Tuesday, November 26
Will Smith Unveils Bel-Air Athletics' 2nd Collection
So far, we haven’t heard of a reunion show for The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
High-End Resaler To Be Continued to Robertson
High-end resale boutique To Be Continued opened a location on Los Angeles’ Robertson Boulevard earlier this month.
In West Hollywood, Small Business Saturday will Co-Star Elisabeth Rohm
After Black Friday, a lot of towns across the country will participate in Small Business Saturday, a day devoted to local, independent businesses.
Monday, November 25
DTLA Brands Cultivated at Workaholic Pop-Up
Workaholic looks like a drab office space, but it's intended to be the backdrop for new brands from downtown Los Angeles
LVMH Acquires Tiffany & Co.
In what is being called the biggest deal in the history of the luxury goods market, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE acquired Tiffany & Co. for $16.2 billion, it was announced Nov. 25.
Friday, November 22
Carhartt, Golden Age to Los Angeles’ La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles’ La Brea Avenue has long been a fashion hub, most recently with shops for high streetwear styles.
Thursday, November 21
SIA Acquires Two Consumer Shows
Trade Shows
Snowsports Industry America, a nonprofit trade association, recently announced that it was going to get into the consumer-show game.
OCC Approves CIT Subsidiary’s Acquisition of Omaha Bank
Finance
Following its approval by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, New York–headquartered financial-holding company CIT Group Inc. announced that it would complete the acquisition of Mutual of Omaha Bank, which is based in Omaha, Neb.
Delicate Handmade Treasures by Dakota Jinx Add Glamour to Sustainable Garments
Sustainable Treasures
An admiration for glamourous clothing has been a characteristic of Los Angeles native Dakota Jinx Falkenburg Solt Locke’s personality for as long as she can remember.
Strong Consumer Spending To Support Solid Holiday Season, Forecasters Said
‘Tis the Season
Apparel-industry forecasters are looking ahead during the final quarter of 2019, as they foresee a strong Holiday-shopping season with reports estimating higher numbers over last year.
AAFA Echoes Industry Sentiment in Letter to CBP Regarding Proposed Footwear Duty
Import/Export
Escalating current tariff and trade drama, the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection proposed a revocation of two previous rulings on the definition of athletic footwear, widening the range of these types of shoes, which will thereby increase costs for these products that were previously not subject to athletic-footwear duties.
The Webster Heads to Beverly Center in 2020
Retail
Luxe, multi-brand retailer The Webster is scheduled to open an 11,000-square-foot flagship at the Beverly Center in Los Angeles, it was announced Nov. 20.
Sol Angeles Launches Support California Culture Party
After about a decade in business making clothes with a casual California style, the Sol Angeles label is going to a deeper dive into the state’s culture.
Macy’s Reports Declines For 3rd Quarter
Retail
Macy’s Inc. reported a same-store sales decline for its third quarter and lowered its annual sales and EPS guidance for its 2019 fiscal year. The results were released on Nov. 21.
Port of L.A. Working with Danish Port to Strengthen Sustainability
Manufacturing
The Port of Los Angeles, ranked as the No. 1 container port in the United States, announced that it has entered into a five-year memorandum of understanding with the Copenhagen Malmö Port AB, which manages ports in Denmark and Sweden, to collaborate on sustainability and environmental issues.
Gap Inc. 3rd-Quarter Sales Drop 4 Percent
Retail
A couple of weeks after the resignation of Art Peck, the former Gap Inc. chief executive officer, the San Francisco–headquartered specialty retailer announced that same-store sales for its 2019 third quarter declined 4 percent, said Robert J. Fisher, Gap Inc.’s interim president and chief executive officer.
All Good Feels Mixes Street, Active & Contemporary Looks
Manufacturing
Vintage-style concert T-shirts seem to exist in a completely different fashion category than activewear, which is designed to outfit high-intensity workouts. But the Los Angeles–headquartered brand All Good Feels made both activewear and concert-style tees for its debut collection.
Levi Strauss & Co Strengthens Chemical Screening
More-sustainable LS&Co.
Levi Strauss & Co. has worked for more than 18 years to cut harmful chemicals from its manufacturing process. The San Francisco–headquartered denim manufacturer recently announced that it would work to guarantee higher levels of chemical testing and screening in its supply chain by using a new certification system.
Fred Segal Unveils Pop-Up for Influential Japanese Retailer Beams
Influential Japanese retailer Beams has opened shops in Hong Kong and Bangkok, for the first time, Beams put together a major display in the Los Angeles area.
Wednesday, November 20
Vans Says Take The Day Off & Do Something Creative
Nov. 21 is scheduled to be the first Annual Vans Checkerboard Day.
Tuesday, November 19
Rick Owens' Book Signing Turns Into Homecoming Party
It was the last stop of Rick Owens’ book tour for Legaspi.
