Thursday, January 31
The Ins and Outs of Fashion Designers’ Innovations
Fashion
Creativity in the fashion industry comes in many forms. It pops up when a designer sees an incredible movie or travels to an exotic destination. It emerges when they look at old photos or see someone walking down the street in a vintage dress.
Sustainability Dominates Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA
Trade Shows
Sustainability and ethical production were key themes at Texworld USA, held alongside Apparel Sourcing USA, at the Javits Center.
Monique Lhuillier Unveils Her Pre-Fall Collection for Ready-to-Wear
Fall Colors by Monique Lhuillier
In 1996, Los Angeles designer Monique Lhuillier launched her self-named company with a line of wedding dresses that had a more modern feel to them.
Fashion Market Northern California Runs Into Some Competition
Trade Shows
A confluence of trade shows and an early date for the apparel and textile trade shows in Las Vegas put a damper on the latest edition of Fashion Market Northern California.
How to Tackle the China Trade-War Challenges
Finance
In the past year, it has become increasingly more challenging to be an apparel manufacturer, importer or retailer in the United States as uncertainty surrounds trade with China.
The Wolk Morais Designers Get Their Newest Inspiration from California
Fashion
It was five years ago that Brian Wolk and Claude Morais made the move from New York to Los Angeles to find more creative freedom.
Michael Costello Goes from ‘Project Runway’ to His Own Design Studio
Fashion
Fashion designer Michael Costello is known for his elegant evening gowns, which have been worn by the likes of Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Katy Perry.
What’s Checking: The Arts District Keeps Its Roots in Independent Fashion
Retail
No place in downtown Los Angeles’ Arts District has changed as much as the space that is now the Rogue Collective boutique.
Apolis to Reopen Its Arts District Flagship
Retail
Apolis: Common Gallery, a pioneer of high-end retail in Los Angeles’ Arts District, is scheduled to reopen its flagship store this summer, which might further cement the district’s reputation as a place to shop.
Ashley Mason Rolls Out a New Denim Line
Manufacturing
Michelle Mulleneaux started her Ashley Mason clothing company more than three years ago with her sights set on growing the venture with new lines and innovations.
Wiser Wash Provides Cleaner Production Opportunities for Denim Brands
Denim Wiser Wash
While Los Angeles apparel-industry veteran and Tortoise Denim founder Kevin Youn is now dedicated to cleaning up the jeans-manufacturing industry, his long-term plan after graduating with a degree in Latin American literature from the University of California, Berkeley, didn’t include denim.
Amour Vert Brings a Green Side to Local Manufacturing
Green Manufacturing
Before domestically made, sustainable apparel manufacturing became a major trend, San Francisco–based Amour Vert provided women with well-made clothing that combines style with sustainability, and it has ever since it was founded in 2010.
With Fashion Design in Her DNA, Theresa McAllen Elevates the Johnny Was Family
Fashion
After starting with Johnny Was from its inception during the early 1990s, the company’s senior vice president of design, Theresa McAllen, continues to cultivate the brand.
From Colombia, With Love, Nathalia Gaviria Rediscovers Herself in Los Angeles
Fashion
Never forgetting her Colombian roots, Nathalia Gaviria now calls Los Angeles home, where she has a flagship store called Nathalia Gaviria: Black on Melrose Avenue.
Heidi Merrick Develops Her Own Formula for Fashion Success
Fashion
Los Angeles–based Heidi Merrick was known from the start as an artist who envisioned designs that were far beyond popular trends.
Poshmark Report Examines Trends Toward Growing Social Commerce
Technology
Social-commerce company Poshmark released its first review of the social-retail environment in a report called “A Year in Social Commerce.”
Ari to Sunset Plaza
More men’s fashion shops are coming to the Sunset Plaza shopping district in West Hollywood, Calif.
Stassie X Oh Polly’s Valentine’s Day Crush
Glasgow, Scotland-headquartered fashion label Oh Polly opened a Los Angeles office in July. On Jan 30, the retailer partied at West Hollywood, Calif. nightclub Poppy for the debut of Valentine’s Day collection Stassie X Oh Polly.
Wednesday, January 30
American Eagle Outfitters Leaves Hollywood & Highland
Retail
American Eagle Outfitters joins a number of retailers leaving Hollywood & Highland.
Monday, January 28
Guess CEO Unexpectedly Steps Down
New CEO at Guess has been there before.
