Thursday, May 30
Reef Unveils First Pride Collection to Support LGBTQ Community
FASHION
To commemorate June Pride Month, honoring the LGBTQ community, beach-and-surf footwear brand Reef launched its first Pride Collection, which will benefit PFLAG National.
Evolv Looks to Make Sense Out of Social Media With Software
Technology
Billions of dollars are spent on hiring social-media influencers to boost products on various Internet platforms such as Instagram and YouTube. And just like other forms of marketing, brands wonder if their money is being spent wisely.
Social-media Influencers Are the Drivers Behind Revolve Sales and Growth
Finance
Revolve, the online retailer planning to go public soon with an IPO, said in recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission that its revenues in 2018 were $498.7 million, up from nearly $400 million the previous year.
Pocket Square Clothing Acquires Clothing Manufacturer With Expansion in Mind
Bespoke Brand Building
Downtown Los Angeles’ Pocket Square Clothing started out doing business in 2011 making bow ties and pocket squares, eventually branching out to bespoke clothing.
Gap Sees Same-Store Sales for Key Brands Fall in First Quarter
Retail
The first quarter of 2019 did not go well for Gap Inc., the San Francisco purveyor of blue jeans and other casualwear.
The Disappearance of Dressbarn Emphasizes the Need for Manufacturers to Develop New Business Models
Retail
The recent announcement that Dressbarn was closing its chain of 650 stores drove home the growing dilemma for U.S. apparel manufacturers. There are just fewer retailers to sell to these days.
Fur Ban Bill Approved by California Assembly
Retail
California is closer to becoming the first U.S. state to ban the sale of fur.
Otis College of Art and Design Looking for a New President
Fashion
With the departure of Bruce Ferguson, the president of Otis College of Art and Design for four years, the educational institution is looking for a new, permanent president.
Miami Swim Week to Get a New Trade Show for Resort Collections
Trade Shows
Informa Markets, the people behind some of the biggest trade shows in the world, including MAGIC, is organizing a new event for Miami Swim Week this July.
Los Angeles Trade-Tech Students Celebrate Woodstock’s 50th Anniversary
Woodstock at LATTC
Love and peace were in the air at the annual Gold Thimble Fashion Show held May 24 in the south tent on the Los Angeles Trade-Technical College campus.
Exclusion of Turkey and India from GSP Could Bring New Sourcing Problems
New Tariffs
A great deal of attention has been paid to the issues surrounding the Trump administration’s move to impose up to an additional 25 percent higher tariff on certain goods entering the United States from China.
Here Comes The Summer Shop
The Summer Shop will match the fashion styles of Levi's and brands HVN and Liana.
Wednesday, May 29
Hurley x Carhartt Releases Summer Collection
FASHION
Following the launch of their first Outwork The Water collaboration in February, surf brand Hurley and workwear label Carhartt released the Summer 2019 Hurley x Carhartt collection.
Tuesday, May 28
Gray Malin Celebrates Summer Style with Splendid Collaboration and Book Launch
FASHION
Ahead of the official start of Summer 2019, West Hollywood, Calif., photographer Gray Malin collaborated on a collection of clothing with Los Angeles brand Splendid and launched his latest book of beach images.
Gildan’s American Apparel To Rock Out With Live Nation Partnership
Los Angeles-headquartered Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., calls itself the world’s largest producer of live entertainment. Last week, Gildan announced that its American Apparel division was going to be the official printwear partner for 16 Live Nation music venues and six music festivals.
Monday, May 27
Friday, May 24
Monique Lhuillier Moving Her NY Flagship
Retail
The new flagship is not far from her current flagship store on the Upper East Side.
Thursday, May 23
L.A. Premium Denim and Twill Supplier Artisan Cloth Opens New NYC Showroom
Manufacturing
Home to premium denim and twill textiles such as Kurabo and HW Textiles, Los Angeles–based supplier Artisan Cloth is expanding its presence in New York City.
