Friday, July 31
FashionGo to Launch Virtual Trade Show FashionGo Week
TRADE SHOWS
A virtual-retail veteran is entering the digital trade-show space as event producers continue to explore alternatives to on-site apparel-industry forums. Los Angeles-based FashionGo recently announced that it would produce FashionGo Week Aug. 24-Sept. 6.
Melanie Cox Named to Board of Revolve Group, Inc.
RETAIL
Revolve Group, Inc., an influential e-tailer of fashions for young women, announced July 29 that Melanie Cox would join the board of directors of the Cerritos, Calif.–based company.
Faire Announces Show Dates
TRADE SHOWS
The Faire Summer Market will run Aug. 26-27 on faire.com. This online trade show hopes to be a forum where independent retailers can work on orders from independent designers and brands.
Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA Develop Efficient Virtual Trade-Show Formula
TRADE SHOWS
Exchanging its space at New York City’s Javits Center for a virtual model, Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA hosted its inaugural digital event July 21-23.
Thursday, July 30
Fashion Designer Organizes Clean Up South Central
FASHION
Dime Jones designs a women’s contemporary line called Nior. She’s also gaining notice for non-profit Clean Up South Central.
Disney Launches Myriad of Mickey & Friends Products
MANUFACTURING
Disneyland has been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we’ll be seeing more of the major Disney cartoon characters.
Tuesday, July 28
Los Angeles Apparel Reopens After Public-Health Closure
MANUFACTURING
The Los Angeles County Public Health department gave a green light for Los Angeles Apparel to reopen after the blanks manufacturer had been officially closed for a few weeks.
Surf Expo Announces Virtual Trade Show After Canceling September Event
TRADE SHOWS
Surf and action-sports trade show Surf Expo announced that it will cancel its upcoming September event, which was scheduled to run Sept. 10-20 in Orlando, Fla., but in its place a new platform will emerge.
Elysewalker Announces New Store
RETAIL
After more than 20 years of serving as a fashion tastemaker and running the self-named Elysewalker boutiques, Los Angeles retailer Elyse Walker is opening another store.
Monday, July 27
SecChic, a New Digital Retailer, Opens Its Virtual Doors
RETAIL
Asian e-commerce brand incubator Handu Group introduced the new U.S. digital emporium SecChic on July 23.
Levi Strauss & Co.’s Anna Walker to Chair USFIA
MANUFACTURING
Anna Walker, vice president of public affairs at Levi Strauss & Co., was elected as chair to the United States Fashion Industry Association, said Julia K. Hughes, president of the Washington, D.C., trade group, on July 27.
Friday, July 24
Ascena Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Announces Closures of Justice, Ann Taylor and Others
RETAIL
Ann Taylor and Justice brand’s parent company, Ascena Retail Group, Inc., is the latest specialty retailer to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
U.S. Apparel Trade Associations Condemn Forced Labor in China
IMPORT/EXPORT
Leading apparel trade associations in the United States made a joint statement July 23 condemning forced labor in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in the People’s Republic of China. The group also stressed that it is a priority to guarantee that products made by forced labor do not appear in U.S. supply chains.
Kingpins Announces Cancellation of October Amsterdam Event
TRADE SHOWS
After announcing the cancellations of its May Hong Kong event and April Amsterdam edition, followed by the rest of its early and mid-2020 on-site event calendar, denim-industry event producer Kingpins hoped to return to on-site shows by October, but on July 23, the brand’s founder Andrew Olah announced that the denim world would have to wait.
Paul Smith Opens DTLA Store, Area Boutiques Reopen
RETAIL
After a long wait, a Paul Smith store opened on 844 S. Broadway in downtown Los Angeles.
Thursday, July 23
From Rio With Love, Bromelia Shares Its Vibrancy in Colorful Swimwear
Dreaming of Rio
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Bromelia Swimwear maintains its Carioca roots after a move to Los Angeles, as customers seek joy in bright colors with fun patterns to elevate the summer mood.
Hitting the Virtual Sand, Swim Trade Events Go Digital
Trade Shows
As the swimwear industry’s most-anticipated annual event, Miami Swim Week’s absence from the fashion calendar due to the COVID-19 pandemic left retailers, manufacturers, brands and event organizers wondering, “When will we meet again?”
From Trend-driven to Traditional, Swim Textiles Have It Covered
Textiles
Straight-forward classics and abstract patterns afford an array of options in swimwear sourcing.
Back to the Beach or Lying Poolside 2021 Makes an Impression
Fashion | Textiles
Whether found in acid pop, athletic and sexy, sporty ’80s or craft summer, beachwear in 2021 makes a statement.
