Wednesday, March 31
The Women In Denim Wraps Women's History Month With Virtual Discussion
DENIM
With Women's History Month coming to a close, The Women In Denim hosted a virtual discussion regarding actions aimed at supporting female denim workers around the globe and who contribute to every level of the industry.
Odaingerous Brand Tries On Footwear
FOOTWEAR
On March 25, Odaingerous designer Odain Watson released Drama, a footwear capsule collection. Made in Italy, the line features three styles—a pump, high-top sneakers and military-style boots.
Informa Confirms August MAGIC Dates and Announces July Coterie Event in Miami
TRADE EVENTS
Following the success of its MAGIC Pop-Up Orlando, which was hosted in February, Informa Markets Fashion confirmed that it would return to Las Vegas Aug. 8–11 and will also host Destination: Miami by Coterie July 10–12 in Miami Beach, Fla.
Tuesday, March 30
Browzwear Partnership Affords 3D-Prototype Innovation to Artistic Milliners
3D-PROTOTYPE TECHNOLOGY
Committed to transformative manufacturing processes that will improve the apparel-making industry, Artistic Milliners announced a partnership to design its garments using Browzwear 3D-prototype technology.
Cybersecurity Drill Offered by CISA and RH-ISAC
CYBERSECURITY
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and umbrella trade group Retail and Hospitality ISAC, of which National Retail Federation is a partner, have developed a cybersecurity drill, which will run in June—with an exact date yet to be announced—and they are inviting businesses to participate.
Monday, March 29
Steve Aoki T-shirt Raises Funds, Awareness Against AAPI Hate
FASHION
Steve Aoki has made statements about his Asian heritage with his music and his fashion label Dim Mak. He recently made a statement on violence against people of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage with a T-shirt that will raise money for Stop AAPI Hate group, he said.
Newmine Announces Tony Arona as Chief Revenue Officer
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Newmine, the Southborough, Mass., artificial intelligence-based returns-reduction solution announced that Tony Arona has joined the company as its chief revenue officer.
Thursday, March 25
New Las Vegas IMC Event to Launch in August
TRADE SHOWS
Expanding the reach of its Atlanta Apparel show, International Market Centers will launch Las Vegas Apparel Aug. 8–10 as many on-site trade-show brands prepare for a return to physical events this summer.
Terminal 27 x Middleman Pop-Up Makes A Run
RETAIL
There’s a new concept store coming to Los Angeles’ Mid-City area. Terminal 27 is scheduled to officially open doors in April. The public will get a preview of this shop with the Terminal 27 x Middleman Pop-Up.
Wednesday, March 24
Honoring ‘Women Who Raised Us,’ Hommy Diaz Observes Women’s History Month
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
During Women’s History Month this March, Magnus Alpha co-founder and Creative Director Hommy Diaz wanted to release a special piece to honor the female caregivers who accept the lifelong task of raising a child. The result was a limited-edition Doily Hoodie that is designed, cut and sewn in Los Angeles.
Tuesday, March 23
WWIN Announces August Return to On-site Las Vegas Show
ON-SITE TRADE EVENTS
Clarion Events, Inc.’s Womenswear In Nevada trade-show announced that it would host its Las Vegas event on-site Aug. 9–12 at Caesars Palace.
Former Gap Inc. CEO Files IPO
IPO
A little more than a year after exiting specialty-retail giant Gap Inc., Art Peck, the company’s former chief executive officer, is looking to get back into the business.
Technology Company 3DLook Announces $6.5 Million in Funding
FIT TECHNOLOGY
3DLOOK recently announced that it had raised $6.5 million in Series A funding, which brings the technology company’s total fund-raising to $11.2 million. The recent round of funding was led by Almaz Capital with participation by TMT Investments and Zubr Capita.
Monday, March 22
Swiminista Launches Spring Clean Zuma Beach Cleanup
SWIM & SURF
Promoting the importance of recycling and maintaining clean beaches, Swiminista founder Andréa Bernholtz is hosting a Spring Clean event at Zuma Beach in Malibu, Calif., with a message of "It takes a village to preserve our local beaches."