Friday, November 15
Skechers Releases Premium Heritage Limited Edition Collection
MANUFACTURING
After a successful September launch of the Premium Heritage One collection, the Skechers Premium Heritage line returns with a limited-edition Holiday collection, blending Skechers popular outsoles with more-luxurious materials.
Black Design Collective Hosts Pop-up Event at FIDM Museum
FASHION
Promoting the work of 10 Black Design Collective member designers, the organization hosted a pop-up showcase at the FIDM Museum, located at the downtown Los Angeles campus of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, connecting the public with these accomplished Los Angeles-based fashion creatives.
Thursday, November 14
Q&A: Not Too Overwhelming, Not Too Tiny— What Trade-Show Size Is Just Right?
Trade Shows
A shift has been occurring along the trade-show circuit over the last few years as many larger apparel-industry expositions are becoming more segmented, turning toward a shows-within-a-show model, catering to buyers who want to shop around without a particular buying mission.
Tukatech Founder Sareen Introduces Tukatalks
Technology
Ram Sareen, founder and chairman of the Los Angeles–based fashion-technology company Tukatech, announced Nov. 14 that he will host a web show and podcast called “Tukatalks,” which will be devoted to shop talk and discussions covering best business practices from fashion-industry executives.
Two Friends Create a Local Athletic-Apparel Legacy in L.A.
Manufacturing
Upon meeting in 2014, Jordan Cheesman and Micah Tootoo discovered they shared mutual interests regarding sports and fashion. During his career, Cheesman gained fashion experience in styling and retail sales, while Tootoo studied biomedical textiles at North Carolina State University. Though Cheesman hails from Seattle and Tootoo is originally from North Carolina, the men appreciate the work and legacy of the creative professionals who support the artistry and high-quality garment craftwork in Los Angeles.
With Festive Fashion, Amid Executive Change, True Religion Unveils Holiday Collection
True L.A. Holiday
Launching its Holiday 2019 collection—amid the chief executive appointment of Michael Buckley—Los Angeles’ True Religion kicked off the season with pieces that sparkle, shimmer and inspire cozying up California style during winter.
Labeltex’s New Sustainable Offerings Contribute to an Eco-Friendlier Supply Chain
Notions
Passionate about the work he does through the company where he is partner, Michel Imani has watched his business grow into an operation where the focus is more than simply creating labels. At Los Angeles’ Labeltex Mills, Inc., Imani has noticed a shift toward sustainability that is shaping the future of the nearly 26-year-old company.
Forum, a Retail-As-A-Service Shop, Opens on Melrose
A D2C Forum
Forum, a tech-enabled bricks-and-mortar boutique, officially opened Nov. 15 across the street from the Melrose Place designer district in West Hollywood, Calif.
Z Supply Homepage Opts Not To Do Sales on Black Friday
Retail
Bucking business as usual on Black Friday, Z Supply, LLC, an Irvine, Calif.–headquartered fashion house, will not do business at its direct-to-consumer channel, www.zsupplyclothing.com, for a 24-hour period on Nov. 29.
Former Oakland City Councilmember Wan to Lead Port of Oakland
Import/Export
It was announced Nov. 14 that Danny Wan, a former Oakland, Calif., city councilman was named executive director of the Port of Oakland. He had been serving as the port’s interim executive director for the past year.
New Everlane Store. New Windsor Store
Black Friday is a couple of weeks away and some retailers have opened new shops before the big shopping day.
United For Respect Aims To Organize Retail Workers
Retail
Fast-fashion stores often get criticized by environmentalists, but in the past two months H&M and Forever 21 have been the targets of protests from labor groups. Last month, H&M employees held a demonstration outside of a store in Pasadena, Calif.
NPD Group Forecast Profitable, But Bumpy Holiday Season
Retail
Sales for the upcoming holiday season will increase 2.7 percent over the 2018 holiday season, according to a recently released survey from market researchers The NPD Group, but the pace of the holiday season is going to feel like a roller-coaster ride. Expect big peaks and valleys in the 28 days of the official holiday sales season, which officially starts the night of Thanksgiving and ends on Christmas.
ULA Aims to Flex Fashion in Activewear & Denim
Manufacturing
After working for more than a decade as a personal trainer, Eric Cooper thought it was time to make a statement about the way men dress in the gym.
Before Making Bespoke Suiting For Celebs, Richfresh Founder Bounced Back From Homelessness
Richfresh Redemption
There has been an uptick in interest in bespoke suiting over the past decade, and one of the players in this game calls himself “Fresh.”
Shop & Dine 2019
Trade Shows
Trade shows can mean high pressure for retailers as the research and buying decisions they make can spell success for a season or mean a mad dash to replace a line that isn’t performing well. But even those on fast-paced buying trips need to take some time to eat and relax.
Wednesday, November 13
Holidays Start in Beverly Hills with BOLD
Coming up on Nov. 14, Beverly Hills’ third annual BOLD Holidays program will produce a fireworks show and holiday music concerts to start the Holiday Season.
