M.Fredric Puts Bricks-and-Mortar Stores on Temporary Hiatus Due To Pandemic
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spike in Los Angeles County, contemporary chain M.Fredric announced Jan. 12 that it would temporarily close its eight physical stores until the retailer’s owners deem it safe to reopen.
LA Gear Announces a New Chapter With Alexander-John
LA Gear was one of the most-popular sneaker brands of the 1980s and 1990s. Decades later, LA Gear is still in the footwear business. On Jan. 12, the Los Angeles-headquartered brand announced a new creative director.
GiveAwae, a New Digital Platform, Aims to Bridge E-Commerce Gap
There is a digital divide in the business world, said entrepreneur Daniel Ejekwu, who is changing the digital landscape for small and medium-sized businesses when he launches GiveAwae on Jan. 13.
Emerald Acquires PlumRiver, Creator of the Elastic Suite Platform
The business-to-business platform builder Emerald Holdings, Inc., announced its acquisition of the business-to-business e-commerce and digital-merchandising solutions provider PlumRiver to cultivate its software-as-a-service technology.
Fashion Medical Scrubs Label FIGS Hires CFO from Domino’s Pizza
FIGS, a fashion medical-scrubs label headquartered in Santa Monica, Calif., gained notice for selling stylish medical uniforms to healthcare professionals with a direct-to-consumer model. In the past few years, it has also rolled out fashion label–style media campaigns that featured prominent billboard ads for its products in trendy Los Angeles neighborhoods.
Show-in-a-Box by Preface Provides Tactile Experience for Virtual Textile Event
After a few years hosting a boutique-style textile show in New York, Preface launched its Los Angeles edition early in 2020 during January L.A. Market Week to a responsive group of attendees who were seeking a more-intimate fabric event. Since then, Betsy Franjola, founder of BFF Studio and Preface, began to cultivate a fresh approach to events during the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. By thinking outside the trade-show floor, Franjola developed a concept by thinking inside the box.
Nathalia Gaviria’s Romantic Apocalypse Vision Reflected in NG Gold S/S 2021
Nathalia Gaviria’s campaign for her Spring/Summer 2021 NG Gold collection nods to a romantic time prior to the obsession of modern technology, while providing commentary on environmental threats and hope for protection of the planet.
Inside the Industry
Inside the Industry
Swim Line Zonarch Jumps Waves to Make Debut
For years, Geneviève Andre de la Porte dreamed of bringing a sustainable, direct-to-consumer swimwear brand to market. She was originally scheduled to unveil Zonarch in March, but as state and local governments issued stay-at-home orders she thought it prudent to postpone the launch date, not the least because her sources for regenerated nylon fabrics had to close their factories, and other factories she worked with shifted gears to making personal protective equipment.
Swiminista Ready to Roll Out New Collection for Post-COVID-19 World
Andréa Bernholtz, founder of the Calabasas, Calif., Swiminista brand of women’s swimwear, forecasted a post-pandemic boom as she prepared to roll out the second collection of her brand’s collaboration line The House of Christian Lacroix x Swiminista.
With Holiday Sales Up, Now Retailers Must Strategize for 2021
Initial reports from the 2020 holiday season were recently released, and retail sales experienced growth during a year fraught with challenges. Retail sales charted from Oct. 11 to Dec. 24 grew 3 percent, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse, which researches consumer spending on the Mastercard payments network.
Platinum Equity Takes Controlling Stake in Mad Engine
It was announced on Jan. 4 that Platinum Equity, a Los Angeles–headquartered investment firm, acquired a controlling stake in Mad Engine, a San Diego–based apparel and accessories company that designs, produces and distributes licensed, branded and private-label products.
Performance Brand Athleta Unveils Sleep Line
Gap Inc’s Athleta brand has been devoted to women’s performance apparel for more than 20 years. On Jan. 5, the San Francisco-headquartered brand unveiled a line made for rest.
LRG For Coca-Cola Collaboration Line Unveiled
Lifted Research Group was considered as one of the pioneers of the California streetwear scene after starting business in 1999. It wrapped up its 21st year in business by releasing a collaboration line—The LRG for Coca-Cola Collection.
Venmo to Begin Check-Cashing Service as Clients Receive Stimulus Payments
Social-payment application Venmo is entering the check-cashing business with its new Cash a Check feature.
