Informa Markets Fashion Welcomes Industry to MAGIC Pop-Up Orlando
Trade Shows
Ready for showtime, Informa Markets Fashion hosted its MAGIC Pop-Up Orlando Feb. 9–11 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. The time had come to produce an on-site show that afforded opportunities for buyers and brands to meet in a safe environment that would employ guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to Informa Markets Fashion Commercial President Kelly Helfman.
WWIN Travels Across the U.S. to Bring the Industry Together in Person
Trade Shows
As the apparel industry emerges from a 2020 that saw on-site trade events halted, the Womenswear In Nevada event moved from its home in Las Vegas to present its WWIN Orlando Showcase Feb. 9–11 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
Ready to Reunite the Apparel Industry, Trade-Event Producers Host On-site Events
Back to Business
The beginning of 2021 has included a return to on-site trade shows, as producers adhere to safety measures while affording opportunities for buyers and brands to discuss business strategy.
With High-Ranking Certified B Corp Status, Frank & Eileen Becomes Mission Focused
Manufacturing
Building her brand upon a foundation of high standards for luxury shirting, Frank & Eileen founder Audrey McLoghlin had aligned her company with many of the principles required by B Corporation Certification in corporate environmental and social awareness.
Generating Self-Pride and Cultural Respect the Goal for Kin
Proud to be Kin
Meeting during their time as students at the University of Southern California, Kameni Ngahdeu and Kwabena Osei-Larbi were mission driven from the start of their friendship and found comfort in their shared cultural backgrounds.
Hyosung Expands Regen Offerings, Aligning With Trends in Eco-Comfort
Textiles
During ISPO Munich Online, which took place Feb. 1–5, the Seoul-headquartered fiber producer Hyosung introduced its expanded line of Regen, the company’s sustainable and multi-function fibers.
Celerant Introduces Stratus Analytics to Help Retailers for Business Optimization
ERP SOLUTIONS
The Staten Island, N.Y.–headquartered retail-commerce software provider Celerant is affording retailers a comprehensive business-analysis tool.
Lectra Announces Intention to Acquire Gerber Technology
Industry 4.0
Fortifying its role as an Industry 4.0 technology leader, Paris-based Lectra announced its memorandum of understanding to acquire the entire capital and voting rights of Tolland, Conn., integrated-software-and-hardware-solutions provider Gerber Technology.
The RealReal Expands Resale Reach With New Locations
FASHION RESALE
Following the Jan. 26 opening of a 2,500-square-foot bricks-and-mortar location in Brooklyn, N.Y., luxury-resale operation The RealReal launched another shop in California's Orange County on Feb. 5.
Industry Focus: Finance—How Can Factoring Services Aid Apparel-Business Recovery?
Finance
Entering 2021, the apparel industry can see a bit of hope as businesses look toward maintenance and recovery from a tumultuous year. As apparel businesses examine their next steps while outlining new financial plans, they often look for guidance from experts.
Devoted to Nature, Family, Luxella Designs’ Ana Guimaraes Crafts Exquisite Jewelry
Manufacturing
With roots that have grown throughout North America, the origin story of Luxella Designs is a true American tale. Founder and owner Ana Guimaraes was born in Mexico, where she studied accounting, eventually meeting her husband in Canada. The couple started a family, living first in Toronto, where Guimaraes studied photography. They then moved to Kitchener in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, and eventually to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
USFIA Panel Tackles Eco-comfort in the Outdoor-Performance Category
Textiles
During a Jan. 21 virtual presentation, “A Review of Tree Climate: A Collaborative Collection by Concept III and Tencel,” moderated by the United States Fashion Industry Association’s communications director, Shannon Brady, new fabrications for the sustainable outdoor-apparel market were introduced.
From a Love for Heritage Women’s Denim, AMO Grows Its Community Commitment
Manufacturing
Established in Los Angeles with its founding in 2014 and the release of its Spring 2015 collection, AMO founders Kelly Urban and Misty Zollars—both alumnae of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising—are also true-blue Los Angeles denimheads.
Remaining True to Everyday Luxury, Catherine Gee Fall/Winter 2021 Adds an Edge
Luxury on the Edge
Designing a Fall/Winter 2021 collection while maintaining her elegant approach to luxury, Catherine Gee allowed an edginess to influence her California sensibilities, thereby generating pieces that she has named the “New York Edit.”
Shantelle Brumfield of Yarn Movement Unveils Initiatives for Black—and Making—History Month
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Yarn Movement founder and creative director Shantelle Brumfield—also known as S.LadyBug—has big plans to celebrate and make history during this year's Black History Month.
Strong Start for 2021 Trade-Show Season at Dallas Market
TRADE EVENTS
Buyer attendance was up during the recent Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market, with first-time visitors flocking to the event at the Dallas Market Center following a lackluster 2020.
Vans Foot the Bill Initiative Returns, Will Support Black-Owned Businesses in February
RETAIL
With the return of its "Foot the Bill" campaign, action-sports brand Vans is supporting small businesses. During February, all partners will be Black-owned businesses with additional actions taken during Black History Month to support these retailers.
