Friday, August 30
Juicy Couture Shop-in-Shops Showcase L.A. Heritage in South Korea
RETAIL
Juicy Couture has opened shop-in-shops in select South Korea department stores and will continue expanding its presence in the country throughout the rest of 2019.
Thursday, August 29
Tariff Issues Cool, Concerns Remain
Import/Export
Following the United States Trade Organization’s confirmation this week that an additional duty of 5 percent on $300 billion in products from China—on top of an original figure of 10 percent—would be implemented starting Sept. 1, representatives from the Chinese and U.S. governments had started to cool on the heated situation.
Risk x Yoggx Clothing Collab Drops at In Heroes We Trust
The In Heroes We Trust gallery opened in downtown Los Angeles on Aug. 17, but street art and fashion will collide on Sept. 7 at the gallery.
The Materials Show and Première Vision Sport Bring Comprehensive Athletic Sourcing to the Pacific Northwest
Trade Shows
During its first collaborative run with newly launched Première Vision Sport, The Northwest Materials Show brought to Portland, Ore., expanded offerings in a region that many consider the outdoor-enthusiast capital of the United States.
Retail Veteran Jenny Ming Appointed to Poshmark Board of Directors
Poshmark’s New Member
Social-commerce platform Poshmark announced the appointment of Jenny Ming to its board of directors.
Avenue Stores To Shut Down Bricks-and-Mortar
Retail
Avenue Stores LLC announced that it is headed into chapter 11 bankruptcy. The Chicago-headquartered plus-size retailer also noted that it would close its fleet of 222 physical stores, some 46 of which are in California, according to a company announcement issued on Aug. 22.
FIDM and the Television Academy Pay Homage to Costume Designers Ahead of Emmys
Award-worthy Costuming
A little over a month ahead of the 71st annual Emmy Awards, which will be held Sept. 22, the FIDM Museum & Galleries at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising hosted its unveiling of the 13th annual “Art of Television Costume Design” exhibition in partnership with the Television Academy.
New Retail Center 2nd & PCH Announces Tenants
Retail
The 2nd & PCH retail center is scheduled to open for business in Long Beach, Calif., this fall with a slate of tenants taking shape.
BCBGMaxAzria’s Fall/Winter 2019 Campaign Relays Encouraging Message to “Be Your Own Muse”
Bon Chic
During the unveiling of its Fall/Winter 2019 campaign for its “Be Your Own Muse” initiative, Los Angeles-founded brand BCBGMaxAzria announced that it would continue to focus on women’s empowerment through self-expression.
Guess?, Inc. Second-Quarter Results Beat Forecasts
Retail
Guess? Inc. reported Aug. 28 that its total net revenue for its second quarter of fiscal 2020 increased 5.8 percent to $683.2 million compared to $645.9 million during the same quarter the previous year, said Carlos Alberini, the Los Angeles–headquartered jeans makers’ chief executive officer.
Surf Industry and Other Fashion Groups Ride Wave Against Plastics Pollution
Manufacturing
Last week, 32 fashion companies joined a G7 Fashion Pact that calls for phasing out single-use plastics by 2030. The companies that signed the pact also vowed to achieve zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050 and restore biodiversity by helping to rejuvenate ecosystems.
John Eshaya Unveils New John Eshaya Brand of Women’s Sportswear
Manufacturing
John Eshaya has helped define the style for high-end T-shirts and sweatshirts in Los Angeles since the late 1980s, but the women who bought tees from his JET John Eshaya brand started asking for new styles of clothing in the past decade and his label changed.
Carl’s Atelier to Westfield Topanga & Village
On Oct. 1 Carl Louisville is scheduled to open a second location of his Carl's Atelier concept.
Wednesday, August 28
Space City Vintage Wants To Put Rock 'N' Roll Back in Shopping
RETAIL
In the past few years, there’s been a boom in the popularity of vintage clothing and an increase of high-end vintage stores on retail streets and online. Retailer Zac Vargas wondered if the current wave of vintage shops lacks soul and a culture that he loved when shopping for rockabilly styles on Los Angeles’ Melrose Avenue in the 1980s.
Monday, August 26
Puey Quiñones Unveils His Made In Los Angeles Couture Line
Puey Quiñones designed for gowns Filipina newsmakers such as Gloria Macapacal-Arroyo, the former Philippines president.