Tuesday, November 12
Volcom To Outfit U.S. Snowboard Team
After 20 years or so of making outerwear and snowboarding clothes, Volcom has reached a summit.
Friday, November 8
Zenni x Cynthia Rowley Launches in Time for Holiday
ACCESSORIES
Online eyewear brand Zenni partnered for the first time with fashion designer Cynthia Rowley on a limited-edition capsule that launched in time for Holiday.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Dresses Take Bow at Zunino Atelier's AIDS Event
EVENTS
Mark Zunino Atelier Produced a One-Off event for Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation on Nov. 7. The event was a success and bittersweet. Mark Zunino recalled making dresses for Taylor and her courageous work for AIDS research.
Thursday, November 7
Peck Exits Gap
Retail
After an almost 15-year run at Gap Inc., which included four years as its president and chief executive officer, Art Peck is leaving the giant specialty retailer. The San Francisco–based company’s board of directors announced Nov. 7 that Peck will step down from his leadership position and from the company’s board.
CALA Winds Down Its 2019 Show Schedule With San Francisco Edition
CALA S.F.
While the November San Francisco edition of the CALA trade show isn’t its final event of the year, it is the final installment in the city where it began, and event organizers are looking to finish 2019 strong as buyers and exhibitors become excited about opportunities that lie ahead in 2020.
Performance-and-Active Sourcing Arrive in Portland at Functional Fabric Fair
Trade Shows
Launching in Portland at the Oregon Convention Center Oct. 22–23, Functional Fabric Fair—powered by Performance Days unveiled its performance-specific trade-show model on the West Coast.
Guess? Announces New CFO
Manufacturing
Katie Anderson was recently named chief financial officer for denim and contemporary lifestyle brand Guess?, Inc., which is headquartered in Los Angeles. She replaces Sandeep Reddy, who will serve Guess until Dec. 1. Anderson will assume the brand’s CFO responsibilities on Dec. 2, said Carlos Alberini, Guess’s chief executive officer.
A Wave of Fantasy at FCI Student Show
School Colors
At the Oct. 10 FCI Fashion School student show, there was a wide exploration of fantasy-inspired looks. The event took place at the Phylm Studios event space near downtown Los Angeles and showcased styles of 11 students from the private fashion school, which teaches accelerated courses in fashion design and merchandising.
Contemporary Brand Christina Dienst Forges Its Own Sustainable Path
Manufacturing
To mark the official start of her self-named Christina Dienst label, the designer produced a pop-up shop in downtown Los Angeles’ Fashion District last month.
Surf Rides Into Uncharted Waters After a String of Consolidations
Surf Report
When it was announced on Oct. 29 that Nike Inc. had sold the influential Hurley International brand, it was the latest deal that had many surf watchers questioning the direction of the surf industry.
Crocker Exits Bldwn
Manufacturing
It was announced on Nov. 1 that Johnathan Crocker has left the Bldwn label, said Tommy James, the executive vice president and chief financial officer of the denim and lifestyle brand, which maintains its headquarters in Los Angeles. Crocker’s two-year contract expired on Oct. 31, James said.
Boardriders Contains Cyberattack
Technology
Boardriders Inc. confirmed that its computer systems were attacked recently. The Huntington Beach, Calif.–based action-sports juggernaut did not identify the nature of the tech attack or when it happened. In a statement, the company described the attack as one that was quickly contained.
L.A. County Sees Uptick in Vacancy
Retail
Vacancy for commercial properties hit 5.7 percent in Los Angeles County during the 2019 3rd quarter, according to a report released on Oct. 28 by commercial-real-estate services and investment firm CBRE.
Scrubs Brand Figs Sued by Competitor
Manufacturing
Figs started business in 2013 and made a splash by injecting fashion and contemporary styles into scrubs for medical personnel. Since its launch, it has grown into a company with 100 staffers and recently moved into a 27,000-square-foot headquarters in Santa Monica, Calif.
Wednesday, November 6
On Nov. 9, It Will Be Christmas at The Citadel
RETAIL
Halloween was just one week ago. Los Angeles temperatures are balmy enough to be beach weather; about somewhere in the 80s Fahrenheit. But if you’ll be swinging by Citadel Outlets, it might feel like Christmas.
Monday, November 4
ComplexCon At 4: Big Showcase & Party for Sneakers, Skate, Streetwear and Hip-Hop
EVENTS
The fourth annual Complexcon ran Nov. 2 -3 at Long Beach Convention Center. It was a retail pop-up market and fan convention for streetwear, high-end sneakers, skateboarding and hip-hop. It also was a space to spread the word on product launches.
And Just Before Vans Checkerboard Day, It's Vans Global Ambassador Charity Auction
Looking for something to do on Nov. 21?
Friday, November 1
Heidi Merrick Opens Her Ojai Property for Fashion Week
FASHION
Bypassing the mainstream circuit during Los Angeles Fashion Week, California's own Heidi Merrick welcomed guests to her Ojai, Calif., home to unveil her Spring 2020 collection.