Thursday, January 24
Hong Kong Fashion Week Downsizes Amid U.S. Tariff Tiff
Trade Shows
Hong Kong Fashion Week had a subdued air this year as U.S. buyers have become more cautious about placing orders with Chinese factories, which make up the bulk of the exhibitors.
Paul Smith Rumored to Be Moving to DTLA
One of the stars of British fashion, Paul Smith will open a store adjacent to the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles, according to a reliable real-estate blog.
Vuori Hires First VP of Women’s Product Design
Manufacturing
Four years ago, Joe Kudla, an athlete turned model turned finance person, started Vuori as a brand that made performance wear for men.
Première Vision New York Looks Ahead to the Future of Fashion
Trade Shows
Première Vision New York offered fashion professionals an inside glimpse into the colors and trends that will imbue the Spring/Summer 2020 season in textiles and fashion.
The NRF’s 2019 Big Show Features Innovative Solutions – and Robot Attendees
Technology
The National Retail Federation’s Big Show at the Javits Center in New York, which ran Jan. 13–15, was bustling with more than 40,000 retailers and brands walking the aisles while the other prominent attendees included multiple variations of robots.
Hong Kong Designers Take an Artsy Approach to Showing Their Styles
Hong Kong Fashion Week
Traditionally, Hong Kong Fashion Week shows have been down a long catwalk surrounded by spectators interested in the latest trends.
Chinese Tariffs on Cotton Have Major Effect on Growers
Textiles
A tariff war between the United States and China is playing a big part in the health and well-being of the U.S. cotton market.
The Secret is in the Science for Saint Haven Soft
Technology
Creating a line of clothing that is nontoxic, hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, soft, breathable and ecologically sound was the goal of Saint Haven’s Jacqueline Sacks, but once she researched the process of apparel production, she wanted to do more.
WWDMAGIC’s Partnership with PETA x Coalition LA Expands Into February Show
Trade Shows
With a growing partnership that kicked off last November during a vegan Thanksgiving brunch in Los Angeles, WWDMAGIC and PETA x Coalition LA are strengthening their collaboration during the Las Vegas trade show taking place Feb. 5–7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Première Vision Launches New Sportswear Event With Materials Show Collaboration
Trade Shows
Global fashion trade-show brand Première Vision announced this week its launch of Première Vision Sport to elevate the athletic-apparel buying experience.
Shopify Gets Into the Content Biz
Shopify started business by powering back-office operations. The company recently announced that it is going to be moving some of its focus out of the background and onto screens.
RYU to Fashion Island
Canadian athletic brand Respect Your Universe/RYU recently opened a store at the Fashion Island retail center in Newport Beach, Calif.
Wednesday, January 23
Proper, a New Hotel, Scheduled to open in DTLA
More than a few luxe, boutique hotels have opened in downtown Los Angeles over the past few years. Get ready for another.
Tuesday, January 22
WeHo-Based Epic Rights Acquired by UMG's Bravado
NEWS
Expanding its merchandising-and-branding reach, Universal Music Group's Bravado acquired boutique agency Epic Rights.
Monday, January 21
Denim Branded Goes To Atelier & Repairs
Denim nerds gathered at Atelier & Repairs in Los Angeles for a history talk on jeans.
Friday, January 18
Neiman Marcus Adds CBD Beauty-and-Wellness Products to Its Offerings
NEWS
Luxury retailer Neiman Marcus added to its beauty-and-wellness offerings with CBD brands available as part of the company's Trending Beauty initiative.
Thursday, January 17
Faherty Brand To Open Two California Stores
Faherty is a New York-based beach-lifestyle brand opening stores in California.
Big Issues Will Affect Retail in 2019
Retail
The past few years have been a time of upheaval for the fashion and fashion-retail businesses. Expect more in 2019.
Madhappy: It Takes a Party to Start a T-shirt Brand
Manufacturing
Ask Noah Raf how to build demand for a new T-shirt label and he’ll tell you to throw a party.
A Resurgence of the Surf Market Seen at Surf Expo
Selling at Surf Expo
Snowstorms hit a swath of the country last week, but bad weather did not throw a wet towel on the Surf Expo trade show, which ran Jan. 10–12 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
January Market in L.A. Brings Out Buyers Preparing for Spring/Summer
L.A. Market Week
Despite three days of pouring rain, January’s L.A. Market Week spelled success for many brands, some of whom opened on Jan. 13, ahead of the official Jan. 14–16 run.
