18_can102607lettersi.. - California Apparel News
18_can102607lettersi.. - California Apparel News
18_can102607lettersi.. - California Apparel News
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NEWSPAPER 2ND CLASS<br />
<strong>Apparel</strong><strong>News</strong><br />
CALIFORNIA<br />
THE VOICE<br />
OF THE<br />
INDUSTRY FOR<br />
63 years<br />
$2.95 ($3.50 OUTSIDE CALIFORNIA) VOLUME 63, NUMBER 46 OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007<br />
Overseas Buyers Find<br />
U.S. <strong>Apparel</strong> a Bargain<br />
By Deborah Belgum<br />
SENIOR EDITOR<br />
When Los Angeles fashion designer Sheri Bodell finished<br />
tabulating her Spring ’08 orders at the recent Fashion<br />
Coterie trade show in New York, she noticed a major<br />
geographic shift in buyers.<br />
About 50 percent of the stores interested in her rock ’n’<br />
roll–inspired collection were in Europe.<br />
That was a major bump up from past shows, when European<br />
stores traditionally accounted for only 20 percent<br />
of sales of her edgy, high-end dresses, pants and tops.<br />
Bodell’s popularity in Europe is being fanned by the<br />
weak U.S. dollar, whose value vis á vis other major foreign<br />
currencies has been skidding downhill for several years.<br />
A weak dollar is making apparel created and manufactured<br />
in the United States a top-notch bargain for overseas<br />
buyers, who now can buy piles of clothing on the same<br />
budget.<br />
“They can afford it,” Bodell says of the Europeans, who<br />
aren’t taken aback by her wholesale prices, which range<br />
from $148 for a camisole to $898 for a long, beaded gown.<br />
Dollar page 26<br />
Trade Show Report<br />
Happy Birthday, Kingpins<br />
By Erin Barajas<br />
MANUFACTURING EDITOR<br />
The invite-only biannual textile and sourcing show<br />
Kingpins is finding a happy home in Los Angeles. Created<br />
by New York–based garment and fabric agent Olah<br />
Inc., Kingpins enjoyed its one-year anniversary in Los Angeles<br />
Oct. 17–<strong>18</strong>. “It was our best L.A. show yet,” said Andrew<br />
Olah, Olah’s co-founder. Kingpins, which has been<br />
showing in New York for three years, is held biannually in<br />
<strong>California</strong> in March and October.<br />
The show—which packed the Marvimon House in<br />
Los Angeles’ Chinatown neighborhood with 13 vendors<br />
of denim, garments, trim, hardware, and representatives<br />
from specialty cotton and chemical companies—welcomed<br />
Kingpins page 6<br />
Inside:<br />
Technology … p. 7<br />
New Resources … p. 8, 23<br />
New Lines … p. 9<br />
Galanos honored on Walk of Style … p. 15<br />
Eco Notes … p. 24<br />
www.apparelnews.net<br />
Where fashion gets down to business SM<br />
L.A.<br />
Fashion<br />
Week<br />
L.A. Perspective<br />
Buyers, press, stylists and other<br />
fashion-industry insiders got a<br />
glimpse of the diverse scope of Los<br />
Angeles design during the many<br />
events of Los Angeles Fashion<br />
Week. Grey Ant designer Grant<br />
Krajecki took a sophisticated<br />
conceptual approach with his<br />
collection, shown at Mercedes-Benz<br />
Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios<br />
in Culver City, Calif. <strong>California</strong><br />
<strong>Apparel</strong> <strong>News</strong> has been covering<br />
the events over several issues. This<br />
week’s coverage begins on page 16.<br />
JOHN ECKMIER
U.S. to Get Tough on Counterfeiting and Piracy<br />
The United States hopes to pass a trade<br />
agreement with major trading partners to<br />
combat counterfeiting and piracy of branded<br />
goods and other items.<br />
U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab<br />
announced the plan Oct. 23 at a Capitol Hill<br />
press conference before members of Congress<br />
and several ambassadors from countries<br />
that will be part of the new initiative.<br />
“The United States looks forward to<br />
partnering with many of our key trading<br />
partners to combat this global problem,”<br />
Schwab told the group. “Today launches<br />
our joint efforts to confront counterfeiters<br />
and pirates across the global marketplace.”<br />
The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement<br />
(ACTA) would complement the provisions<br />
of the Agreement on Trade-Related<br />
Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights<br />
(TRIPS) under the World Trade Organi-<br />
zation and other intellectual-property-rights<br />
agreements.<br />
Trading partners discussing the agreement<br />
include Canada, the European Union<br />
and its 27 countries, Japan, Korea, Mexico,<br />
New Zealand, and Switzerland.<br />
Schwab said the United States and its<br />
trading partners would like to complete<br />
the new agreement as soon as possible. It<br />
would focus on three major areas: cooperation<br />
among countries, best practices for<br />
fighting copyright piracy and developing a<br />
strong legal framework to prosecute violations<br />
of intellectual-property rights.<br />
The trade agreement was lauded by<br />
the American <strong>Apparel</strong> & Footwear Association,<br />
an Arlington, Va.–based trade<br />
group of manufacturers and their suppliers,<br />
for consolidating the enforcement activities<br />
of international intellectual-property<br />
rights.<br />
Cone Denim Lays Off 150 Employees<br />
Cone Denim is paring down its workforce again at its only remaining denim plant in<br />
the United States.<br />
The layoffs at the White Oak plant in Greensboro, N.C., should take place by Dec. 3,<br />
officials said in a statement.<br />
Two years ago, the 102-year-old plant had 1,100 people working there. But foreign competition<br />
has made it tougher for Cone Denim, a division of International Textile Group,<br />
to compete in the United States. After the layoffs, there will be 550 workers at the mill.<br />
Company executives said the downsizing of the workforce is due to U.S. manufacturers<br />
increasingly opting to use fabrics made in China and other foreign countries.<br />
To compete globally, Cone Denim operates a joint-venture denim plant in Mexico and<br />
is constructing a denim mill in Nicaragua. It has operations in Turkey and India. Jointventure<br />
plants are also being constructed in Vietnam and China.<br />
White Oak will continue to focus on high-end denim used in premium blue jeans.<br />
In September, John Bakane, Cone Denim’s president who has been with the company<br />
and its predecessor since 1975, announced he would retire at the end of the year.<br />
Cone Denim was created in 2004 after New York businessman and billionaire Wilbur Ross<br />
bought Cone Mills and Burlington Industries out of bankruptcy to form ITG.—D.B.<br />
Worried About Counterfeits?<br />
Stein Shostak Shostak Pollack & O’Hara, LLP<br />
The Chinese Government will work with brand owners<br />
to intercept counterfeits before they are shipped.<br />
Call us, SSSPO. We are the only customs law firm in<br />
downtown Los Angeles with a Representative Office in<br />
Shanghai, China<br />
Since 1933, our lawyers have specialized in customs and international trade law,<br />
including classification, value, admissibility, seizures and forfeiture litigation, penalties,<br />
protection of intellectual property rights, all custom audits, export regulation,<br />
and other trade related issues.<br />
LOS ANGELES<br />
Suite 1388<br />
865 South Figueroa Street<br />
Los Angeles, CA 90017<br />
Tel: (213) 630-8888<br />
Fax: (213) 630-8890<br />
SHANGHAI<br />
China Merchants Tower<br />
9th Floor<br />
No. 161, Lu Jia Zui Road,<br />
Pudong, Shanghai, China 200120<br />
Xinyu “Jason” Li<br />
Resident Partner<br />
Ph: 011-86-13-66-<strong>18</strong>7-9769<br />
jxli@steinshostak.com<br />
SAN DIEGO<br />
Suite C<br />
1605 Pacific Rim Court<br />
San Diego, CA 92154<br />
Tel: (619) 661-6317<br />
Fax: (619) 661-1448<br />
www.ssspo.com<br />
2 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007<br />
WASHINGTON, D.C.<br />
Suite 615<br />
1620 1 Street, N.W.<br />
Washington, D.C. 20006<br />
Tel: (202) 331-<strong>18</strong>76<br />
Fax: (202) 331-<strong>18</strong>77<br />
“The prevalence of knockoffs is a serious<br />
threat to the apparel and footwear industry’s<br />
companies, workers and consumers,”<br />
said Kevin Burke, the AAFA’s president<br />
and chief executive. “Footwear and apparel<br />
products represented 36 percent and 14<br />
percent, respectively, of all seized counterfeit<br />
goods by the U.S. Customs Service in<br />
the first half of 2007.”—Deborah Belgum<br />
PacSun Closes Steps,<br />
Looks for New<br />
Solutions for Demo<br />
Pacific Sunwear announced on Oct. 24<br />
that it will shutter its nine-store footwear<br />
retailer, One Thousand Steps, and that<br />
it will search for an investment banker to<br />
help it find “strategic alternatives” for its<br />
154 urban-themed demo stores.<br />
The Anaheim, Calif.–based retailer’s core<br />
business is its 837 Pacific Sunwear surf and<br />
skate stores, and the company will shift its<br />
focus to its core business, said Sally Frame<br />
Kasaks, the retailer’s chief executive.<br />
In a prepared statement, Kasaks said<br />
that demo merchants had tried to change<br />
the urban retailer’s long-suffering business<br />
for the past two years to no avail. In the<br />
past year, Pacific Sunwear had made moves<br />
to scale back demo’s business. In February,<br />
Kasaks announced that the company would<br />
close 74 demo stores.<br />
One Thousand Steps debuted April 2006<br />
at the Galleria at Tyler shopping center in<br />
Riverside, Calif. Kasaks said one reason for<br />
the footwear retailer’s closure was that her<br />
company’s shareholders would not benefit<br />
from the continued operation of the chain.<br />
One Thousand Steps and demo both had<br />
generated a total pre-tax operating loss of<br />
$21 million during the first three quarters of<br />
the 2007 fiscal year. Despite the tough news,<br />
retail analyst Liz Pierce thought the future<br />
was bright for Pacific Sunwear. “We believe<br />
the core Pacific Sunwear brand still has a lot<br />
of growth opportunities,” she wrote in a research<br />
note dated Oct. 25. Pierce works for<br />
Roth Capital Partners, based in Newport<br />
Beach, Calif.—Andrew Asch<br />
Retail Conference<br />
in the Desert<br />
“Redefining the Retailer/Supplier Relationship”<br />
will be the theme for this year’s<br />
Vendor Compliance Federation’s fall<br />
conference, set for Nov. 4–7 at the Renaissance<br />
Esmeralda Resort in Indian Wells,<br />
Calif.<br />
Parsippany, N.J.–based VCF is a 20year-old<br />
organization formed to improve<br />
relationships and transactional processes<br />
between retailers and suppliers.<br />
This year’s conference will feature case<br />
studies with Kohl’s as well as discussions<br />
and panel events on customer-relationship<br />
management, supply-chain management,<br />
EDI (electronic data interchange), logistics<br />
and other areas.<br />
More than 400 attendees are expected.<br />
For more information, visit www.vcfww.com<br />
or e-mail amiano@vcfww.com.<br />
—Robert McAllister<br />
Corrections and Clarifications<br />
In the Oct. 19 coverage of the Los<br />
Angeles International Textile Show,<br />
Ned Pilchman and Ann Davis were incorrectly<br />
identified. Pilchman’s company,<br />
Marteva Textiles, and Davis’<br />
Davis Textile Group both represent<br />
American Fabrics International.<br />
Week In Review<br />
<strong>California</strong><br />
Off to India. Cherokee Inc., based in<br />
Van Nuys, has licensed its brand name<br />
to Arvind Mills Ltd. in India. The multiyear<br />
license is for men’s, women’s and<br />
children’s clothing, footwear, accessories,<br />
home and other categories.<br />
Cherokee did not disclose the price of<br />
the licensing deal. Cherokee has been<br />
on a worldwide licensing program. The<br />
company has licensing agreements<br />
with companies in 28 countries, including<br />
a licensing agreement with Target<br />
Inc. in the United States. Arvind Mills<br />
is one of India’s largest integrated textile<br />
companies in India, with a retail<br />
division called Megamart. Arvind also<br />
plans a rollout of Cherokee products in<br />
free-standing Cherokee stores.<br />
Battle over. Sears Holdings and Computer<br />
Sciences Corp. have put down<br />
the gloves in a dispute over a 10-year<br />
outsourcing agreement for information<br />
technology. The two announced they<br />
settled their differences after Sears<br />
paid an undisclosed sum of money to<br />
Computer Sciences. Sears does not expect<br />
to take a charge against revenues<br />
because it put aside a reserve for the<br />
expense. Sears Holdings, based in<br />
Chicago, is a $53 billion retailer that<br />
operates 3,800 Sears Roebuck & Co.<br />
and Kmart stores. Computer Sciences<br />
is a $15 billion information-technology<br />
company in El Segundo.<br />
National<br />
Flying high. Retailer American Eagle<br />
Outfitters Inc. is launching a new line<br />
of workout and fitness wear called aerie<br />
f.i.t. (“fun, inspirational, technical”)<br />
for the 15- to 25-year-old girl. The line<br />
includes exercise clothes and accessories<br />
such as pants, leggings, shorts,<br />
tees, hoodies, tanks, vests and headbands.<br />
The fitness line is just one of the<br />
latest developments for aerie, a brand<br />
launched by Pittsburgh-based American<br />
Eagle in late 2006 with underwear<br />
and sleepwear. This holiday season, aerie<br />
plans to launch personal-care items<br />
such as body lotions, washes, lip care<br />
and home fragrances.<br />
Getting the goods. Family Dollar,<br />
with more than 6,000 stores in 44<br />
states, and The NPD Group Inc., a<br />
Port, Washington, N.Y., company that<br />
tracks consumer and retail trends, have<br />
formed a three-year alliance to share<br />
information. Family Dollar will provide<br />
its sales information in return for access<br />
to NPD’s information services for<br />
apparel, housewares and small domestic<br />
appliances. Family Dollar executive<br />
Robert George said the agreement will<br />
help the retailer anticipate customers’<br />
wants and needs.<br />
International<br />
Male appeal. The French design<br />
house Cacharel, best known for its<br />
ready-to-wear womenswear, has<br />
opened a pilot store in Paris filled<br />
with the company’s first men’s collection.<br />
The store is called La Chemiserie<br />
Cacharel, or the Cacharel Shirt Store.<br />
The store opening comes after the recent<br />
appointment of Phillippe Cardon<br />
as the new chief executive. In 2006,<br />
Cacharel was in the red, but it expects<br />
to break even this year.<br />
Quote of the week<br />
My feet were soaking wet, so if I hadn’t<br />
caught myself with my hands, I would<br />
have had to swim out.—Fashion model<br />
Sarah Welch, talking with Inside Edition<br />
about her fall through a hole in the<br />
runway at the Shadang fashion show<br />
in Los Angeles. The makeshift runway<br />
was placed over a swimming pool.
