Liberty on Hiatus, Offprice to Co-locate With New Closeout Show
Trade Shows
As trade-show organizers make preparations for the 2022 calendar, major announcements were made recently regarding two major apparel-event players. With the first shows of the new year only weeks away, both Liberty Fashion & Lifestyle Fairs and Offprice have revealed major changes to their programming.
Enchantment and Wonder Found in Dalia MacPhee’s Holiday Collection
Holiday Dream
For Holiday 2021, designer Dalia MacPhee designed her collection for celebration with a campaign that relays feelings of dreamlike wonder.
Moving Beyond Denim, Midheaven Rebrands to Include Other Categories
Heavenly Lounge
After launching in 2017, the Kathryn Brolin–founded Midheaven Denim brand set off on a mission to create denim pieces for tall women. Standing 5 feet, 11 inches, Brolin is familiar with the struggles tall women encounter when shopping for the perfect jeans.
Industry Focus: Technology—As 2021 draws to a close, what types of technology should apparel businesses consider investing in to successfully navigate 2022?
Industry Focus: Technology
With the new year arriving in a couple of weeks, a sense of opportunity and new beginnings has been felt as businesses look back on the progress made and lessons learned during 2021. Entering 2022, the apparel industry is looking toward a fresh start. To support this optimism that has been cultivated through overcoming challenges and applying hard work, businesses will need to continue to invest in technologies that allow them to remain agile, ready to shift direction with solutions when an obstacle lands in their path.
BAFA Buy Black Bazaar Affords Alternative to Traditional Black Friday
HOLIDAY 2021
This year's Black Friday saw many shoppers return to stores in person, but the social-justice group Black Allies for Our Advancement hosted an alternative event in Los Angeles' Leimert Park neighborhood Nov. 26 to encourage patronage of Black-owned businesses.
Pantone Creates New Color for COTY 2022
Pantone COTY 2022
Inspired by creativity and the spirit of invention, Pantone 17-3938 Very Peri has been announced as the color authority’s Color of the Year 2022, with the tone resembling a periwinkle blue that features a violet-red undertone.
The Women In Denim Converge in L.A., Discuss State of Industry and Muses For Education
FASHION CARES
When The Women In Denim hosted its intimate brunch last month in Los Angeles, members of the collective discussed their own journeys within the industry, in addition to a new initiative that can help support others.
TravisMathew Cloud Collection Expands With His & Her Line
ATHLEISURE
Entering the women's category, lifestyle and performance brand TravisMathew introduced its His & Her Cloud Collection made of micro fleece.
Newsmakers 2021
Newsmakers 2021
During 2021, the apparel industry forged through the wake of COVID-19 from 2020, emerging stronger with many lessons learned. California Apparel News highlights the work of some of the innovators, visionaries and veterans who fortified the industry this year.
Newsmakers 2021: Sustainability Continues to Expand Its Reach and Meaning
Sustainable
Pushes toward sustainability across industries and within fashion reached a higher level over the course of the year as apparel businesses examined how they source, create, sell and promote their goods. While sustainable approaches to business practices have been examined at greater length over the last decade, the meaning behind sustainability has also evolved.
Newsmakers 2021: Trade Shows Open for a Welcome Return to Apparel-Focused Expositions
Trade Shows
By the end of 2020, the virtual-trade-show model had been tested, applied and experienced, but event producers, exhibitors and attendees were craving the personal interactions with products and people that had been on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Newsmakers 2021: SFI Fortifies Los Angeles Denim Industry With Launch
Manufacturing
After announcing its acquisition of a Los Angeles laundry earlier this year, Pakistan global denim firm Artistic Milliners saw its new West Coast arm flourish. Star Fades International hit the ground running with a blend of denim wash-and-finish veterans and design innovators.
Newsmakers 2021: Ilse Metchek Leads California Fashion Industry Through Guidance, Partnership
Fashion
Continuing the work that has maintained her fashion-industry status as the omniscient leader of the business within California, Ilse Metchek worked to influence the position of the region’s apparel business and the policies that impact operations.
Newsmakers 2021: Fashion-Forward Swiminista Focuses on Protecting the Earth
Swim/Surf
At the beginning of 2021, Andréa Bernholtz, founder of the Calabasas, Calif., swimwear brand Swiminista,forecasted how consumers would begin moving away from the seclusion that defined 2020, drawn outdoors by nature’s beauty.
Unifi Announces Achievement of Sustainability Goal Ahead of Target
Textiles
As 2022 approaches, many people are considering the resolutions they will make ahead of the new year, but for fiber innovator Unifi, Inc., a major milestone that was originally planned as a 2022 target has already been achieved.
