Friday, April 30
Project Announces Fresh Focus to Its Debut at New July Event in Miami
TRADE EVENTS
Informa Markets Fashion’s contemporary men’s show Project will debut a fresh merchandising strategy, including the addition of women’s, during the new Project: Miami, which will be hosted at the city’s Fontainebleau Miami Beach July 10–12.
AG's Launch of The Jean Of Tomorrow Offers Biodegradable Denim Pieces
SUSTAINABILITY
With its latest release, The Jean Of Tomorrow, AG is offering 100 percent biodegradable denim to observe the brand's 20 years of sustainable manufacturing.
Trina Turk Docks Its Swim Line at Lunada Bay
Summer of Swim
As the swim season draws near, Trina Turk looks forward to new beginnings this summer while consumers seek the brand’s stylish options to enjoy sunny days.
Thursday, April 29
Sanuk Collaborates With Surfrider Foundation on Footwear Capsule
SUSTAINABILITY
A new capsule collection named Sanuk x Surfrider We Got Your Back brings together the Goleta, Calif., footwear brand with its longtime non-profit environmental partner.
Port of Los Angeles, Oakland Report Record Cargo Surge
Import/Export
The Port of Los Angeles and Port of Oakland both reported a record cargo surge in March.
Asesina Designs Looks to Lift Fashions for Woman Athletes
Manufacturing
In the past few years, more media attention has been paid to women’s sports and leading female athletes such as Serena Williams, Megan Rapinoe and Naomi Osaka, who have become mainstream celebrities. Osaka has inked deals to represent leading fashion and beauty brands. Williams and Rapinoe have developed their own fashion lines.
Liberty Fairs, LA Men’s Market Announce New Liberty Fairs: Los Angeles Event
Trade Shows
A new on-site trade-show experience is on the calendar with Liberty Fairs: Los Angeles, which will take place Aug. 4–5 with Liberty Fairs and LA Men’s Market rolled into a single show. The fresh event will take the place of Liberty Fairs’ semiannual appearance in Las Vegas, with the Los Angeles show also planned for February 2022.
Silq Smooths Out Transparency Issues Within the Apparel Supply Chain
Technology
Supply-chain management continues to evolve and, at the forefront of that evolution, San Jose, Calif.’s Silq leads the way. Founded in March 2020 by Ram Radhakrishnan, the company’s chief executive officer, and Kate Alexander, vice president of operations, the company serves as a manager of production, extending the reach of a client brand’s sourcing and merchandising abilities by utilizing the expertise of local industry professionals in India; Guangzhou, China; and Ho Chi Minh City.
Lezat Enjoys Giving Back Through Ethical, Eco Production
Lezat’s Ethical Apparel
Starting an apparel career as a factory owner can prove demanding for even the most-driven person, but Jaleh Factor wanted to do more. In 2020, after six years making private-label apparel for customers in the activewear, swimwear, knits and wovens categories, Factor decided to shift her business, Sewby, last year to create masks when the need for personal protective equipment soared with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Epson Pushes Ahead in Printer Innovation With New Releases
Technology
At Epson America, Inc., the first half of 2021 has seen the release of new printers that will serve the needs of an evolving apparel industry. Earlier this year, the company unveiled its SureColor F3070, an industrial direct-to-garment printer and, on April 13, it released its industrial-level SureColor F10070H 76-inch-wide dye-sublimation machine.
California Designers Named as Finalists for CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund
FASHION CARES
The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund announced its 2021 finalists on April 27 and Los Angeles-based designers were among those selected. Both House of Aama by Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka, and designer Kenneth Nicholson were among the 10 finalists for this year’s award.
Wednesday, April 28
Lenzing and RCGD Continue to Share Eco Couture at the Oscars
SUSTAINABLE FASHION
For the second consecutive year, fiber provider Lenzing and the sustainable-fashion advocacy group Red Carpet Green Dress joined together to bring more-sustainable options to elegant dressing during this year’s Oscars, which was held on April 25.
Tuesday, April 27
Timberland Aims to Build Footwear’s First Regenerative Rubber Supply System
SUSTAINABILITY
Timberland is aiming to build the world’s first regenerative rubber supply system for footwear by 2023.
Monday, April 26
New Watson Capabilities From IBM Afford Trustworthy AI to Businesses
AI FOR BUSINESS
Announcing new capabilities for its Watson business artificial-intelligence technology, Armonk, N.Y.-headquartered IBM revealed fresh approaches that it hopes will build trust in data and AI.
Thursday, April 22
Malibu Barbie x L*SPACE Capsule Celebrates the Doll's 50th Anniversary
SWIM & SURF
To celebrate Malibu Barbie’s 50th anniversary, Mattel teamed up with L*SPACE to release a limited-edition capsule on April 12.
Red Carpet Green Dress Launches RCGD App
SUSTAINABLE FASHION
Red Carpet Green Dress announced the launch of its digital RCGD App on Thursday. The application is currently available to download through the Apple Store and Google Play Store.
