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.
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.
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.
Project Announces Fresh Focus to Its Debut at New July Event in Miami
TRADE EVENTS
Informa Markets Fashion’s contemporary men’s show Project will debut a fresh merchandising strategy, including the addition of women’s, during the new Project: Miami, which will be hosted at the city’s Fontainebleau Miami Beach July 10–12.
AG's Launch of The Jean Of Tomorrow Offers Biodegradable Denim Pieces
SUSTAINABILITY
With its latest release, The Jean Of Tomorrow, AG is offering 100 percent biodegradable denim to observe the brand's 20 years of sustainable manufacturing.
Sanuk Collaborates With Surfrider Foundation on Footwear Capsule
SUSTAINABILITY
A new capsule collection named Sanuk x Surfrider We Got Your Back brings together the Goleta, Calif., footwear brand with its longtime non-profit environmental partner.
Liberty Fairs, LA Men’s Market Announce New Liberty Fairs: Los Angeles Event
Trade Shows
A new on-site trade-show experience is on the calendar with Liberty Fairs: Los Angeles, which will take place Aug. 4–5 with Liberty Fairs and LA Men’s Market rolled into a single show. The fresh event will take the place of Liberty Fairs’ semiannual appearance in Las Vegas, with the Los Angeles show also planned for February 2022.
Silq Smooths Out Transparency Issues Within the Apparel Supply Chain
Technology
Supply-chain management continues to evolve and, at the forefront of that evolution, San Jose, Calif.’s Silq leads the way. Founded in March 2020 by Ram Radhakrishnan, the company’s chief executive officer, and Kate Alexander, vice president of operations, the company serves as a manager of production, extending the reach of a client brand’s sourcing and merchandising abilities by utilizing the expertise of local industry professionals in India; Guangzhou, China; and Ho Chi Minh City.
Lezat Enjoys Giving Back Through Ethical, Eco Production
Lezat’s Ethical Apparel
Starting an apparel career as a factory owner can prove demanding for even the most-driven person, but Jaleh Factor wanted to do more. In 2020, after six years making private-label apparel for customers in the activewear, swimwear, knits and wovens categories, Factor decided to shift her business, Sewby, last year to create masks when the need for personal protective equipment soared with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
California Designers Named as Finalists for CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund
FASHION CARES
The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund announced its 2021 finalists on April 27 and Los Angeles-based designers were among those selected. Both House of Aama by Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka, and designer Kenneth Nicholson were among the 10 finalists for this year’s award.
Lenzing and RCGD Continue to Share Eco Couture at the Oscars
SUSTAINABLE FASHION
For the second consecutive year, fiber provider Lenzing and the sustainable-fashion advocacy group Red Carpet Green Dress joined together to bring more-sustainable options to elegant dressing during this year’s Oscars, which was held on April 25.
New Watson Capabilities From IBM Afford Trustworthy AI to Businesses
AI FOR BUSINESS
Announcing new capabilities for its Watson business artificial-intelligence technology, Armonk, N.Y.-headquartered IBM revealed fresh approaches that it hopes will build trust in data and AI.
Second Spin by Outerknown Launches as the Brand's First Circular Collection
EARTH DAY
Ahead of this year's Earth Day on April 22, Culver City, Calif., Outerknown announced the release of its Second Spin circular-knits collection.
For Spring 2021, Johnny Was Shares Bright, Bohemian, Desert-Inspired Styles
Desert Blossoms
For its Spring 2021 collection, Johnny Was sought inspiration from desert elements such as the beauty of a warm sunset set against a glorious cool blue sky.
Industry Focus: Technology—By the End of 2021, What Type of Technology Will Make the Largest Impact on the Fashion Industry and How Can Apparel Professionals Prepare?
Industry Focus: Technology
One of the most important lessons professionals in the fashion industry learned during the past year was the crucial role that technology plays in cultivating an apparel business. From supply chain and sourcing to design, manufacturing and retail, different technologies have helped save businesses in every corner of the industry.
Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas Opens in City’s Downtown
Trade Shows
In time for the return of on-site trade shows in 2021, International Market Centers hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 9 for its new Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas in the city’s downtown area. The $103.5 million project by IMC’s parent company, Blackstone, was completed over three years.
FreedomPay and Foot Locker Announce Partnership
CONTACTLESS PAYMENT
Seeking greater payment security and flexibility, the New York–headquartered Foot Locker, Inc., and Philadelphia’s FreedomPay announced that the FreedomPay Next Level Commerce platform would be implemented across the athletic retailer’s more than 2,000 stores in the United States.
Bright L.A. Fashion Star Jiyeon Lee Designs for Shein
FASHION DESIGN
After working with brands such as Cult Gaia, Flynn Skye, Genetic Los Angeles and A.L.C., Los Angeles designer Jiyeon Lee is creating her own designs for Shein X, the fast-fashion e-tailer’s program that supports emerging artists.
Luxury Brands Partner With The RealReal for Earth Month Upcycled Collection
LUXURY RESALE
The beginning of April ushers in the start of Earth Month and, to celebrate, The RealReal announced a partnership with eight luxury brands to present the inaugural release of pieces from its new ReCollection upcycling program.
CGS Welcomes Daniella Ambrogi as Global Marketing Director
Technology
New York–headquartered Computer Generated Solutions recently announced the hire of Daniella Ambrogi as the company’s global marketing director. In her role, Ambrogi will be responsible for CGS’ global marketing strategy for fashion, footwear, accessories and consumer-lifestyle goods.
Matthew Mathiasen Promoted to CMC Senior Events Manager
Trade Shows
Downtown Los Angeles’ California Market Center recently announced the promotion of Matthew Mathiasen to the role of senior events manager. A fashion and events veteran, the role is a natural fit for Mathiasen, who has spent much of his career devoted to this space, most recently as the CMC’s manager of buyer and community relations, a position that he fulfilled since joining Brookfield Properties, the site’s property manager, in 2018.
Jessica McClintock, Owner of the Eponymous Label of Formalwear
Remembering Jessica McClintock
Fashion designer Jessica McClintock passed away on Feb. 16, according to a notice that was published March 12 in the SFGate.
Industry Focus: Finance--Where Should Fashion Businesses Focus for Smart Economic Recovery?
Industry Focus: Finance
With the world turning over a new, progressive leaf following the COVID-19 pandemic, optimism seems to be on the trend calendar for 2021. As vaccines are distributed to more people, extreme measures of caution are beginning to dissipate as the general public exhibits an increased feeling of safety.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SoundCommerce Closes $15 Million Series A Financing
E-COMMERCE
Continuing its growth within the consumer-retail industry, the data-platform provider SoundCommerce announced $15 million in Series A financing, aligning with its expansion through hiring, platform capabilities and customer engagement.
Novoloop Announces Groundbreaking Progress in Plastic-Waste Upcycling
SUSTAINABILITY
Formerly known as BioCellection, Menlo Park, Calif.’s Novoloop announced Feb. 23 an extraordinary advancement in sustainable manufacturing with the launch of XIRC.
#ArtBlk by Dungeon Forward Features Collaborations With Black Artists
FASHION
Headwear brand Dungeon Forward introduced its #ArtBlk limited capsule collection that features work by Black artists Chuck Styles, XPayne, Melissa A. Mitchell and Nathan Delinois. The collection was launched as an introduction to the brand's new low-top variant of The Sunika Kuraun style.
First Atlanta Apparel of the Year Sees Pre-Pandemic Traffic
Trade Shows
Exceeding expectations of show producers, the Feb. 2–6 edition of Atlanta Apparel at the AmericasMart in Atlanta saw buyer traffic that equaled January 2020 numbers. With visitors from 46 states, first-time buyers comprised 20 percent of those who attended the market.