Sustainability and Secure Trade: Guatemala Provides Supply-Chain Solutions for the Americas
Apparel Sourcing
As a country that benefits from the Dominican Republic–Central American Free Trade Agreement, Guatemala is preparing to see an increase in business from United States apparel brands that might need to shift sourcing partnerships away from China.
Denim House Isko to Enter U.S. Performance-Fabrics Market with Vital
Activewear
Leading denim producer Isko will enter a new market in the United States next month when it introduces Isko Vital, a four-way-stretch fabric that provides compression technology.
Boardriders to Lay off 40 People in Orange County, Calif.
Retail
Boardriders, the surfwear company, is laying off 40 employees according to records filed in early May with the state Employment Development Department.
Survey Finds Sustainability Affects Clothing Purchases
Manufacturing
The results of a survey of 7,300 men and women in various countries revealed that more shoppers are taking into account the role clothing brands are playing in sustaining the environment and preventing climate change.
Academy of Art University Students Take On Nature and the International Scene for Inspiration in Their Annual Fashion Show
International Inspiration
Students from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco presented their creative interpretations on fashion at their annual student fashion show.
Dressbarn to Close All Stores
Retail
Dressbarn, a chain of discount specialty stores, is planning to close its entire fleet of 650 stores across the United States. More than 40 of those stores are in California.
New Executive at Los Angeles Subscription Retailer DailyLook
Technology
Los Angeles–based fashion-subscription retailer DailyLook has been using a proprietary algorithm since 2014 to assemble boxes of premium denim and contemporary tops for women who don’t have time to shop.
Reed Exhibitions Shelves Agenda Festival
End to Agenda Festival
After a two-year run, the consumer show Agenda Festival was canceled by its producer, ReedPop, a division of Reed Exhibitions.
Paul Smith Goes Cinema With "Men In Black"
Secret agents wear suits in the fourth installation of the "Men In Black" franchise. Paul Smith gave these cinema detectives his idiosyncratic, sartorial style.
After a Successful Launch, F.A.K.E. Plans Additional Pop-up
FASHION
With a following of concerned, fashionable animal-rights advocates, F.A.K.E. launched its inaugural event in Los Angeles.
Wednesday, May 22
Parks Project x Jungmaven
For Parks Project's recent collaboration T-shirt collection, it went hemp.
Monday, May 20
Friday, May 17
Students in Flagstaff, Ariz., Win Vans Shoe Contest
Fashionable Footwear
The winners received $75,000 in prize money for their arts program at the high school.
Thursday, May 16
Woodbury University Celebrates 55th Annual Student Fashion Show
Architectural Influence
Architecture was the inspiration for this year’s Woodbury University student fashion show, where graduates were able to take what they spent years learning and display it on the runway.
The RealReal Appoints Four New members to Its Board
Retail
San Francisco luxury-resale company The RealReal announced it has named four new members to its board of directors.
Boyish Founder Jordan Nodarse Releases Spring 2019 Collection With Sustainability in Mind
Denim Sustainability
Los Angeles–based brand Boyish recently launched its new 30-piece Spring 2019 collection as a testament to its progress toward more eco-friendly jeans.
By Marta Goldschmied Leads the Bad Girl of Denim Into the Temptation of Vinyl
Manufacturing
With a new brand but same rebellious spirit, Marta Goldschmied is ready to forge her own path in the apparel industry.
Delta Galil Sees Sales Rise in First Quarter
Manufacturing
Delta Galil, the Israeli-based apparel company whose California labels include 7 For All Mankind, Splendid, Ella Moss and P.J. Salvage, reported a 9 percent increase in sales for the first quarter of 2019.
Proposed Tariffs on Chinese Goods Has the Apparel Industry Scrambling
Import/Export
Robert Jungmann has been importing hemp fabric from China for more than 20 years for the T-shirts he manufactures in Los Angeles.
What’s Next for the L.A. Fashion District and the California Market Center?
Retail
A renaissance is brewing in the Los Angeles Fashion District with the California Market Center and Los Angeles Street forecast to be major hubs in the area.
Retail Vacancies Are Up in L.A. County
Retail
Blame the closure of big-box stores for an uptick in retail vacancy rates in Los Angeles County during the first part of 2019.