Friday, August 23
Avenue Stores to Shutter Bricks-and-Mortar
RETAIL
Avenue Stores LLC recently announced that it is headed into chapter 11 bankruptcy. The Chicago-headquartered plus-size retailer also noted that it would close its fleet of 222 physical stores, about 46 of these locations are based in California, according to a company announcement.
Warby Parker To Open More Stores
Everlane opened a shop on Los Angeles' Abbot Kinney at the start of this week. At the end of the week, another formerly Internet-only retailer, Warby Parker, announced plans to open a physical boutique.
Thursday, August 22
It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll Merch But We Like It
The Rolling Stones played a highly anticipated gig Aug. 22 at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif. Since music merchandise is a giant business, it’s only natural that a lot of merch was created for the Stones’ No Filter tour
Outdoor Retailer Merges Winter Market and Snow Show
Trade Shows
Outdoor Retailer announced Aug. 21 that it will merge its trade shows Winter Market and Snow Show.
Agenda Gets International Surge
Trade Shows
After a brief sojourn producing a trade show in downtown Las Vegas, Agenda returned to its longtime home Aug. 12–14 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, alongside Liberty Fairs.
Liberty Fairs Returns to the Sands
Trade Shows
For its Aug. 12–14 run, the Liberty Fairs trade show returned to its long-term space at the Sands Expo & Convention Center after producing its February 2019 show in downtown Las Vegas.
Business Steady at WWIN
Trade Shows
While buyers were searching for Fall and Spring at the WWIN | Women’s Wear In Nevada show, which ran Aug. 12–15 at the Rio All-Suites Hotel & Convention Center in Las Vegas, the big news was the event’s upcoming move.
The Tents Serves Up Luxe & Lifestyle Brands
Trade Shows
The Tents has long been a forum for luxury and lifestyle brands at Project. During the Aug. 12–14 run of the event, brands such as Raleigh Denim; Bellroy, an accessories brand; and The Grayers, a shirting brand, exhibited Spring 2020 looks.
Project Sets New Standards
Trade Shows
The Project N:OW section holds the key to the sprawling Project trade show’s future, said Lizette Chin, Informa Markets’president of men’s, who oversees the giant shows.
Pooltradeshow Makes Room For Debuts & Trend Forecasting
Trade Shows
Pooltradeshow was initially produced as a forum for new and emerging brands. At its Aug. 12–14 run at the Las Vegas Convention Center, it not only provided a forum for new brands but also a testing ground for established labels.
Offprice Marks Milestones
Trade Shows
During its Aug. 10–13 run at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, the Offprice show marked its 50th show and 25th year of providing a forum for off-price apparel, which is generally sold for 20 percent to 70 percent off retail.
Magic Men’s Mixes Diverse Looks
Trade Shows
With 600 booths, MAGIC Mens offered a wide range of men’s styles ranging from tuxedos to work boots as well as socks bearing graphics of superheroes during its Aug. 12–14 run at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Indulgent Surf-and-Swim Pieces Highlight Heidi Merrick’s Autumn/Winter 2019 Collection
Luxe Swim
Designing for a client who embraces the California lifestyle, Heidi Merrick created her Autumn/Winter 2019 collection to empower women who take care of business but also enjoy the simple pleasures of life such as the coastal beauty found in the region.
An Array of Options Brings in Buyers Ready to Shop at WWDMAGIC
Trade Shows
The big Informa Markets attraction during the August Las Vegas shows, WWDMAGIC saw buyers who wanted to see the latest trends.
Attracting Buyers to Project Womens With Unique Offerings and Timeless Pieces
Trade Shows
Boasting emerging and established women’s brands, Project Womens offered opportunities for buyers to find more-timeless pieces that afford options to customers to invest in them.
Buyers Look to Manufacturers to Uncover Accessories Trends at IFJAG
Trade Shows
Starting ahead of the Las Vegas trade-show pack, IFJAG—the International Fashion Jewelry & Accessories Group—hosted its event at the Embassy Suites Las Vegas Aug. 10–13.
Curve Brings in Brands That Offer Options for Buyers
Trade Shows
Hosted with its Informa Markets sibling shows at the Las Vegas Convention Center Aug. 12–14, Curve Las Vegas saw buyers who looked to exhibitors for inspiration regarding swimwear and lingerie for Holiday and Resort and into Spring 2020.
CALA Draws in Buyers and Brands With Las Vegas Debut in a Comfortable Atmosphere
Trade Shows
At the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, CALA Las Vegas made its debut with a show that ran Aug. 12–13.