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4 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007<br />
Retail Notes<br />
Aero & Co. Boutique Gambles on Moss Mills<br />
Can a retail odd couple make sales skyrocket?<br />
Aero & Co. owner Alisa Loftin thinks strange retail<br />
bedfellows will add a lot of value to her store, which specializes<br />
in avant-garde fashions. The boutique recently<br />
celebrated the opening of a mini-shop for Los Angeles–based<br />
designer Moss Mills. The label crafts soft,<br />
woodland-themed jewelry and fashions that often depict<br />
pictures of forest animals.<br />
The mini-boutique, which opened Oct. 6, represents a<br />
change for Aero & Co. For the past eight years, the store<br />
has been offering new designers who create thoughtprovoking<br />
pieces. Since it first bowed in its new location<br />
on Los Angeles’ West Third Street five years ago, the<br />
boutique has found good customers because the retail<br />
area is known for its support of intellectual fashions.<br />
But it needed more.<br />
As West Third Street’s notoriety has increased, the<br />
thoroughfare has attracted more tourists. Loftin said<br />
that they often do not know what to make of the store’s<br />
avant-garde fashions and Los Angeles–based labels,<br />
such as Figment and Blood Is the New Black.<br />
Enter Moss Mills and the in-store mini-shop.<br />
Calendar<br />
*Denotes local events<br />
Oct. 26<br />
*Los Angeles Fashion Market<br />
<strong>California</strong> Market Center<br />
The New Mart<br />
Cooper Design Space<br />
Gerry Building<br />
Los Angeles<br />
Through Oct. 30<br />
Cost: free to the trade<br />
For information: www.<br />
californiamarketcenter.com<br />
www.newmart.net<br />
www.cooperdesignspace.com<br />
www.gerrybuilding.com<br />
*Boutique Lingerie<br />
Gerry Building<br />
Los Angeles<br />
Through Oct. 29<br />
Cost: free to the trade<br />
For information: www.<br />
boutiquelingerieshow.com<br />
*Brighte Cos.<br />
<strong>California</strong> Market Center<br />
Los Angeles<br />
Through Oct. 29<br />
Cost: free to the trade<br />
For information: www.enkshows.com<br />
*Designers and Agents<br />
The New Mart<br />
Cooper Design Space<br />
Through Oct. 28<br />
Cost: free to the trade<br />
For information: www.<br />
designersandagents.com<br />
*Directives West Spring ’08 Trend<br />
Show<br />
<strong>California</strong> Market Center<br />
Los Angeles<br />
9 a.m.<br />
Cost: N/A; event is invitation-only<br />
For information:<br />
www.directiveswest.com<br />
*A private preview of “Single After<br />
Eight,” presented by Single and<br />
Directives West<br />
Theresa Matthew Studio<br />
The New Mart, suite 602<br />
Los Angeles<br />
5 p.m.<br />
Cost: N/A; event is invitation-only<br />
For information: (213) 486-0045 or<br />
www.buysingle.com<br />
*Bianca Nero runway show<br />
<strong>California</strong> Market Center<br />
Los Angeles<br />
6 p.m.<br />
Cost: N/A; event is invitation-only<br />
For information:<br />
www.biancanero.com<br />
*2007 L.A. Fashion Awards<br />
Orpheum Theatre<br />
Los Angeles<br />
7–9 p.m.<br />
Cost: $50–$95<br />
For information:<br />
www.ticketmaster.com or<br />
www.lafashionawards.com<br />
Oct. 27<br />
*Gerber Career Training (Gerber<br />
Accumark 8.2), presented by Rosa<br />
Hildebrandt<br />
FBI Resource Center<br />
Los Angeles<br />
9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.<br />
Saturdays through Dec. 1<br />
Cost: $40 for FBI members; $55 for<br />
nonmembers (plus a $35 materials<br />
fee)<br />
For information:<br />
info@fashionbizinc.org<br />
APPROACHABLE: The woodsy<br />
themes of the Moss Mills miniboutique<br />
have been embraced by<br />
customers, said Aero & Co. owner<br />
Alisa Loftin.<br />
Loftin said that Aero & Co. regulars and casual shoppers have embraced the store within<br />
a store. “It’s so approachable,” Loftin said.<br />
The Mills mini-boutique takes up 800 square<br />
feet—about half of the space of Aero & Co. Retail<br />
price points range from $28 for a T-shirt to $175 for<br />
a dress. Mills’ red metal jewelry cases are decorated<br />
with real birds’ nests and fake grass to produce a<br />
woodsy look.<br />
Loftin said she believes the look works well<br />
with Aero’s spare gallery ambience. The boutique<br />
owner also said she will be getting used to it. The<br />
Mills shop within a shop is set to be a permanent<br />
fixture at Aero & Co.—Andrew Asch<br />
*TRANSIT<br />
<strong>California</strong> Market Center<br />
Los Angeles<br />
Through Oct. 29<br />
Cost: free to the trade<br />
For information: www.<br />
californiamarketcenter.com<br />
*Yana K. runway show<br />
<strong>California</strong> Market Center<br />
Los Angeles<br />
8 p.m.<br />
Cost: N/A; event is invitation-only<br />
For information: www.yanak.com<br />
Oct. 28<br />
*Mike Vensel’s Spring/Summer<br />
2008 fashion show<br />
Private location<br />
6 p.m.<br />
Cost: N/A; event is invitation-only<br />
For information: www.mikevensel.<br />
com<br />
Oct. 29<br />
*Plastic Island runway show<br />
<strong>California</strong> Market Center<br />
Los Angeles<br />
6 p.m.<br />
Cost: N/A; event is invitation-only<br />
For information:<br />
www.plasticisland.com<br />
Oct. 31<br />
Organic Exchange’s<br />
Fifth-Anniversary Annual<br />
Conference and Marketplace<br />
Asilomar Conference Center<br />
Monterey County, Calif.<br />
Through Nov. 2<br />
Cost: see Web site<br />
For information: www.<br />
organicexchange.org<br />
Submissions to the calendar should be faxed to the Calendar Editor at (213) 623-5707. Please include the event’s name, date, time,<br />
location, admission price and contact information. The deadline for calendar submissions is the Tuesday prior to Friday publication.<br />
Inclusion in the calendar is subject to available space and the judgment of the editorial staff.<br />
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS, Customer Service, 100 E. Pine St., Suite 606,<br />
Orlando, FL 32801. CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS ® : (ISSN 0008-0896) Published by MnM PUBLISHING CORP. APPAR-<br />
EL NEWS GROUP Publishers of: <strong>California</strong> <strong>Apparel</strong> <strong>News</strong> ® , Market Week Magazine ® , New Resources ® , Water wear ® ,<br />
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Rug-Store Owner Killed in Fashion District<br />
A 71-year-old Iranian immigrant who owned a rug store<br />
in the Fashion District was shot and killed during an armed<br />
robbery on Oct. 23.<br />
It was the first murder in the Fashion District since<br />
2002, said Lt. Paul Vernon of the Los Angeles Police Department.<br />
Ebrahim Torbati was sitting at his desk at the front of<br />
Rug City at 840 S. Santee St. when an African-American<br />
man came in to look at rugs, Vernon said.<br />
“He came back with a gun and robbed the owner, demanding<br />
money,” Vernon said.<br />
There was a scuffle, and the robber, aged 20 to 25 years<br />
old, shot Torbati in the neck at 4:15 p.m., Vernon said. The<br />
store owner was rushed to County-USC Hospital, where<br />
he later died, police said.<br />
The robber fled, getting into a white Toyota Camry that<br />
was waiting with two women inside about a block away,<br />
Vernon said.<br />
Police are looking for the below-five-foot-five-inch suspect,<br />
who was wearing a gray T-shirt and gray baseball<br />
hat when the robbery occurred. It was unclear how much<br />
money was taken.<br />
“We will put a composite<br />
[sketch] together, and we’re running<br />
down other leads,” Vernon<br />
said, noting there was one eyewitness<br />
in the store when the<br />
robbery occurred.<br />
Police noted that Torbati’s<br />
desk, where he kept his cash in<br />
a cardboard box, was near the<br />
store’s front door and visible to<br />
passersby. “It might be the reason<br />
for a robber to pick one business<br />
over another,” Vernon said,<br />
cautioning store owners to keep<br />
their money out of sight and farther<br />
from the front windows.<br />
Torbati, who lived in Tarzana,<br />
Calif., came to the United States<br />
about 20 years ago. He imported<br />
Persian-style rugs from Belgium,<br />
China and Egypt. He never married<br />
and had no immediate family<br />
in the area, police said.<br />
Friends said he had a sister in<br />
New York, who was flying to Los<br />
Angeles after she learned of her<br />
brother’s death, and another sister<br />
in Israel.<br />
Rug City was closed the day after<br />
the murder, but someone had<br />
left a white glass candle burning<br />
on Torbati’s desk, where a bloodsplattered<br />
newspaper lay. A narrow,<br />
empty cardboard box where<br />
Torbati kept his cash sat nearby.<br />
Merchants in the mostly Iranian<br />
enclave of Santee Street were<br />
shocked by their friend’s death.<br />
Next door at J. & R. Textile,<br />
which sells sheets and bedspreads,<br />
owner Jacob Molaei said<br />
he was busy with a customer and<br />
didn’t hear anything until an ambulance<br />
pulled up. “I walked out,<br />
and suddenly I see my friend has<br />
been shot,” Molaei said.<br />
Molaei had known his neighbor<br />
for about six or seven years.<br />
“He was a happy man, talking to<br />
everyone and laughing,” he said.<br />
Ebrahim Rafy, who had known<br />
Torbati for 10 years, had a desk<br />
inside Rug City, where he conducted<br />
his business as a middleman<br />
for fabric and other goods.<br />
Every day, he and Torbati each<br />
bought a different Persian newspaper<br />
and worked on the crossword<br />
puzzles together. Rafy left<br />
the store at 2 p.m., before the<br />
armed robbery occurred, but got<br />
a call at 5 p.m. that his friend had<br />
been shot.<br />
“I can’t believe he’s dead,” Rafy<br />
said. “I couldn’t sleep all night. I<br />
felt he was talking to me, working<br />
on a crossword puzzle.”<br />
Anyone with information about<br />
the robbery and murder can call<br />
LAPD Det. Al Marengo at (213)<br />
972-1249.—Deborah Belgum<br />
High-End Contractor to Grow Production<br />
The Evans Group, the high-end contractor that specializes<br />
in contemporary and young-designer production, will<br />
be moving its production facilities to a larger space. The<br />
new space, at 7,500 square feet, is twice as big as the Evans<br />
Group’s current facility, which also houses patternmakers,<br />
samplemakers and other personnel. Currently, the Evans<br />
Group reserves 2,000 square feet for production at its facility<br />
in Los Angeles’ Toy District.<br />
The move, which is set for Dec. 1, will allow the company<br />
to increase its cutting capabilities by four times, and<br />
add upwards of 70 additional sewers, said Jennifer Evans,<br />
the company’s founder. “We’re beginning to hire sewers<br />
now,” Evans said, adding that she hopes to complete all<br />
new hires within the next six months. Designers will see<br />
the contractor’s new production capabilities for the Spring<br />
2008 season.<br />
Besides giving the company room to grow, the move may<br />
also have the effect of lowering its production prices. “With<br />
a solid system now in place and the added space to grow,<br />
we will be able to reach economies of scale there by offset-<br />
ting the high management costs of our company and ultimately<br />
lower costs,” Evans said. Additional hands will also<br />
ease production scheduling, which has been an issue for the<br />
boutique contractor.<br />
When the production department moves to its new<br />
home, which is just one mile from the Evans Group’s current<br />
location, the patternmakers, samplemakers, a complete<br />
fitting room and small retail area will take over the<br />
original space. “We are very excited about finally reaching<br />
this point, which we had aimed for the end of the year to<br />
do. We feel this will allow us to truly service the market of<br />
smaller designers and revive domestic, high-end production,”<br />
Evans said.<br />
Earlier this fall, the company opened a new San Francisco<br />
office, which is being used for fittings and sample sewing.<br />
Evans hopes to continue to open similar locations in other<br />
cities. The Evans Group’s clients include Cosa Nostra, Society<br />
for Rational Dress, Jeremy Scott, Morphine Generation,<br />
Geren Ford, Juan Carlos Obando, Anzevino &<br />
Florence and Grey Ant.—Erin Barajas<br />
PTC PLM KNOWLEDGE FORUM: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11th, 2007, SANTA MONICA, CA<br />
TIME TO VALUE<br />
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF PLM<br />
PLM IS TOUTED AS THE CURE-ALL FOR INEFFICIENT PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT.<br />
Achieving impactful benefits beyond the hype requires careful planning of people, process and technology.<br />
The PLM Knowledge Forum, sponsored by PTC and KSA, draws on the experience of retailers and<br />
brands worldwide. Lessons learned and proven best practices will help you make informed decisions<br />
on your own PLM strategy.<br />
KEY LEARNINGS:<br />
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Sponsored By:<br />
©2007 Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC). PTC and the PTC logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of PTC.<br />
OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS 5
Kingpins<br />
Continued fom page 1<br />
more than 50 designers and brand reps. According to Paul<br />
Cavazos, Olah’s director of marketing and research and<br />
development, denim maven Adriano Goldschmied of Goldsign<br />
and Citizens of Humanity, Paige Premium Denim,<br />
Lucky Brand Jeans, J Brand, Juicy Couture, Guess?<br />
Inc. and Chip & Pepper shopped Kingpins for the latest in<br />
denim trends and garment production.<br />
Gap, Inc., BCBG, Kill City, Swell and Quiksilver also<br />
perused the casually assembled booths and chatted up<br />
representatives from Dow Fiber Solutions’ stretch fiber,<br />
XLA; Japanese denim mill Kurabo Industries; Supima<br />
cotton; and DyStar, a leader in eco-friendly dye and chemical<br />
technology for denim and garment washing. Other vendors<br />
offered services ranging from product and textile development<br />
to full-package manufacturing. A2, a Portuguese<br />
manufacturer of sportswear whose clients include Marc by<br />
Marc Jacobs, showed high-end organic and conventional<br />
cotton knits and wovens. Atlantic Denim, a mill in Morocco,<br />
came to Kingpins for the first time and showed duty-free<br />
denim available for the first time in the United States.<br />
Olah, who launched the tiny, über-exclusive show as a<br />
6 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007<br />
foil for the traditional textile and<br />
sourcing shows, said Kingpins was<br />
bustling despite a downturn in the<br />
denim market. “Everyone’s business<br />
is off. I don’t know if there’s<br />
a bubble, but no business is a vector;<br />
nothing can sustain a permanent<br />
upward trajectory. There is<br />
consolidation, and this is fashion,”<br />
he said. But, he added, denim consumption<br />
is very consistent, despite<br />
fashion’s notorious shifting<br />
trends. Kingpins—which targets<br />
premium-denim, contemporary<br />
and designer brands—is reaching<br />
for the tastemakers who innovate<br />
and move the trends forward.<br />
“Consumers already have one of<br />
everything,” he said. At Kingpins,<br />
designers can find resources to help them realize the next<br />
big thing.<br />
XLA, a two-way stretch fiber recently introduced in denim,<br />
launched a collection of corduroy fabrics in collaboration<br />
with Kurabo and Pima cotton. The result is a buttery-soft<br />
COOL KIDS, GOOD DENIM: A casual atmosphere and<br />
nightly parties make Kingpins an ideal spot for relaxed<br />
working and fun networking.<br />
corduroy in a variety of weights<br />
with excellent drape. “Everyone<br />
loves it. It feels so different from<br />
traditional corduroy,” Olah said.<br />
According to Holiday Watson,<br />
XLA’s global communications<br />
manager, the combination of XLA<br />
and Pima pushes the fabric’s price<br />
25 percent to 30 percent above<br />
other corduroy fabrications. “But<br />
there is added value in the product.<br />
There is almost no comparison<br />
between the two,” she said.<br />
For Spring, bleached-out, fullleg<br />
jeans are trending well in<br />
10- to 11-ounce denim, Cavazos<br />
said. Designers are strongly supporting<br />
dark, clean denim in trouser<br />
cuts for women. “It is a little<br />
dressier and gives us a break from the skinny,” he said. At<br />
the Kurabo booth, designers were opting for heavier, 13- to<br />
14-ounce denim in deep, saturated blue for men. For women,<br />
designers responded well to 11-ounce stretch denim<br />
with tight construction and darker washes.<br />
Azdrubal Azevedo, owner of<br />
A2, the high-end Portuguese factory,<br />
said he was pleased with<br />
Kingpins. “It is very much what<br />
we expected: more customers,<br />
more interested people. It was<br />
better than last season and very<br />
worthwhile,” he said, estimating<br />
that 20 percent of his appointments<br />
were with new clients. A2’s<br />
knits, particularly organic blends,<br />
“I don’t know if<br />
there’s a bubble,<br />
but no business is<br />
a vector; nothing<br />
can sustain a<br />
permanent upward<br />
trajectory. There is<br />
consolidation, and<br />
this is fashion.”<br />
—Andrew Olah,<br />
co-founder, Kingpins<br />
sparked interest with <strong>California</strong><br />
designers. One dark spot on the<br />
otherwise-shiny Kingpins was<br />
the effect of the weak American<br />
dollar, Azevedo said. “It raises<br />
the cost of [American] designers<br />
doing business with me and puts<br />
me out of some of their reach,” he<br />
said.<br />
Christina Brocato, director of<br />
product development at Paige<br />
Premium Denim, has shopped<br />
Kingpins since its first <strong>California</strong><br />
edition in October 2006. “I like<br />
the vibe and the assortment of<br />
people they put together. They’re<br />
known for the quality of the mills<br />
they work with globally,” she said,<br />
noting that gives her confidence<br />
when she shops the show. “You<br />
can do anything here, from design<br />
and development to sourcing and<br />
full-package buys,” she said. A<br />
standout for Brocato this season<br />
was DyStar, the Reidsville, N.C.–<br />
based dye and chemical company<br />
that used Kingpins as a platform<br />
to showcase its eco-friendly innovations<br />
in denim washing. “It<br />
is so great to learn new ways to<br />
do business that are easier on the<br />
environment,” she said.<br />
For more information about<br />
Kingpins, visit www.olah.com. ■
Technology<br />
Lawson Debuts New Inventory-Replenishment Tool<br />
By Robert McAllister<br />
TECHNOLOGY EDITOR<br />
Retailers now have another piece of technology<br />
to help them keep their store racks fresh.<br />
St. Paul, Minn.–based Lawson Software has<br />
released a software application designed to manage<br />
the entire product assortment and store-replenishment<br />
process.<br />
The Lawson Assortment Replenishment<br />
Planner was developed especially for the apparel<br />
and sewn-products industry, which calls for fast<br />
turns and quick reaction. The replenisher works in<br />
conjunction with Lawson’s M3 enterprise system<br />
and helps manage all aspects of inventory management,<br />
including defining and introducing new collections,<br />
planning store assortments and executing<br />
merchandise buy plans and store push plans, and<br />
managing store-inventory replenishment.<br />
Lawson is currently beginning<br />
the first implementation of the Assortment<br />
Replenishment Planner<br />
with a major European retailer.<br />
“The fashion-brand owners we<br />
work with identify assortment and<br />
replenishment planning as one of<br />
their top business challenges,”<br />
said Andrew Dalziel, marketing<br />
director for Lawson Software.<br />
“[This] fills a large gap in the retailing<br />
experience.”<br />
Fashion-brand owners usually<br />