A Celeb Edge for FCI Student Fashion Show
Sunshine Bright
An important story line for season 16 of the TV reality show “Project Runway” two years ago was the competition between designers Kentaro Kameyama and Brandon Kee.
Virtual Reality, Digitization and Social Media Shake Up Retail
Retail
The future of retail is looking like a chapter out of a science-fiction novel.
New Company Formed to Help Evaluate Fashion Industry Sustainability
Retail
The world’s fashion industry is falling behind in its goals to become sustainable and environmentally friendly, according to a manifesto released this week by several environmental fashion organizations including Global Fashion Agenda and the Sustainable Apparel Coalition.
April Retail Sales Turn in Solid Results
Retail
April retail sales climbed a healthy 5.2 percent over the same period last year with sales influenced by holidays such as Easter.
SIMA Announces Waterman's Honorees
Every industry seems to have its awards ceremony. For Southern California’s surf biz, it’s Waterman’s.
Wednesday, May 15
The Changing Tides of Trade Shows
Trade Shows
Trade shows have evolved over the last decade to include more technology, multisensory experiences, event apps and interactive connections with attendees. We caught up with executives from some of the most important industry trade shows to paint a picture of what has changed on the trade-show scene in the past decade and what tech aspects are making an appearance.
Shop & Dine
Retail
The only trade-show experience that is more satisfying than closing that most important deal is a rewarding meal or shopping excursion at fresh, new restaurants and boutiques. Apparel-industry trade shows are exciting but can be exhausting after a long day on the event floor. Recharging every day with a delicious meal with friends or colleagues and enjoying some personal time to explore new retail destinations keeps energy levels high.
Nasty Gal Launches Plus Swim Featuring Tara Lynn in Campaign
FASHION
With today's launch of the new Plus Swim collection, Los Angeles-based clothing brand Nasty Gal unveiled its latest campaign featuring model Tara Lynn.
Virtual Super Land x Fred Segal
Like those special effects in your movies? Virtual Super Land wants to produce some moving special effects on your T-shirts.
Tuesday, May 14
Monday, May 13
John Elliott Unveils West Hollywood Flagship
Last week, John Elliott opened his first bricks-and-mortar boutique.
Friday, May 10
Related Garments – All In the Family
The Related Garments brand will be exploring the theme of the word "related."
Thursday, May 9
Atelier & Repairs x Candiani Denim Celebrate Capsule Collection
FASHION
Celebrating their capsule collaboration Atelier & Repairs and Candiani Denim invited denimheads to learn how their partnership reduces denim waste.
How Far Will Tariff Expansion Go?
Import/Export
As the Trump administration threatened to again raise tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports as soon as May 10, many were wondering how far it would go and what it would cost the American consumer.
Trina Turk Celebrates 10 Years of Retail in Northern California
Retail
Los Angeles designer Trina Turk opened her first store in 2002 with a location in Palm Springs, Calif.
Rent the Runway Offers ‘Ultimate Dream Closet’ at New San Francisco Flagship
Retail
New York–headquartered Rent the Runway has arrived in San Francisco, launching a flagship to serve the company’s third-largest subscription market.
Women in Apparel Technology—How Far Have They Come?
Technology
In 2018, two female researchers studied women in technology and asked this question: Do technology companies alienate women in recruiting sessions?
Global Denim Brings Its Manufacturing Expertise to Los Angeles
Global Denim L.A.
As a 25-year-old denim manufacturer, Global Denim knows about navigating changes within the apparel industry. Committed to using more ecologically sound production, the Mexico City–based company adheres to a policy of using aniline-free indigo dye, which yields a product that is less abrasive to sensitive skin and less harmful to workers during the production process.
CFF Recognizes Fresh Design Talent During Scholarship Luncheon
Events
The California Fashion Foundation held its 2019 Scholarship Luncheon at the California Market Center to hand out awards to a number of California fashion students. As the philanthropic arm of the California Fashion Association, CFF has been honoring student designers for 16 years.