Gap Inc.’s 2nd Qtr Comps Down -4
Retail
Retail giant Gap Inc. announced results for its second fiscal quarter 2019 on Aug. 22. Its net sales were $4 billion, but its comparable same-store sales declined 4 percent, said Art Peck, president and chief executive officer of Gap Inc.
Finding Partners Along the Supply-Chain at Sourcing at MAGIC
Trade Shows
As the major Las Vegas supply-chain show for apparel brands and designers, Sourcing at MAGIC ran at the Las Vegas Convention Center Aug. 11–14.
Stitch @ Project Womens Provides Unique Pieces for the Higher End Buyer
Trade Shows
As an addition to its parent show, the Stitch @ Project Womens event whittled down womenswear offerings into better women’s and luxury apparel during its Aug. 12–14 show at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Buyers Value Show Experiences in Las Vegas, See Brand and Show Debuts
Las Vegas Wrap
During Informa Markets’ Las Vegas shows, hosted Aug. 11–14, buyers shopped WWDMAGIC, Sourcing at MAGIC, Curve, Project, Project Womens, Stitch @ Project Womens, MAGIC Mens, The Tents and Pooltradeshow.
Vuori Gets Big Investment from Norwest Venture Partners
Manufacturing
Encinitas, Calif.–headquartered athleticwear brand Vuori recently announced a $45-million investment from Norwest Venture Partners, said Joe Kudla, Vuori’s founder and chief executive officer.
GOAT Makes Bergdorf Goodman Partnership
Retail
The high-end Los Angeles-headquartered sneaker-resale market GOAT announced Aug. 21 a partnership with one of New York’s s most luxe department stores—Bergdorf Goodman.
At FMNC, Attendees Enjoy Comfort and Get Excited About Spring
FMNC’s Spring Biz
Held Aug. 18–20 at the San Mateo County Event Center in San Mateo, Calif., Fashion Market Northern California saw buyers placing orders for Immediates, Holiday and into Spring 2020.
18th Amendment Plans to Open California Showrooms/Unveil RTW Line
“If you can envision a table where you have Jean-Michel Basquiat, Gianni Agnelli and Lucky Luciano smoking cigars and drinking whiskey, that’s us in a nutshell,” he said.
Wednesday, August 21
Everlane To Open Abbot Kinney Shop
Formerly pureplay digital retailer Everlane is scheduled to open its third permanent shop Aug. 22.
Monday, August 19
Tentree Unveils Wildfire Releaf Collection to Help California Heal From Wildfires
MANUFACTURING
Sustainable-apparel brand Tentree brought its reforestation mission to California to provide relief to the region following the devastation caused by years of destructive wildfires in the state.
Friday, August 16
Guess Sport to Launch With Nod to Company's Archived Designs
FASHION
Continuing to take notes from its 1990s styles, the Guess Jeans U.S.A. division of Los Angeles' Guess?, Inc., announced the launch of its Guess Sport capsule collection, which will debut Aug. 24.
KAOHS Heads to L.A. With Beached
SWIM/SURF
Founded in 2013 in Orange County, Calif., and is currently manufactured in Los Angeles, KAOHS finally produced a runway show in Southern California. The show for Beached was produced on Aug. 15.
Atelier & Repairs Celebrates Year 1 of Shop With A Message
RETAIL
Atelier & Repairs brand wanted to make a statement beyond commerce.
Fashion Designer Dalia MacPhee Gives Back by Creating Blankets for Orphaned Elephants
MANUFACTURING
With a long list of celebrity clients and a knack for creating protective animal products, Los Angeles-based designer Dalia MacPhee launched a line of blankets to comfort and protect orphaned baby elephants.
Thursday, August 15
Bldwn Opens Melrose Place Flagship
RETAIL
Denim brand Bldwn manufactures its jeans and runs creative office in Los Angeles. On Aug. 12, it increased its retail presence in the Los Angeles area by opening its first flagship store.
Authentic Brands Group Gets a $875 Million Investment
MANUFACTURING
The Authentic Brands Group acquired the Costa Mesa, Calif., Volcom label and media property Sports Illustrated respectively in April and May of this year.
In Its Annual Resale Report, The RealReal Reveals New Leaders and Generational Trends
Resale Gets Real
Tracking trends in luxury resale, this week San Francisco–headquartered reseller The RealReal released its 2019 Resale Report.
Macy’s Misses Forecasts During Week of Department Store Woes
Retail
Macy’s Inc. earnings disappointed Aug. 14, when the retail giant missed Wall Street forecasts and lowered its earnings-per-share guidance for fiscal 2019.