Volcom Starts Program To Boost Its Organic Cotton Supply Chain
Manufacturing
Action-sports brand Volcom recently announced that it is participating in an initiative to increase the supply of organic cotton.
Industry Voices: Technology Mobilizing the Shop Floor to Increase Collaboration and Productivity
Technology
Mobilizing the shop floor is one of manufacturing’s top initiatives as companies look to gain efficiencies and speed to market throughout the supply chain as well as improve the quality of the workforce in order to meet consumer demands.
Salesforce Unveils Enhanced Commerce Cloud Platform at NRF 2019
Technology
During the National Retail Federation’s NRF 2019: Retail’s Big Show,held at the Javits Center in Manhattan Jan. 13–15, San Francisco’s CRM-focused software provider Salesforce took the opportunity to unveil new offerings.
Le Frenchlab’s Emmanuelle Rienda to Launch Vegan Fashion Week in L.A.
Vegan Fashion Week
The reputation of cruelty-free, or vegan, fashion has generally not been synonymous with elevated, chic textiles and designs. Now, Emmanuelle Rienda is launching the inaugural Vegan Fashion Week to show the mainstream fashion industry how offerings in the cruelty-free category have evolved.
Despite a Few Ripples, the U.S. Economy Is Poised for Growth
Finance
If you had to describe what the economic outlook was for 2019, you might be inclined to liken it to the Charles Dickens novel “A Tale of Two Cities.”
Eco-Aware Consumers Value Sustainable Options, CGS Report Reveals
Retail
The mission-driven shopping trend among consumers is growing, according to a new report from Computer Generated Solutions (CGS), a business-applications provider that counts Tommy Bahama, Vix Swimwear, Tea Collection, Velvet by Graham and Spencer, Paige Denim and Livie and Luca among its clients.
Stitch Fix Welcomes Liz Williams to Its Board of Directors
Retail
Online personal styling service Stitch Fix announced that it has added Taco Bell International President Liz Williams to its board of directors.
Tuesday, January 15
Karl Kani and PrettyLittleThing's Party For Part 2 of Collaboration Line
The collaboration between the U.K.-headquartered retailer and the godfather of streetwear was unveiled Jan. 14 at The Leverage flagship on Los Angeles’ La Brea Avenue.
Hong Kong Fashion Week Celebrates Chinese New Year
Trade shows
Hong Kong Fashion Week coincides with upcoming Chinese New Year.
Monday, January 14
Carroll & Co. To Shutter on Jan. 26
After a run of almost 70-years, Beverly Hills, Calif.-headquartered menswear store Carroll & Co. is calling it quits.
Friday, January 11
RAW to Celebrate 10-Year Anniversary in DTLA
EVENTS
Returning to the city where it began, artists' showcase RAW will return to downtown Los Angeles to celebrate its 10-year anniversary on March 20.
Thursday, January 10
Two Boots Pizzeria Building To Be Demolished
We said goodbye to the downtown Los Angeles Two Boots pizzeria last year. Get ready to say goodbye to the building that housed it.
Top-10 Trends for Pre-Fall 2019
Pre-Fall 2019 Trends
Pre-Fall collections are usually a great place to research emerging looks that will satisfy consumers’ hunger for newness while remaining approachable and wearable.
Coats Thread Company Acquires ThreadSol and Opens Innovation Hub
Manufacturing
Coats, the British industrial-thread manufacturer who has been on an acquisition binge, recently acquired for $12 million ThreadSol, a cloud-based digital-applications provider, which becomes a part of Coats Global Services.
Hybrid Apparel Names New CEO
Manufacturing
Hybrid Apparel, the Cypress, Calif., company that does all kinds of casual clothing, announced it has a new chief executive.
Could Charlotte Russe Be Up for Sale or Headed for Bankruptcy?
Retail
After restructuring its debt by more than 50 percent last year, Charlotte Russe Holding Inc. could be up for sale or headed for bankruptcy restructuring.
Lenzing and Hyosung to Launch Sustainable Collection at ISPO Munich
Textiles
Austrian textile firm Lenzing and South Korea’s Hyosung fabrics are partnering on a new collection that brings greater comfort through more options in activewear and intimate apparel manufactured through a process that reduces the impact on the environment.