Wednesday, April 21
Second Spin by Outerknown Launches as the Brand's First Circular Collection
EARTH DAY
Ahead of this year's Earth Day on April 22, Culver City, Calif., Outerknown announced the release of its Second Spin circular-knits collection.
Tuesday, April 20
Mastercard Supports Women of Color With Multimillion-Dollar Investment
FUNDING UNDERSERVED BUSINESS LEADERS
Mastercard announced on April 20 its commitment to help further access to funding for Black women with a multimillion-dollar investment in Fearless Fund, created by women of color for women of color.
Maison Kitsuné Releases Its Own L.A. Style at New Store
RETAIL
The Maison Kitsuné brand opened its first West Coast store in Los Angeles’ Silver Lake neighborhood in February. The Paris-headquartered brand is already laying claim to some Los Angeles style.
Thursday, April 15
DJM Recapitalizes Lido Marina Village, Updates Center’s Looks, Stores
Retail
DJM, a lifestyle-retail-center developer with offices in Los Angeles and San Jose, Calif., recently announced a $70 million recapitalization of its Lido Marina Village retail center in Newport Beach, Calif.
Cooper Design Space To Remain Committed to Fashion, Owners Unveil New Company Name
Trade Shows
In a fast-changing downtown Los Angeles, the Cooper Design Space showroom building will maintain its focus on fashion, said the building’s management; however, the owners will be unveiling changes before May, such as a new name for the Cooper and its sibling buildings—The Hirsh Collective—as well as new websites, logos and social-media outreach.
For Spring 2021, Johnny Was Shares Bright, Bohemian, Desert-Inspired Styles
Desert Blossoms
For its Spring 2021 collection, Johnny Was sought inspiration from desert elements such as the beauty of a warm sunset set against a glorious cool blue sky.
Jim Watterson, Fashion Veteran and Beloved Los Angeles Cultural Icon
Remembering Jim Watterson
Upon the March 30 death of Jim Watterson in Rancho Mirage, Calif., Los Angeles’ fashion and humanitarian lights dimmed. A graduate of the University of Washington, Watterson was born May 12, 1935, in Seattle, moving to Los Angeles in 1964. A founding male-affiliate member of The Fashion Group International, New York, he joined the May Department Stores Company in 1977, serving 22 years, rising to vice president of public relations and special events.
Industry Focus: Technology—By the End of 2021, What Type of Technology Will Make the Largest Impact on the Fashion Industry and How Can Apparel Professionals Prepare?
Industry Focus: Technology
One of the most important lessons professionals in the fashion industry learned during the past year was the crucial role that technology plays in cultivating an apparel business. From supply chain and sourcing to design, manufacturing and retail, different technologies have helped save businesses in every corner of the industry.
Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas Opens in City’s Downtown
Trade Shows
In time for the return of on-site trade shows in 2021, International Market Centers hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 9 for its new Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas in the city’s downtown area. The $103.5 million project by IMC’s parent company, Blackstone, was completed over three years.
Levi’s Raises Outlook After Releasing First Quarter Results
Finance
Denim giant Levi Strauss & Co. continues to navigate the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. For its first financial quarter of 2021, released April 8, the brand reported net revenues of $1.3 billion, down 13 percent compared to the same quarter the previous year. The decline was attributed to closures of company-operated stores as well as third-party retail locations.
Onitsuka To Rodeo Drive, Other Brands Open New Stores
RETAIL
Japanese footwear-and-apparel brand Onitsuka Tiger opened its first West Coast flagship last month at 474 N. Rodeo Dr. in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Wednesday, April 14
Andrew Hanson Unveils Clothing That Speaks
ART MEETS FASHION BASICS
Andrew Hanson hopes to go beyond labels with Clothing That Speaks, his Los Angeles–based emerging fashion line that made its official debut in January.
Tuesday, April 13
Skechers to DTLA
RETAIL
Skechers, the Manhattan Beach, Calif.-headquartered footwear-and-apparel company, recently unveiled a sign for its new bricks-and-mortar store in downtown Los Angeles.
Monday, April 12
FreedomPay and Foot Locker Announce Partnership
CONTACTLESS PAYMENT
Seeking greater payment security and flexibility, the New York–headquartered Foot Locker, Inc., and Philadelphia’s FreedomPay announced that the FreedomPay Next Level Commerce platform would be implemented across the athletic retailer’s more than 2,000 stores in the United States.
Teller, a High-End Multi-brand Women’s Boutique, Opens at Platform
RETAIL
The multi-brand boutique was once the dominant business model for fashion retail. David Fishbein and Joey Miller, the co-founders of The Platform boutique retail center in Culver City, Calif., believe a lot of potential remains in the business model.