have many different spreadsheets<br />
and software systems to plan their<br />
assortments and manage their<br />
stores, explained Dalziel. With<br />
different store groups taking different<br />
combinations of styles,<br />
colors and sizes, it can be a timeconsuming<br />
and broken process,<br />
he said.<br />
“The Assortment Replenisher<br />
addresses these concerns<br />
through one software system that<br />
can build the right assortment<br />
plans, push plans and inventoryreplenishment<br />
plans, helping to<br />
maximize the fashion-brand owner’s<br />
overall sell-through rates.”<br />
It can ultimately help improve<br />
a fashion-brand owner’s ability to<br />
ensure the right product mix to<br />
achieve more sales at the full ticket<br />
price and monitor performance<br />
for a particular store, collection or<br />
product, Dalziel added. The new<br />
application makes it simpler for<br />
a fashion-brand owner to maximize<br />
profits with a reduction in<br />
store stock-outs, markdowns and<br />
obsolete inventory and enables<br />
fashion-brand owners to make<br />
smarter decisions regarding assortment<br />
and replenishment<br />
planning for current and future<br />
collections.<br />
A number of prospective and<br />
existing customers are taking<br />
a look at the new tool, and contracts<br />
are expected to be signed<br />
shortly. In the meantime, the<br />
company has signed Hong Kong<br />
dress-shirt specialist TAL to use<br />
M3’s planning workbench and<br />
Supply Chain Order solutions.<br />
These tools are expected to help<br />
TAL achieve shorter planning and<br />
production lead times, respond<br />
faster to market trends and improve<br />
inventory management.<br />
“We used to rely on Excel<br />
spreadsheets for mid- to longterm–capacity<br />
planning, but it<br />
was time-consuming, not integrated<br />
and susceptible to human<br />
error,” said Delman Lee, director<br />
of technology for TAL. “With the<br />
Planning Workbench, whether it<br />
is the sales team loading orders<br />
or the planners balancing capacity,<br />
all changes are immediately<br />
updated for everyone to see. We also saved time.<br />
For 200,000 orders, we used to take eight hours to<br />
download and sort data with Excel, but it can be<br />
done in 30 minutes now.”<br />
Lee said the Supply Chain Order application<br />
helps in the event that if a customer’s order changes,<br />
all other related material-requirement orders<br />
are taken care of. “We estimate that this gives us<br />
80 percent savings in time spent on these tasks,”<br />
added Lee.<br />
OptiTex Adds Adam<br />
OptiTex Ltd. next month will add Adam, a<br />
male virtual mannequin, or “avatar,” to its 3-D<br />
CAD and design-software systems.<br />
Beginning in November, Adam will appear<br />
within OptiTex’s 3-D and Version 10 3-D modules<br />
and related applications, serving as a complement<br />
to Jasmine, the software’s female equivalent, as<br />
well as a family of boy, girl and baby avatars.<br />
Adam’s feature set expands on the previous<br />
versions of OptiTex’s 3-D male models. Users will<br />
be able to enter key measurements and manipulate<br />
characteristics such as muscle-tone definition,<br />
belly shape and a wide range of postures to create<br />
an Adam, which will then model clothing and conduct<br />
fit simulations.<br />
Aside from reducing iterations in the patternmaking<br />
process, the avatar can also be used for<br />
virtual fashion shows and other uses.<br />
“Virtually every parameter of the avatars is<br />
customizable, allowing designers to see their creations<br />
come to life on the screen, virtually eliminating<br />
the expense of models and fabric waste,<br />
and significantly reducing production time,” said<br />
Ran Machtinger, chief executive officer of Opti-<br />
Tex Ltd. ■<br />
swim<br />
january 10-13, 2008 & September 12-14, 2008<br />
surfexpo.com | 678.781.7900<br />
Optitex’s new avatar, Adam<br />
OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS 7
New Resources<br />
Jeffrey Sebelia<br />
Launches New Line<br />
On the heels of debuting his Spring 2008 Cosa Nostra<br />
collection on the runway during Los Angeles Fashion<br />
Week, designer Jeffrey Sebelia has launched a new line to<br />
further his reach. Sebelia, who is widely recognized for his<br />
appearance on Bravo TV’s “Project Runway” fashion reality<br />
competition, is hoping to capitalize on his fame with Jeffrey<br />
Sebelia, a new young contemporary line.<br />
“I’m targeting a different customer [than Cosa Nostra].<br />
It’s a much younger woman, and it is priced as such,” Sebelia<br />
said. Backed by Los Angeles–based Green Mochi, makers<br />
of the 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent line, the new collection<br />
is set to appeal to a wider audience. “It’s more of a casual<br />
look that more women can wear,” Sebelia said. Less focused<br />
than Cosa Nostra, which targets a niche market of sexy rock<br />
’n’ roll outcasts, the new line is more wearable, with pretty dresses, flirty tops, tailored<br />
pants, jersey dresses and skinny tuxedos.<br />
“It’s still me, so there is a bit of a rock ’n’<br />
roll slant, but mostly it is just sportswear<br />
done really well. The tuxedo is about as out<br />
there as I get with this line,” he said.<br />
With wholesale prices starting at $22 for<br />
T-shirts and hovering between $41 and $78<br />
for dresses and pants, the collection is positioned<br />
to be easy on the wallet. The collection,<br />
which is produced both domestically<br />
and overseas, is just beginning to be introduced<br />
to retailers, and Sebelia is hesitant to<br />
pinpoint exactly who will sell the line. “We<br />
want to be in all the key boutiques. I think<br />
it is something that would do really well in<br />
those boutiques that mix really high-end<br />
stuff with more-contemporary and young<br />
contemporary,” he said.<br />
For now, buyers can see the line at the<br />
Steve Martino & Associates showroom<br />
in The New Mart. For more information,<br />
call (213) 627-4413.—Erin Barajas<br />
8 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007<br />
Hellz Bellz:<br />
Raw, Loud and<br />
in Your Face<br />
Hellz Bellz went from a spare-time hobby<br />
for Lanie Alabanza-Barcena to demanding every<br />
inch of her space. Alabanza-Barcena and her husband,<br />
Bam Barcena, felt the growth of the line immediately in their New York apartment,<br />
which was doubling as the shipping center for more than 3,500 units of graphic T-shirts.<br />
“It got out of hand to the point where we could barely walk through our apartment,”<br />
said Alabanza-Barcena, who was also working as an art director for Rocawear at the time.<br />
“That’s how we ended up getting a bigger warehouse, and that was in L.A.” she said.<br />
Alabanza-Barcena started Hellz Bellz in 2005 as a cotton T-shirt line splattered with<br />
graphics such as a trompe l’oeil print of a bandanna tied around the neck. A San Diego<br />
native, Alabanza-Barcena moved to New York in 2004 with her husband, who was a senior<br />
designer at Ecko Unlimited and design director for Akademiks.<br />
In September, the two opened new ample warehouse<br />
space in El Monte, Calif., and expanded Hellz Bellz into<br />
a cut-and-sew line for Fall 2007.<br />
Each season, a different dose of niche culture clubs<br />
inspires Hellz Bellz graphics and fashion designs. This<br />
Holiday it was 1960s and 1970s sexploitation films and<br />
the British punk and mod scene. For Spring 2008, “revolution<br />
for the hell of it” and youth angst serve as inspiration.<br />
A classic masculine motorcycle jacket is made<br />
feminine when rendered in an Arabic scarf fabric with<br />
fringed edges and extra-pocket detailing.<br />
“I wanted to create a brand that catered to the girls<br />
who weren’t so into the cutesy flowers, hearts and unicorns<br />
graphics. I wanted more edgy, in-your-face graphics<br />
for the tough girls, but still sexy,” Alabanza-Barcena said.<br />
Hellz Bellz is sold at boutiques such as In4mation in Honolulu; Commonwealth in<br />
Norfolk, Va.; 5 & A Dime in San Diego; and Black Market in Santa Monica, Calif.<br />
Wholesale price points range from $20 for cotton T-shirts to $61 for an embellished cotton<br />
fleece hoodie and from $65 to $75 for satin track jackets and nylon windbreakers.<br />
For more information, contact The Museum Group Showroom at (212) 575-2373,<br />
Ext. 10, or visit www.hellz-bellz.com.—Rhea Cortado
New Lines<br />
<strong>California</strong> Market Center<br />
The following are new lines carried by showrooms at the <strong>California</strong> Market Center, located at 110 E. Ninth St., Los Angeles.<br />
The <strong>California</strong> <strong>Apparel</strong> <strong>News</strong> lists new tenants and lines each market-week issue. Compiled by Rhea Cortado<br />
NEW SHOWROOMS<br />
Hobo International<br />
A1075<br />
Hobo Belt Collection<br />
Hobo Eyewear/Sunglasses<br />
Hobo Eyewear/Readers<br />
Cindy Clark<br />
B511<br />
Company C Sales<br />
Dex & Stella Trend-driven fashion<br />
jewelry, necklaces and bracelets<br />
Fever Contemporary sweaters and knit<br />
tops<br />
Shirt Passion Contemporary European<br />
sportswear geared toward American<br />
customers<br />
Two Flowers by Jasmine & Lily<br />
Dresses, wovens and knits in prints and<br />
solids<br />
Onovo Royaluxe <strong>Apparel</strong><br />
B540<br />
Femme Onovo Women’s collection<br />
Onovo Men’s collection<br />
Renee and Co.<br />
B598<br />
Drive Jeans Contemporary men’s and<br />
ladies’ denim<br />
Kaporal 5 French-based dual-gender<br />
collection<br />
One Life Women’s casual streetwear with<br />
an edge<br />
Silver Dagger Men’s and women’s<br />
embellished item-driven collection and<br />
accessories<br />
Tika Bella Belts and bags<br />
Tough Jeansmith Contemporary<br />
unisex bag collection<br />
Traffic People London-based knit and<br />
woven dresses<br />
NEW LINES<br />
CONTEMPORARY<br />
X-Group<br />
A223<br />
Rockstyle<br />
Gary Lippy Sales<br />
A251<br />
Carlopik Contemporary European<br />
sportswear and dresses<br />
It’s Me Crossover item-driven sportswear<br />
Creative Concepts<br />
A272<br />
Aventures Des Toiles Innovative<br />
cuts and detailing, based on seven artists<br />
each season<br />
Carol Herzog and Erin Herzog<br />
A278<br />
Randy Kemper Better-sportswear line<br />
Skotts Washable Suede jackets and<br />
pants<br />
S&J Marcher, LTD<br />
A280<br />
Calipso Modal and Pima cotton tanks,<br />
tops and dresses, and garment-dyed tees<br />
Stephanie Manos Sales<br />
A283<br />
Flatiron Workshop Washed-cotton<br />
shirts, liberty-print blouses, sheer-striped tees<br />
and shirt dresses<br />
Arlene Henry Sales<br />
A286<br />
Baxis & Baxis European fabric noveltyitem<br />
jackets<br />
Camela Me Designer from France<br />
Manyus Fun, flared and flirty skirts<br />
Rep et Trois<br />
A294<br />
Inherit Casual, all-organic sportswear<br />
Pure Color Contemporary jean collection<br />
with an emphasis on fit, fabric and power<br />
colors<br />
Nu Paris<br />
A509<br />
Oton Couture Modern, funky, chic<br />
women’s and girls’ apparel<br />
Rebecca Bacon Inc.<br />
A534<br />
Jules Madison<br />
Yana Couture<br />
Yana K<br />
Yana K<br />
A559<br />
Yana Couture High-end, evening and<br />
cocktail attire<br />
Yana K Los Angeles Casual dress<br />
collection in silks, knits and cottons<br />
Rande Cohen Showroom<br />
B513<br />
Mimi & Coco Contemporary T-shirts<br />
and dresses<br />
My Tribe Contemporary leather jackets<br />
and tees<br />
Wrap-Up Suede-like embellished robes<br />
Jennifer Michelle Sales<br />
B520<br />
Velvet Rose Dip-dyed, crystal-encrusted<br />
tees with graphics<br />
Landa Sales<br />
B523<br />
Be.ology Positive-affirmation tees<br />
Hale Mary Showroom<br />
B530<br />
G-Lish Hand-embellished tanks<br />
Life Evolving Consciously aware<br />
clothing and yogawear<br />
Agent Icon Showroom<br />
B531<br />
Heike Jarick Luxurious fabric, tailoring<br />
and classic lines<br />
San & Soni Distinguishing construction<br />
New Lines page 10<br />
M A R Y B R E N N A N & C O.<br />
L.A. Market | Spring ’08 | October 26-29<br />
LAUNCHING 2 NEW AND NOT-TO-BE-MISSED APPAREL LINES !<br />
YSIS (YOUR SLIP IS SHOWING) - fl irtatious and beautifully crafted embellished slips to be worn<br />
interchangeably under playfully interpreted classic dresses<br />
LUSINE - fresh, sexy and fabulous! day to evening knit tops and dresses<br />
Also Exhibiting:<br />
Monique Leshman - gorgeous and in-demand, hand-beaded tunics and more (moniqueleshman.com)<br />
Peonie Swimwear - glamorous and sexy Brazilian swim line for bathing beauties (peonieswim.com)<br />
Archive jewelry - everyone’s favorite charm necklaces! (archive.com)<br />
Beth Lauren jewelry - “elegant and intricate, like works of art” Lucky Mag (bethlauren.com)<br />
Candace Ang jewelry - “the perfect fusion between punk and girly” Ellegirl.com (candaceang.com)<br />
Diane Yang jewelry- “I want, I need, I have to have it” In Style<br />
Pink Paisleys jewelry- a favorite designer among L.A.’s “IT” girls!<br />
Cheryl Default jewelry - hip, timeless, earthy and original!<br />
Georgia Fletcher - one-of-a-kind icon jewelry<br />
Showroom Profiles<br />
Liza Stewart<br />
Showroom<br />
<strong>California</strong> Market<br />
Center<br />
Suite B535<br />
(213) 622-9669<br />
Liza Stewart’s<br />
2,400-square-foot location<br />
in the <strong>California</strong><br />
Market Center<br />
is designed to be as<br />
internationally eclectic<br />
as the landscape<br />
of Los Angeles. A dividing<br />
brick wall and<br />
archway is an ode to<br />
Los Angeles’ Olvera<br />
Street, and Louis XIV<br />
French period–style<br />
furniture adds texture to the global flavor.<br />
“What I wanted to do is create different environments within our<br />
room,” Stewart said, since some buyers spend the whole day in the<br />
showroom viewing multiple collections. “I think it frames the collections<br />
best.”<br />
Stewart’s showroom has been in the <strong>California</strong> Market Center for 11<br />
years. Her showroom roster includes the easy knit Carilyn Vaile Black<br />
Label and the bamboo fabric–based Carilyn Vaile Green Label line, New<br />
York–based Walter, New York–based Cynthia Steffe, Nougat London,<br />
Los Angeles–based Maria Bianca Nero, Los Angeles pant line Bendix<br />
and Los Angeles–based item tops line Mezon.<br />
Collection-based lines are what Stewart knows best. Before she moved<br />
to Los Angeles 12 years ago, she worked in the Chicago sales showroom<br />
of her father, Marshall Stewart, who represented brands such as Nicole<br />
Miller, Calvin Klein, Halston, Andrea Jovine and Adrienne Vittadini.<br />
“That’s what [buyers] come to me for. It’s become our specialty<br />
because we understand collection merchandising and sales,” Stewart<br />
said. “It’s a different formula than just a jean line. You’re building a brand<br />
within your stores.”—Rhea Cortado<br />
Cooper Design Space | 860 S. Los Angeles St., Ste. 208 | 213.244.1281 | marybrennanco.com<br />
OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS 9<br />
OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS 9
New Lines<br />
New Lines<br />
Continued from page 9<br />
and feminine, architectural, highquality<br />
fabrics<br />
Helen & Aaryn Costello<br />
B545<br />
Blue Azure Dresses and tops<br />
Born Crucial Garment-dyed<br />
dresses and tops<br />
Krista Lee Contemporary, fun<br />
sportswear<br />
Bob Ditchik and Howard<br />
Meyers<br />
B567<br />
Kische Contemporary sportswear<br />
Revelation Showroom<br />
B571<br />
CC Couture Contemporary silk<br />
and silk cotton dresses<br />
Feelgood T-Shirt Co. Novelty<br />
tees<br />
Sorted Eco-friendly tops in<br />
bamboo, oat/poly, soy/poly and<br />
organic cotton<br />
T. Smith & Co<br />
B588<br />
J’aime by Jaime Pressly<br />
Better contemporary dresses, tops,<br />
jackets and pants<br />
Naïve Spain Bohemian-chic,<br />
casual contemporarywear<br />
The Vonderheide Showroom<br />
C502<br />
Rosner Modern jeans and pants<br />
from Germany<br />
Zaffiri Contemporary sportswear,<br />
novelty treatments and styles<br />
L On 5<br />
C514<br />
Boldaceous Contemporary plussize<br />
line<br />
Tammy Mars Contemporary<br />
dresses and tops<br />
Laura Cohen<br />
C529<br />
Animale Updated modern,<br />
sophisticated women’s sportswear<br />
Silk Threads Novelty-print<br />
dresses, tunics and tees<br />
Valerie Hamilton Silk updated<br />
day-to-evening dresses<br />
Kathleen O’Connor Sales<br />
C540<br />
Beluva Novelty-item jackets and<br />
sweaters<br />
Kay Celine Modern<br />
contemporary item tops and dresses<br />
in jersey, lace, mesh, print and solids<br />
Lucinda Showroom<br />
C548<br />
Mison Domestic indie line from<br />
the Bay Area<br />
Rene R Domestic casual line in<br />
cotton and bamboo fabric<br />
Sense Clothing<br />
Skin Handbags Handbags in<br />
contemporary designs<br />
Yumi London-based color- and<br />
print-driven line<br />
Kamofie Designs/The<br />
Kollective<br />
C552<br />
Amery Carriere Designs<br />
Romantic jewelry with an edge<br />
Julez Bryant Classic gold jewelry<br />
with modern industrial shapes<br />
Megan Thorne Fine Jewelry<br />
Fashion-forward fine jewelry<br />
Funtrap Showroom<br />
C555<br />
InTouch Fitness line for the green<br />
market<br />
Jingerbrasil Brazilian<br />
activewear<br />
LA Body Japanese functional and<br />
great-fit sports underwear<br />
Scolar Savvy graphic design–<br />
incorporated girly silhouettes<br />
Tyoga Comfortable, elegant and<br />
beautiful yoga/lifestyle collection<br />
Renee Cohen Sales LLC<br />
C561<br />
Simon Chang Contemporarylifestyle<br />
approach to dressing<br />
Sued Mod High-fashion leather<br />
collection<br />
Necessitees<br />
C577<br />
Necessitees Pantees<br />
Impulse Moda<br />
C578<br />
Amelia Toro Sophisticated South<br />
American designer dresses<br />
Sfizio Item-driven Italian designer<br />
and contemporary<br />
Deborah USA Sales<br />
C579<br />
Barbara Milano Fashion<br />
handbags made in Italy in highquality<br />
materials<br />
Blankflow High-fashion Italian<br />
handbags<br />
Lynn Girard<br />
C585<br />
Pure Style Reusable nipple<br />
concealers, full-cup and half-cup bra<br />
inserts, adhesive strapless shaping<br />
bras, and underarm garment<br />
protectors<br />
Johnny Was<br />
C586<br />
Whitley Fashion-forward dresses<br />
and blouses<br />
UPDATED<br />
Neetu Malik<br />
A267<br />
Cake Hand-loomed cotton sweaters<br />
Robin Kaplan Silk coordinated<br />
skirts with tops<br />
Fred Postal Associates<br />
A301<br />
Adore’A Contemporary dresses<br />
and sportswear<br />
Dream Designs Organic cotton<br />
dresses and sportswear<br />
Les Winner & Associates<br />
A304<br />
Paradyz Couture Brazilian<br />
day-to-evening dresses and romantic<br />
tops<br />
Jennifer Hutton Sales<br />
A306<br />
Bleu Bayou Novelty jackets and<br />
blouses<br />
Linea Domani Missy/updated<br />
novelty skirts and dresses<br />
Kristi Williams Sales<br />
A312<br />
Magnet Art Plus Plus-size<br />
cotton tees with lace<br />
Melody Fast Sales<br />
A313<br />
Tara Vao Updated linen and<br />
textured batiks<br />
Transparente European linens<br />
and cottons<br />
Fern Liberson & Co.<br />
A317<br />
Spiritual Fitness Yogawear<br />
and casualwear<br />
Steven Levison<br />
A327<br />
John P Sweater collection from<br />
Greece<br />
Only USA<br />
A335<br />
Banana Blue Australian Casual<br />
contemporary linen<br />
ULS Andersson Updated<br />
contemporary dresses<br />
Margaret Cox & Associates<br />
A339<br />
Insight Related separates<br />
Gina Yao Sales<br />
A359<br />
E.M. Hall USA <strong>Apparel</strong><br />
Group Contemporary missy fit<br />
E.M. Hall USA Sport Casual<br />
two-piece garment-dyed sets<br />
Nigel Stewart<br />
A382<br />
38% Missy contemporary tops and<br />
dresses<br />
Studio III<br />
A385<br />
Linday<br />
Svetlana Related contemporary<br />
separates and dresses<br />
Sharon Jakum Collections<br />
A386<br />
Felicity Sweaters<br />
Silvany Cotton line for Spring<br />
Salt & Pepper Sales<br />
B329<br />
