Heading East, California Designers Shine During NYFW
California for NYFW
As the fashionable set returned to the runway for New York Fashion Week’s Spring 2022 hybrid on-site and virtual events, California designers shone through with Golden State style during in-person shows and filmed presentations.
Fabric Alternatives PLNT FIBER and FRUT FIBER Introduced by Pangaia
PLNT-ing Good
Seeking to combat the negative impacts of pollutive textiles in the fashion industry, materials-science company Pangaia unveiled its latest innovations in the fabric space. Manufactured from plant fibers, Pangaia’s PLNT FIBER and FRUT FIBER were introduced as the company commits further to a mission of moving apparel manxufacturing away from nonorganic cotton and synthetics created from petroleum-based resources.
Buyers and Exhibitors Converge at FMNC for Immediates, Spring Styles
Trade Shows
During its most-recent edition, Fashion Market Northern California hosted its trade event at the Embassy Suites South San Francisco as buyers who value local shows met with exhibitors who were ready to take orders on Immediates and Spring. According to FMNC Executive Director Mary Taft, the show is continuing to grow with 25 to 30 new stores in attendance during each edition.
Louis Vuitton Unveils Savoir-Faire Experience in Los Angeles
LUXURY FASHION
French luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton presented its savoir-faire exhibition this week in Los Angeles at Goya Studios, featuring the heritage brand's extraordinarily crafted products.
Vuori Opens Abbot Kinney Location
ACTIVEWEAR
Encinitas, Calif., Climate Neutral Certified activewear brand Vuori unveiled a new location in Venice Beach, Calif., recently, as the company experiences rapid growth.
Ava by Pol' Atteu Brings Together Disney Star and Beverly Hills Designer
COLLABORATIONS
After being postponed due to the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, a collaboration between actor Ava Kolker and Beverly Hills designer Pol' Atteu was released over the summer through Ava by Pol' Atteu to bring affordable luxury to children, teens and women.
Carhartt and Metallica Join Forces to Attract Next Generation to Skilled-Trade Jobs
FASHION CARES
As Labor Day approached, workwear brand Carhartt and iconic metal band Metallica planned to collaborate to attract a new generation to enter the skilled-trade labor force.
Amazon and Affirm Announce Partnership for Pay-Over-Time Option
FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY
Payment network Affirm announced a partnership with Amazon that will allow Amazon.com customers to choose from more-flexible payment options during checkout.
Sprayground Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of 'How High' Starring Method Man and Redman
STREETWEAR
Known for its celebration of popular culture, Sprayground recently released a new backpack that celebrates the 20th anniversary of the cult-classic film "How High," starring Method Man and Redman.
Curve Los Angeles Returns With Sequel to Its 2020 Debut
Trade Shows
Following the success of its February 2020 premiere, the intimates show Curve Los Angeles was hosted Aug. 23–24 at the Manhattan Beach, Calif., Westdrift Hotel, where buyers welcomed an opportunity to conduct business in person.
Advanced Fashion Design Graduates Unveil Collections at FIDM Debut Show
Fashionable Debut
For the second virtual installment of its annual FIDM Debut, the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising showcased the creations of nine students as they graduated into their designer careers.
Kingpins Cancels December On-site Show
Trade Shows
Originally scheduled to take place Dec. 6–7, Kingpins New York has been canceled, show producers announced Sept. 1. Citing a rise in COVID-19 infection rates, low vaccination on a global scale, potential travel restrictions and a bleak outlook from health experts, Kingpin’s organizers made the difficult decision to suspend the New York edition, which would have been the brand’s return to the show floor by hosting an on-site event for the first time in two years.
New Collective to Promote Los Angeles Market Offerings, Attract Buyers
Trade Shows
A yet-to-be-named collective of wholesale-apparel organizations located within the Los Angeles Fashion District has been formed ahead of the city’s October Los Angeles Market Week.
Using AI, Taelor Affords a Perfectly Fit Fashion-Rental Experience to Its Customers
Rental Redesign
Looking around the fashion-rental space, Anya Cheng noticed a heavy focus on women’s apparel. With a career that includes working in social-media commerce for platforms on Facebook and Instagram, in addition to a position with Target, during which Cheng led the retailer’s digital transformation through development of its mobile-tablet application, she used these experiences to develop Taelor.
Luxury Is the Foundation for Elevated Basics at Myles Price
Elevated Basics
While fashion has reevaluated its approach to how style mavens can blend feeling comfortable with appearing chic, Myles Price focuses on developing basics through an approach to true luxury.
Aquarius Cocktail Popup at Platform LA Extended Through September
RETAIL
West Coast-lifestyle brand Aquarius Cocktail Clothing has enjoyed a pop-up space at Platform LA since July and the label recently announced the extension of this experience until Sept. 30
Texworld New York City Blends On-site and Virtual Components
ON-SITE TRADE EVENTS
As many industry events that serve the apparel business head back to on-site models, Texworld New York City maintained its virtual presence established during the COVID-19 pandemic while returning to an in-person model. Texworld New York City, Apparel Sourcing New York City and Home Textiles Sourcing saw thousands of attendees as it introduced its Sourcing Showroom, a virtual and on-site offering.