Kinona Releases Expanded 2021 Resort Collection
Green-worthy Golfwear
Adhering to its mission of providing golfwear styles that women will want to wear on—and off—the course, Kinona recently released additional 2021 Resort pieces.
'House of Gucci' Exhibition at FIDM Museum 'Completes Picture'
FASHION
On display at the FIDM Museum until Dec. 4, a selection of costumes from the film "House of Gucci" tie together the dramatic tale of the venerated heritage Italian fashion brand.
Virgil Abloh, Fashion Designer and Innovator, 41
OBITUARY
On Nov. 28, the global fashion world was stunned to learn of the passing of Virgil Abloh, Off-White founder and artistic director and Louis Vuitton men’s artistic director.
Thrilling Unveils Fall/Winter 2021 Outerwear Collection
ONLINE RESALE
With its focus on reuse and resale, the online vintage marketplace Thrilling recently released its Fall/Winter 2021 collection, which focuses on outerwear.
Trade-Show Q&A: What shifts or advancements in trade-show production are you most looking forward to over the coming year?
Trade-Show Voices
During 2021, the apparel industry saw it all as the devastation of 2020 was followed by hope and recovery. Now, as the fashion business ends this year, there is a continued atmosphere of hope as the industry looks back at COVID-19 in the rearview mirror—it’s still present, but the distance from it continues to grow.
Entering the Denim Market, Pangaia Introduces Nettle-Cotton Blend
SUSTAINABILITY
Continuing its mission toward a more sustainable apparel industry, materials-science company Pangaia has entered the denim category with fresh fabrications.
A Strong Showing for Buyers and Brands at Atlanta Apparel Market
Trade Shows
Affording access to contemporary, young contemporary, ready-to-wear, footwear and fashion accessories, Atlanta Apparel spelled success for both its exhibitors and attendees, who were excited to return to the trade-show environment.
Releasing Its Natural Selection Capsule, SFI Focuses on Eco-Wardrobe Staples
Natural Selection
Unveiling its second capsule collection, Los Angeles denim factory Star Fades International announced its goal to showcase its take on the staples at the center of consumer wardrobes. Creating a complete denim wardrobe, SFI remained true to its core values of sustainable, greener practices.
Main Street Events Announces February Launch of ILOE Studios—Las Vegas
Trade Shows
Entering the February trade-show roster, family-run Main Street Events recently announced the entrance of ILOE Studios—Las Vegas in 2022.
Following Redevelopment, Manhattan Village Brings in gorjana as New Tenant
Retail
As the elevated, predominantly open-air, mixed-use Manhattan Village, located in Manhattan Beach, Calif., continues to welcome new tenants following its $250 million redevelopment, Southern California jewelry brand gorjana announced its grand opening at the center.
Trinidad3 Observes Veterans Day With New Release
DENIM
Los Angeles-made denim brand Trinidad3 is adhering to its mission of serving veterans through its recent launch of the TANGO3 by Trinidad3 to observe Veterans Day.
Jay J. Ku Appointed EVP and CCO at Nogin
CaaS
CaaS platform Nogin recently announced the appointment of Jay J. Ku as executive vice president and chief commerce officer.
Luxury Reseller Rebag Opens Beverly Hills Location
LUXURY RESALE
Unveiling its 800-square-foot Brighton Way space, luxury-goods reseller Rebag opened its Beverly Hills location close to Rodeo Drive.
Gucci Loves Hollywood
FASHION
Transforming a portion of Hollywood Boulevard into a runway, Gucci Creative Director Alessandro Michele debuted Love Parade, a collection that spoke to the glamour of the Los Angeles neighborhood and its western region, while blending the style house's Italian fashion sensibilities.
Sprayground Releases Richie Rich Collection
STREETWEAR
Known for its vibrant colors, bold messaging and playful collaborations, artistic streetwear brand Sprayground has returned with the "poor little rich boy," Richie Rich.
Kingpins24 Hosts Virtual Global Event for Denim Community
Manufacturing
During the Oct. 19–21 edition of Kingpins24, the global denim-community fixture Kingpins sought to again connect the industry through a virtual platform.
Silent Panda Gives a Designer’s Voice to Samuel Taylor
A Panda’s Voice
The road to fashion greatness was a winding path for Samuel Taylor, founder of the elevated luxury streetwear and wearable-technology brand Silent Panda.
FABSCRAP Expansion Includes Opening of Philadelphia Location
Manufacturing
Following the May announcement of its partnerships with URBN and Nordstrom, which afforded it extensive funding, the textile recycling and reuse nonprofit FABSCRAP has opened a location in Philadelphia. In addition to bringing the group’s services to Philadelphia, FABSCRAP’s new location will allow the New York City–headquartered nonprofit to serve the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, including Washington, D.C.; Baltimore, Md.; and Southern New Jersey.