Insight into Luxe Resale With The RealReal’s Debut ‘Luxury Consignment Report’
TRENDS IN LUXURY RESALE
As apparel resale continues to gain momentum, San Francisco–headquartered luxury marketplace The RealReal recently issued its 2021 “Luxury Consignment Report.”
California Lifts Stay-at-Home Orders
LEGAL
With most California counties at a purple Tier 1 level of COVID-19 cases, the California Department of Public Health announced today that it was ending the regional Stay-at-Home order for all areas throughout the state.
FashionGo Week to Launch Second Virtual Edition in February
VIRTUAL TRADE EVENTS
Fashion-wholesale marketplace FashionGo will host its second virtual FashionGo Week event Feb. 8-12, following the success of its August debut during the summer trade-show season.
Surf Expo Returns to Orlando With First On-site Event in a Year
Surf Expo Returns
Returning to its home at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., Surf Expo, the major trade show for the water-sports and beach-lifestyle categories, was held Jan. 6–8. While the Emerald Expositions–owned Surf Expo relied on its digital edition Sept. 16–18, Surf Expo Connect, many in the industry felt it was time to return to the trade-show floor.
A Source of Inspiration for 2021 at Virtual Texworld and Apparel Sourcing
Trade Shows
With its first big show of 2021 occurring virtually Jan. 12–14, Messe Frankfurt Fashion and Apparel Show Director, Jennifer Bacon said, “We were extremely pleased with both the exhibitor and attendee participation. It was very similar to our premier edition this past July. We are excited to continue serving the textile-sourcing community through our virtual platform as we look forward to returning to face-to-face events.”
Buyers and Brands Work Together During L.A. Market Week to Protect Businesses
Trade Shows
As Los Angeles County continued to grapple with surging COVID-19 numbers, apparel businesses worked together to fortify their operations. During L.A. Market Week, which was held Jan. 10–14 in downtown Los Angeles, showrooms welcomed buyers to view lines in person while they also afforded the option of online meetings via Zoom.
IBM Blockchain Tracks Supply Chain for Covalent’s AirCarbon Products
SUSTAINABILITY
From its basic stages to the stockroom, Covalent AirCarbon material from Huntington Beach, Calif.’s, Newlight Technologies is now traceable along the supply chain using IBM Blockchain.
Vans' 12th Custom Culture Competition Launches
EVENTS
Now in its 12th installment, the Vans Custom Culture 2021 event launched recently, affording an opportunity for students to work with the skate and action-sports brand and win prize money to benefit their schools' art programs.
Artistic Milliners Expands With Denim-Laundry Acquisition
Artistic L.A.
Global denim firm Artistic Milliners announced Jan. 12 its acquisition of a Los Angeles wash-and-finish factory launched under the name Star Fades International as the company invests in design and production innovations.
Emerald Acquires PlumRiver, Creator of the Elastic Suite Platform
Emerald Acquires PlumRiver
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.
Show-in-a-Box by Preface Provides Tactile Experience for Virtual Textile Event
Preface-in-a-Box
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
Simpler Times
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.
Venmo to Begin Check-Cashing Service as Clients Receive Stimulus Payments
PAYMENT TECHNOLOGY
Social-payment application Venmo is entering the check-cashing business with its new Cash a Check feature.
Wonder Woman-style Shoe Complements "Wonder Woman 1984" Release
FOOTWEAR
A collaboration between Warner Bros. Pictures Group and Biion Footwear has led to the release of a Wonder Woman-inspired shoe that aligned with the movie's Dec. 25 release.
Supreme Acquisition Completed by VF Corporation
MANUFACTURING
Denver-headquartered VF Corporation, which owns Vans, Timberland, The North Face and Dickies announced Dec. 28 that it had completed its acquisition of New York-headquartered street-and-skatewear brand Supreme.
Anderson Munger Family YMCA and FIDM Host Clothing Distribution
FASHION EVENTS
This holiday season, the Anderson Munger Family YMCA located in Los Angeles’ Koreatown distributed more than 2,000 new pieces of cold-weather clothing following a donation from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising’s FIDM Scholarship Foundation.
Yarn Movement to Host Sip N' Stitch Sessions
FASHION EVENTS
Through launching the Yarn Movement Sip N' Stitch virtual sessions, which will begin Dec. 27, founder Shantelle Brumfield—also known as S.LadyBug is hoping to encourage people everywhere to crochet.
IMC Reveals Plans for February Atlanta Apparel Market
TRADE SHOWS
As trade-show producers begin to emerge from a year in which many events were postponed or canceled in favor of virtual editions, International Market Centers’ Atlanta Apparel Market is looking toward 2021 with great optimism.
Informa Markets Fashion and NuOrder Provide Trade-Event Summary
VIRTUAL TRADE EVENTS
After ending its inaugural, exclusively digital trade event, which was hosted Sept. 1–Nov.1, Informa Markets Fashion and its e-commerce platform partner NuOrder revealed important insight derived from its metrics.