Swim Collective and Active Collective Offer an Opportunity for Brands to Plan for 2019
Blending Swim + Active
During the Swim Collective and Active Collective shows held Jan. 7 and 8 at the Anaheim Convention Center, buyers and manufacturers from the swimwear and activewear industries met to plan their 2019 partnerships as the two segments become increasingly intertwined.
Retail Sales in December See Mixed Results
Retail
December’s business is a crucial part of the holiday season’s sales, but for some retailers sales dipped from last year.
Fashion Star Simon Spurr to Lead 7 For All Mankind’s Design
Manufacturing
Simon Spurr, a seasoned fashion designer who has worked at Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Kent and Curwen, has been named global creative director of Los Angeles–headquartered denim brand 7 For All Mankind.
Wednesday, January 9
Google Takes Over Former Westside Pavilion
Google developed campuses in Los Angeles' Venice and Playa Vista neighborhoods. Now the tech giant is going to take over a mall.
Tuesday, January 8
The North Face Unveils New Breathable Waterproof Fabric
Textiles
The North Face unveils FutureLight, a new breathable waterproof material.
Monday, January 7
Construction Beginning On DTLA Vans Flagship
Barricades recently went up for a Vans flagship in downtown Los Angeles. Located on the ground floor of 808 S. Broadway, the upcoming Vans emporium will open on one of the hot corners for downtown Los Angeles retail.
Hybrid Apparel Names New CEO
Hybrid Apparel names veteran retailer as new chief executive.
Could Charlotte Russe Be Up for Sale or Headed for Bankruptcy?
After restructuring its debt by more than 50 percent last year, Charlotte Russe Holding Inc. could be up for sale or headed for bankruptcy restructuring.
Friday, January 4
Retail Seasonal Hiring Down From Last Year
Retail
A tight labor market made it hard to find seasonal retail workers this holiday season.
Thursday, January 3
Vans Kicks Off Its 10th-Annual Custom Culture Competition
EVENTS
Now in its tenth year, the Vans Custom Culture campaign launched Jan. 2, affording an opportunity for high-school students to create extraordinary shoe designs for cash prizes from the Costa Mesa, Calif., action-sports apparel brand.
Salt Life Debuts First-Ever Women’s Swimwear Line
Swim/Surf
For years, Salt Life has concentrated on outfitting people active in die-hard water sports such as saltwater fishing, where its technical fishing shirts offer sun protection.
Seea Rides into SIMA Awards With Several Nominations
Seea’s SIMA Noms
Southern California surf brand Seea might be the independent label that makes the biggest splash at the 15th annual Surf Industry Manufacturers Association SIMA Awards.
Johnny Was: Carrying the Boho Look Over to Swimwear
Swimwear at Johnny Was
The world of Johnny Was is all about embroidered clothing with a certain boho look that has been a strong selling point for the Los Angeles label since it was founded in 1987.
Apparel Makers Feel the Rush to Bring in Goods From China Early
Import/Export
With additional tariffs on Chinese imports being threatened, Los Angeles clothing makers are feeling the pinch to bring in goods earlier to save money.
The/Studio’s On-Demand Platform Wants to Reduce Turnaround Time for Apparel
On-Demand Efficiency
Now in its fifth year, Los Angeles–based The/Studio is gaining momentum by streamlining apparel production with its product-development and on-demand manufacturing platform.
Power 2 The Flower: Cultivating a Community of Female Artisans
Swim/Surf
After 18 years of working in private-label swimwear, Esther Maya, the owner and creative director of RW Designs, Inc., wanted to start her own line. With a Los Angeles–based team of 12 to 15 employees, Maya set out to create a brand that celebrates women.
Revly: Building Confidence Through Simple Cuts in Swim
Swim/Surf
While swimwear brand Revly launched in June 2018, its mission was established in 2017 when San Diego native and former Division I volleyball player Jordan Robbins started writing a blog confronting the body-image issues she and her friends experienced.
Snapper Rock Grows Its U.S. Presence With Hire of DeAnna Lamphere
Swim/Surf
As safety becomes more stylish, swimwear brand Snapper Rock is carving out a large area of the swimwear industry for its line of apparel, which offers UPF 50+.
Furla Opens 1st California Store at South Coast Plaza
Italian accessories house Furla opened its first California shop Jan. 3.
Not of This Earth by Tracey Mills Launches Exclusively With PacSun
FASHION
After working with celebrities such as Kanye West and Rihanna, fashion entrepreneur Tracey Mills has launched Not of This Earth—a new brand available exclusively through PacSun.