Gap Announces Renewable-Energy Partnership With New Sustainability Goals
Retail
In an effort to increase its commitment to adopting more-sustainable operating strategies, Gap Inc. announced that it has partnered with Enel Green Power North America, a segment of the Rome-based renewable-energy firm Enel Green Power.
What’s Checking in Long Beach: Boutiquing for the Boom
Retail
Approximately 25 miles south of Los Angeles, Long Beach, Calif., has been experiencing an uptick in construction that will remake the town, which is the seventh largest city in the state.
Steve Madden Acquires BB Dakota
Manufacturing
After a 14-year run as an independent young-contemporary label, BB Dakota, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., announced Aug. 13 that it was acquired by the footwear-and-accessories company Steve Madden.
Established Las Vegas Trade Shows on the Move, While a Newcomer Offers Alternative
Making Vegas Moves
After traveling to Las Vegas for the August 2019 trade shows, exhibitors, buyers and apparel-industry insiders discussed trends, while event producers announced major news regarding moving to new locations in 2020.
Surf Chiefs Challenged to be More Eco-Conscious at Waterman’s
Surfing Into Sustainability
Supporting environmentalism is the main goal of Waterman’s, which is the annual fund-raiser produced by the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association.
Friday, August 9
Richer Poorer Talks Style at American Rag
Ramping up before its first full collection, the Richer Poorer label produced a styling panel at American Rag in Los Angeles.
Thursday, August 8
From Southern California to the Bay Area, Small Bricks-and-Mortar Retailers Succeed With Unique Offerings
After years of dominance by e-commerce led by enormous online giants, the boutique retail segment is seeing a return to a bricks-and-mortar demand from consumers.
Industry Voices: Fashion with Nick Verreos
Fashion
People often forget that fashion is a business, but the two integral parts—design and business—go hand in hand; you cannot have one without the other. While the business of fashion might often be complicated, tedious and some would certainly argue not sexy, it is necessary.
Avocado Unveils Partnership with Sensil Premium Performance Nylon
Avocado held a party for a partnership with Sensil Premium Performance nylon. I
Barneys to Close 6 California Stores
Retail
Store closings for the luxe retailer Barneys New York have hit California. After much media and fashion-world anticipation, Barneys declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Aug. 6.
Mongolia Third Neighbor Trade Act Could Diversify Cashmere Sourcing for U.S.
Manufacturing
Following the Trump administration’s declaration of raising tariffs by 10 percent on $300 billion of Chinese goods come Sept. 1—not including the $250 billion subjected to the existing 25 percent tariff—exports from China to the United States rose according to the General Administration of Customs earlier this week.
Providing Premium Service for All Contributes to Matti D’s Longevity in San Diego
Retail
After 19 years of bringing exclusive and premium products to the San Diego–area city of Del Mar, Calif., boutique owner Jax McIntosh remains committed to the mission upon which her store, Matti D, was founded.
Cultivating a Boutique Business in Pasadena, Calif., April Blooms Continues to Grow
Retail
From a young age, April Blooms owner April Hicks was interested in fashion, but her career path led her to become a hair stylist. Her Pasadena, Calif., salon Head Trip has been open for 26 years, yet when the space next door, became available in 2016 she welcomed the opportunity to open an apparel business where she now sells brands that include Adelyn Rae and Molly Bracken.
Top Denim Messages from CR20 Collections With an Eye Toward CR21
Daring Denim
Cruise collections offer plenty of denim ideas, from updates on silhouettes to subtle details and evolved washes.
Swim Collective and Active Collective Attract Business-Focused Buyers
Trade Shows
During the summer trade-show circuit, this year’s Active Collective and Swim Collective sibling events drew buyers interested in fortifying business. Held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif., July 31–Aug. 1, the Emerald Expositions–produced show is growing.
K. Frank Finds New Home in Montecito
Retail
Retailers across the world are looking for the next big thing to drive more revenue. For Kevin and Katie Frank, a new business strategy did not lie in the digital sphere, nor did it require flipping their merchandising direction. Rather, they changed addresses for their contemporary store, K. Frank.
Buy-Now-Pay-Later Companies Plan to Shake Up E-Commerce
Technology
A new method of paying for goods on digital commerce is entering the U.S. market, resembling a fresh approach to layaway through digital methods.
LF to Close Physical Stores
Retail
Los Angeles–headquartered LF Stores announced that it will become a pure-play, digital-only retailer.
