Thursday, February 25
NRF Forecasts Robust Retail Rally by Mid-2021
RETAIL
U.S. retail sales are forecast to make a big rally this year. Sales are expected to grow between 6.5 percent to 8.2 percent to more than $4.33 trillion, according to the National Retail Federation.
Fred Segal to Open Boutiques in New Las Vegas Casino
RETAIL
Resorts World Las Vegas will be the first new casino resort to open on the Las Vegas Strip in more than a decade. It was recently announced that Fred Segal was selected to develop and run boutiques at the casino.
Tuesday, February 23
SoundCommerce Closes $15 Million Series A Financing
E-COMMERCE
Continuing its growth within the consumer-retail industry, the data-platform provider SoundCommerce announced $15 million in Series A financing, aligning with its expansion through hiring, platform capabilities and customer engagement.
Novoloop Announces Groundbreaking Progress in Plastic-Waste Upcycling
SUSTAINABILITY
Formerly known as BioCellection, Menlo Park, Calif.’s Novoloop announced Feb. 23 an extraordinary advancement in sustainable manufacturing with the launch of XIRC.
Monday, February 22
NTWRK Platform and The Hundreds’ Family Style Festival to Support LA Restaurants With Virtual Show
EVENTS
In 2019, The Hundreds streetwear brand produced the inaugural Family Style Food Festival to showcase the tastes and cuisines of independent Los Angeles-area restaurants. Fast forward to a Los Angeles struggling under pandemic restrictions. The Family Style Food Festival will go on, but it will be a virtual festival that will be produced under the moniker of Family Style To Go.
Joor to Make Payment Features More User-Friendly on Its Platform
e-FINANCE
Joor, a digital-wholesale platform that serves as the technology partner for the Liberty Fashion & Lifestyle Fairs trade show, recently announced that its platform was going to become more user-friendly for financial transactions.
Honey, an E-Retail Company, Gets Into LA Galaxy’s Jersey Game
PARTNERSHIPS
Los Angeles-based e-retail company Honey announced a multi-year agreement to place its logo on the right sleeve of LA Galaxy’s home and away jerseys, which will take the field at the team's home, Dignity Health Sports Park, in Carson, Calif., when the MLS season starts on April 17.
Friday, February 19
Social-Media Star Laura Lee Unveils Fashion Line
INFLUENCER FASHION
Social-media influencers have captured the imaginations of many consumers by acting as the ambassadors for brands and fashion lines on Instagram and YouTube. A handful of these influencers also are taking the leap into designing their own fashions.
#ArtBlk by Dungeon Forward Features Collaborations With Black Artists
FASHION
Headwear brand Dungeon Forward introduced its #ArtBlk limited capsule collection that features work by Black artists Chuck Styles, XPayne, Melissa A. Mitchell and Nathan Delinois. The collection was launched as an introduction to the brand's new low-top variant of The Sunika Kuraun style.
Thursday, February 18
First Atlanta Apparel of the Year Sees Pre-Pandemic Traffic
Trade Shows
Exceeding expectations of show producers, the Feb. 2–6 edition of Atlanta Apparel at the AmericasMart in Atlanta saw buyer traffic that equaled January 2020 numbers. With visitors from 46 states, first-time buyers comprised 20 percent of those who attended the market.
Informa Markets Fashion Welcomes Industry to MAGIC Pop-Up Orlando
Trade Shows
Ready for showtime, Informa Markets Fashion hosted its MAGIC Pop-Up Orlando Feb. 9–11 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. The time had come to produce an on-site show that afforded opportunities for buyers and brands to meet in a safe environment that would employ guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to Informa Markets Fashion Commercial President Kelly Helfman.
WWIN Travels Across the U.S. to Bring the Industry Together in Person
Trade Shows
As the apparel industry emerges from a 2020 that saw on-site trade events halted, the Womenswear In Nevada event moved from its home in Las Vegas to present its WWIN Orlando Showcase Feb. 9–11 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
Offprice Show Produces Smaller Show to Solid Traffic in Orlando
Trade Shows
The COVID-19 pandemic inspired the Offprice show, a biannual Las Vegas trade event for value-priced women’s, men’s and kids’ apparel as well as footwear and jewelry to a new town and a new situation, where it shared convention space with the WWIN Orlando Showcase and MAGIC Pop Up Orlando Feb. 9–11 in Orlando, Fla.
MICAM Americas Places Footwear Options at MAGIC Pop-Up
Trade Shows
MICAM Americas offered a footwear source at a group of trade shows that ran Feb. 9–11 as the MAGIC Pop-Up at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Footwear ran the gamut from casual shoes to fashion styles with stiletto heels. Brands exhibiting included Bed|Stü, Matisse, Tamaris and Shu Shop.