Thursday, March 18
Fred Segal Sign Removed From Its Longtime Melrose Perch
RETAIL
For decades, the Fred Segal logo marquee sign overlooked the busy intersection of Melrose Avenue and Crescent Heights Boulevard in Los Angeles. But that mid-city neighborhood’s once-familiar skyline changed.
Elevated Comfort at Fall ’21 Fashion Weeks
Fall Forecast
Cozy knits in flattering yet comfortable silhouettes complemented by rich textures and lighter autumn hues, afford a fashion-forward approach to relaxed garments for Fall 2021, according to trend-forecasting expert Melissa Moylan of Fashion Snoops.
Building on a European Legacy, Tenson USA Comes Stateside
Manufacturing
Founded in 1951 by Paul Rydholm in Varberg, Sweden, the outdoor-lifestyle brand Tenson has expanded into different offerings, from its first product—a bicycle cap named the Kent—to outfitting a British Mount Everest expedition with its Himalaya jacket. Recently the Swedish outfitter has grown again with its reach extending into California with the launch of Tenson USA in 2020 under the leadership of Chief Operations Officer Lisa Magneson and Chief Executive Officer Evert Kruse, who are also a couple.
Learning From 2020 to Rebuild Into a Resilient, Diverse, Supportive Fashion Industry
Fashion
Looking back on the past year generates feelings of reckoning, fortitude, accountability, forward thinking and survival. In early 2020, the fashion business immediately shifted course to create personal protective equipment for those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as for the public.
Kingpins24 Flash Creates Connections for a More-Sustainable Denim Supply Chain
Trade Shows
The Kingpins denim-event brand returned with Kingpins24 Flash Feb. 23–24 with a roster of experts representing every facet of the category. Within a trade-event calendar that is rapidly advancing, the concept was representative of Kingpins producing a shorter show between seasons.
A More-Responsible Network Forms Through Sourcing at MAGIC Online
Trade Shows
During its second run, Informa Markets Fashion’s Sourcing at MAGIC Online event producers sought to build on a solid foundation for its March 1–May 1 show, focused on bringing together global supply-chain experts and resources to meet the needs of apparel professionals at every level of the industry.
Moss Adams Evaluates Pandemic World
RETAIL
After a harsh year navigating COVID-19, retailers will be greeted by a robust economy in the third and fourth quarters of 2021, said Frank Kaufman, national practice leader in retail for the accounting and consulting firm Moss Adams.
Klarna Charts a Focus Beyond Fintech With Toplooks Acquisition
Klarna’s Future Focus
The Stockholm-headquartered payments company Klarna entered the United States market in 2015 as part of a wave of fintech companies that offered digital layaway programs. These technologies have been embraced by millennials and Gen Z.
Pandemic Blues Decrease During Recent L.A. Market Week
Trade Shows
With COVID-19 vaccinations being rolled out and pandemic restrictions being scaled back, L.A. Market Week took place in downtown Los Angeles March 7–10 with more optimism than has been seen over the past year. While still cautious, showroom buildings in the area’s fashion district, including the California Market Center, The New Mart and the Cooper Design Space, welcomed buyers to stock up on inventory.
Coterie Digital’s Second Run Gives Forum To New and Established Brands
Trade Shows
The Coterie trade show for contemporary women’s fashion wrapped up its month-long Coterie Digital marketplace on March 16. It was the second run for the online marketplace.
Saitex, A Sustainability Manufacturing Star, Opens L.A. Facility
Sustainable L.A. Denim
Saitex, a Vietnam-headquartered denim manufacturer that has been considered one of the pioneers in sustainable-denim production, recently opened its first United States facility, in Vernon, Calif., an industrial city neighboring downtown Los Angeles, said Sanjeev Bahl, chief executive officer and the company’s founder.
Wednesday, March 17
Downtown L.A. Designer Michael Costello Opens Pop-Up Shop
RETAIL
Michael Costello, a "Project Runway" alum and designer who has dressed celebrities such as Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, is getting back into bricks-and-mortar retail.