Peligrosa Fashion-forward<br />
organic collection for men and<br />
women in luxurious materials<br />
Sharon Koshet Sales<br />
B335<br />
Elaris Hand-knit novelty sweaters<br />
Hope & Emma Hot, trendy<br />
10 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007<br />
contemporary separates<br />
I Am by Alberto Makali<br />
Daytime dresses<br />
Maddesign Art-inspired tees<br />
and tops<br />
Nu Paris Contemporary<br />
sportswear and dress collections from<br />
Paris and Milan<br />
Wayne Mourry<br />
B357<br />
L’Omi Young contemporary better<br />
tees<br />
LINGERIE AND<br />
ACCESSORIES<br />
Accessories Buy JoAnne<br />
A1002<br />
D.G.M. Getaway Straw totes<br />
and novelty bags<br />
She Shells Shell jewelry and<br />
wood beads<br />
Lea Goldman<br />
A1012<br />
Crown Caps Canadian hat line<br />
for men and women in straw and<br />
leather<br />
Lizzy Toy Design Canadian<br />
hat line for women in straw and<br />
cotton knits<br />
Roxstar<br />
A1076<br />
Via Nova Handbags<br />
Russell & Ellie Frank<br />
A1080<br />
Debora Carlucci Italian<br />
designer jewelry<br />
Otazu Designer gold, silver and<br />
semiprecious stone jewelry<br />
A.N.D.M. Showroom<br />
B1033<br />
Elizabeth Wahju Design<br />
Elegant, luxurious accessories<br />
Hysteric Yellow<br />
Mimsy Collections Unique,<br />
sophisticated leather clutches and<br />
handbags<br />
Engels Showroom<br />
B1069<br />
Anadia T Fun, embellished<br />
Haviana flip-flops and home goods<br />
Antik Denim Handbags Fine<br />
leather bags complementing the<br />
Antik Denim apparel line<br />
Stacey Cameron Sterling and<br />
gold-filled vintage-inspired jewelry<br />
Patricia Marquis Showroom<br />
B1071<br />
Conturelle Elegant, sophisticated<br />
European full-figure bras<br />
Elizabeth Cotton Classic<br />
pajamas<br />
FFWD Showroom<br />
B1081<br />
Booty Parlor Fun, flirty gifts,<br />
panties and bras<br />
Fleur’t Boyshorts, loungewear,<br />
camis and chemises<br />
Little Hill Edgy, fun streetwearinspired<br />
lingerie<br />
Nina V Modal camis, chemises<br />
and dresses<br />
Papete Swim and lingerie<br />
JUNIORS/YOUNG<br />
CONTEMPORARY<br />
Z. Cavaricci<br />
A875<br />
Yuki Japanese-inspired juniors<br />
premium denim<br />
Kavio/Boxxolo<br />
A881<br />
Delicious Trendy juniors knit<br />
dress line<br />
GiGi Sales<br />
B865<br />
Red Pepper Men’s and women’s<br />
contemporary denim line<br />
MENSWEAR<br />
Mitch Jenner<br />
C454<br />
Parigi Group Licensed kids’<br />
apparel for Akademiks, Enyce, Apple<br />
Bottoms and Phat Farm<br />
Kremer Group<br />
C459<br />
Indian Rock Culture Detaildriven<br />
contemporary denim<br />
ReRock Young contemporary<br />
denim<br />
Showroom Profiles<br />
Susana<br />
Mercedes<br />
The New Mart<br />
Suite 212<br />
(213) 489-9292<br />
information@susanamercedes.com<br />
For some fashion designers, simplicity is the<br />
height of elegance. For Susana Mercedes, beauty<br />
can be found in the most unique spaces.<br />
The veteran Los Angeles designer opened a<br />
100-square-foot showroom for her self-named<br />
fashion business, Susana Mercedes, on Oct.<br />
8. The showroom was leased from business incubator<br />
and nonprofit education group Fashion<br />
Business Inc.<br />
Mercedes opted to give the space, formerly an<br />
office, a completely new look with a simple but<br />
elegant design. A driftwood table, purchased from a St. Vincent De Paul thrift shop, sits<br />
beside a small ottoman, which also serves as storage space. Olive-beige–painted walls serve<br />
as a simple backdrop to Susana Mercedes’ highly detailed collection.<br />
The showroom carries Mercedes’ restored vintage line. This line offers one-of-a kind<br />
pieces from the 1950s to 1980s that are restored by the designer. She said that she gives the<br />
pieces added sparkle by putting special details on the restored clothes, such as 60-year-old<br />
buttons made in Paris.<br />
The showroom also offers the Susana Mercedes Limited Edition line. The line features<br />
tops, dresses, coats and pants that will be made in limited runs of no more than 100<br />
pieces. The clothes are inspired by the silhouettes of the mid-20th century, but Mercedes<br />
said that she gives them a fashion-forward look with details such as an unfinished hem or<br />
cowl neck. Wholesale price points are $399 for tops and $1,200 for hand-beaded tuxedo<br />
pants.<br />
Now that the showroom is open, Mercedes said that her next step will be to place her<br />
collection in high-end boutiques.—Andrew Asch<br />
New Lines<br />
The New Mart<br />
The following are new lines carried by showrooms at The New Mart, located at 127 E. Ninth St., Los Angeles.<br />
The <strong>California</strong> <strong>Apparel</strong> <strong>News</strong> lists new tenants and lines each market-week issue.<br />
NEW<br />
SHOWROOMS<br />
Susana Mercedes<br />
Suite 212<br />
Her Style Source by<br />
Susana Mercedes<br />
Next by Chris Meyers Sales<br />
Suite 806<br />
Fig. 8 Easy fashion separates<br />
Love Polly Novelty<br />
Maze by XCVI Novelty bottoms<br />
resource with a contemporary fit<br />
and look<br />
M Line Novelty T-shirts<br />
NEW LINES<br />
10 Eleven<br />
The Bank<br />
Biba<br />
Rag and Bone<br />
Hatch<br />
The Bank<br />
Costello Tagliapietra<br />
Degaine<br />
Goava<br />
Isabella Tonchi<br />
Jim Zarinfar<br />
Kerrigan<br />
Magda Berliner<br />
Michel Berandi<br />
Pepper and Pistol<br />
Sabrina Dehoff<br />
The Gig Showroom<br />
Suite 203<br />
Girlfriends by Pure Style<br />
Undergarment solutions<br />
Letters of Marque Fine<br />
loungewear<br />
Brothers and Sisters<br />
Suite 209<br />
Kaya Stuart<br />
Wednesday<br />
Core Showroom<br />
Suite 402<br />
Edie France<br />
Tt<br />
Chris Cantrell<br />
Suite 404<br />
Twin Fin<br />
TKN Sales<br />
Suite 404<br />
Blac Label<br />
Kuan<br />
Nancy K Showroom<br />
Suite 406<br />
Aubergine Los Angeles–based<br />
line offering tops and dresses<br />
Hangover Contemporary line of<br />
sporty knit silhouettes<br />
S.A.M.<br />
Suite 407<br />
Aka<br />
J Brand Kids<br />
Chantal Accessories<br />
Suite 410<br />
2 Sisters Designs Handcrafted<br />
jewelry using traditional metalsmithing<br />
techniques<br />
Toolbox/Monopoly<br />
Suite 501<br />
Hard Core Elegance Sterlingsilver<br />
jewelry<br />
Robbie French Designs<br />
Vintage, aged, distressed and studded<br />
belts and leather bags<br />
The Accessory Shop Bags,<br />
belts and wallets combining vintage<br />
inspiration and contemporary<br />
sensibility<br />
Select Showroom<br />
Suite 502<br />
Robins Jean<br />
Rowdy<br />
Tailor Vintage<br />
Travis Walker<br />
Tony Barra Sales<br />
Suite 507/509<br />
So Low Women’s contemporary<br />
activewear<br />
Theresa Matthew Studio<br />
Suite 602<br />
Salomay Contemporary tops<br />
using luxury yarns and trim<br />
Barbara James & Co.<br />
Suite 607<br />
Beau Bois Tops and dresses<br />
Mode Studio<br />
Suite 609<br />
Belabumbum Lingerie and<br />
loungewear<br />
Clo Studio Casual, sophisticated<br />
fashion lingerie collection<br />
Pfiff Luxury lingerie<br />
Room<br />
Suite 611<br />
Milia M<br />
Parballe<br />
Laurie Hasson<br />
Suite 700<br />
Zachariah Bryant<br />
Darlene Valle Showroom<br />
Suite 701<br />
A to Z Contemporary tees and knit<br />
dressing<br />
Henri Abitan Young designer<br />
collection<br />
Mary Hardie Showroom<br />
Suite 701<br />
Lyric Culture Premium denim<br />
and belts complemented by T-shirts<br />
inspired by music from the 1960s<br />
and 1970s<br />
KLA/Karen L. Anderson<br />
Suite 704<br />
Chronologie Casual pants<br />
Crème Fraiche Fitted pants<br />
Crème Fraiche Light casual<br />
pants<br />
Ginger<br />
Suite 707<br />
2 10 Collection of chunky,<br />
embellished tees, tunics, dresses and<br />
leggings<br />
Denim of Virtue Denim<br />
collection in signature washes and<br />
detailing<br />
Nela Whimsical collection of<br />
dresses printed with custom designs<br />
Solo Jewelry line using silver,<br />
gold, leather, and semiprecious and<br />
precious rough-cut stones<br />
Studio Two<br />
Suite 709<br />
Sweetface Contemporary sexy<br />
item collection by J.Lo<br />
Sway Showroom<br />
Suite 800<br />
Dream Culture Women’s<br />
New Lines page 11
Showroom Profiles<br />
The <strong>News</strong><br />
Cooper Design Space<br />
Lobby F<br />
(213) 892-8822<br />
Since The <strong>News</strong>, a New York–<br />
based showroom and public-relations<br />
company, opened its Los<br />
Angeles showroom at the Cooper<br />
Design Space in 2004, it has been<br />
known for championing up-andcoming<br />
young designers. Notables Vena Cava, Alexander Wang, Band of Outsiders,<br />
Jovovich-Hawk, and Shipley and Halmos (the new line from former Trovata founders<br />
Jeff Halmom and Sam Shipley) call the showroom home. The cavernous 4,400-square-foot<br />
space just off the Cooper building’s lobby is home to approximately 15 brands, including<br />
Australia’s Josh Goot, Cheap Monday, Habitual, Clu, Lutz & Patmos, Wayne, Sea and<br />
Rose, the new line from Los Angeles–based stylist Britt Bardo, during fashion markets.<br />
Despite the slew of young designer and contemporary brands that read like a who’s who<br />
of fashion upstarts, founder Stella Iishi says there is no overlap among the brands. “They<br />
are all very different and distinct so that no two lines conflict,” she said. Rose is packed with<br />
gorgeous, simple takes on closet staples, including slouchy T-shirts with inserts of delicate<br />
mesh. Jovovich-Hawk doles out feminine vintage-inspired pieces with a modern edge, and<br />
Josh Goot makes sleek, modern pieces with color-block details and lots of sex appeal. The<br />
<strong>News</strong> also stands out because it represents the same clients on both coasts. “I think that’s<br />
pretty important, to have one person giving the same message for the brand,” she said.<br />
Straddling both coasts, The <strong>News</strong> is in a unique position to track buying trends. But<br />
lately, New York and Los Angeles buyers seem to be on the same page, Iishi said. “In the<br />
old days, it used to be that the West Coast bought lighter stuff and the East Coast went<br />
heavier. Now people everywhere are doing light and layering—more like <strong>California</strong>, so the<br />
<strong>California</strong> style of dressing has filtered through to the East Coast.”<br />
A favorite among high-end Los Angeles specialty boutiques, including Ron Herman,<br />
Fred Segal Flair, Diavolina, American Rag and Satine, The <strong>News</strong> is only open during<br />
markets, which gives it an exclusive air. “We don’t have any windows either, so we may<br />
seem a little closed off,” Iishi said, but she encouraged buyers to stop by. “We have something<br />
for everybody. About 90 percent of our lines are young designer and contemporary.”<br />
—Erin Barajas<br />
New Lines<br />
contemporary collection<br />
Miriana Ojeda<br />
Suite 803<br />
Andy The-anh<br />
JVL<br />
Kande<br />
Mae<br />
Petrovich & Robinson<br />
Sablina<br />
Samora<br />
Shift<br />
Suite 805<br />
Sunlight & More<br />
Tivoli Paris collection<br />
Nothing to Wear<br />
Suite 806<br />
Eco-Lounge by Loungerie<br />
Organic cotton with surplus fabrics<br />
and bamboo/cotton knits<br />
Eco-Lux by Subtle Luxury<br />
Fashion sweater knits in organic<br />
cotton, bamboo and hemp<br />
Love Surplus Leftover fabrics<br />
and trims made into shopping bags,<br />
lounge pieces and fashion items.<br />
Corina Collections<br />
Suite 807<br />
Almas Handbags Accessories<br />
and bags handcrafted by Argentine<br />
artisans<br />
Spiders & Caviar Form-fitting,<br />
stylized tops<br />
Sue Goodman Showroom<br />
Suite 813<br />
Joshua<br />
Sworn Virgins<br />
Kathy Walker Sales<br />
Suite 900<br />
81 Hours<br />
Lauren Conrad<br />
Fragments<br />
Suite 901<br />
Arman Fine jewelry<br />
Morado Handbags<br />
Ray Griffiths Fine jewelry<br />
Showroom 903<br />
Suite 903<br />
C&C <strong>California</strong> Loungewear<br />
Denimarea<br />
Suite 913<br />
Terra Plana<br />
Cooper Design Space<br />
Focus Showroom<br />
Suite 1001<br />
Ali Ro Dresses<br />
Pamela Carone Showroom<br />
Suite 1009<br />
Cheyenne<br />
Ziroco<br />
Joanne Fiske Showroom<br />
Suite 1011<br />
Tysa<br />
Mix<br />
Suite 1106<br />
Pathway Contemporary women’s<br />
top and knit dress collection<br />
Chan Luu<br />
Suite 1107<br />
Georgie Pants<br />
Ginny Wong<br />
Suite 1108<br />
Yumi Kim<br />
Work in Progress<br />
Suite 1210<br />
Mblem by Mandy Moore<br />
Virginie Castaway<br />
The following are new lines carried by showrooms at the Cooper Design Space, located at 860 S. Los Angeles<br />
St., Los Angeles. The <strong>California</strong> <strong>Apparel</strong> <strong>News</strong> lists new tenants and lines each market-week issue.<br />
NEW<br />
SHOWROOMS<br />
Zooey<br />
Mezzanine<br />
GreenLabel by Zooey<br />
Zooey by Alice Heller<br />
Collection<br />
Zooey Boo<br />
Zooey Men’s<br />
Altruistic Society<br />
Suite 309<br />
Dangerous Breed<br />
Funkie Junk<br />
Obelisk<br />
Quentin and Claude<br />
Nyali<br />
Suite 515<br />
Dana Schneider<br />
Emily Arney<br />
Emshallah by Soukwear<br />
Giorgio Brato<br />
Mine Jewelry<br />
Seril Handbags<br />
Tola & Layla<br />
Vivi Sun<br />
NEW LOCATIONS<br />
Cynthia O’Connor +<br />
Company<br />
Mezzanine 2<br />
Black & Brown<br />
Botkier<br />
CC Skye<br />
Due Farina<br />
Goldenbleu<br />
Gusto Denim<br />
Gustto<br />
Hollywould<br />
Jocelyn<br />
Jules Smith Designs<br />
Julie Haus<br />
Kara Janx<br />
Katherine Kwei<br />
Leigh & Luca<br />
Marlene Maree<br />
Pa Tou Tou<br />
Rebecca Minkoff<br />
Scharke<br />
Thirteen Denim<br />
Treesje<br />
Denise Williamson<br />
Showroom<br />
Suite 540<br />
AdamplusEve<br />
Cindy Lee<br />
Development by Erica<br />
Davies<br />
Erica Davies<br />
Linda Farrow Sunglasses<br />
New Lines page 13<br />
A. You Give Us Your Invoice.<br />
B. We Give You the Money.<br />
C. You Pay Your Bills.<br />
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OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS 11
Showroom Profiles<br />
Caste Inc.<br />
Gerry Building<br />
Suite 703<br />
(213) 627-6768<br />
After trying the multi-line rep route<br />
for the past year, owners of the Los Angeles–based<br />
contemporary men’s label<br />
Caste Inc. decided to open a corporate<br />
showroom in the Gerry Building. The<br />
launch coincides with the debut of a new<br />
women’s contemporary line.<br />
The main force behind Caste is Dong<br />
Ming Pan, better known as “Pan,” who<br />
runs operations as well as oversees design.<br />
Under Pan, Caste has carved a<br />
niche providing value and contemporary<br />
styling. It’s best known for its cashmere<br />
knits, starting at $50.<br />
T-shirts start at $15. The line is sold in specialty boutiques, including Fred Segal and<br />
Villains.<br />
The new women’s line features mostly silk dresses wholesale priced from $50 to $130.<br />
The initial roll-out includes floral kimono dresses in silk along with metallic-coated linen<br />
dresses, floral prints and others. Everything is made near Shanghai, China.<br />
Shadi Tehranirad is the sales rep and assists in marketing and other areas.<br />
“The great thing about our line is that it’s contemporary, yet looks great on younger as<br />
well as older women,” Tehranirad said, adding that the showroom may add other companyowned<br />
lines in the near future.—Robert McAllister<br />
New Lines<br />
New Lines<br />
Continued from page 11<br />
Nobody Denim<br />
Thread Social<br />
Vincent Jewelry<br />
BPMW<br />
Suite 1009<br />
Barking Irons<br />
B. Son<br />
Claw $<br />
Emperor’s New Clothes<br />
Endovanera<br />
LA Denim Atelier<br />
Penfield<br />
Public School<br />
Yoko Devereaux<br />
NEW LINES<br />
The <strong>News</strong><br />
Lobby F<br />
Band of Outsiders<br />
Josh Goot<br />
Rose<br />
Shipley and Halmos<br />
Showroom Seven<br />
Mezzanine 3<br />
Erickson Beamon<br />
Sunglasses<br />
Handwritten<br />
Sue Stemp<br />
Blue Bird Showroom<br />
Suite 204<br />
And Cake Loungewear<br />
Gara Danielle<br />
Natalie Anne<br />
Nola Singer<br />
The Agency Showroom<br />
Suite 210<br />
Cicada<br />
Erica Anenberg<br />
Shantilly Jewelry<br />
Joey Showroom<br />
Suite 215<br />
J.O.B.<br />
Melanie Dizon<br />
Sophia Eugene<br />
Butik<br />
Suite 219<br />
Alexandra Dillon<br />
Nugaard Designs<br />
Terry by Sookwear<br />
Namaste Greenhouse<br />
Suite 328<br />
Ajna<br />
B’sbee<br />
Ciel<br />
Katharine Hamnett<br />
Perfectly Imperfect<br />
Atlas Showroom<br />
Suite 409<br />
Bureau<br />
Nave<br />
Posso the Spat<br />
Soni & Cindy<br />
The Smooth Company<br />
Movement Showroom<br />
Suite 525<br />
Andrea S.<br />
Gerry Building<br />
NEW<br />
SHOWROOMS<br />
Caste Showroom<br />
Suite 703<br />
Caste<br />
Creative Recreation<br />
Suite 704<br />
Creative Recreation<br />
NEW LINES<br />
Karma<br />
Suite 203<br />
5 Crown Tees<br />
Bread & Butta Tees<br />
Chica Boom Clothing<br />
Crooked Monkey Tees<br />
Streetwise Sales<br />
Suite 401<br />
Baby Phat Headwear<br />
GERRY DEBUT: Sales rep Shadi Tehranirad and a<br />
few knits from Caste Inc., now open in L.A.’s Gerry<br />
Building<br />
Oak Bay<br />
Rich Yung<br />
Level 7 Showroom<br />
Suite 407<br />
Engine 9<br />
iT Jeans<br />
Suite 701<br />
!iT In The Loop<br />
Nikki & Lucy Showroom<br />
Suite 702<br />
Doll House<br />
Paris Hilton Collection<br />
TEMPORARY<br />
EXHIBITORS FOR<br />
MARKET DURING<br />
OCT. 26–29<br />
Boutique Lingerie Show<br />
Suites 501 and 502<br />
Blue Life<br />
Boulee<br />
Daughters of the<br />
Revolution<br />
Kerri Wilder Jewelry<br />
Kettle Black<br />
Stelle by Gilber Gilmore<br />
Findings<br />
Suite 608<br />
Isabel Morant/Etoile<br />
Maggie Ward<br />
Minden Chan<br />
Riot Showroom<br />
Suite 611<br />
Afshin Feiz<br />
Cassette<br />
Chris Habana Jewelry<br />
Cloak & Dagger<br />
Cosa Nostra<br />
Disaya<br />
Dress<br />
Eventide<br />
Hussy<br />
SAS Showroom<br />
Suite 614<br />
Claudie Pierlot<br />
Eliza Gran Kids<br />
Foley + Corinna<br />
Laloo<br />
Publika<br />
Syla by Sylvie Cachay<br />
Community Service<br />
Suite 1135<br />
Kritik<br />
The following are new lines carried by showrooms at the Gerry Building, located at 910 S.<br />
Los Angeles St., Los Angeles. The <strong>California</strong> <strong>Apparel</strong> <strong>News</strong> lists new tenants and lines each<br />
market-week issue.<br />
Anne Lewin<br />
Barbara<br />
Crabtree & Evelyn<br />
Dana Pisarra<br />
Derek Rose<br />
Disney Couture<br />
Eminence<br />
Gossard London<br />
Huit<br />
Keep Me<br />
Lavit Lingerie<br />
Montelle<br />
Panache<br />
Princesse Tam Tam<br />
Ravage<br />
Samantha Chang<br />
Shock Absorber<br />
The Little Bra Co.<br />
Zovo<br />
Extreme<br />
Makeover<br />
It was time for a change.<br />
The new <strong>California</strong> <strong>Apparel</strong> <strong>News</strong> Web site is<br />
now dramatically improved: beautifully designed,<br />
better functioning and more interactive than ever.<br />
See the new Trends section and search the archives<br />
for your favorite trends, both past and present. The<br />
Fashion Slideshows will dazzle you with extensive<br />
runway coverage. The new Calendar section lets you<br />
visit all 2007 & 2008 trade shows and events, locate<br />
them on Google Maps and save to your calendar.<br />
The Classifi ed section is searchable,<br />
divided by category and FREE!<br />
It’s better than ever.<br />
Visit the new <strong>California</strong> <strong>Apparel</strong> <strong>News</strong> Web site<br />
and see for yourself.<br />
CALIFORNIA<br />
<strong>Apparel</strong><strong>News</strong>.net<br />
Where fashion get down to businesssm<br />
OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS 13
14 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007<br />
Events<br />
Suite<br />
Party<br />
Who: Design Suites and<br />
<strong>California</strong> <strong>Apparel</strong> <strong>News</strong><br />
What: Closing-night party<br />
Where: Design Suites at<br />
Smashbox Studios, Culver<br />
City, Calif.<br />
When: Oct. <strong>18</strong><br />
The scene: It was standing- The Jack Rabbit booth<br />