Ambiance San Francisco Finds New Retail Avenue in Veteran Stores
Retail
In 1983, Ambiance San Francisco opened with vintage-inspired fashions that attracted locals and tourists to San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district, a neighborhood still celebrated as the center of the hippie culture’s “Summer of Love” in 1967. Upon acquiring the store from founder Gloria Garret in 1996, retailers Donna and Kieran O’Leary found great success with Ambiance’s location at 1458 Haight St.
After Blazing His Own Path With Big Tech Clients, Matthew Moses Launches Mansfield Outpost
L.A. Made
A big part of the clothing business is making apparel for different professions, such as scrubs for doctors, suits for lawyers and coveralls for mechanics. Matthew Moses has built a business out of making sportswear for different employee groups who work for technology giants such as Google.
Nathalia Gaviria Shows Camo Cool for Fall 2019
Futuristic Fall
For Nathalia Gaviria’s Fall 2019 collection, the Los Angeles designer created futuristic fashions inspired by the wild character of the city.
Wednesday, August 7
Tuesday, August 6
Honey Birdette is Bullish on U.S. Retail
Next month, the Australian lingerie brand is scheduled to open its third U.S. boutique,
Monday, August 5
Beverly Hills Stays Open Late With Help from Mr. Brainwash
Beverly Hills boutiques and eateries partied for the sake of staying open late on Aug. 1. Street artist Mr. Brainwash helped with the festivities by unveiling a statue on Rodeo Drive.
Hollywood & Highland Retail Center Sold
After a 15-year run of managing the Hollywood & Highland retail center by tourist landmark the TCL Chinese Theatre, the CIM Group announced that it has sold the mall, which features an architectural theme of early-20th-century film-industry glamour.
Friday, August 2
A Somber Ballet Reflection Brings ACB's "Death and the Maiden" to the CMC
EVENTS
Based on Franz Schubert's 19th-century work of the same name, the American Contemporary Ballet's "Death and the Maiden" opens this weekend with a somber reflection on life and death at the California Market Center.
Vans US Open of Surfing Banks To Championship Round
EVENTS
Two-time champion Kanoa Igarashi will find out if he can do a threepeat for this season.
Rodarte x Made Introduced With a Roller-Disco Bash
EVENTS
Here’s one brand’s recipe for fun; roller disco, 1980s music and a few tunes from Susanna Hoffs.
Thursday, August 1
Inspired by Central California, Catherine Gee Creates New Classics for Fall/Winter 2019
Classic California Cool
Remaining true to her Central California story, Catherine Gee unveiled her Fall/Winter 2019 campaign, which elevates the luxury brand to a new level through an expanded collection of pieces.
Administration’s New Tariff Brings Mixed Reaction
Retail
The United States trade war with China heated up this week when the Trump administration said that the U.S. would place a 10 percent tariff on an additional $300 billion worth of Chinese imports.
Epson Finds Universe of New Uses in POS Technologies and the Cloud
Technology
The pace for updating business software is unrelenting. Unless retailers employ a chief information officer, it’s impossible to keep up, according to Mauricio Chacon, group product manager, business systems group, Epson America, Inc., headquartered in Long Beach, Calif.
July L.A. Market Serves Buyers Filling In and Looking Toward 2020
L.A. Market Week
The July 28–31 market in Los Angeles attracted buyers placing orders for everything from Immediates to Fall 2019 fill-in pieces as well as those springing ahead to next year.
Amazon Launches Fashion Subscription Service Personal Shopper by Prime Wardrobe
Retail
Amazon.com jumped into the subscription-retail game when it introduced Personal Shopper by Prime Wardrobe on July 26.
Vans Names New Exec
Manufacturing
The Costa Mesa, Calif.–headquartered Vans brand named Michel Bilodeau as vice president and general manager for Vans’ Europe, Middle East and Africa regions.
Mitchell Evan Brand Looks at New Directions With Women’s Styles
Mitchell Evan Women’s
When men’s high-end basics line Mitchell Evan planned to release a women’s collection, the Los Angeles–headquartered brand’s executives did not want to take a one-silhouette-fits-all approach, said creative director Jarret Levin.
Fostering Collaboration for Sustainability at Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA
Trade Shows
At the Javits Center in New York City, event producer Messe Frankfurt held its summer 2019 edition of Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA July 22–24 with a large push toward sustainability.
Textile Shows in NYC Attract Business With Sustainable Options
Trade Shows
From July 16 through 25, New York City was home base for an array of different textile shows. During these summer events, attendees showed consistent interest in materials that can support a sustainable business.