Zenni Celebrates Iris Apfel With Zentennial Collection Marking Icon's 100th Birthday
FASHION
As the centennial birthday of fashion and design icon Iris Apfel approaches, online eyewear retailer Zenni announced the release of its Iris Apfel Zentennial Collection.
Skidrow Fashion Week X Humanity Showers Helps Homelss in L.A. With Project Give a F@#k
FASHION CARES
Though Skidrow Fashion Week has been reaching out to heal the homeless population in Southern California "one T-shirt at a time," the organization is partnering with Humanity Showers Aug. 21 for a special outreach event in Los Angeles.
IFJAG Creates Community for One-Stop Jewelry-and-Accessories Shopping
Trade Shows
During its Aug. 7–10 run, the International Fashion Jewelry & Accessories Group hosted the Las Vegas edition of its show at the Embassy Suites on University Center Drive. At the suite-style IFJAG show, buyers visited the event from all corners of the country to invest in Immediate, Fall and Spring fashion jewelry.
Las Vegas Apparel’s Successful Debut Sets the Stage for Growth
Trade Shows
Debuting Aug. 8-10 at the Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas, Las Vegas Apparel was hosted by International Market Centers and saw success during its first show.
Sourcing at MAGIC Raises Hopes for Quality, Nearshoring and Sustainability
Trade Shows
As part of the Informa Markets Fashion schedule of apparel-industry shows, Sourcing at MAGIC was hosted at the Las Vegas Convention Center Aug. 8–11. For Andreu David, event director for Sourcing at MAGIC, this hybrid on-site/virtual production was the fashion professional’s first time managing the show in a physical space, and the focus was on sustainability.
Informa Brings the MAGIC Back to Buyers and Exhibitors in Las Vegas
Trade Shows
Producing its MAGIC trend-driven women’s event Aug. 9–11 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Informa Markets Fashion afforded a blend of brands, networking events and educational opportunities that attracted buyers to its first event in the city since February 2020.
Optimism and Gratitude Throughout August Las Vegas Shows
Return to Las Vegas
It was a successful return to Las Vegas as established apparel-industry trade-show brands and new events attracted buyers and exhibitors 18 months after they last saw one another during the exhibitions in February 2020 ahead of the COVID-19 lockdowns. While many shows still incorporated virtual and online components, event organizers welcomed fashion-industry professionals back to their large-scale, on-site productions.
Glamour Returns as Dalia MacPhee Unveils Fall 2021 Collection
Fall Glamour
When designing for Fall 2021, Dalia MacPhee envisioned a blossoming renewed interest in glamorous dressing as the designer’s clients emerged from their homes to find a new collection that nods to classic elements and city sensibilities.
With an Upcoming Launch, Holly Sanders Designs Denim for Women by Women
Denim by Women
Founding her Angela fashion denim brand, which she refers to as “the best jeans ever,” was a long journey for Holly Sanders, who grew up in the small town of Barstow, Calif., but is aiming to make a big impact on the industry.
CALA Men’s Trend Show Debuts Fresh Model in Newport Beach
Trade Shows
With its lineage stemming from the Ken Haruta West Coast Trend Show and Gerry Murtagh’s CALA brand, the CALA Men’s Trend Show made its debut Aug. 15–17 at the Marriott Hotel and Spa in Newport Beach, Calif. Though the show was still wrapping on Aug. 17, Haruta was already reveling in the success of this launch and looking toward the future.
With Vans and Greenhouse, Kids of Immigrants Proves 'Anything is Possible' With New Footwear
FASHION HERITAGE
Inspired by the slogan, "Anything is possible," Kids of Immigrants partnered with Vans and Greenhouse to launch a new footwear collection that honors the parents of members of the Los Angeles collective and how they were brought up.
Launch Date Announced for Sabyasachi x H&M
FASHION
Working with Indian designer Sabyasachi, H&M announced that the launch date for its joint collection with the artist.
Carrying a Sustainable Message to DTLA, Preface Hosts On-site Event
Trade Shows
Returning to Los Angeles, the Preface show hosted its July 28–29 event at the El Santee Building in the city’s downtown.
Ambercycle and Avery Dennison Work Together to Close the Supply-Chain Loop
Technology
The end of life for clothing often leads to the landfill, creating an enormous fashion-waste problem for the industry.
Liberty West Debuts With a Successful Show in DTLA
Trade Shows
Fresh off a successful event that was hosted during Miami Swim Week, Liberty Fashion & Lifestyle Fairs entered the Los Angeles trade-show market with its new show, Liberty West, an event that was the product of Liberty’s joint effort with the LA Men’s Market.
Industry Focus: Finance
Industry Focus: Finance
As consumers shop in the midst of back-to-school season, how should apparel-industry professionals guarantee a strong finish as they head into fall?