room only at the Design<br />
Suites’ closing-night party<br />
at Smashbox Studios, where stylists,<br />
press and industry executives mixed<br />
business with pleasure by sampling hors<br />
d’oeuvres and cocktails while perusing<br />
the offerings of the labels exhibiting at<br />
the Design Suites, including Alternative,<br />
Amykatherine, Jennifer Lauren<br />
Mazur, Anna Kosturova, Blue Tattoo,<br />
BLVD, DanSara, L&R Couture, La<br />
Chica Chic, Privacy Wear, Smooch<br />
Jeans and Zova L.A.—Alison A. Nieder<br />
Blue Tattoo<br />
Kaptain, designer of<br />
Bubble Leather, and Natali<br />
Slele<br />
The <strong>California</strong> Market Center’s Senior Vice President of<br />
Operations Ben Lee (left) with Kent Smith, executive director<br />
of the Los Angeles Fashion District Business Improvement<br />
District, and Joanne Lee, senior vice president, CMC services<br />
VOLKER CORELL
Events<br />
Rodeo Honors Galanos on Walk of Style<br />
Who: Rodeo Drive Committee<br />
and City of Beverly Hills<br />
What: Rodeo Drive Walk of<br />
Style presentation and luncheon<br />
Where: Beverly Hills<br />
When: Oct. <strong>18</strong><br />
The scene: Former first lady Nancy<br />
Reagan and Betsy Bloomingdale<br />
joined Beverly Hills Mayor Jimmy<br />
Delshad and the Rodeo Drive Committee<br />
to honor fashion design<br />
legend James Galanos last week.<br />
Galanos was presented with the<br />
11th “Rodeo Drive Walk of Style<br />
Award” on Oct. <strong>18</strong> with an induction<br />
ceremony on Rodeo Drive and<br />
Betsy Bloomingdale, James Galanos, Nancy Reagan<br />
and Jimmy Delshad<br />
a luncheon in his honor. Ralph Rucci flew in to honor Galanos, and Peggy Moffet and<br />
much of the Beverly Hills community joined the celebration.<br />
Known as the epicenter of luxury and fashion of the West Coast, Rodeo Drive was<br />
the fitting place to honor the <strong>California</strong> design legend, who dressed the city’s socialites<br />
and Hollywood’s elite for more than 50 years. Galanos is renowned for the timelesss<br />
style and exquisite workmanship of his eveningwear and cocktail dresses. Clients included<br />
Marlene Dietrich, Diana Ross, Judy Garland, Bloomingdale and Reagan.<br />
He was inducted into the Coty Fashion Awards Hall of Fame in 1959 and received<br />
the Council of Fashion Designers of America Lifetime Achievement Award in<br />
1985. Mayor Delshad presented the award and proclaimed the day as “James Galanos<br />
Day” in Beverly Hills. It was a touching moment when Reagan stood and spoke to her<br />
longtime friend and designer, who dressed her from acting days through her White<br />
House years. “I just wanted to congratulate you and say that everything I have heard so<br />
far you certainly deserve. You deserve everything, and I’m so proud of you,” Reagan said.<br />
Galanos was the epitome of elegance himself and surprised to be awarded after his<br />
retirement. “It’s totally unexpected, and I’m surprised. I thought I retired and was forgetting<br />
about fashion and here it is all over again,” explained Galanos. “It’s pleasant to<br />
be remembered, obviously, but other than that, I just take it in stride,” he said.<br />
A special outdoor exhibition along Rodeo Drive will feature images of Galanos’ work<br />
photographed by Victor Skrebneski until Oct. 28. And a plaque featuring Galanos’ signature<br />
and quote will be placed permanently in the sidewalk on the world-renowned<br />
shopping street.<br />
The award, which was created in 2003, is an ongoing style award that honors<br />
legends of style for their contributions to entertainment and fashion. Past recipients<br />
include Tom Ford, Giorgio Armani, Edith Head, Herb Ritts, Mario Testino and, most<br />
recently, Gianni and Donatella Versace.—N. Jayne Seward<br />
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The CDI Fall/Winter 2008 collection is now ready for presentations.<br />
We are also pleased to announce the launch of two new collections:<br />
Parras – ECO<br />
A new collection of denim utilizing recycled denim<br />
Parras Plus–featuring Innova ®<br />
For additional information please contact us at 888-260-5280<br />
Sales and Marketing for both<br />
Premium by Parras and CDI are located at<br />
846 S. Broadway, Suite #401<br />
Los Angeles CA 90014<br />
888-260-5280<br />
Please come see us at Premiere Vision (Les Docks - Paris)<br />
December 4th–5th to preview our Spring ’09 denim collection<br />
Laura Prenner LA Sales Manager lprenner@parras.com.mx<br />
Julie Gzebb West Coast Sales Mgr jgzebb@parras.com.mx<br />
Matthew Fuhr VP Sales/Marketing mfuhr@parras.com.mx<br />
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OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS 15
LOS ANGELES FASHION WEEK SPRING 2008<br />
Linda Loudermilk<br />
Eco-conscious designer Linda Loudermilk put her own spin on Los Angeles Fashion Week<br />
with an Oct. 17 show held at BP’s Helios House, a Los Angeles gas station that strives to lessen<br />
its impact on the environment by using recycled building materials and energy- and watersaving<br />
initiatives. “The location is hilarious. It’s a green gas station, but it conveys the message<br />
that if they can be a little bit more earth-friendly, anybody can. Just do it!” Loudermilk said.<br />
Loudermilk, who is known for using innovative, chic green fabrics, showed immensely wearable,<br />
imaginative pieces on the runway. Inspired by the notion that nature can be destructive<br />
and unpredictable, Loudermilk sent wind-blown, artfully tattered styles down the catwalk. A<br />
classic shirtdress featured a funky off-the-shoulder neckline, and men’s sweaters featured<br />
layered, asymmetrical collars. Loudermilk also created a print that registers as a random floral<br />
but is, in fact, an image of an overturned rubbish bin streaming colorful bits of trash. “It’s about<br />
walking down the street and having wind, like a tornado, mess you up, but you are still sexy<br />
and powerful,” the designer said.<br />
Texture, in the form of layers of chiffon, pleats, metal-infused silks, and cottons dipped in<br />
shiny, crinkled wax, played a big role in Loudermilk’s Spring 2008 collection. Loudermilk also<br />
showed avant-garde pieces, including a black chiffon funnel dress that enveloped the wearer<br />
like a twister and a gold dress that became a real-life gilded cage, alongside impeccable tailored<br />
suits for men and women.—Erin Barajas<br />
The Green Initiative<br />
Fashion Show<br />
The Gallery Los Angeles presented The Green Initiative Fashion Show<br />
on Oct. 17 during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in<br />
Culver City, Calif. Mikey Koffman, founder of The Gallery Los Angeles, a<br />
philanthropic public-relations and marketing company specializing in green<br />
branding, produced the eco-focused event. Koffman said she wanted to<br />
help bring awareness to eco-friendly and socially responsible designers and<br />
create a forum for them to show their collections on the runway. For the<br />
designers featured in the show, at least half of their collections were made<br />
from eco-friendly materials, including recycled fabrics, organic cotton and<br />
bamboo. Many also utilize sustainable fabrics and have fair-trade policies.<br />
The show included an array of clothing and accessories ranging from casual<br />
to dressy.<br />
Rene Geneva Design opened the show with dramatic skirts, dresses and<br />
corsets. The collection, inspired by Japanese architecture, was made of<br />
hemp, organic cotton, Tencel and recycled textiles. M The Movement, a<br />
denim-based streetwear line for men and women, showed a mix of tees,<br />
jackets and denim. The collection included cashmere hoodies from Mongolia,<br />
organic Pima cotton and alpaca knits from Peru. Protect the Element<br />
by Roshi Salim focused on reducing the amount of chemicals that go into<br />
manufacturing clothing. Her organic cotton and naturally dyed clothing included<br />
childrenswear as well as women’s dresses, shirts and skirts with<br />
clean, sophisticated lines in khaki and white.<br />
Wet Cement, created by Andrew Lee, former president of 575 Denim, and<br />
set designer Stef Z, included T-shirts, skirts and shorts for girls and for guys,<br />
with custom-screened images inspired by life. Trees, numbers and a “save<br />
water” eco-message decorated the collection in green, gray and white.<br />
Men’s and women’s knits by Peligrosa were stylish and modern, utilizing<br />
organic wool, cashmere and recycled cotton. The collection, founded by<br />
Adam Sidell and Nico Morrison, added a sophisticated, fashionable edge<br />
to the show.<br />
Vintage China closed the show with streetwear made in organic fabrics<br />
with bold Chinese script that included humanitarian messages. The show<br />
also featured accessories including ArteSania jewelry by Laura Cardenas,<br />
Demano handbags made from recycled materials and shoes by Calleen<br />
Cordero.—N.J.S.<br />
16 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007<br />
JOHN ECKMIER<br />
Evidence of Evolution<br />
Evidence of Evolution launched its green line Oct. 17 during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at<br />
Smashbox Studios in Culver City, Calif.<br />
The Los Angeles–based collection, created by partners Ali Alborzi and Andrew McCarthy, is<br />
made of organic cotton and hemp silk using low-impact dyes. “We watch what we put into the<br />
gutters,” Alborzi said with a laugh.<br />
The inspiration for the collection is the bohemian crusader living in today’s global society,<br />
campaigning for eco-conscious living and striving for a sustainable future.<br />
The runway presentation began in a solid white palette and then exploded into color. “Everyone<br />
thinks that green has to be boring, but it doesn’t. It can be vibrant. It can be anything you<br />
want,” Alborzi said.<br />
A palette of red, mustard, peacock blue, fuchsia and neutral gray dominated the collection.<br />
Women’s styles included simple, short tunic shapes and long dresses in a gauzy cotton fabric.<br />
Nature-inspired graphics, such as a feather print, appeared on a drawstring dress and off-theshoulder<br />
tee. And there were plenty of little tank tops paired with colorful skinny jeans. The men’s<br />
collection had the look of a casual bohemian sophisticate and included clean styles such as a<br />
white jacket paired with a Henley tee and a shocking red four-pocket jacket and jean ensemble.<br />
Vests and hoodies added casual ease, and ties dressed up the look.—N. Jayne Seward<br />
Rene Geneva Design M The Movement Protect the Element<br />
Wet Cement Peligrosa Vintage China<br />
TIM REGAS, COURTESY OF LINDA LOUDERMILK<br />
JOHN ECKMIER
JOHN ECKMIER<br />
Jeremy Scott<br />
Jeremy Scott returned to the runway Oct. 17 at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox<br />
Studios in Culver City, Calif., after a four-year hiatus to show his “Urban Decay” collection.<br />
Scott, who has been showing his collection in New York and Paris in recent years, decided to do<br />
a follow-up show in Los Angeles after presenting his Spring collection in Paris. “I thought it would be<br />
nice after four years to make a little statement to show what I’ve been working on and support the<br />
community,” Scott said. “It’s nice to pop back in and say, ‘hey,’ and pop back out again.”<br />
The collection was inspired by construction workers, construction sights and all of the dirty, dingy<br />
city things that are unappealing and unattractive. “I wanted to make something beautiful out of them<br />
and make them feminine and chic at the same time,” Scott said.<br />
He juxtaposed little silk charmeuse rompers and chic ladylike dresses with strong masculine<br />
prints. Boot prints, tire treads, road signs and hand prints dripping paint decorated dresses, frilly<br />
swimwear and sportswear. Trash can lids were worn slightly askew on the heads of models who<br />
adopted a chic sensibility, reminiscent of Dior’s “New Look” and mixed with Scott’s own campy<br />
sense of style. Tires were transformed into belts, and wrenches seemed to make complete sense as<br />
chandelier earrings, necklaces and bracelets.<br />
The men’s collection had a sexier edge. A black fishnet top was paired with blazing, yellow ruler–<br />
print jeans, a parka was layered over tiny briefs and a cardigan jacket was worn with transparent cargo<br />
pants. Hard hats, Adidas boots and transparent construction vests completed the look.—N.J.S.<br />
Whitley Kros<br />
Actress Marissa Ribisi and business partner Sophia Coloma debuted their new line,<br />
Whitley Kros, Oct. 16 to a packed crowd of fashionistas, Hollywood actors and retail buyers<br />
at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City, Calif.<br />
Their collection was sleek, clean and powered by subtle colors blended with bright<br />
tones ranging from eye-popping yellows to hot pinks.<br />
Some of their design cues came from Coloma’s experience as the former co-owner of<br />
the Satine Boutique on West Third Street in Los Angeles. Ribisi’s creative sense comes<br />
from her first venture into fashion as a teen-ager, when she and her siblings started a<br />
T-shirt line called Monster. She later launched an acting career, as did her twin brother,<br />
Giovanni. The designer is married to musician Beck, with whom she has two children.<br />
Whitley Kros is a fictional character the two designers invented. “She is a traveler,<br />
young and very free,” said Coloma, a native of Australia. “The collection will always be<br />
in her suitcase.”<br />
This Spring/Summer ’08 collection was the contents of Kros’ suitcase after attending<br />
the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan. Those contents included lots of navy-blue items,<br />
including a classic short jumpsuit with short sleeves; an “Edgemont” dress; and clean,<br />
sleek jackets influenced by Chanel.<br />
The designers spent eight months perfecting the fit of their “Vine” jeans, which have<br />
skinny legs.—D.B.<br />
JOHN ECKMIER<br />
JOHN ECKMIER<br />
JOHN ECKMIER<br />
Grey Ant<br />
Grant Krajecki started his career designing for porn films, the theater and<br />
the Ice Capades.<br />
So it is no wonder that his collection always takes on a theatrical twist when<br />
parading down the runway.<br />
It was no different for Krajecki’s Spring/Summer ’08 show, held Oct. 16 at<br />
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City, Calif.<br />
The designer, who started his label in Los Angeles in 1998, got cheers from<br />
the crowd when he sent one plump model and one older model strutting down<br />
the catwalk alongside the standard fare of thin, leggy women. Some models<br />
wore wild frizzy wigs so large they could have doubled as umbrellas.<br />
Krajecki’s creations for men and women had creative silhouettes and fabrics,<br />
although he stuck to a subdued array of colors that gravitated toward gray<br />
and white, veering occasionally into yellow, lavender and dusty pink.<br />
Grey Ant’s denim selection and pants took the high road, incorporating super-high<br />
waists to go with skinny-leg or wide-leg looks. Dresses were amply<br />
represented, some in tent-like silhouettes or kimono looks. Others had corseted,<br />
strapless tops or bikini tops. For men, Krajecki incorporated a certain garage<br />
influence with overalls and jumpsuits, oversize and boxy tops, and high-waisted<br />
jeans.—Deborah Belgum<br />
JOHN ECKMIER<br />
Brian Lichtenberg<br />
As many designers zig toward eco-friendly themes and natural inspiration<br />
this season, Brian Lichtenberg zagged in the other direction<br />
and was inspired by toxic waste and slime. Pattern pieces of green goo,<br />
inspired by childhood pop-culture references including the film “Ghostbusters,”<br />
dripped from the collars of his “futuristic sportswear” collection,<br />
shown on Oct. 19 at the Architecture and Design Museum in Los<br />
Angeles.<br />
Lichtenberg elaborated that the collection was about “taking something<br />
that’s humorous and turning it into something that’s modern.”<br />
Drooping armholes held by stringy straps added a lazy comfort quality to<br />
a simple black knit tent dress. On a romper in a 1980s Laura Ashley–type<br />
floral print with a motorcycle-jacket collar, the stiff shape of elongated<br />
armholes took a futuristic turn as the shoulders jutted out like a space<br />
cadet’s.<br />
Lichtenberg introduced swimwear for the first time, with men’s mini<br />
briefs and an asymmetrical women’s one-piece.—Rhea Cortado<br />
OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS 17
LOS ANGELES FASHION WEEK SPRING 2008<br />
Christian Audigier<br />
Christian Audigier set the scene for his Oct. 16 Parisian military-themed show during<br />
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City, Calif., with an enormous<br />
mock-up of the Eiffel Tower and a young girl crooning “La Vie en Rose.” The designer,<br />
who also designs the tattoo-tinged Ed Hardy line, rocked the boat last season with his<br />
over-the-top runway presentations featuring his more-is-more aesthetic—and he delivered<br />
more of the same for Spring 2008.<br />
Audigier sent jazzed-up casual staples for guys and girls down the catwalk. T-shirts<br />
featured layers and layers of tattoo-inspired screen prints, foil treatments, studding and<br />
embroidery. Denim fluctuated between dark and medium washes, but all of it was peppered<br />
with tonal and rainbow-hued studs and grommets. Jersey dresses focused on easy<br />
silhouettes and busy graphics, including animal prints and graffiti scrawl. Dressier pieces<br />
for women included a short-sleeved leather blazer and a pleated satin skirt. Men’s styles<br />
bounced from casual allover print hoodies and slim shorts to crisp military-style woven<br />
shirts and tailored pants.<br />
Audigier—who peppered the entire collection with recurring hand-grenade, crown and<br />
rose images—couldn’t resist a bit of risqué edge. He showed models wearing skimpy lingerie<br />
beneath army-green anoraks and guys wearing camouflage-print briefs under leather<br />
ponchos bearing the American flag or rhinestone-studded marijuana leaves.—E.B.<br />
Bird of Prey<br />
Every season, Peter Ross takes an inspirational trip of cultural submersion.<br />
Last season for his Grail line, Ross traveled to Haiti. For the debut of his Bird<br />
of Prey collection for Spring 2008, shown Oct. <strong>18</strong> at Mercedes-Benz Fashion<br />
Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City, Calif., gypsies and vampires of<br />
Romania were the muse.<br />
“It was all handmade. That’s what inspired us,” said Ross of the cultural<br />
attire. Grail is known for hand-applied surface treatments and distressed<br />
washes. Ross’ new endeavor, Bird of Prey, evolves his expertise of wash<br />
techniques into a modern, clean look. “The things that we do at the wash<br />
houses now are to make things beautiful, not to destroy them,” Ross said.<br />
A silver metallic foil wash was applied to a women’s orange knit jacket,<br />
men’s black slim jeans and stripes on a men’s shirt for a futuristic mood.<br />
Folkloric paisley prints and a diamond checkered circus pattern had a modern<br />
feel in high-contrast burnout treatment. The clean treatments were complemented<br />
by the contemporary silhouettes of easy knit dresses, knit jackets and<br />
straight-leg bottoms.—R.C.<br />
<strong>18</strong> CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007<br />
LUC EKSTEIN<br />
Christian Audigier, whose Ed Hardy tattoo-print T-shirts have become almost<br />
iconic, presented “a fashion show for the people” Oct. <strong>18</strong> at The Grove lifestyle<br />
shopping center in Los Angeles.<br />
More than 100 models strutted down a red carpet extending several hundred<br />
yards down the mall’s courtyard before thousands of fans and mall visitors. A<br />
big stage was set up at the courtyard’s fountain, where Fred Levine, owner of<br />
retail chain M. Fredric, introduced the event, calling the Ed Hardy phenomenon<br />
one of the hottest trends in the world.<br />