IBM to Partner With Port of L.A. to Thwart Cybersecurity Threats
L.A. Port Cybersecurity
Taking steps to improve its response to cybersecurity threats to the supply chain, the Port of Los Angeles announced that the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners approved the International Business Machines Corporation as the designer and operator of the port’s Cyber Resilience Center.
Stronger Together, MAGIC, Offprice and WWIN to Share Space for Orlando Shows
Trade Shows
Following the Dec. 3 announcement that it would host a MAGIC Pop Up Orlando trade event Feb. 9–11 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., Informa Markets Fashion revealed that it is working with Clarion Events and the Tarsus Group to produce co-located events for the return of on-site trade shows to serve the fashion community.
Newsmakers 2020: Trinidad3 Serves Industry by Expanding Domestic Denim Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Committed to service, the Los Angeles–made premium-denim brand Trinidad3 began 2020 with the launch of jeans that allow amputees to adjust prosthetic legs through a 12-inch seam on the inside of the thigh. The style, named Barron by Trinidad3, was inspired by Marine veteran Josue Barron, a Purple Heart recipient who lost his left leg in Afghanistan.
Newsmakers 2020: Voicing Need for Change, Kevan Hall Places Action Behind Words
Fashion
In 2020, the veteran fashion designer and co-founder of Black Design Collective Kevan Hall was one of the first to respond to the need for personal protective equipment. Working with fellow designer Malena Ruth, Hall enhanced existing hospital gowns and created masks to protect workers and patients at area hospitals and nursing facilities. This work also led the designer to donate a mask to frontline workers for every mask sold to a customer.
Newsmakers 2020: 25 Years of Trina Turk Influence Design Across Categories
Fashion
After 25 years of designing her eponymous fashion line, Trina Turk has influenced not only clothing but also the worlds of home design and travel. As she reflected on this milestone anniversary, the California designer released her book “Trina Turk” to share her colorful world with others as she recalled her own influences.
Newsmakers 2020: California Apparel News Celebrates 75 Influential Years
Fashion
First published 75 years ago from in its then-headquarters at 210 W. Seventh St. in downtown Los Angeles, California Apparel News has served the global fashion industry and local apparel businesses. Launched July 6, 1945, by Joe Osherenko, the publication began during a time when World War II servicemen were returning home to the United States.
Newsmakers 2020: Virtual Trade Shows Connect a Grounded Fashion Industry
Trade Shows
As the COVID-19 pandemic reached the shores of the United States in early 2020, apparel-industry trade-show producers canceled on-site shows and pushed back in-person events. One of the first event producers to think outside the trade-show floor was Kingpins, which introduced its April virtual edition of Kingpins24, a streaming event.
Pulling Back the Curtain With BDC and Kerby Jean-Raymond
Pulling Back the Curtain
Fashion powerhouse Kerby Jean-Raymond and design legend TJ Walker recently sat in on a Black Design Collective and Ta’Nisha Cameron–produced event called “Pull Back the Curtain: A Conversation With TJ Walker and Kerby Jean-Raymond.”
Skatie Finds Success Staying the Sustainable and Ethical Course
Manufacturing
The deep Southern California roots of activewear from the Skatie brand have been growing for more than a decade. From classmates to co-founders of an active-clothing and swim line, Skatie Noyes Hutchinson and Mandi Glynn have been working together since 2009 when they were students at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, where the former studied fashion design and the latter pursued visual communications.
Travis Hamilton Depicts His Comprehensive View of History in New Collection
Fashion
There has been discussion over the past few years—particularly in 2020—regarding accurate depictions of American history. A topic of conversation in many circles has covered affording due recognition to influential people whose profound contributions to this country were overlooked due to their culture, class or background. But Travis Hamilton is changing this narrative with his American Legends collection.
Upcycled Enlightened Uniform by Susan Rockefeller Released by The R Collective
UPCYCLED FASHION
Inspired by how the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted fashion consciousness regarding waste throughout the industry and the focus on trends toward versatile pieces, The R Collective unveiled its Susan Rockefeller-designed Enlightened Uniform.
IFJAG Moves to Orlando for February Event
ON-SITE TRADE EVENTS
After announcements were made over the course of the past week regarding the move of Informa Fashion Markets, Clarion Events and the Tarsus Group’s February Las Vegas trade events to Orlando, Fla., it was revealed on Dec. 10 that the International Fashion Jewelry & Accessories Group show would also move to the region.
‘Stronger Together,’ MAGIC, Offprice and WWIN to Share Space for Orlando Shows
ON-SITE TRADE EVENTS
Following the Dec. 3 announcement that it would host a MAGIC Pop Up Orlando trade event Feb. 9–11 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., Informa Markets Fashion revealed that it is working with Clarion Events and the Tarsus Group to produce co-located events for the return of on-site trade shows to serve the fashion community.
Pantone’s 2021 Color of the Year Features Two Hues That Speak to Strength and Hope
COLOR TRENDS
For its annual announcement, the color-and-trend-forecasting authority Pantone unveiled its 2021 Color of the Year, which is actually two different yet harmonious hues that are meant to complement each other.