At Faena Forum, Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion Brings the Heat
Art Hearts Miami Swim
During its run July 8–11, Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion showcased designers whose garments epitomized the atmosphere of the hot, provocative edginess for which the city is known.
With Production in L.A., Bromelia Swimwear Brings Brazilian Confidence
Bromelia Comes Home
Two years after launching her company in Rio de Janeiro, Bromelia Swimwear founder and native Angeleno Lauren Quinn decided a move to her hometown would be best for the brand and relocated after launching the swimwear line in 2018.
Ruben Rojas Falls in Love With Sharing an Important Message on T-shirts
L.A. to a Tee
With a message of choosing love over fear, Ruben Rojas is cultivating his art-inspired label to grow from its Los Angeles T-shirt roots into a global brand that makes an impact.
5Loc Promotes Cotton Transparency, Traceability 'From Field to Fabric'
Supply Chain
Responsible cotton has been Brent Crossland’s passion throughout the industry expert’s nearly 40-year career. After working with a number of companies including Wrangler and Bayer CropScience—where he created the e3 sustainable cotton program that affords guidelines to farmers—Crossland recently founded 5Loc Cotton.
White Oak Forms National Retail Finance Group
RETAIL
Expanding its commitment to retail, White Oak Commercial Finance, which is an affiliate of White Oak Global Advisors, LLC, announced that it has formed the National Retail Finance Group.
Decades by Cameron Silver Hosts Sustainable Vintage Pop Up at Fred Segal Flagship
SUSTAINABLE FASHION
Building upon the success of its pop-up experience last month at Fred Segal Malibu Village, Cameron Silver's Decades collection of luxury and premium vintage will be hosted at the retailer's flagship on Sunset Boulevard through July 30 with a focus on sustainability in fashion.
Looking Inward for Autumn/Winter 2021, Jonathan Marc Stein Seeks to Heal Others
FASHION CARES
Moving beyond designing fashion to simply create a new seasonal collection, Jonathan Marc Stein focused on looking inward to relay the importance of issues that are impacting society.
It's Back to the Beach as Brands, Buyers Reconnect at Miami Swim Week
Miami Swim Week
After more than a year of meeting over video platforms, the swim-and-resort categories of the fashion industry were ready to hit the sand and peruse poolside for fresh styles during Miami Swim Week. The convergence of designers, brands and buyers was a time for the industry to reunite for serious business following a year of separation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
AII Announces California-based Sustainability Program
Manufacturing
Following its work to promote scalable environmental solutions in apparel sectors within countries including China, Vietnam and India, the Apparel Impact Institute announced the launch of its research to introduce its Clean by Design program, which works with clothing manufacturers to increase efficiency and renewables, into Los Angeles.
Fashion Tech Works Launches With Resources for Apparel Businesses
Technology
In the heart of the downtown Los Angeles Fashion District, at the New Mart building, Fashion Tech Works affords a new space for cultivating creativity blended with innovation. The fashion-focused space serves as a digital design center, content studio, event space and coworking site for designers and brands large and small.
Lenzing Makes Strides in Fiber Identification Within Its E-Branding Service
Textiles
Known for its commitment to sustainable-fiber cultivation, Lenzing has announced the expansion of its identification capabilities within the company’s E-Branding Service.
A Diverse Range of Brands and Representation at Paraiso
Return to Paradise
The Paraiso Miami Beach celebration of swimwear and resort fashion returned to its on-site schedule during Miami Swim Week, as industry insiders welcomed a long-awaited return to the beachside runway to become immersed in sun, surf and the business of selling swim.
Archive Resale Uses a Brand-Centered Approach to Redefine Digital Resale
Technology
While sites that cater to consumers who want to bid adieu to their old clothing in exchange for a bit of cash have dominated the online resale space, Archive Resale has introduced a model that benefits both brands and sellers. Founded in 2020 by vintage-clothing enthusiast, Google alum and now Archive Resale Chief Executive Officer Emily Gittins and Ryan Rowe, the company’s chief technology officer who is a design, data and user-experience expert, the platform is quickly gaining traction to fill a void in the market.
Pol’ Atteu Rises to Reclaim Success With Celebrity Clientele Following Challenging Year
FASHION DESIGN
At Pol' Atteu Beverly Hills, business is beginning to boom for the 28-year-old boutique, following a year that included shifting from creating custom gowns for a discerning clientele to making COVID-19 face masks, in addition to recovering from the destruction due to civil unrest that took place during May 2020.
Sharing Its L.A.-Inspired Eco Approach, Bella Dahl Pops Up at Selfridges in London
SUSTAINABILITY
Celebrating female empowerment and an ecologically aware lifestyle with a Southern California twist, Bella Dahl recently launched a pop-up shop in the United Kingdom at Selfridges in London.
Sprayground Branches Out From Streetwear to Swim
SWIM/SURF
Streetwear brand Sprayground has launched its first swim capsule collection inspired by the art of fashion.