Art Hearts Fashion Showcases Design Love From California and Beyond
Love in L.A.
Returning to The Majestic Downtown, Art Hearts Fashion celebrated fashion week in Los Angeles with a full roster of international and California designers including Willfredo Gerardo.
John Lobb Opens Beverly Hills Location
RETAIL
Luxury bootmaker and leather-goods brand John Lobb recently unveiled a new location in Beverly Hills, Calif., as part of its expansion.
IMF’s MAGIC Announces 2022 Show Dates and New Addition to Event Roster
Trade Shows
Apparel-industry trade event MAGIC recently announced its 2022 schedule to help buyers plan for next year while also adding a new show to its calendar—MAGIC Nashville.
The Eco Future Is So Bright, Pangaia Lab x Twelve Wants Us to Wear Shades
Sustainability
Within the last year, scientists have reported the development of a method to channel CO2 emissions into a resource that can serve as the foundation for manufacturing products including electronics, cars, clothing and accessories with the technology serving as a replacement for fossil fuel–based plastics.
Beverly Hills Lingerie’s Unabashed Approach to Streetwear-Inspired Intimates
Manufacturing
In 2017, Los Angeles-born and -raised sisters Celine and Joline Nehoray began developing a brand that would allow women to feel sexy and bold while also living these characteristics out loud and with no reservations.
Nearshoring and Sustainable Options Tick During LA Textile Return
LA Textile
During the return edition of LA Textile at the California Market Center in downtown Los Angeles, apparel makers and creatives were welcomed back to the trade-show floor to find inspiration following the event’s hiatus, which began after its March 2020 edition due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
LAFW Marks Return to Petersen With Lineup of Global Designers
LAFW Returns
During its Oct. 7–10 return, LAFW provided a platform to global and California-based designers, such as Nicholas Mayfield, at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
Macy's Century City Offers FIT:Match to Ease Shopping With Correct Fits
TECHNOLOGY
Partnering with FIT:MATCH, Macy's Century City offers the measurement-technology company's 3D, AI-powered platform to shoppers who searched for a perfect fit.
Industry Focus: Finance—As we head into the holiday season, what types of investments should apparel companies be making to fortify their businesses and ensure success for 2022?
Finance
As 2021 winds down, the apparel segment has been enjoying an uptick in business from different corners of the industry. The last few months have seen some of the largest trade shows in the industry return to on-site events. With consumers shopping and willing to spend, retailers are enjoying the benefits of the apparel investments their customers are making as they return to offices, college campuses, in-school classes and semi-normal life.
Heidi Merrick Shows Ranch-Inspired Autumn/Winter ’21/22 Collection
Merrick’s RNCH
Unveiling the Autumn/Winter ’21/’22 RNCH collection, Heidi Merrick hosted a ranch-inspired fashion event at The Alisal in California’s Santa Ynez Valley.
Industry Focus: Fiber, Yarn and Fabric—What features in fiber and yarn are your clients demanding, and how is this trend shaping the future of your business?
Textiles
Within the foundation of every garment constructed, at the core of each piece of clothing that is made, is the cornerstone of fashion that lays the groundwork for apparel from fiber, yarn and fabric. While consumers of the past were simply satisfied with the composition listed on the tags of their clothing, today’s customers want more.
Surf Expo Supports Watersport and Beach-Lifestyle Communities
Trade Shows
During its Sept. 9–11 run, event producer Emerald’s Surf Expo show returned to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
A Sustainable-Jeans Story: SFI, EB Denim Partner on Vintage-Inspired Collection
Vintage Sustainability
When denim company Star Fades International announced its opening in January, the mission was more than simply cultivating the local Los Angeles jeans market.
Elie Tahari Opens First Los Angeles Shop
RETAIL
Fashion brand Elie Tahari unveiled its first Los Angeles location, which is its second store located in California.
Stitch Fix Launches Freestyle Service
E-COMMERCE
Personal-shopping and -styling platform Stitch Fix announced a more-customized experience for its clients through the launch of its Freestyle offering.
Vuori Partners With Gymnast Olivia Dunne
ACTIVEWEAR
Vuori, the Encinitas, Calif., activewear brand recently announced its partnership with gymnast Olivia "Livvy" Dunne, who will work with the label as a brand partner and collaborator.
LFW Includes Adaptive Fashion Show Through Faduma’s Fellowship Program
INCLUSIVE FASHION
As the style industry continues to make efforts to shed its notoriously exclusionary reputation, an adaptive-fashion initiative took to the runway during London Fashion Week.