Friday, April 9
Bright L.A. Fashion Star Jiyeon Lee Designs for Shein
FASHION DESIGN
After working with brands such as Cult Gaia, Flynn Skye, Genetic Los Angeles and A.L.C., Los Angeles designer Jiyeon Lee is creating her own designs for Shein X, the fast-fashion e-tailer’s program that supports emerging artists.
Thursday, April 8
Meler Productions Goes Secret Agent With James Bond-Inspired Show
FASHION
About 68 years after the first James Bond novel was published, the world of the fictional secret agent continues to fascinate.
Wednesday, April 7
OC Fashion Week Pulls Out the Stops With Help From Pol’ Atteu Beverly Hills
FASHION EVENTS
OC Fashion Week produced its 24th season on March 22 with a group of designers who displayed Spring 2021 styles at The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean.
Tuesday, April 6
Los Angeles and Other Counties Relax COVID Restrictions, Retail Widens Capacity
EVENTS
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health gave the go ahead Monday for the area’s businesses to advance to the less-strict orange tier of COVID-19 restrictions.
Monday, April 5
Spring Blossoms for Ige's Paper Design House Brand
FASHION RETAIL
Helene Ige has been selling one-of-a-kind designs, homewares and objets d’art at her self-named Ige lifestyle gallery in Los Angeles. She also has been making fashion for the Paper Design House brand.
Friday, April 2
Le Brume Jardin Opens
RETAIL
Le Brume Jardin, a new Los Angeles-based sustainable jewelry, clothing and accessories store, recently took a bow.
Thursday, April 1
Luxury Brands Partner With The RealReal for Earth Month Upcycled Collection
LUXURY RESALE
The beginning of April ushers in the start of Earth Month and, to celebrate, The RealReal announced a partnership with eight luxury brands to present the inaugural release of pieces from its new ReCollection upcycling program.
CGS Welcomes Daniella Ambrogi as Global Marketing Director
Technology
New York–headquartered Computer Generated Solutions recently announced the hire of Daniella Ambrogi as the company’s global marketing director. In her role, Ambrogi will be responsible for CGS’ global marketing strategy for fashion, footwear, accessories and consumer-lifestyle goods.
Matthew Mathiasen Promoted to CMC Senior Events Manager
Trade Shows
Downtown Los Angeles’ California Market Center recently announced the promotion of Matthew Mathiasen to the role of senior events manager. A fashion and events veteran, the role is a natural fit for Mathiasen, who has spent much of his career devoted to this space, most recently as the CMC’s manager of buyer and community relations, a position that he fulfilled since joining Brookfield Properties, the site’s property manager, in 2018.
Levi’s Brings Back the Levi’s Red Collection
Retro in Red
As fashion continues to trend toward the 1990s, Levi Strauss & Co. envisioned a new approach to its Levi’s Red collection, which was released late in the decade, as it relied on silhouettes similar to the original with modern sustainable fabrications.
B2B E-Commerce Marketplace Heats Up As NuOrder Announces Major Investment
Technology
The market for business-to-business e-commerce platforms has been heating up in the last year. The Los Angeles–headquartered technology company NuOrder announced last month that it had raised $45 million in a round of funding led by venture capital firms Brighton Park Capital and Imaginary Ventures.
Jessica McClintock, Owner of the Eponymous Label of Formalwear
Remembering Jessica McClintock
Fashion designer Jessica McClintock passed away on Feb. 16, according to a notice that was published March 12 in the SFGate.
Industry Focus: Finance--Where Should Fashion Businesses Focus for Smart Economic Recovery?
Industry Focus: Finance
With the world turning over a new, progressive leaf following the COVID-19 pandemic, optimism seems to be on the trend calendar for 2021. As vaccines are distributed to more people, extreme measures of caution are beginning to dissipate as the general public exhibits an increased feeling of safety.
Saitex’s Sustainable Plant Aims to Help Bring Back U.S. Manufacturing
Manufacturing
The Vietnam-headquartered company Saitex recently opened a denim facility in Vernon, Calif., just south of downtown Los Angeles. Saitex USA, a 52,000-square-foot denim plant, will serve as a factory of the future, said Sanjeev Bahl, the company’s chief executive officer and founder.
After 30 Years, Asher Fabric Concepts Continues to Drive Innovation
Textiles
When Asher Shalom visited some family members in Los Angeles in 1988, he surveyed the metropolis’s fashion scene and saw an industry that had excelled at milling fleece and denim, but he thought that the city’s business had been coming up short in milling novelty fabrics. Shalom had fallen in love with Los Angeles after visiting from his native Israel and wanted to move to the City of the Angels. He believed he had something to add to the city’s fashion business through his background in fabric engineering. He started the novelty mill Asher Fabric Concepts in 1991.
Economic Report Details Pandemic Devastation To California Fashion
Finance
A recent report from the Otis College of Art and Design provided details regarding how California’s creative businesses, including fashion, were dealt major setbacks during the spread of COVID-19 and how these industries were faring just before the pandemic.
