Saturday, May 29
PacSun, Fashion Scholarship Fund Select Winners of Gender-Neutral Design Competition
FASHION COMPETITION
After more than 200 students submitted designs for an original gender-neutral collection, PacSun and the Fashion Scholarship Fund named two winners.
Friday, May 28
Soorty Launches a Second Seasonless Collection
SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING
With a continued focus on going seasonless, Soorty recently launched its second seasonless collection.
FIS Selected to Manage, Process CEX.IO’s New Cryptocurrency Debit Cards
CRYPTOCURRENCY
With crypto-based consumer cards becoming more readily available, CEX.IO is adapting and evolving for the future by tapping FIS, a financial-technology leader in its own field, as the platform to support a new line of crypto-based consumer cards across Europe.
Tuesday, May 25
Kids of Immigrants Celebrates Anniversary With Vans Shoe Collaboration
Kids of Immigrants is celebrating its five-year anniversary by releasing new footwear in collaboration with Vans and Greenhouse.
Informa Announces MAGIC New York Debut for September
ON-SITE TRADE EVENTS
With Informa Markets Fashion continuing to evolve and grow its 2021 business, the trade-show producer is expanding its MAGIC event, which will debut a New York edition this September.
Ally Lending Offers New Payment Option
BUY NOW, PAY LATER
Ally Lending is giving its customers a new way to pay by offering financing through Sezzle.
The Shops at Tanforan Launches Rewards App
RETAIL APPLICATIONS
The Shops at Tanforan is making it easy for customers to find sales and earn rewards with its new app.
Monday, May 24
Yara Shahidi and Adidas Honor Changemakers Through Originals Collection
CLASSICS REDESIGNED
Building her résumé as a fashion designer, actor, producer, Harvard University student and changemaker Yara Shahidi recently partnered with the sportswear brand Adidas to create a collection that pays homage to her heritage and the next generation of those who are making an impact in the world.
Kornit Digital Unveils New MAX Technology
ON-DEMAND FASHION
As part of the FESPA Innovations and Trends series of events, Kornit Digital announced its new MAX Technology for on-demand fashion and apparel production.
Friday, May 21
Artistic Milliners and Retraced Partner to Ensure Traceability for Milliner Cotton
SUPPLY-CHAIN TRACEABILITY
Denim and garment manufacturer Artistic Milliners and blockchain-based supply-chain management-solutions provider Retraced have announced a partnership that will afford greater cotton traceability.
Thursday, May 20
Texworld NYC and Apparel Sourcing NYC Partner With LA Textile
TRADE EVENTS
With the return of trade events to on-site locations, Messe Frankfurt’s Texworld New York City and Apparel Sourcing New York City are not only returning to the show floor but also expanding to the West Coast through an LA Textile partnership.
Coterie Plans New York Return for September
TRADE EVENTS
Women’s apparel, footwear and accessories event Coterie announced that it would return to New York as Informa Markets Fashion’s flagship show in the City That Never Sleeps. Coterie New York will be hosted Sept. 19–21 at the Javits Center.
NAACP Creative Sole Scholarship Powered by Vans Launches to Support Black Student Creatives
FASHION CARES
Skate and action-sports brand Vans announced its partnership with the NAACP as the organizations launched the NAACP Creative Sole Scholarship Powered by Vans.
Ruby Has Continues Growth With Acquisition of Boss Logistics
Technology
Ruby Has announced earlier this month that it has acquired the e-commerce fulfillment company Boss Logistics. Founded in 2011, Ruby Has provides e-commerce fulfillment services to over 400 direct-to-consumer brands in six states, integrating orders, storing inventory in secure distribution centers, packaging inventory to the requested specifications and shipping worldwide.
Digital Tools Continue to Play an Important Role in the Hybrid Trade-Show Model
Technology
Through e-commerce platforms, digital fashion houses, video-conferencing options and artificial intelligence–powered event-networking tools, in 2020 the apparel industry relied heavily on digitalization of many of its practices—a shift that was long overdue. A harsh reality for many within the industry was that they should have been cultivating their digital approaches to business long before a pandemic brought business to a halt.
Trade-Show Q&A: As on-site event restrictions are being lifted, how are you approaching trade-show production, and will you utilize virtual options to extend your reach?