Almost The Show Wants To Put Human Touch In Virtual Trade Show
Technology
A number of established, high-profile trade shows took the unprecedented step of canceling in-person events this summer because of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, they rallied with announcements of producing virtual trade shows to serve as substitutes.
INDUSTRY FOCUS: FINANCE, In the Midst of COVID-19, U.S. Businesses Take It One Day at a Time
Finance
At the beginning of July, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that June unemployment in the country fell to 11.1 percent from 13.3 percent in May, with employment in sectors including retail rising to 4.8 million following businesses reopening in many parts of the country. Recently, local governments in certain areas that have seen rising COVID-19 cases are rolling back their reopening plans, with businesses that serve particular sectors being forced to close again.
Shantelle Brumfield Sets Ethical Mission Through Yarn Movement’s Crocheted Swimwear
Yarn Swim Movement
After learning the artistry of crochet from her grandmother’s friend at the age of 12, Shantelle Brumfield found that this craft could create opportunities. A young entrepreneur by the time she entered high school, Brumfield—or S.LadyBug, which is the name she designs under—had developed a business bringing handmade goods to her classmates in Benicia, Calif.
After Facing COVID‑19 Shutdowns, Swim Retailers Look Toward Digital Opportunities
Retail
Since its founding in 2015, the swimwear shop Coast by Coast has always been a small operation. When sisters and co-owners Kristen and Lauren Cleary launched the store, they found themselves too busy to start an e-commerce shop.
Court Dismisses Challenge to S.F Fur Ban
Legal
A federal judge has thrown out a challenge to the City of San Francisco’s fur ban. The ban was unanimously approved by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 2018 and went into effect Jan. 1. The fur-ban movement has grown, and in December 2019 California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law banning the sale of fur products in the State of California.
The Webster Opens in Miramar Beach Hotel in Montecito
RETAIL
When the Rosewood Miramar Beach hotel opened last year, it started business with exclusive retail. The Webster, another exclusive retailer, opened at the resort recently.
Designer Patrick DiLascia Finds New Canvas For Fashion Humor in Masks
FASHION
For Patrick DiLascia, a Los Angeles designer who was featured on CNBC show “The Profit” in 2017, this year was going to be the time when he introduced a new fashion line called Bridge & Tunnel.
Bleu Rod Beattie Resort 2021 Reflects on 35 Years as the Designer Looks to the Future
Bleu Rod Beattie
While discussing the past seven months of extraordinary change in the fashion industry, Rod Beattie relays his gratitude for having a bit of luck.
Wednesday, July 22
Global Angel: In the Long Haul To Change the World With Style
MANUFACTURING
Amber Dawn Shopay started lifestyle brand Global Angel in 2018 to help raise funds to support relief from the Woolsey Fires which devastated parts of Malibu, Calif., and Ventura County, Calif.
Tuesday, July 21
Oaklandish Brand Joins Class Action Suit Against Insurer for Denying COVID-19 Claim
LEGAL
Known for its T-shirts and apparel, the Oaklandish brand made a business out of producing clothing bearing slogans of civic pride for the San Francisco Bay Area city Oakland, Calif., however, Angela Tsay, the brand’s chief executive officer and creative director, said that the 20-year-old company’s ability to cheer for its hometown may be hobbled by its insurance company.
Curve Cancels Its New York Lingerie Event
Trade Shows
As a number of important apparel trade events cancel their on-site summer and fall editions, Eurovet Americas’ Curve lingerie brand announced the cancellation of its September 2020 show.
Monday, July 20
Offprice Show Cancels Upcoming Las Vegas Edition
TRADE SHOWS
Prominent trade event the Offprice Show announced that it is joining other marquee shows such as Informa Markets Fashion and Liberty Fairs, by cancelling in-person editions in Las Vegas that were originally scheduled to take place this summer.
New Esports Team Xset Unveils Diverse Merch Program
MANUFACTURING
Competitive video gaming, or esports, has been growing in prominence with high-stakes prize money, $30.4 million for the 2019 Fortnite World Cup Finals, and influential esports-investors such as NBA legends Michael Jordan and Stephen Curry. Selling team merchandise is a big deal for this sports venture.
Bleu, A Veteran Boutique, To Los Angeles' Beverly Boulevard
RETAIL
After 22-years of selling contemporary women’s fashion on Los Angeles’ La Brea Avenue, the boutique Bleu moved a short drive away to 7378 Beverly Blvd.
Thursday, July 16
IMC To Keep Permanent Showrooms Open, But Suspends Temporary Trade Show
TRADE SHOWS
Following a series of cancellations for prominent in-person trade shows such as the Informa Markets Fashion events in Las Vegas and SwimShow in Miami, International Market Centers announced it was canceling temporary trade show features for its events scheduled in August for Atlanta and Las Vegas, but would keep its permanent showrooms in those cities open.