Amid the Chinese dragons, marching bands, rappers and drummers, Audigier<br />
presented images of skulls, bleeding hearts, tiger faces and Virgin Mary<br />
icons over tees, denim and outerwear.<br />
He did luxe up the line with glittery leather jackets with metallic finishes and<br />
stud and jewel embellishment. He also presented a smattering of nautical looks<br />
for women, including striped shirts. Audigier wrapped up the show with a look<br />
at his new children’s collection, featuring originals and scaled-down versions of<br />
the adult line.—Robert McAllister<br />
Bradley Baumkirchner<br />
Bradley Baumkirchner, the endearing designer from last season’s “Project<br />
Runway” series, debuted his new collection Oct. 19 at The Besant Lodge in<br />
Hollywood. Among the crowd were hipsters; editors; and fellow “Project Runway”<br />
alum Nick Verreos and partner David Paul, designers of the Nikolaki line.<br />
Baumkirchner said he listened to a lot of Bach and looked at children’s<br />
dresses and the ballet when he designed the collection. “I think that the piano<br />
and Bach influenced me a lot more than anything,” Baumkirchner said. “I tried<br />
to make it a lot more feminine than my last one.”<br />
A classical pianist played while models walked slowly through the venue<br />
wearing cute frocks, tops paired with ruffled shorts, and cape-and-pant ensembles.<br />
Dresses, including a cream silk taffeta ballet dress with gathers at the<br />
neckline and a decorative ruffle, were sweet and childlike. A blue version of the<br />
dress had a black bowtie, Peter Pan collar and bubble-ruffle hem. Baumkirchner<br />
used mostly silks, linen and waxed linen blends for the concise, focused<br />
collection. Colorful toile prints decorated tank tops and blouses, ruffles and<br />
scallop hems were key details, and gold metallic jacquards added a French<br />
vintage element to trousers and capes.—N.J.S.<br />
VOLKER CORELL Ed Hardy<br />
VOLKER CORELL<br />
JOHN ECKMIER
Monarchy<br />
Monarchy’s edgy rock ’n’ roll embellished style went to prep school for the label’s<br />
Spring 2008 fashion show, held Oct. <strong>18</strong> at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox<br />
Studios in Culver City, Calif.<br />
Embroidered men’s polo shirts and graphic V-neck tees were carried to morefashionable<br />
heights when paired with seersucker shorts, pin-striped trousers and<br />
dark raw jeans. At the same time, the private-school uniform had a dose of Monarchy’s<br />
edge through a screen print on the back of a plaid vest and a repeating dagger<br />
print on top of a striped grandpa cardigan. “We were hoping to bring something<br />
besides a bunch of guys walking out in T-shirts and jeans,” said designer Eric Kim,<br />
who expanded Monarchy from T-shirts and jeans to a full collection last season.<br />
For women, shapes ranged from an ultra-loose, relaxed black shirt dress to formfitting<br />
high-waist pants and short shorts that emphasized the hips.<br />
Monarchy’s graphic designs preached the green message, which has been a theme<br />
throughout Fashion Week this season. One shirt read, “Global warming is so hot right<br />
now.” Kim said that because of limitations in organic supply and eco-fabric technology,<br />
the brand has not converted entirely to eco-friendly fabrics and the slogans were<br />
more about spreading the message of environmental awareness.—R.C.<br />
LRG<br />
Streetwear brand<br />
LRG showcased its<br />
Spring 2008 men’s<br />
line and Luxirie, its<br />
women’s collection,<br />
Oct. 17 at 944 magazine’s<br />
Hollywood<br />
headquarters. Looks<br />
were shown on<br />
mannequins posed<br />
around the party,<br />
and a few models<br />
flaunted select candy-colored<br />
Luxirie<br />
separates.—E.B.<br />
FELIX SALZMAN<br />
VOLKER CORELL<br />
JOHN ECKMIER<br />
Oligo Tissew<br />
Oligo Tissew designer Kristopher Enuke found inspiration in an alternate reality for his<br />
Spring 2008 collection, which bowed Oct. <strong>18</strong> at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox<br />
Studios in Culver City, Calif.<br />
“It’s where we are versus where we want to be,” said Enuke, who designs the line with<br />
his wife, Amy. “We thought, ‘What if the world was like this—no war, no conflict, a world<br />
full of light and beauty?’”<br />
Dubbed “Fairy a Place,” the impetus for the collection was the desire to escape to a<br />
more ideal world, Enuke said, noting that he kept the colors pure and the knits airy.<br />
For denim, that meant pants and skirts washed down to a nearly white shade with just<br />
a hint of pigment or in midnight with a bit of sheen. For a bit of color, Enuke added a periwinkle<br />
shade. Shapes included fitted pencil shirts and high-waisted jeans in trouser and<br />
ultra-skinny styles.<br />
T-shirt graphics were breezy, with bright florals combined with Japanese cartoon imagery. “There’s<br />
a sweet cake girl in Japanese folklore,” Enuke explained. “She brings joy and good cheer.”<br />
Screen-printed T-shirt dresses featured draped backs designed to convey a sense of<br />
airiness. Indeed, when the models walked the runway, the back of the dresses swung and<br />
billowed behind them. “We tried to imbue a lightness of being into the process,” Enuke<br />
said.—Alison A. Nieder<br />
JOHN ECKMIER<br />
David Yurman<br />
For Evan Yurman, men’s jewelry can be classified in three<br />
tiers. “Conservative, less conservative and way out there,”<br />
said Yurman, the director of men’s jewelry at New York–<br />
based luxury jeweler and design house David Yurman, which<br />
is the self-named company founded by his father, David.<br />
Evan Yurman gave a preview of his Spring 2008 men’s<br />
line Oct. 24 at sumptuous The Paramour nightclub, located<br />
above Los Angeles’ Hollywood neighborhood. Rock band<br />
The Bravery performed, and Yurman spoke about the new<br />
collection.<br />
One theme for the Spring 2008 collection is black diamonds<br />
and titanium. For the “way out” crowd, Yurman<br />
designed jewelry around dinosaur fossils gained from a<br />
precious-stones broker in Utah. For the more discreet man,<br />
Yurman said that he also offers plain silver cuff links and<br />
white and black diamond pendants. Retail price points range<br />
from $250 to $5,000.—Andrew Asch<br />
Jünker<br />
Jünker designers Tod Waters and Giuliana Mayo took to the streets for<br />
their Oct. <strong>18</strong> fashion show. You had to be in the know to find the show,<br />
dubbed the “Street Massacre,” which was held in a desolate alley in downtown<br />
Los Angeles. Guests who RSVP’d received a text message with the<br />
cross street a few hours before the show. The dark alley was soon lit by the<br />
headlamps of custom Powerplant Choppers motorcycles, and music blaring<br />
from a hatchback car provided the soundtrack for the show.<br />
And while the look was pure Jünker—plenty of corsets, second-skin<br />
leather pants and tiny skirts trimmed with leather and D-rings—there were<br />
new variations on Waters and Mayo’s signature style. Jean-cut pants and<br />
a vest were offered in an Italian lamb printed in a blown-out plaid, Jünker’s<br />
miniskirt was re-created using remnants of an American flag, and a<br />
leather vest and skirt came in Union Jack colors.<br />
Jünker model and fetish pinup Courtney Cruz opened the show in a<br />
leather-trimmed, tea-stained white silk organza dress that draped daringly<br />
in the back. She also closed the show in a T-shirt that read “Corporate<br />
fashion sucks,” which she ripped off before her final walk.—A.A.N.<br />
OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS 19
LOS ANGELES FASHION WEEK SPRING 2008<br />
Petro Zillia<br />
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City, Calif., closed on a cheerful note thanks<br />
to designer Nony Tochterman, who returned to the runway—and wholesale business—with a small collection<br />
of dresses in a full spectrum of colors.<br />
From the moment the first model walked down the runway, stopped and smiled sweetly for the bank of<br />
photographers, Tochterman set the happy tone for the Oct. <strong>18</strong> show.<br />
“The whole feeling was about L.A. and the L.A. girl—and she needs to be perky and happy,” said Tochterman,<br />
who escorted the quintessential L.A. girl Paris Hilton to her seat minutes before the show started.<br />
The show featured 21 looks: nine for daytime and 12 for evening. The candy colors on the runway echoed<br />
those found on the packaging of the makeup line Tochterman recently launched in collaboration with Smashbox<br />
cosmetics. Indeed, Tochterman said, the show was the result of several collaborations: Fred Segal Beauty<br />
did the hair and Smashbox did the makeup using Tochterman’s new line. Brazilian shoe line Gracienne<br />
created gold sandals for the show, the belts were by Spear, and jewelry line Noir created oversize hoop and<br />
heart earrings.<br />
The collection marks a return to the wholesale side of the business for Tochterman, who scaled back her<br />
business when she opened her store, House of Petro Zillia, on Los Angeles’ West Third Street last year.<br />
Runway looks included a strapless short jumper in cheery yellow sateen and both long and short ruffled<br />
dresses in lipstick red, canary yellow and coral. A strapless jumper in fuchsia satin was also worn by Hilton in turquoise,<br />
while a dramatic floor-length vest in gold Lurex was paired with a high-waist hot short in gold.—A.A.N.<br />
Candice Held<br />
For Candice Held, scarves are not an accessory—they are the entire<br />
outfit. Since 2004, Held has found success fashioning vintage scarves<br />
into dresses and tops. At her Spring 2008 fashion show, held Oct. <strong>18</strong> at<br />
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City, Calif.,<br />
Held proved she has an eye for designing prints, as well.<br />
“They are like little paintings,” said Held of the centerpiece scarf-like<br />
print of her dresses that “tell a story.” This season, the story was a whimsical<br />
summer in an original silk “summer sky” hot air–balloon print and an<br />
original floral “rose garden” print.<br />
She continued to offer the one-of-a-kind mismatched charm of her vintage<br />
scarf designs in the new styles through vintage-inspired color combinations<br />
and mixing a number of prints on one piece. Held expanded her<br />
range to a point, while staying true to the line’s roots. A group of cotton<br />
“dish towel” dresses was based on a dress Held constructed out of actual<br />
dish towels for a trip to Mexico. Another dress featured cotton handkerchiefs<br />
patched together like a quilt.—R.C.<br />
20 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007<br />
VOLKER CORELL<br />
JESSICA SILVERSTEIN<br />
Voom by Joy Han<br />
Los Angeles designer Joy Han is taking a break from her playful silk<br />
baby dolls and moving into more-streamlined silhouettes and even bolder<br />
prints featuring eye-popping colors and graphics gleaned from Roy Lichtenstein’s<br />
pop art as well as ’60s mod and ’80s funk for Spring ’08. Han’s<br />
Voom by Joy Han fashion show was presented Oct. 17 at Mercedes-Benz<br />
Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City, Calif.<br />
The designer’s line has steadily evolved, and the Spring collection is<br />
more runway-friendly and tailored than ever before.<br />
High waistlines and collars blended with more-traditional silhouettes for<br />
a ranging yet focused collection. Han’s graphic checkerboard prints on silk<br />
pieces coupled with stark yellows, fuschias and purples on patent leather<br />
were offset by more neutral plaids, stripes and polka dots on woven materials.<br />
Featured pieces included bolero jackets, puff-sleeve tops, and long and<br />
cropped patent jackets along with tube and bikini tops and kimonos.<br />
—R.M.<br />
Samora<br />
Designer Samora Olayan has been making pretty dresses and separates for her contemporary<br />
collection, Samora, since 2002. This season, the designer wanted to highlight strength<br />
alongside beauty and chose Bellona, the Roman goddess of war, as her muse. Olayan’s<br />
Spring 2008 collection debuted on the runway Oct. <strong>18</strong> at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at<br />
Smashbox Studios in Culver City, Calif.<br />
“This collection is about celebrating women’s femininity and their strength,” she said.<br />
Women always have to balance both in these times.” To show that balance, the designer<br />
blended military details such as epaulettes with draped dresses worn with gold metallic sandals.<br />
She incorporated several asymmetrical details, including one-shoulder and one-sleeve<br />
silhouettes. Olayan extended the concept to a piece she called the “should wrap,” a ruffled<br />
wrap that covers one arm.<br />
A pretty chocolate-brown taffeta dress trimmed in aqua was more “Roman Holiday” than<br />
Roman goddess of war. Day dresses in a pinched floral fabric were picnic-ready, while a natural-colored<br />
dress with rough black stitching provided an earthy balance to Olayan’s gowns,<br />
which were lean columns of frothy silk and chiffon.<br />
This was Olayan’s ninth season at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. “I love the solidness of<br />
it. I wish everybody would stick to it and join hands under one umbrella,” she said. “I like that<br />
they bring attention to Los Angeles designers.”—A.A.N.<br />
VOLKER CORELL<br />
JOHN ECKMIER
Bebe<br />
Bebe kept it low-key when producing a fashion event Oct. 17 at the Social Hollywood<br />
nightclub in Hollywood. The party was held to celebrate the Brisbane, Calif.–<br />
based retailer’s Holiday 2007 collection, and it was a change from the company’s<br />
last two splashy runway shows, held at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox<br />
Studios in Culver City, Calif., where the exclusive Collection Bebe line, designed by<br />
David Cardona, was shown. (Cardona recently left Bebe to join premium-denim and<br />
lifestyle fashion house Rock & Republic.)<br />
But for Bebe, low-key is still glamorous and sexy. At the Oct. 17 show, the 45 looks<br />
featured evening and special-occasion dresses as well as separates for the retailer’s<br />
upcoming “Dressed to Thrill” Holiday collection, which will bow in November. Collection<br />
Bebe will continue to be distributed to select Bebe stores in the next month.<br />
Bebe’s fashion show also represented a dream come true for 16-year-old Kate-<br />
Lynne Pegg. She is living with immunity-deficiency syndrome, and it was her wish to<br />
model in a fashion show. Bebe worked with the Make-a-Wish Foundation to realize<br />
Pegg’s desire. Make-a-Wish raises funds to grant wishes to children whose lives are<br />
endangered by terminal illness. The Bebe fashion show also served as a fund-raiser,<br />
raising $16,000 for the nonprofit.—A.A.<br />
Jordi Scott<br />
New York–based designer Jordi Scott lit up the Vanguard<br />
in Hollywood, Calif., on Oct. 15 with a fashion show<br />
featuring her colorful neon Spring/Summer 2008 collection,<br />
titled “Infamous Academy.” More than 500 buyers,<br />
stylists and guests attended the line’s first Los Angeles<br />
fashion show.<br />
Since the line’s launch more than one year ago, music<br />
has been an inspiration for designers Scott and Starr<br />
Rinaldi. This time, the genres of new-wave and rave music<br />
dominated. Club and streetwear looks provided fireworks<br />
of color, from electric-colored spray paint on a pair of<br />
men’s white jeans to a fluorescent yellow tube dress with<br />
an airbrushed graffiti-style print. A childlike dress featuring<br />
a multicolor heart print illustrated the schoolgirl theme but<br />
showed a mischievous side in its short length, styled with<br />
fishnet stockings.—R.C.<br />
VOLKER CORELL<br />
Juan Carlos Obando<br />
Always a purveyor of quality and originality, Juan Carlos Obando surprised yet again for the showing of his<br />
Spring 2008 collection. The Colombian-born designer presented his collection with an intimate luncheon on Oct.<br />
16 at Craft restaurant in Los Angeles’ Century City district. Mannequins displayed the elegant 13-piece collection,<br />
which was handmade by Obando. “For the first time I feel really accomplished,” he said. “I did everything by<br />
myself—from draping to sewing and steaming,” he explained. Obando, an art director and fashion designer, tells<br />
a story with each collection. For this collection he created a screenplay titled “La Fura” to illustrate the mythological<br />
story of Persephone’s abduction into the underworld. “The whole idea is that you are the studio and I am the<br />
producer and I am selling you a movie,” explained Obando. His collection is Persephone’s wardrobe, and each<br />
ensemble portrays a different scene in the movie. The fabrics represent different textures and colors in the story<br />
such as the sun, water and tree roots, which translated as knots decorating the necklines of dresses and shoulders<br />
of jackets. Obando used his signature hanger dress as a model for each design and experimented with<br />
different fabrics and colors. He expanded from silk and waxed cotton into lace, sequins and lamé. A black gown<br />
was stunning in a cashmere lace with sequin and lace sleeves. A gold lamé hanger dress had vertical pleats<br />
and a subtle sheen, and a black chiffon gown had a hidden belt and elegant draped back. Chic, yet wearable,<br />
a black, waxed cotton coat had a wide collar that was elegant in its simplicity. Obando’s designs have won him<br />
nominations for the Fashion Innovator Award for the past two seasons at the Los Angeles Fashion Awards. Still,<br />
the designer remained modest. “I wanted to simply have lunch and talk,” he said.—N.J.S.<br />
JOHN ECKMIER<br />
VOLKER CORELL<br />
Dina Bar-El<br />
Sultry eveningwear was first and foremost on the runway for Dina Bar-El’s Spring ’08 show,<br />
held Oct. 16 at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City, Calif.<br />
Known for her sexy silhouettes, Bar-El injected clean, modern looks into her dresses,<br />
which evoked designs from the 1950s and the 1980s. Dresses were structured out of silky<br />
fabrics and eye-popping colors, such as vivid oranges, husky blues, hot pinks, bright purples<br />
and emerald greens.<br />
Bar-El’s theme this season was “Trés Jolie” (French for “very pretty”), taken from her<br />
recent walk down the runway at Paris Fashion Week right before Los Angeles’ fashion<br />
extravaganza.<br />
“I was so inspired by all the bouquets of flowers in every corner of the Champs Elysées,”<br />
said the German-born Bar-El, who came to the United States when she was <strong>18</strong>. “It reminded<br />
me of all the colors I already had in the collection. So we decided to go with that theme.”<br />
Bar-El employed satin charmeuse and silk chiffon for most of her creations, which tumbled<br />
to the floor or grazed the knee.<br />
Strapless gowns dominated the show, but there were also halter looks, ruched bra bodices,<br />
off-the-shoulder numbers and deep V-necks. Goddess-like dresses were abundant, as well.<br />
The show ended with a slinky oyster charmeuse and chiffon wedding gown that could<br />
have doubled as an evening gown for a night out at a New York nightclub or a Hollywood<br />
movie premiere.—D.B.<br />
OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS 21
LOS ANGELES FASHION WEEK SPRING 2008<br />
Single<br />
“Forget the runway” seemed to be the motto behind the Oct. <strong>18</strong> debut of<br />
Single’s Spring/Summer 2008 collection, held at the 944 Lounge, the in-office<br />
nightclub for the fashion and nightlife journal on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood,<br />
Calif.<br />
Instead of the traditional runway show for Single, models stepped up to<br />
white podiums to show off looks from the label’s next season. Photographers<br />
noisily shot pictures of the models, lending the event a bit of red-carpet drama.<br />
This sense of theater was exactly the point of skipping the runway show,<br />
said Single designer Galina Sobolev.<br />
The look of the 24 pieces modeled was supposed to evoke the jet set,<br />