Trade Shows
Following a tumultuous 2020, when most on-site events were suspended and the trade-show industry was defined by virtual offerings, Zoom meetings and health regulations to suppress the spread of COVID-19, the second half of 2021 is seeing a long-anticipated return to fashion-industry productions hosted on location. While many in the industry are looking forward to returning to the show floor in person, a number of opportunities for expanding show reach through virtual tools were discovered during this time.
Wednesday, May 19
Levi’s Celebrates Birthday With 501 Originals Campaign
DENIM
Levi’s is celebrating its 148th birthday by launching its 501 Originals campaign with seven original voices.
Moschino Debuts New Sesame Street Campaign Starring Kacey Musgraves
FASHION
Moschino Creative Director Jeremy Scott was inspired to create a Sesame Street collection starring Kacey Musgraves.
Tuesday, May 18
Ruby Ribbon Donates Apparel Worth $450,000 to Nonprofit White Pony Express
FASHION CARES
Ruby Ribbon continued its support of the nonprofit White Pony Express with a product donation totaling more than $450,000 this month.
Nina Parker Becomes First Black Woman to Partner With Macy's on Plus-Size Clothing Line
EXPANDED SIZING IN FASHION
Partnering with Macy's, E! host Nina Parker released an expanded-sizing clothing line on May 14 with a focus on elevated basics and summer silhouettes in plus-only sizes.
ShePlace Launch Led by Goldman Sachs Pioneer Who Broke Through Glass Ceiling
EQUITY IN THE FINANCE
Intent on reaching far beyond its headquarters in Park City, Utah, ShePlace has launched as an initiative by founder and Chief Executive Officer Jacki Zehner, who is focused on supporting the advancement of women and girls.
Monday, May 17
Levi’s Supplier Combined Fabric Expands Cutting Capacity With Tukatech
MANUFACTURING
A third Tukatech automatic high-ply cutter is being added by Combined Fabric Ltd. to increase cutting capacity.
Saturday, May 15
Xiuhtezcatl Releases Film as Ambassador for Levi's Buy Better, Wear Longer Campaign
SUSTAINABILITY
Launched last month as part of Levi's initiative to create a cleaner fashion industry that will help heal the planet, the Buy Better, Wear Longer campaign encourages consumers to purchase quality products that will last. Climate activist and artist Xiuhtezcatl created a short film with the brand to support this messaging.
Friday, May 14
Project Unveils Fresh Brand Identity Through Film Illustrating Its Support of Industry
TRADE EVENTS
Last month, Informa Markets Fashion's Project brand announced its work to rebrand, as it continues to explore new and creative ways to serve the industry while continuing to build a community.
Christopher DeRosa Appointed as Business Development Officer for CIT
CIT has named Vice President Christopher DeRosa as business development officer for its commercial-services business.
Thursday, May 13
The Materials Show Returns to On-site Events
Trade Events
American Events, Inc. announced that The Materials Show, its semiannual bi-coastal event, will return to an in-person model this August. The Northwest Materials Show will run Aug. 11–12 at Portland, Ore.’s Oregon Convention Center.
FABSCRAP Partners With URBN and Nordstrom, Eyes West Coast Expansion
Manufacturing
Promoting its mission to combat fabric waste, the textile recycling and reuse nonprofit FABSCRAP announced that it has secured partnerships with Philadelphia’s URBN and Seattle-headquartered Nordstrom, which includes major investments by the retailers.
Otis ‘Virtually Cool’ Event Mentors and Supports Students
Virtually Cool
On May 8, Otis College of Art and Design hosted its 39th Annual Scholarship Benefit and Fashion Show as a virtual event named “Virtually Cool” for students to showcase their work created with mentors, such as the AG Jeans Stronger Together collection.
Kingpins Announces Kingpins24 Flash Australia With a Commitment to Eco Goals
Trade Shows
Intent on expanding its reach to all regions of the globe, denim-industry event producer Kingpins announced its first Kingpins24 Flash Australia edition, which will be hosted June 23–24 to celebrate the Australian corner of the denim industry and its supply chain. Key touchpoints of the event will be how Australia’s position in the Asia-Pacific region ties in with influences from Asia.