Artistic Milliners Takes Denim Production From the Earth to an Ecologically Sound Dye
MANUFACTURING
An innovator in the sustainable category of denim making, Artistic Milliners unveiled its most-recent advancement in ecologically sound practices.
Senreve's Campaign for Black Lives Matter
MANUFACTURING
San Francisco-headquartered Senreve, a direct-to-consumer luxe-accessories brand, hopes that its latest offering will support Black Lives Matter and shape a positive racial identity for children of color.
Wednesday, July 15
CMC Uploaded to Be Introduced for August Market
TRADE SHOWS
During the June run of L.A. Fashion Market, Moriah Robinson, the events director for the Los Angeles–based California Market Center, announced that the CMC would introduce a larger digital presence.
Faire, an Online Marketplace, Seeks To Be Help Hub During COVID-19 Crisis
RETAIL
Faire started out in 2017 as an online platform for small, independent retailers. Since the COVID-19 crisis, Faire has sought to also serve as a resource for retailers to navigate the crisis.
SwimShow Cancels October On-site Edition
TRADE SHOWS
The Swimwear Association of Florida revealed that its previous plans to host an October edition of SwimShow in Miami have been canceled.
Tuesday, July 14
After Health Dept. Closure, L.A. Apparel’s Charney Answers Critics
MANUFACTURING
Los Angeles Apparel Founder Dov Charney sought to defend himself, answer critics and reassure customers during an Instagram live talk on July 14.
Retail Crime At All Time High, According to NRF Survey
RETAIL
Retail crime, such as theft and online fraud, rose to $61.7 billion in 2019, an increase from the previous year when it was $50.6 billion, according to the annual National Retail Security Survey, which was released by the Washington, D.C., trade group National Retail Federation.
September Edition of IFJAG Canceled
TRADE SHOWS
The International Fashion Jewelry & Accessory Group announced the cancellation of its upcoming Las Vegas show, amid a shrinking on-site trade-show calendar for the second half of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
FIDM Museum Opens its Virtual Doors With YouTube Channel
EVENTS
The fashion school’s museum opened its virtual doors recently. It introduced a YouTube Channel, which will feature videos on museum exhibitions and talks with curators.
Monday, July 13
Los Angeles Apparel Plant Closed by L.A. County Dept. of Public Health
MANUFACTURING
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health ordered blanks manufacturer Los Angeles Apparel to remain closed after more than 300 of its workers were confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 and four employees died from the coronavirus.
Gov. Newsom Orders COVID-19 Retail Closures Again
RETAIL
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced July 13 that malls in 30 California counties, which include some of the state’s major population centers such as Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties, must close due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please Do Not Enter Opens Headquarters, A Private Appointment Boutique
RETAIL
COVID-19 pandemic, and the May 1 closure of a boutique by downtown Los Angeles’ Pershing Square contributed to the recent opening of Headquarters, a new concept store produced by Please Do Not Enter.
Friday, July 10
AAFA Urges National Policy on Face Masks
MANUFACTURING
The American Apparel & Footwear Association trade group sent President Donald Trump and other governmental groups a plea on July 10 to develop a national policy on usage of face mask standards for enclosed public spaces.
Informa Markets Fashion Announces Cancellation of September Las Vegas Events
TRADE SHOWS
Following its recent announcement of the cancellation of its September shows in New York City, due to COVID-19 concerns, Informa Markets Fashion announced July 10 that it would cancel the Sept. 30-Oct. 2 run of its Las Vegas MAGIC event and related brands.
Aritzia To Bring Super Puff Pop-Up To Los Angeles
RETAIL
An Aritzia pop-up shop is scheduled to be the next tenant to move into the former Fred Segal complex in Los Angeles.
Thursday, July 9
Textile Trends
Textiles
From glittering golds to sturdy, stylish denim, autumn textiles offer hues, prints and patterns that are bold, luxurious and beautiful.
Virtual Functional Fabric Fair Series to Launch With Mindful Trade-Show Mission
Trade Shows
The Functional Fabric Fair Powered by Performance Days is preparing to launch its virtual offering as digital trade events gain momentum due to COVID-19 cancellations of physical shows.
Kevan Hall Fall 2020 Elevates Fashion Into the Reaches of the Night Sky
Day to Night
With his Fall 2020 collection, Kevan Hall encourages clients to find joy in a new normal through shining brightly in his garments that were inspired by the beauty and wonder of the night sky.
As More Trade Shows Go Online, Fashion Companies Also Seek Digital Alternatives
Virtual Vendors
While a few in-person trade events such as L.A. Market Week have reopened, many other high-profile happenings have announced that their summer 2020 events have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The situation has left many trade-show producers and vendors going virtual.