Ready to Reunite the Apparel Industry, Trade-Event Producers Host On-site Events
Back to Business
The beginning of 2021 has included a return to on-site trade shows, as producers adhere to safety measures while affording opportunities for buyers and brands to discuss business strategy.
With High-Ranking Certified B Corp Status, Frank & Eileen Becomes Mission Focused
Manufacturing
Building her brand upon a foundation of high standards for luxury shirting, Frank & Eileen founder Audrey McLoghlin had aligned her company with many of the principles required by B Corporation Certification in corporate environmental and social awareness.
Generating Self-Pride and Cultural Respect the Goal for Kin
Proud to be Kin
Meeting during their time as students at the University of Southern California, Kameni Ngahdeu and Kwabena Osei-Larbi were mission driven from the start of their friendship and found comfort in their shared cultural backgrounds.
Mohamed Amin Dadabhoy, AST Sportswear Inc. Co-founder, 62
Manufacturing
Mohamed Amin Dadabhoy, one of the pioneers in manufacturing T-shirt blanks domestically, died of a heart attack on Jan. 14. He was 62.
Post-COVID Recovery Needs To Include People of Color, LAEDC Said
Manufacturing
With COVID-19 vaccines being rolled out, economists are charting what happens after one of the most dramatic economic shocks in American history.
Hyosung Expands Regen Offerings, Aligning With Trends in Eco-Comfort
Textiles
During ISPO Munich Online, which took place Feb. 1–5, the Seoul-headquartered fiber producer Hyosung introduced its expanded line of Regen, the company’s sustainable and multi-function fibers.
Louis Vuitton Unveils Shop on Wheels, LV By Appointment
FASHION
Louis Vuitton is literally on the go.
Tuesday, February 16
Outerknown to Unveil Collection With New Denim Project
SUSTAINABILITY
Working with sustainable manufacturers is central to the mission of Outerknown, a Culver City, Calif., fashion brand started by surfing champion Kelly Slater. It recently announced a collaboration with one of the rising stars in the community of sustainable vendors.
Monday, February 15
GAIA By Attract Magazine Pops at Westfield Century City
RETAIL
"Selling Sunset," a Netflix reality series, looks for the fabulous in Los Angeles’s real-estate scene. Cast member Amanza Smith and Lisa Lafferty, who also appeared on the show, are taking a dive into beauty with pop-up shop Gaia by Attract Magazine.
Thursday, February 11
Celerant Introduces Stratus Analytics to Help Retailers for Business Optimization
ERP SOLUTIONS
The Staten Island, N.Y.–headquartered retail-commerce software provider Celerant is affording retailers a comprehensive business-analysis tool.
True Religion Co-Founder Kym Gold Unveils Spring Collection for Home Line
INTERIOR STYLE
Denim heads know Kym Gold. She was a co-founder of denim brands such as True Religion. Gold has been building the homewares line Style Union Home.
Wednesday, February 10
Third Street Promenade, Joor and Others Unveil Black History Month Projects
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Retail District Third Street Promenade and Joor, a wholesale platform, are among the fashion businesses observing Black History Month.
Simon Property Group CEO Remains Bullish on 2021
RETAIL
After a year when its business was battered by stores shuttering and temporary mall closures, the shopping-center giant Simon Property Group on Feb. 8 reported results for its fourth-quarter and year-end revenues.
Tuesday, February 9
Tukatech and FK Group Release Premium Fabric Cutter
INDUSTRY 4.0
With a mission of digitizing the apparel industry’s manufacturing capabilities, the Los Angeles–headquartered Tukatech has sought to automate one of the industry’s foundational tools—fabric cutters.
Monday, February 8
Rewash Flagship To Los Angeles’ LaBrea Avenue
RETAIL
After more than one year of serving as the address for Proconsul, a high-end men’s denim and fashion brand, 144 S. LaBrea Ave. in Los Angeles experienced a change of the guard.
Lectra Announces Intention to Acquire Gerber Technology
Industry 4.0
Fortifying its role as an Industry 4.0 technology leader, Paris-based Lectra announced its memorandum of understanding to acquire the entire capital and voting rights of Tolland, Conn., integrated-software-and-hardware-solutions provider Gerber Technology.
Friday, February 5
Louis Vuitton Unveils Rodeo Pop-up
LUXURY RETAIL
The Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Spring Summer ’21 collection checked into Beverly Hills for an extended stay.
The RealReal Expands Resale Reach With New Locations
FASHION RESALE
Following the Jan. 26 opening of a 2,500-square-foot bricks-and-mortar location in Brooklyn, N.Y., luxury-resale operation The RealReal launched another shop in California's Orange County on Feb. 5.