The Rise in 3D Allows the Technology to Support Fashion-Focused PLM
3D Fashion
Auto companies use three-dimensional imaging when designing cars, so it was only a matter of time before fashion companies made widespread use of 3D imaging, said Ashley Crowder, co-founder and chief executive officer of Vntana, a Los Angeles–based software company that focuses on making 3D imaging scalable for e-commerce, social media and other ventures.
NYDJ Debuts Shaping and Lifting Technology With ThighShaper Jean
Comfort in NYDJ
NYDJ has released its new ThighShaper technology to great response. A high-stretch compression panel helps slim and shape women’s thighs, running along the seam of the jean to compress evenly.
Paul Van Doren, 90, Vans Founder
Manufacturing
Paul Van Doren, co-founder of Vans, one of the world’s most recognized California and skate-lifestyle brands, passed away on May 6 at home, surrounded by family.
Wednesday, May 12
Lucky Brand Announces 'Less Noise, More Music' Event
FASHION CARES
One of the harder hit industries that experienced a difficult downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic is the live-music industry and denim label Lucky Brand is hosting an event to support this business.
'Making the Cut' Announces Season Two Designers
FASHION COMPETITION
With its second season scheduled to premiere July 16 on Amazon Prime Video, “Making the Cut” recently announced the group of 10 designers who will engage in the competition for $1 million and a mentorship opportunity with Amazon Fashion.
Tuesday, May 11
Devan Chemicals Adds to its Line of Bio-Based products
TEXTILE SUSTAINABILITY
As the textile industry continuously moves toward more-sustainable methods, companies are being forced to adapt to the new landscape. Devan Chemicals is no different.
O’Neill and Hyosung Take Eco-Friendly Approach with Blue Sustainable Collection
SUSTAINABILITY
With an eco-conscious approach, O’Neill has created the Blue sustainable collection, a women’s swimwear line with Hyosung’s Mipan regen nylon.
Monday, May 10
Nikki Reed Designs New Collection for Eco-Luxury Sneaker Brand Loci
SUSTAINABLE LUXURY
Nikki Reed recently partnered with eco-luxury sneaker brand Loci to create a capsule of classic styles using recycled ocean plastics.
MySizeID Launches New Avatar Feature for Sizing Accuracy
AVATAR TECHNOLOGY
MySizeID is helping shoppers find the perfect look in an interactive way. The measurement-technology company, founded in 2014 by Ronen Luzon, launched an avatar solution that shows customers how clothing will look on the body before ever purchasing it.
UNIFi3D Launch Leads Brands Through Digital Transformation
3D IN APPAREL BUSINESS
Recently, incubation, investment and operating platform LFX announced the launch of its UNIFi3D digital-transformation for fashion brands, which will aid retail businesses as they transform digitally.
Thursday, May 6
Rodeo Drive Business Booms as COVID-19 Restrictions Ease
RETAIL
Rodeo Drive is flourishing once again. The famous stretch of retail road in Los Angeles is, like many other places, emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wednesday, May 5
Twins For Peace, My Good Collaborate to Help Families Affected by Police Brutality
SOCIAL GOOD
Twins For Peace and My Good released a limited-edition series of sneakers for pre-order on April 29 to help families who have lost loved ones to police brutality.
Citizens of Humanity T-shirt Initiative Supports COVID-19 Vaccine Research
FASHION CARES
With a history of showing its support for different organizations and movements, Citizens of Humanity has donated more than $180,000 to aid a variety of organizations over the last year.
Mark Bruno Named Managing Director of Wealth Management at Informa Connect
FINANCIAL ADVISEMENT
Informa Connect announced Mark Bruno as the managing director of wealth management on May 4.
Tuesday, May 4
Shapeways Digital-Manufacturing Software Merges With Galileo to List on NYSE
DIGITAL MANUFACTURING
A definitive merger agreement for a merger transaction has been announced between digital-manufacturing platform Shapeways, Inc., and Galileo Acquisition Corp., the publicly traded special-purpose acquisition company.
Monday, May 3
Kida the Great Debuts New Collection With True Religion
STREETWEAR
Kida The Great came full circle with his newest limited capsule collection with True Religion, which debuted last Thursday.
Saturday, May 1
Experiential Collective Free Market Playa Vista Opens
RETAIL
The much-anticipated Free Market Playa Vista experiential collective of boutiques, restaurants, and event spaces opens May 1 as a retail center and brand incubator.