Liberty Fairs Cancels August and September 2020 Shows
Trade Shows
The Liberty Fairs contemporary trade shows scheduled to take place in Las Vegas in August and New York City in September have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an announcement made July 8 to the high-end shows’ vendors and buyers.
Unprecedented Times. Unprecedented Learning.
Industry Voices: Fashion
During these extraordinary times, everyone’s lives have been upended in many ways. Like everything else, academia and higher learning have been disrupted, forcing educators to come up with creative and diverse methods of teaching and learning in this new remote environment.
Levi’s, Macy’s Sales Results Reflect Ongoing COVID-19 Challenges
Retail
Levi Strauss & Co. and Macy’s Inc. recently released results from the past financial quarter, which was dominated by store closures due to the pandemic.
NPD Survey Confirms Growth of Digital Commerce During Pandemic
Retail
An increase in digital shopping could have been predicted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The NPD Group released survey results on July 9 that reveals the size of the online shift.
Barefoot Dreams Opens Its First Bricks-and-Mortar Store in Malibu
RETAIL
Malibu, Calif.-area knits brand Barefoot Dreams opened its first flagship store recently. The Barefoot Dreams shop is located at The Park at Cross Creek near the Pacific Ocean.
FWSD Announces Virtual Runway Passes for October Event
FASHION
As Fashion Week San Diego continues to support its design community, the organization announced July 7 that it had launched its option to purchase virtual passes for its 2020 Runway Show.
After Working With Lil Wayne, Designer Debuts CWBY Studios
FASHION
Mike Morris helped shape the sartorial style of Lil Wayne and the designer is now based in Los Angeles, where he recently launched CWBY Studios, a new collection that is made locally in the city.
Wednesday, July 8
Kitson Opens Beverly Hills Shop
RETAIL
It looks like Kitson is ready to move beyond its neighborhood on Los Angeles' Robertson Boulevard
Tuesday, July 7
Monique Lhuillier to South Coast Plaza, Free Market to Runway Playa Vista
RETAIL
New high-end bricks-and-mortar retail is scheduled to open in Southern California this fall.
Ace Rivington Brand Introduces T-Shirt Collab Project With Adriano Goldschmied
MANUFACTURING
After more than six years in business, the Santa Barbara, Calif.-headquartered Ace Rivington label announced its first brand collaboration.
Monday, July 6
Lucky Brand Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
MANUFACTURING
Lucky Brand Dungarees, LLC, one of Los Angeles’ leading denim companies, filed for a Chapter 11 bankruptcy on July 3 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the District of Delaware, the 30-year-old apparel company announced.
Buttercloth Aims To Keep Cool With Icy Cotton
MANUFACTURING
There's a lot of ways to stay cool during a heatwave. Danh Tran of the Buttercloth brand recommends putting on one of his brand's Icy Cotton shirts.
Thursday, July 2
Thermore Introduces Ecodown Fibers Light and Ecodown Fibers 2.0
Since it started business in 1972, sustainability has been a focus for Thermore, a Milan-headquartered premium thermal insulation company, which specializes in making padding and insulation for apparel and outerwear.
California Companies Receive CFDA-Vogue Fashion Fund Lifelines
FASHION
Fashion companies looking for lifelines from the COVID-19 economic freeze found assistance with grants from A Common Thread CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund for COVID-19 Relief.
New Anti Social Social Club Collection to Benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles
MANUFACTURING
On July 4, to support mental-wellness initiatives that benefit local youth, Los Angeles streetwear brand Anti Social Social Club will launch a collaborative collection with Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles.
ThirdLove Seeks To Build Diversity in Executive Ranks With The TL Effect
EVENTS
ThirdLove recently announced The TL Effect. The program is aimed to support new, consumer-focused companies run by women of color.
Taryn Cossette’s Baroque, Cowgirl Styles
FASHION
With inspirations from vintage Western wear and the baroque fashions of 18th century European aristocracy, designer Ariel Taryn set a template for her brand Taryn Cossette, which started business in October 2019.
Wednesday, July 1
USMCA Takes Effect, Replaces NAFTA
IMPORT/EXPORT
As a replacement for the North American Free Trade Agreement, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement was implemented July 1.
Intimates Line Eats Lingerie Makes Its Debut
FASHION
Sales of lingerie have not taken as much of a hit as other categories in the apparel industry since the COVID-19 shutdown began in March, said Gemma May, creative director and designer for Eats Lingerie, a new Los Angeles brand of intimate pieces.
Trinidad3 and Vidalia Mills Launch American Selvedge
New American Selvedge
As the United States prepares for its Fourth of July celebration of independence, a new selvedge denim is launching stateside in the City of Angels on July 4.