Studio 54–inspired style of the late 1970s. Using materials such as silk chiffon,<br />
silk charmeuse and sequins, the collection’s dresses aspired toward a<br />
silhouette that was body-hugging yet offered an ease of movement.<br />
A nightclub sensibility may have also inspired the collection’s linen trousers,<br />
cut in a menswear fashion and then laminated with a coating to give<br />
them a metallic look. Sobolev also exhibited several looks for her tween line,<br />
Single Girl.—A.A.<br />
Thirteen Minutes<br />
Stylist Mike Sam previewed his debut line, English Clientele. Veteran designer Maggie<br />
Barry gave a taste of her Spring 2008 line. It was all part of the mix when Asian-American<br />
fashion and culture magazine Thirteen Minutes, based in Fountain Valley, Calif., produced its<br />
first fashion show on Oct. 19 at the swank nightclub Republic in Los Angeles.<br />
The show was something of a “welcome back” for Barry. Her extracurricular activities—<br />
making costumes for rock group Van Halen and the TV show “Deal or No Deal”—have been<br />
taking up a lot of her time recently.<br />
But her wardrobe gigs and her upcoming collection shared a couple of qualities. Both made<br />
use of discarded clothes to make new fashions. Barry described some looks as “surplus chic,” in<br />
which she used recycled parachute fabric and discarded collars from polo shirts to make dresses<br />
and bathing suits. She called other looks “summer of love.” They featured sequined eveningwear<br />
dresses, which were detailed with graphics of happy faces and patches depicting mermaids. “We<br />
normally do super-sexy dresses,” Barry said. “But we wanted to make this happy and fun.”<br />
Sam is the fashion editor of Thirteen Minutes and also works as a stylist for celebrities<br />
such as America Ferrera. Sam’s first English Clientele collection will bow in January 2008.<br />
He previewed his collection with a 25-look show that incorporated everything from ballerinainspired<br />
dresses to a Victorian jacket with fuchsia trim. Sam said that his label would also<br />
be distinguished by its sizing. Unlike many labels, he would not produce a size zero. Rather,<br />
sizes would range from a 2 to a 14.—A.A.<br />
Who’s Next<br />
Fledgling lifestyle magazine Who’s Next, What’s Next<br />
hosted a three-designer showcase Oct. 16 at the Mondrian<br />
hotel’s Skybar in West Hollywood, Calif., where the models<br />
walked a runway that spanned the hotel’s pool.<br />
Lotta Stensson, the Los Angeles–based contemporary<br />
designer of Lotta, opened the show with her Spring 2008<br />
collection of sexy jersey dresses and tops. B’s, a handbag<br />
line, also showed oversized handbags in a variety of fabrications.<br />
Shadang, a line of cotton T-shirts, sweats, dresses<br />
and shirts inspired by Chinese monks, caused quite the stir<br />
when it opened its runway presentation with sword-carrying<br />
martial artists who took to the runway for an acrobatic performance.<br />
The drama continued when one performer botched a<br />
backflip, punching a hole in the runway. Later, a model wearing<br />
a Shadang mini-dress fell through the hole into the pool<br />
below.—E.B.<br />
22 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007<br />
JOHN ECKMIER<br />
English Clientele English Clientele Maggie Barry Maggie Barry<br />
LUC EKSTEIN<br />
Yotum Soloman<br />
Newcomer Yotum Solomon debuted his eponymous collection<br />
Oct. <strong>18</strong> at the Nuni Gallery in Los Angeles.<br />
The 20-year-old designer from Israel just graduated from the<br />
Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and didn’t waste any<br />
time breaking into the business. He based his designs on natural and<br />
cultural symbols found in his native land and put a bit of a <strong>California</strong><br />
spin on it.<br />
That translated into wrapped skirts and dresses as well as strappy<br />
footwear and swimwear. The designer embellished a number of<br />
pieces with the same PVC straps used on his footwear.<br />
He used colors such as olive and bright blue, as well as lots of<br />
white, and sometimes color-blocked them onto dresses and other<br />
pieces. Solomon is a former child violin prodigy.—R.M.<br />
Lotta Lotta Shadang Shadang<br />
LUC EKSTEIN<br />
FELIX SALZMAN
New Resources<br />
Stephenson<br />
With the Fall 2007 launch of her<br />
eponymous label, North Carolina native<br />
Amy Stephenson has settled into the So-<br />
Cal premium-denim market with ease.<br />
Strictly focused on jeans and washedcotton<br />
trousers, with limited distribution<br />
and small production runs, the line is<br />
sold at Henri Bendel, Bergdorf Goodman,<br />
American Rag, Planet Blue, AB<br />
Fits and Nordstrom’s Via C boutiques,<br />
among others.<br />
Still, one of the biggest challenges<br />
the designer is facing is trying to stay<br />
small. “I want to be part of every aspect of the operation, and as this label grows, it’s becoming<br />
more and more challenging to do it all,” she said. “I would rather produce 2,000 beautifully<br />
crafted pieces as opposed to 200,000.”<br />
Targeting women 25 years old and older, Stephenson’s line offers fully finished all-bound<br />
seam construction on the interior, unusual leather and metal hardware, as well as the absence<br />
of outer branding. She views the line as being pure and vintage without being contrived,<br />
with a “just found in my mom’s hope chest” look. “I’ll never be a five-pocket brand,<br />
nor do I want to be,” Stephenson said. “I have some in the line, and they are super, but<br />
generally people come to me for novelty premium denim.”<br />
After only one season, signature styles have emerged: “The Brother,” a boy cut that<br />
Stephenson dubbed the epitome of tomboy chic, and the “Mercer Fisherman Pant,” with<br />
sailor-style button detailing on the front pockets. The denim is sourced from Japan and<br />
Italy, sewn in Shanghai and washed in Los Angeles.<br />
Stephenson, a Parsons School of Design graduate, designed in New York for eight<br />
years and is currently based in Los Angeles. The line remains bicoastal, and Stephenson<br />
visits New York once a month for inspiration and to see vendors. “My favorite photographers<br />
are in New York, my favorite vintage stores, etc.,” she said. “But for the most part, I<br />
live in the wash houses and shipping facilities of L.A.”<br />
Spring 2008 is Stephenson’s sophomore season. Twelve new styles will be introduced for<br />
the upcoming season, and the best-selling “Mercer Fisherman” and a few other top sellers<br />
will be carried over, as well. Maintaining a vintage vibe, washes for the latest styles are a<br />
palette of super-light ’70s-looking tones, described by the designer as “very Woodstock.”<br />
As she embarks on her third collection, she will also be producing diffusion lines for Urban<br />
Outfitters and Anthropologie. “They are so much fun to work with. It’s a way of growing<br />
the business for me while keeping the main line exclusive in the market,” she explained.<br />
And for Fall 2008, the newlywed will introduce a men’s collection with four styles inspired<br />
by and fitted for her husband.<br />
Wholesale prices range from $72 for shorts (available for Spring ’08) to $109 for the popular<br />
“Mercer Fisherman” style. Stephenson is showing at the Los Angeles Fashion Market<br />
at the Proper Fools Showroom, located in suite 520 of the Cooper Design Space.<br />
For more information, visit www.stephensonstudio.com.—Dena Smolek<br />
Kate and Kass<br />
Putting a playful twist on retro chic, Kate<br />
and Kass founder Anya Teresse brings a<br />
youthful eye to a classic aesthetic. Gleaning<br />
inspiration from 1960s films and female<br />
icons—including Jane Fonda, Jackie Onassis<br />
and Gloria Steinem—the Los Angeles<br />
designer clearly has a passion for vintage<br />
style.<br />
“Kate and Kass is inspired by singers,<br />
writers, artists, iconoclasts, movers and<br />
shakers,” Teresse explained. “I’ve always<br />
been inspired by women leaders. The line honors women who stood up for what they believed<br />
in, in every aspect of their lives, especially through their style of dress. Each dress is<br />
named after a great woman, a woman who changed the world.”<br />
Retro looks are modernized with ultra-comfy fabrics and contemporary details. Launched<br />
for the Spring 2006 season, Teresse’s <strong>California</strong>-made label has garnered the attention of<br />
Barneys New York, ShopBop, Diavolina, Nordstrom and Intermix, among others. A<br />
former costume designer, Teresse studied fashion design at Parsons in Paris and Otis in<br />
Los Angeles before launching her line.<br />
Teresse said the A-line body is the signature silhouette in the line, and she incorporates<br />
the shape into every collection with modifications and new details. Specializing in “loose,<br />
drapey, free-flowing” silhouettes, Teresse said she is drawn by the rebelliousness of such<br />
cuts. “They represent a kind of femininity that defies confinement and celebrates freedom,”<br />
she said. “The free-flowing silhouettes rebel against the constraining, binding fashions that,<br />
I feel, are exhausted in contemporary style.”<br />
For Spring 2008, Teresse expanded on her formula of muted tones and flowing fabrics<br />
with more dresses with lots of movement and a retro modern aesthetic. Working with cotton<br />
gauze, cotton Modal and silk charmeuse, Teresse used prints that “are reminiscent of<br />
the floral patterns from the ’70s” for the latest collection. “I feel like the soul of the line is<br />
still the same, and I’m still expressing the same very personal aesthetic, but I think the line<br />
has more depth and character now than a year ago,” she said. “I’m able to use a wider range<br />
of fabrics, and I’ve introduced a broader color palette. It is still a line that is based on having<br />
a strong sense of individuality.”<br />
As for her personal favorites from the Spring 2008 line, she said: “I live in the ‘Jessica<br />
Benjamin,’ ‘Gloria Steinem’ and ‘Mary E. Walker.’ I wear the ‘Ingrid Newkirk’ to cocktail<br />
parties and the ‘Eve Ensler’ to formal events.”<br />
Wholesale prices range from $55 to $140.<br />
For more information, contact the Em Productions showroom, located in suite 402 of<br />
the Cooper Design Space, or visit www.kateandkass.com.—D.S.<br />
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better functioning and more interactive than ever.<br />
See the new Trends section and search the archives<br />
for your favorite trends, both past and present. The<br />
Fashion Slideshows will dazzle you with extensive<br />
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visit all 2007 & 2008 trade shows and events, locate<br />
them on Google Maps and save to your calendar.<br />
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OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS 23<br />
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24 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007<br />
Eco Notes<br />
Fashion Week Goes Green<br />
Eco-fashion shows were all the rage<br />
for the recent Mercedes-Benz Fashion<br />
Week at Smashbox Studios. But it remains<br />
to be seen whether green will be<br />
more than a trend for this glamorous biannual<br />
industry showcase.<br />
Mikey Koffman produced The Green<br />
Initiative Humanitarian Fashion Show<br />
on Oct. 17 at Smashbox Studios in Culver<br />
City, Calif. It was the debut Green Initiative<br />
runway show, and Koffman judged it a success<br />
because an overflow crowd of more than<br />
400 people attended the event, held at Smashbox’s<br />
Stage One theater, which typically seats<br />
248 people, according to Koffman.<br />
The show cost over $50,000 to produce<br />
and featured the work of Rene Geneva Design,<br />
Peligrosa<br />
and Wet Cement.<br />
While she did not<br />
break even, Koffman<br />
was bullish<br />
enough on the<br />
environmental<br />
movement’s burgeoning<br />
fashion<br />
scene that she<br />
wanted to do it<br />
again.<br />
The next step<br />
for Koffman,<br />
who also is the<br />
owner of fashion<br />
showroom The<br />
Gallery Los<br />
Angeles, will<br />
be producing<br />
the Green Initiative Humanitarian Fashion<br />
Show in New York around the time of the<br />
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New<br />
York in February 2008.<br />
It could be a very busy period for her, because<br />
in March 2008, she plans to stage another<br />
Green Initiative show to coincide with<br />
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Culver<br />
City. But Koffman said she might not stage<br />
the show at Smashbox because she might<br />
need a bigger venue.<br />
Arts organizations EcoNouveau and<br />
BoxEight co-produced a show of eco-fashion<br />
on Oct. 13 at the former Catholic church St.<br />
Vibiana’s. While they were confident in the<br />
future of eco-fashion, they had no plans to<br />
work with each other for upcoming fashion<br />
weeks, according to BoxEight executives and<br />
EcoNouveau co-producer Sarah Shewey.<br />
At EcoNouveau and BoxEight’s show,<br />
London-based Gary Harvey Creative<br />
showed ball gowns made out of discarded<br />
items including newspapers. Brooklyn,<br />
N.Y.–based Bahar Shahpar and Los Angeles–based<br />
Avita showed contemporary<br />
fashions constructed out of sustainable materials<br />
such as organic cotton and bamboo.<br />
More than an estimated 1,700 people<br />
visited the EcoNouveau-BoxEight event on<br />
Oct. 13. The six-hour concert, art and fash-<br />
ion party featured entertainment including<br />
DJs and a dance troupe. It cost an estimated<br />
$150,000 to produce, according to Hillary<br />
Coe, the group’s executive director.<br />
While BoxEight plans to build another<br />
fashion event next March to coincide with<br />
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, there might<br />
not be a specific eco-fashion event in the lineup,<br />
according to Coe. She said that the group<br />
did not want to pigeonhole itself as an environmental<br />
organization, even though it worked to<br />
limit waste generated by the event by using<br />
bio-diesel generators for energy needs, not<br />
gas generators, which reportedly produce<br />
more carbon emissions.<br />
Both Coe and BoxEight founder and President<br />
Peter Gurnz confirmed that they will include<br />
eco-fashions<br />
in their upcoming<br />
events, but they<br />
did not know if it<br />
was wise to place<br />
these styles in<br />
a green ghetto.<br />
“To feature just<br />
a single night for<br />
eco-fashions is not<br />
an answer,” Gurnz<br />
said. “We’d like all<br />
designers to take<br />
a look at how they<br />
do things.”<br />
Green will be<br />
a continuing obsession<br />
with Mercedes-BenzFashion<br />
Week producer<br />
IMG. The New York–based organization will<br />
co-produce a Nov. 22 event devoted to sustainable<br />
fashion called ecoStyle FutureFashion<br />
in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Eco-fashion<br />
items will be presented from Oscar de la<br />
Renta, Diane von Furstenberg, Proenza<br />
Schouler, Rebecca Taylor, Karen Walker,<br />
Halston, Derek Lam, Heatherette, Daryl<br />
K, Habitual, Project Alabama, United<br />
Bamboo and Imitation of Christ.<br />
IMG also consulted with an environmental<br />
business, Carbon Neutral Co., to measure<br />
and ultimately find ways to limit waste and<br />
carbon emissions generated by Los Angeles<br />
Fashion Week. Carbon Neutral representative<br />
Cate Muller said that the London-headquartered<br />
firm would not finish tallying up<br />
the week’s waste until Nov. 2. There were<br />
also no current plans to consult IMG at the<br />
upcoming fashion weeks.<br />
But if Carbon Neutral’s past experience<br />
can be judged, the week’s carbon emissions<br />
could pack a punch. The group also<br />
did work with the Council of Fashion Designers<br />
of America’s annual CFDA Fashion<br />
Awards gala on June 4. The airplane<br />
and car travel to the event, as well as the<br />
production of the awards show, cost 16.4<br />
metric tons of carbon emissions, according<br />
to Muller.—Andrew Asch<br />
GREEN POWER: Mikey Koffman, center, did not break<br />
even with her debut eco-fashion show. But she is<br />
bullish about the styles, and she plans to produce<br />
more green runway events. Also pictured are Koffman’s<br />
employees Rosalynn Basford, left, and Hope Reiners.<br />
Gap Goes Solar at Distribution Center<br />
San Francisco–based Gap, Inc. will install a one-megawatt solar-power system to help<br />
run its Fresno, Calif., distribution center.<br />
The retailer said the system should be installed some time next year. When installed, it will<br />
generate about 1.9 million kilowatt hours a year, which is enough power to supply 350 homes.<br />
The system will occupy five acres of land adjacent to Gap’s distribution center and will<br />
be financed, owned and operated by Baltimore-based MMA Renewable Ventures LLC, a<br />
subsidiary of Municipal Mortgage & Equity LLC. Gap will buy power from MMA for the<br />
next 20 years, shielding the company from rising energy costs.<br />
“This is a key part of our commitment to reducing our impact on the environment and<br />
finding better ways to do business,” said Kindley Walsh Lawlor, senior director of strategic<br />
planning and environmental affairs for Gap. “The solar installation represents a significant<br />
effort to support the development of additional solar capacity in <strong>California</strong>.”<br />
Developed in part with 3 Phases Energy, MMA Renewable Ventures contracted with<br />
Silicon Valley, Calif.–based SunPower for the system design and construction, which will<br />
incorporate more than 5,000 panels on a mounted track. The SunPower Tracker system to<br />
be used follows the sun across the sky, optimizing efficiency and conversion of sunlight into<br />
power and delivering reliable, low-cost electricity throughout the day.<br />
For more information on Gap’s conservation efforts, visit www.gapinc.com/<br />
socialresponsibilityreport.—Robert McAllister
Los Angeles’ Lingerie Showrooms<br />
Open, Migrate, Relaunch<br />
Lingerie buyers have new ground to cover<br />
during the Oct. 26–30 run of the Los Angeles<br />
Fashion Market. Sales representatives<br />
specializing in the sleepwear, loungewear<br />
and lingerie categories launched new showrooms<br />
and migrated to new locations to offer<br />
buyers the best selection in a comfortable<br />
environment.<br />
Sandra Duchesne’s<br />
showroom,<br />
Mode Studio, located<br />
in suite 609 of The<br />
New Mart, has represented<br />
Los Angeles–<br />
based loungewear<br />
line Wendy Glez<br />
and swimwear line<br />
Vitamin A since she<br />
opened her showroom<br />
in 2002. For the<br />
past five years, Duchesne’s<br />
showroom<br />
also represented a<br />
revolving door of apparel<br />
lines that came<br />
and went, and she<br />
sold to ready-to-wear<br />
buyers that came and went with them.<br />
As for the swimwear and lingerie lines she<br />
represented and their respective specialty<br />
stores, there was loyalty from the beginning.<br />
Duchesne said two of her best accounts have<br />
been Lulu’s in Manhattan Beach, Calif., and<br />
Fred Segal Fun in Santa Monica, Calif.<br />
“They were my first accounts, and they have<br />
been ordering since then,” she said.<br />
It was that loyalty and closer relationship<br />
with niche buyers that persuaded Duchesne<br />
to shift the focus of her showroom to the lingerie<br />
and swimwear categories exclusively.<br />
For this market, Duchesne added the<br />
intimate-apparel lines Pfiff, Belabumbum<br />
and Clo and the swimwear lines Salinas and<br />
Anika to her showroom roster.<br />
“I’m narrowing down my buyers but getting<br />
more [dollars] from each buyer,” Du-<br />
chesne said.<br />
At the <strong>California</strong> Market Center, friends<br />
Noah Walsh and Adnan Jinnah’s male opinion<br />
made them surprising experts in selling<br />
women’s intimates. Many sales representatives<br />