Monday, March 15
NuOrder Announces $45 Million in Funding
BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS E-commerce
NuORDER, a Los Angeles-headquartered business-to-business e-commerce platform announced March 10 that it had raised $45 million in a round of funding led by Brighton Park Capital and Imaginary Ventures.
Grammy Winner Nas Flexes Garmento Muscles With HSTRY
FASHION
Nas won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album on March 14 and he also is flexing his garmento muscles.
Poshmark Announces William Ingham as First Chief People Officer
SOCIAL COMMERCE
Social marketplace Poshmark announced the appointment of William Ingham to fulfill the company’s new role of chief people officer.
Thursday, March 11
August Getty Unveils Tinitus, a Virtual Couture Installation
FASHION
Many runway shows went virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic and August Getty, a designer who started his career in Los Angeles, has taken digital fashion events a step further.
Wednesday, March 10
Tailored Brands Closes $75 Million in New Investments as for Post-Pandemic Plans
FINANCING
Omni-channel specialty menswear retail giant Tailored Brands, Inc., announced its closure of $75 million in new financing as it positions its brands, Men's Wearhouse, Jos. A. Bank, Moores Clothing for Men and K&G Fashion Superstore, for post-pandemic business.
Tuesday, March 9
Public Nominations Open for Vans’ Foot the Bill Small-Business Financial-Support Program
COVID-19 FINANCIAL RELIEF
Action-sports brand Vans is again showing financial support for the small businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as it widens the reach of its Foot the Bill program.
Fashion Rallies Around International Women's Day
FASHION
International Women’s Day was observed March 8 and fashion businesses put their creativity around celebrations and styles to support a day to focus on gender equity and women’s achievement.
Monday, March 8
Clubhouse, Ultra Hip Audio Social Media App, Gives Home to a Fashion Forum
RETAIL
Fashion-business advice comes in all shapes and sizes. Earlier this year, Syama Meagher and Edwina Kulego put together a fashion-business forum on Clubhouse, the ultra-hip, audio, social-media app. Entrepreneurs from around the world listen in on this forum.
Fillogic, a Micro-Distribution Fulfillment Hub Platform, Announces Funding
RETAIL
Fillogic is a New York-based platform that builds and operates micro-distribution hubs at malls for retail fulfillment. The platform redevelops underused areas at malls and stores and turns them into fulfillment centers.
Artistic Milliners, Bestseller, WOW, BSR Partner for Women’s Empowerment on HERessentials
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
Building upon its longstanding commitment to supporting its female workers and its existing HERhealth program, the Karachi, Pakistan–headquartered denim maker Artistic Milliners announced on March 7 its women’s-empowerment partnership with fashion company Bestseller.
Friday, March 5
Ruth E. Carter Celebrated With Walk of Fame Star
COSTUME DESIGN
In honor of her costume-design career that has spanned four decades, the venerable Ruth E. Carter recently received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Industry Voices: Finance—Three Financing Must-Dos to Navigate Supply-Chain Disruptions
Finance
As global supply-chain disruptions continue to impact the bottom line of businesses across the U.S., the need for apparel companies to be creative, resourceful, and nimble carries unprecedented weight. The industry needs to be diligent in maintaining its customer base and business partnerships while sustaining longer payment terms, a shortage of available materials, and higher costs.
Thursday, March 4
Sole Purpose Hopes to Inspire Through Fashion
FASHION
Kavon Massenburg was in a world of trouble a few years ago. He had been arrested for dealing drugs and had been hospitalized for a gunshot wound.
Curve Connect Sets Its Sights Beyond a Virtual Event, Seeks Status as a Social Medium
Trade Shows
The Comexposium Group’s virtual trade event Curve Connect was hosted Feb. 16–28 as the second edition of this digital production. The platform, which is powered by Grip, will be available for the remainder of the year as Curve Connect organizers seek to transform the trade show into a permanent online destination for its clients.
In the Evolving D2C World, Noli Yoga Is a Pioneer in the Active Space
Manufacturing
Built on customer trust and forging relationships directly with consumers, Noli Yoga was founded according to a mission that afforded a fashion-driven activewear product through connections with the brand’s clients. What started as a side project for Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director Slava Furman, who was working in a corporate role when the label launched in 2015, Noli Yoga began as a labor of passion. Working with bright colors for the collections, Furman recognized the connection between striking hues and success selling through social media.