Thursday, February 4
Industry Focus: Finance—How Can Factoring Services Aid Apparel-Business Recovery?
Finance
Entering 2021, the apparel industry can see a bit of hope as businesses look toward maintenance and recovery from a tumultuous year. As apparel businesses examine their next steps while outlining new financial plans, they often look for guidance from experts.
Devoted to Nature, Family, Luxella Designs’ Ana Guimaraes Crafts Exquisite Jewelry
Manufacturing
With roots that have grown throughout North America, the origin story of Luxella Designs is a true American tale. Founder and owner Ana Guimaraes was born in Mexico, where she studied accounting, eventually meeting her husband in Canada. The couple started a family, living first in Toronto, where Guimaraes studied photography. They then moved to Kitchener in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, and eventually to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
USFIA Panel Tackles Eco-comfort in the Outdoor-Performance Category
Textiles
During a Jan. 21 virtual presentation, “A Review of Tree Climate: A Collaborative Collection by Concept III and Tencel,” moderated by the United States Fashion Industry Association’s communications director, Shannon Brady, new fabrications for the sustainable outdoor-apparel market were introduced.
Levi’s Unveils Black History Month Campaign and Collection
Making Black History
Fashion brands and retailers are observing Black History Month during February with special capsule collections and support for African-American designers and creatives.
From a Love for Heritage Women’s Denim, AMO Grows Its Community Commitment
Manufacturing
Established in Los Angeles with its founding in 2014 and the release of its Spring 2015 collection, AMO founders Kelly Urban and Misty Zollars—both alumnae of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising—are also true-blue Los Angeles denimheads.
Remaining True to Everyday Luxury, Catherine Gee Fall/Winter 2021 Adds an Edge
Luxury on the Edge
Designing a Fall/Winter 2021 collection while maintaining her elegant approach to luxury, Catherine Gee allowed an edginess to influence her California sensibilities, thereby generating pieces that she has named the “New York Edit.”
What's Checking: Indie Retailers Ramp Up Digital Commerce During Pandemic
What’s Checking: Digital
The COVID-19 pandemic forced retailers across industries to go on a crash course developing and scaling up their e-commerce. For many in the apparel industry, this platform saved their businesses. Applying principles of convenience to allure customers to their shops, including personal styling, shopping-incentive discounts, complimentary delivery and curbside pickup, fashion businesses also relied on selling through digital boutiques.
Project Digital’s Sophomore Run Includes CFDA Partnership, Concierge Service
Trade Shows
Informa Market Fashion’sclassic- and contemporary-menswear trade show Project rolled out its first virtual trade event, Project Digital, during Summer 2020 in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. On Jan. 19, working with the e-commerce wholesale-platform partner NuOrder, Project Digital started a sophomore run, and show producers will further develop certain programs they started testing during the summer.
NRF Big Show Charts How Retail Survived COVID
Retail
The National Retail Federation’s NRF 2021: Retail’s Big Show—Chapter One, an annual exposition that produces seminars and keynote addresses by industry stars, went virtual because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
MySizeID Brings Virtual Measurement Tool to Footwear Category
Technology
Since 2015, MySize Inc. has built a business on developing technology to enhance smartphone-measurement tools. One of its main products, MySizeID, is a smartphone-based body-measurement tool that was developed to help brands and retailers deliver ready-to-wear products that would best fit their customers.
Patel Named Beverly Center GM
Retail
Taubman Properties recently announced that Elvina Patel was named general manager of the high-profile Los Angeles Beverly Center, a mall that focuses on high-end fashion, such as Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Prada.
Traffic Congestion at Ports of L.A. and Long Beach at High Levels
Import/Export
Cargo-ship congestion at California ports and those located around the United States is at some of the highest levels in years due to supply-chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To help break up the congestion, on Feb. 1 the Port of Los Angeles started an incentive program to move trucks more efficiently and at a faster pace through its terminals, said Gene Seroka, the port’s executive director.
Tuesday, February 2
Shantelle Brumfield of Yarn Movement Unveils Initiatives for Black—and Making—History Month
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Yarn Movement founder and creative director Shantelle Brumfield—also known as S.LadyBug—has big plans to celebrate and make history during this year's Black History Month.
Vizit Rolls Out Algorithm That Ranks Visual Images’ Consumer Effectiveness
ARTIFICIAL-INTELLIGENCE SOFTWARE
Jehan Hamedi spent the past few years developing artificial-intelligence software that helps understand public opinion. The result of Hemedi’s efforts was a technology company called Vizit
Monday, February 1
Strong Start for 2021 Trade-Show Season at Dallas Market
TRADE EVENTS
Buyer attendance was up during the recent Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market, with first-time visitors flocking to the event at the Dallas Market Center following a lackluster 2020.