Octavio Carlin Makes Ready-to-Wear Comeback in Los Angeles
RTW by Octavio Carlin
Los Angeles designer Octavio Carlin is getting theatrical with his latest venture.
Otis Students Design for Stars, Surrealism and Casual Looks
Star Pupils
Students from Otis College of Art and Design showed off their creations at the annual scholarship benefit and fashion show at the school’s campus. Ralph Lauren designers were the mentors for these creations.
Wednesday, May 8
The DTLA Return of Hex
The independent brand is scheduled to make a return to the neighborhood on May 10.
Tuesday, May 7
Monday, May 6
Max Azria, Founder of BCBGMaxAzria Group, Passes Away in Houston
Founder of BCBGMaxAzria, passes away.
Friday, May 3
Swap Society Goes Global at Los Angeles Event
EVENTS
Winding down Fashion Revolution Week, which was observed April 22-28, Swap Society hosted the Global Swap Event Los Angeles, where attendees discussed responsible apparel sourcing.
Thursday, May 2
Fabletics Debuts First New York Retail Location With Soho Pop-up Shop
FASHION
As part of its 2019 retail expansion, Los Angeles-based active-lifestyle brand Fabletics opened its first New York location with a SoHo pop-up shop.
Halston Goes to the Desert for Pre-Fall 2019
Desert Dreaming
The Los Angeles–based Halston label looked to the desert for some of its pre-Fall 2019 inspiration.
Designers Calvin Klein and Donna Karan Talk About Their Brands at Annual Beverly Hills Finance Conference
Fashion Designers Talk
In 1968, Calvin Klein founded his self-named fashion company and spent years building up a brand that became renowned for style, sophistication, and sexy jeans and underwear ads.
Brokedown Clothing Finds Success With Quirky Phrases
Manufacturing
When Jodi Benavidez started her clothing company, Brokedown Clothing, her collection of T-shirts, tanks and sweatshirts was known for its buttery fabrics and clever graphics that had a beach vibe or a Western feel.
Reyn Spooner and Southern Tide Partner on a Coast-to-Coast Collection
Manufacturing
Hawaiian–style apparel label Reyn Spooner has entered into a partnership with Greenville, S.C., coastal lifestyle brand Southern Tide.
VF Corp. Separates Denim Labels Into a Separate Business, Including Rock & Republic
Manufacturing
VF Corp. announced it is separating VF Jeanswear from its parent company and making it a part of a new company called Kontoor Brands, Inc.
UpscaleHype Co-founder Named Artistic Director of True Religion
Manufacturing
Los Angeles apparel brand True Religion announced the hire of luxury-streetwear expert Allen Onyia as its artistic director.
On the Eve of a New Product Launch, Hingeto Revolutionizes Drop-Ship Technology
Technology
Since its founding in 2015 by Leandrew Robinson, Ismail Maiyegun and Yaw Owusu-Barimah, Oakland, Calif., drop-ship technology company Hingeto has been revolutionizing direct-to-consumer apparel manufacturing. Drop-ship supply-chain management allows retailers to order only the amount of goods that customers are demanding.
Hamabla Experiences Bricks-and-Mortar Success With Beach Pajamas
Manufacturing
Following the successful 2017 launch of her direct-to-consumer beach-lifestyle brand called Hamabla, Joelle Maynard decided to introduce the Beach Pajamas collection during the Fall/Winter 2018 season.
Arts District Pioneer Carl Louisville Heads to Westfield Century City
Retail
Carl Louisville’s pioneering store Guerilla Atelier proved that luxury and pricy avant-garde clothes could be sold in a neighborhood located a few blocks away from downtown’s Skid Row.
M.Fredric at 40: Looking for New Vistas in Bricks and Mortar
M.Fredric at 40
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, M. Fredric will hold a private party on May 4 at The Village at Topanga retail center.
Wednesday, May 1
Veronica Beard Opens in Palisades Village
More stores are opening at Caruso’s Palisades Village retail center in Los Angeles’ exclusive Pacific Palisades neighborhood.