Novoloop Founders Achieve Plastics-Upcycling Breakthrough
Novoloop’s Upcycling Breakthrough
Founded during the college years of friends Miranda Wang and Jeanny Yao, the Menlo Park, Calif., BioCellection formed with a goal of developing processes to transform traditionally unrecyclable plastics into materials that could be upcycled into new products.
A Sweet Anniversary in Making Luxurious T-shirts as Kinetix Turns 16
Manufacturing
Looking back on his 16 years in business, Blayne Siegel, president and founder of Kinetix Casual Luxury, is grateful for his long journey to veteran status in the space of creating luxurious T-shirts and other relaxed styles.
LA Textile Emerges as International Destination for Sourcing Through Virtual Event
Trade Shows
Building on its momentum from a successful October show, LA Textile was hosted Feb. 24–26 on CMC Uploaded, the California Market Center’s digital platform. This edition of LA Textile was a testament to the virtual production’s growth in only five short months. According to the CMC’s senior manager of events, Matthew Mathiasen, attendance figures for the show doubled from the October edition.
West Coast Trend Show Generates Solid Business at On-site L.A. Show
Trade Shows
After almost a year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the in-person trade-show format is coming back to life. Last month, in-person trade shows were produced in Orlando, Fla., and at the Dallas Market Center in Dallas. Over Presidents Day weekend, an in-person trade show took place near the Los Angeles International Airport as COVID-19 cases had dipped in Los Angeles County, an area where numbers of COVID-19 cases had been high for much of the past year.
Kevan Hall Directs His First Fashion Film, ‘Together Again’
Fashion on Film
In lieu of a New York Fashion Week presentation, Kevan Hall told the story of an optimistic future surrounding his latest collection as he directed a film titled “Together Again,” which premiered Feb. 16 on the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Runway360 platform.
Culprit Underwear Approaches Sustainability With a Touch of Humor
Manufacturing
Using sustainable fabrics for jeans, T-shirts and underwear is usually serious business, but the Los Angeles–headquartered brand Culprit Underwear has developed a niche using humorous graphics to sell its ecologically sound, made–in–Los Angeles products.
CMC Uploaded Offers L.A. Market Week Preview
Trade Shows
For the fifth run of CMC Uploaded, the virtual trade show produced by the California Market Center in downtown Los Angeles, new seminar speakers and new exhibitors were on the roster for an L.A. Market Week Preview.
Liberty Fairs, LA Men’s Market Find Strength in Numbers
Trade Shows
After seven years of running solo in-person trade shows in downtown Los Angeles, the LA Men’s Market and Liberty Fairs tried out their first partnership by co-producing the virtual trade show Liberty Fairs x LA Men’s Market, which will wrap up March 9 after a month of doing business.
FashionGo Week to Become Biannual Digital Trade Show
Trade Shows
After a second run of FashionGo Week, which ran Feb. 8–12 on the FashionGo business-to-business wholesale online-market platform, the digital trade show anticipates becoming a regular feature on the trade-show calendar.
Wednesday, March 3
Onitsuka Tiger, Other New Brick-and-Mortar Stores Opening in L.A.
RETAIL
Los Angeles retail is seeing a few new store openings. Among them is Onitsuka Tiger, which recently wrapped up a digital fashion show at Milan Fashion Week on Feb. 27.
Monday, March 1
Fred Segal, Retail Innovator, 87
Remembering Fred Segal
Fred Segal was considered the founder of the specialty-retail approach that ushered in an influential Los Angeles and California sense of cool. He died Feb. 25 in Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif.
On-Demand Printer and Drop-shipper Printful to Open Larger L.A. Facility
ON-DEMAND PRINTING, DROP SHIPPING
On-demand-printing and drop-shipping-fulfillment business Printful is scheduled to open a 93,000-square-foot facility in the Los Angeles area this fall, said Dairis Zarins, Printful’s director of operations.
