six factories that allegedly were operating under one contractor’s license will have to pay $573,704 in fines for various violations cited by the state Department of Industrial Relations.
How Three Sisters Launched a Multimillion-Dollar Business With Very Little Money
Family Business Affair
When the Kaviani sisters started their online clothing company from their parents’ home six years ago, they never imagined that their $7,500 investment would mushroom into a multimillion-dollar enterprise selling mostly simple knit basics that have been seen on celebrities including Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Khloe Kardashian and her sister Kylie Jenner.
ReMode Adds Speakers to Its November Event
Trade Shows
The fashion-sustainability event called ReMode has added a number of top fashion leaders to its speaker lineup at the conference scheduled for Nov. 13–14 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Face Brand Looks Into Wholesale Market Again
Manufacturing
The message of the Los Angeles streetwear brand Face begs people to look deeper into themselves.
Project Social T: Looking for a Difference
Manufacturing
In the early days, Project Social T made its reputation with women’s T-shirts, but now, in search of new business, the Los Angeles–headquartered label is introducing a line of men’s tees.
Wednesday, September 5
Pantone Releases Color Trends for Spring/Summer 2019
Fashion
The trend report incorporates 12 trending colors and four classic hues.
Tuesday, September 4
Fashion Stylist Confidential
Last week, Brittany Diego produced a panel on what it takes to be a fashion stylist.
Outerknown’s Rocking Party for Sustainability at Ron Herman
Jeans are one of the classics of casual looks. John Moore of the Outerknown label wants to make sure that you feel good about wearing jeans.