sell apparel that they wear themselves,<br />
but Walsh and Jinnah’s new FFWD lingerie<br />
and swimwear showroom sells brands that<br />
the two would like to see women wear.<br />
“When I see a piece, I go, ‘That would<br />
be really hot on,’ rather than, ‘That’s a cute<br />
piece,” Walsh said. Jinnah elaborates that<br />
women buyers purchase with a women’s<br />
point of view, but, “When men tell women<br />
what they like, it’s another option.”<br />
The pair of friends worked together on<br />
Paige Premium Denim, Johnny Was,<br />
Brighton and Le Top were among the <strong>California</strong><br />
companies picking up prizes at the<br />
32nd Annual Dallas Fashion Awards,<br />
held Oct. 21 at the Dallas Market Center.<br />
The event was attended by more than 700<br />
dignitaries and retail and industry professionals.<br />
Awards were presented in eight categories.<br />
Paige won the casual contemporary<br />
category. Brighton won the jewelry category,<br />
while Johnny Was captured the award for<br />
best contemporary brand. San Francisco–<br />
area resource Le Top won in childrenswear.<br />
Paige Adams-Geller, designer for Paige<br />
Premium Denim, accepted the award for<br />
the company and said she appreciated the<br />
fact that buyers voted for her label.<br />
“Because quality and customer satisfaction<br />
are two of the most important things we<br />
strive for on a daily basis, it makes me smile<br />
ear to ear to know that the buyers who voted<br />
BOY MEETS GIRL: FFWD Showroom owners<br />
Noah Walsh (left) and Adnan Jinnah provide a<br />
male point of view when selling lingerie.<br />
a men’s activewear line from 1999 to 2004.<br />
They were introduced to the women’s underwear<br />
and loungewear market while working<br />
at the Los Angeles–based line Underglam<br />
before it folded earlier this year. Walsh was<br />
director of sales and marketing, and Jinnah<br />
was production manager.<br />
While working at<br />
Underglam, Walsh<br />
observed that “lingerie<br />
is the fastestgrowing<br />
business in<br />
apparel other than<br />
accessories,” and he<br />
joined forces again<br />
with Jinnah to open<br />
the FFWD showroom.<br />
The FFWD showroom<br />
represents the<br />
Italian company IntimaModa,<br />
which<br />
owns the brands<br />
Verde Veronica,<br />
Verdissima, Margherita<br />
Mazzei Cult<br />
and Papete. Los Angeles–based<br />
Fleur’t; Argentina-based Nina<br />
V loungewear; Long Beach, Calif.–based<br />
Booty Parlor lingerie and bedroom accessories;<br />
and the new cami and undie line Little<br />
Hill from New York complete the eclectic<br />
roster.<br />
Showroom owner Lois Evans moved from<br />
her 5-year-old post in the Gerry Building to<br />
a modern loft space at 8314 W. Beverly Blvd.,<br />
suite 202, in West Hollywood, Calif. Evans<br />
added that the move west made it more convenient<br />
to meet with her high-end stores located<br />
on Los Angeles’ West Side, including<br />
Fred Segal Silk in Santa Monica, Calif., and<br />
Madison stores, located in Los Angeles and<br />
in Houston. Out-of-town buyers enjoy the<br />
ample retail and restaurant offerings available<br />
in the area.<br />
Evans represents German luxury knits<br />
and hosiery company Falke, British lingerie<br />
companies Fleur T England and Myla<br />
London, San Francisco–based Karen Luu<br />
Home Couture, New York–based Glam<br />
Cashmere, Caron Joy Los Angeles cashmere<br />
robes, New York–based Polkadot<br />
USA, and The Pink Room fragrance and<br />
beauty collection.<br />
“My customer is really a high-end customer,”<br />
she said. “She’s someone who is looking for<br />
luxury and knows fine quality. They’re someone<br />
who wants fashion but something that’s classy<br />
as well. They want it to be timeless.” Wholesale<br />
price points on lines such as Myla, Fleur T England<br />
and Karen Luu Home Couture range from<br />
$80 to $200.—Rhea Cortado<br />
Paige Denim, Johnny Was Lead Dallas Awards<br />
for us recognize that we are delivering on<br />
what we promise,” she said. “My goal has always<br />
been to make women feel good about<br />
themselves, and to win this award means<br />
my message is getting through to customers<br />
on an emotional level.”<br />
Other winners included Francesco Biasia<br />
for accessories, Nicole Miller for afterfive<br />
wear, Tyler Boe for modernwear and<br />
Lafayette 148 for bridge/designer.<br />
As previously announced, the evening’s<br />
main “Fashion Excellence Award” was<br />
presented to Neiman Marcus by Pamela<br />
Fiori, editor in chief of Town & Country.<br />
The “Rising Star Award” was awarded to designer<br />
Phillip Lim by Ken Downing, senior<br />
vice president and fashion director of Neiman<br />
Marcus. Both Neiman Marcus and Lim<br />
were honored with video tributes during the<br />
event, and a runway show highlighted Lim’s<br />
2008 resort collection.—Robert McAllister<br />
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OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS 25
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26 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007<br />
Playboy Next Generation<br />
A new partnership between Playboy magazine<br />
and Los Angeles–based licensing and graphics<br />
company Giant Merchandising Inc. recently<br />
bowed at select retailers with the goal of conveying<br />
the cachet of the magazine’s 50-year-old history<br />
in an apparel line aimed at modern men.<br />
Playboy City Nights is geared toward young<br />
men between the ages of 17 and 30, and it aspires<br />
to put Playboy icons in a new light.<br />
In the past year, the company placed the line<br />
at specialty stores such as Metropark and department<br />
stores such as select Bloomingdale’s.<br />
On Oct. 17, it participated in the Bloomingdale’s<br />
“Guys’ Night Out” menswear promotion at the<br />
Bloomingdale’s in Century City, Calif.; the Beverly<br />
Center in Los Angeles; and in San Francisco.<br />
Giant used Playboy graphics such as the iconic<br />
rabbit-head logo, the skyline of Manhattan and<br />
even a graphic of a 1971 Playboy model for the<br />
City Nights line. An emphasis was put on giving the rabbit-head icon new, stylish looks.<br />
The line will be composed of polo shirts with the rabbit-head icon, track jackets, hooded<br />
sweaters and slim-fit T-shirts. Retail price points will range from $28 to $60. Giant spokesperson<br />
Trish Tostado said that her company hopes to appeal to a wide audience by distancing<br />
the iconography from the libertine magazine. “You can see the rabbit’s head, but you<br />
don’t always have to associate it with nudity and sex,” Tostado said.—Andrew Asch<br />
Dollar<br />
Continued from page 1<br />
“No one bats a lash at our prices.”<br />
That’s because in 2002, nearly one U.S.<br />
dollar bought one euro. Most recently,<br />
it took $1.43 to purchase that same euro.<br />
That 43 percent slide in the dollar’s value<br />
has transformed overseas consumers into<br />
shoppers gone wild. The same holds true<br />
for the Canadian dollar. In 2005, one U.S.<br />
dollar translated into $1.58 Canadian dollars.<br />
Now, one U.S. dollar translates into 97<br />
Canadian cents, nearly a 40 percent decline<br />
in value.<br />
As a result, exporters of all kinds across<br />
the United States are reaping major benefits.<br />
In August, U.S. exports jumped a<br />
robust 12.8 percent, compared with one<br />
year ago, while imports inched up only 3<br />
percent.<br />
While retail sales in the United States<br />
are stuck in the mud, foreign sales keep<br />
blossoming.<br />
Levi Strauss & Co., the $4.1 billion<br />
blue-jeans giant based in San Francisco,<br />
noted that overseas sales kept its economic<br />
boat afloat during the third quarter of this<br />
year.<br />
Levi’s, in its third-quarter earnings report,<br />
said U.S. sales for its pants and other<br />
clothing, particularly its Signature and<br />
Dockers labels, were disappointing. But<br />
blue-jeans sales took off in Europe and<br />
Asia, aided by better exchange rates.<br />
Net revenues for the third quarter totaled<br />
$1.051 billion, up 2 percent from last<br />
year’s $1.028 billion for the same period.<br />
“If it were not for the benefit of foreign<br />
currency, revenues would have been flat,”<br />
said Levi’s spokesperson Jeff Beckman.<br />
Helping the middleman<br />
The weak dollar, however, doesn’t always<br />
translate into lower prices for foreign<br />
shoppers flipping through clothing at their<br />
local department store.<br />
Many of the people riding the currency<br />
wave are overseas distributors who buy<br />
large quantities of clothing from U.S. manufacturers<br />
and then resell them to stores in<br />
their native country.<br />
That has been the experience for J<br />
Brand, a young fashion-forward brand of<br />
premium jeans started in late 2005 in Los<br />
Angeles. Jeff Rudes, the company’s president<br />
and chief executive, said his distributors<br />
are the ones benefiting from a fluctuation<br />
in exchange rates.<br />
“Overall, I don’t see there being a reduction<br />
of price [of our jeans overseas],”<br />
he said, noting the retail price of his jeans<br />
varies from $158 to $250. “What is happening<br />
is our distributors are stepping out and<br />
NEW ANIMAL: Playboy’s City Lights line<br />
aims to offer new looks for the magazine’s<br />
rabbit icon.<br />
buying deeper. They are willing to have<br />
their inventory levels higher than normal.<br />
They are taking a little more risk because<br />
they have the cushion to do so.”<br />
With higher margins, he said, his distributors<br />
have more money to advertise and<br />
promote his blue jeans, which are made in<br />
Los Angeles and are expected to help his<br />
company reach $30 million in revenues this<br />
year and $40 million next year.<br />
For designer Galina Sobolev, business in<br />
Britain has quadrupled in the last year and<br />
grown threefold in Europe for her Single<br />
label of dresses, sportswear and other highend<br />
garb. Now, England and other countries<br />
in Europe are major spots on her retail<br />
map, accounting for 25 percent of sales.<br />
Again, buyers aren’t balking at her<br />
wholesale prices of $138 to $152.<br />
Local retailers selling to international<br />
tourists make up one market sector that<br />
is really going to town with the currency<br />
swing.<br />
The stores on Robertson Boulevard, one<br />
of the trendy shopping areas in Los Angeles,<br />
have been inundated with foreigners<br />
bent on catching a glimpse of a movie star<br />
while snagging a few pieces of clothing.<br />
“It’s been really noticeable since the beginning<br />
of the summer,” said Alison Muh,<br />
president of Surly Girl, a 2-year-old accessories<br />
shop on Robertson Boulevard.<br />
She calculates her store sales are up 10<br />
percent to 15 percent over last year.<br />
“They are spending a lot more,” she<br />
said, “and they even comment about how<br />
they are spending more on things because<br />
it is relatively cheap for them.”<br />
Two-way street<br />
One drawback to the weak dollar, however,<br />
is that the price of fabric and other<br />
raw materials coming from Europe and<br />
Japan, where the yen is relatively strong<br />
against the dollar, is chipping away at profit<br />
margins for U.S. apparel makers.<br />
“If you source domestically, you are<br />
probably feeling pretty good about it,”<br />
said Jeffrey van Sinderen, an analyst with<br />
Los Angeles–based B. Riley & Co. who<br />
watches several publicly traded companies,<br />
including Pacific Sunwear, Bebe, Quiksilver,<br />
Hot Topic, Wet Seal and Charlotte<br />
Russe. “If you’re sourcing product from<br />
Italy, you are going to pay a fortune for it.”<br />
Indeed, Sobolev has seen silk prices rise<br />
30 percent in recent months. And fabric<br />
that was selling for $9 to $9.50 a yard is now<br />
costing as much as $11.50 a yard. “The fact<br />
that our volume has increased is making up<br />
for the difference,” she said.<br />
She is also adjusting her styles by creating<br />
closer-fitting garments and shorter<br />
skirts that use less fabric. ■
Events<br />
From left: Louise Coffey Webb, Elizabeth Stewart and<br />
Doris Raymond<br />
Old Is New at<br />
The Way We Wore<br />
Who: Fashion Group International<br />
What: Vintage Fashion Roadshow II<br />
Where: The Way We Wore vintage-clothing<br />
boutique, Los Angeles<br />
When: Oct. 10<br />
The scene: At Fashion Group International’s<br />
“Vintage Fashion Roadshow II,” designer Meghan<br />
Fabulous had an “Antiques Roadshow” moment<br />
that thrift-store scavengers dream about. The<br />
designer brought in a gold lamé dress by Oscar<br />
de la Renta that she had purchased for around<br />
$75 at a secondhand store to be appraised by<br />
Doris Raymond, owner of The Way We Wore.<br />
Raymond pegged the dress as classic Oscar de<br />
la Renta without looking at the tag, dated it circa<br />
1967 or 1968 and estimated the dress could sell for<br />
$1,500 to $1,600.<br />
Raymond’s historical knowledge and cultural<br />
recognition of such pieces has made The Way We<br />
Wore a destination for designers and costume<br />
designers seeking inspiration. The store was an<br />
apropos backdrop for FGI’s panel discussion on<br />
the topic of the reintroduction and reinterpretation<br />
of vintage fashion in today’s world. Moderating<br />
the panel was Nick Verreos, who is co-designer of<br />
Nikolaki, a former “Project Runway” contestant<br />
and an instructor at the Fashion Institute of<br />
Design & Merchandising.<br />
Verreos started the discussion by defining the<br />
word “vintage.” Louise Coffey Webb, the fashion<br />
historian and curator of the Fashion Study Collection<br />
at Woodbury University, offered the guideline of<br />
“one generation ago,” or older than 20 years ago.<br />
Highlights from the discussion included:<br />
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fashion. Elizabeth Stewart, stylist and editor for<br />
The New York Times, noted that three exceptional<br />
vintage retailers in Los Angeles— Cameron<br />
Silver of Decades, Rita Watnick of Lily et Cie<br />
and Raymond—have helped make Los Angeles a<br />
center for vintage fashion. Stylist and Academy<br />
Award–nominated costume designer Arianne<br />
Phillips added: “[Designers] have sent their<br />
minions to costume houses for a long time. There<br />
is this built-in resource that’s really amazing.”<br />
������ �� ��� ���� ���������� �������<br />
knockoffs from vintage inspiration? Raymond<br />
and Phillips described an instance in which<br />
Nicolas Ghesquière, designer for Balenciaga,<br />
duplicated a piece by little-known Bay area<br />
designer Kaisik Wong. Stewart did not condone<br />
Ghesquière’s actions but said, “You have to give<br />
them credit for recognizing it, too. I think part of<br />
it is finding these pieces that are going to hit and<br />
mean something and resurrecting them.” The<br />
Ghesquière story segued into a discussion of the<br />
proposed Design Piracy Prohibition Act, brought<br />
up by <strong>California</strong> Fashion Association Executive<br />
Director Ilsa Metchek. The proposed law, which<br />
Metchek opposes, has the support of the Council<br />
of Fashion Designers. If passed, the law will<br />
extend copyright protection to three-dimensional<br />
apparel designs.—Rhea Cortado<br />
Nick Verreos and Arianne Phillips<br />
EVANS WARD/BEIMAGES.NET<br />
<strong>Apparel</strong> <strong>News</strong> Group<br />
63<br />
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OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS 27
DIRECTORY of Professional Services Business Resources<br />
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To advertise in the <strong>California</strong> <strong>Apparel</strong> <strong>News</strong><br />
Directory of Professional Services<br />
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28 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007<br />
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E-MAIL: ONG@DSLEXTREME.COM<br />
NGLEZ@DSLEXTREME.COM<br />
EFFICIENCY•RELIABILITY•SAVINGS<br />
waitex provides<br />
Complete end-to-end supply chain solutions<br />
• 25 years of experience in the garment industry<br />
• 3 million square feet of modern<br />
distribution facilities in NY, NJ, & LA<br />
• EDI, UCC128, ASN, TMS, scan & pack capability<br />
• Pick, pack & ship by piece or pre-packed carton<br />
• GOH/Flatpack storage by carton/unit/sq.ft<br />
NYC-Candice: (212) 967-8100 • Air/Sea world-wide cargo forwarding<br />
LA-Alfred: (909) 829-9888 • Garment and label sewing<br />
Email: info@waitex.com • Hoffman Press / Steam tunnel<br />
www.waitex.com<br />
• 3000 world-wide service specialists<br />
Yarns & Threads<br />
FABRICS WANTED<br />
HELP!!<br />
WE NEED FABRIC<br />
RAGFINDERS OF CA<br />
213-489-1732<br />
784 S. San Pedro St.<br />
Los Angeles, CA 90014<br />
(Since 1971)<br />
BUY & SELL<br />
748 S. Main St. LA, CA 90014<br />
310-930-4765 Mark<br />
CASH PAID<br />
For linen, wool, silk,<br />
& cotton fabrics.<br />
Call Alex<br />
213-622-0774<br />
ADVERTISE<br />
YOUR FABRICS<br />
HERE<br />
OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS 29
30 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007<br />
CLASSIFIEDS<br />
www.apparelnews.net<br />
POSITION AVAILABLE POSITION AVAILABLE POSITION AVAILABLE<br />
Michael Stars is seeking responsible, creative<br />
& energetic professionals with a sense of<br />
contemporary style to fill the following<br />
open positions:<br />
PR Manager<br />
• Prepares and distributes press releases, direct<br />
mail, email blasts, etc. to media outlets to<br />
garner press coverage<br />
• Coordinates all sample requests for stylists,<br />
celebrities, publicists, costume designers and<br />
socialites to maximize wardrobe opportunities in<br />
TV, film, and print<br />
• Manages all charity requests<br />
• Assist in developing theme, timing and strategy of<br />
special events as well as contacting local press,<br />
arrange for features, arranging for celebrity<br />
attendance, etc<br />
• 4+ years of PR related experience<br />
• Journalism or PR Degree<br />
• Management Experience<br />
• PR Contacts in the Industry<br />
• Strong writing skills<br />
Towne Square Las Vegas, NV Assistant<br />
Manager-Key Holders-Sales Associates<br />
•Provides excellent customer service<br />
•Educates and Sells<br />
•Maintains Store and Stock<br />
• Merchandise presentation that impacts<br />
store sales<br />
• At least 1 yr. prior retail apparel experience<br />
• HS diploma or equivalent required<br />
• Cash handling experience<br />
• POS/ Cash register experience<br />
• Able to work a flexible retail schedule including<br />
evenings, weekends and/or holidays.<br />
Inventory Accountant<br />
•Oversee inventory related internal controls<br />
and project manage operating efficiencies<br />
•Review and analyze inventory related entries to<br />
the G/L to provide accurate inventory<br />
valuation and reporting<br />
• Manage company wide physical inventories<br />
• Monitor inventory purchase orders and receipts;<br />
research and reconcile discrepancies<br />
• Develop a cost accounting process<br />
• Accounting degree or relevant exp. required<br />
•Proficiency in Excel/Word + strong organizational<br />
and communication skills<br />
• Spanish speaking is a PLUS but not required<br />
Marketing Manager<br />
• Develops marketing strategies and promotions to<br />
drive customers to branded stores<br />
• Plans and executes store events to increase<br />
sales and brand awareness<br />
• Develops GWP items seasonally for<br />
promotional purposes<br />
• Direct Mail Campaign-develops strategy for<br />
targeted marketing campaigns<br />
• Creates company messaging and copywriting<br />
that effectively communicates the company's<br />
products and brand<br />
• Assist in planning advertising for regional markets<br />
to support retail stores<br />
• Bachelor's degree required- MBA in marketing<br />
preferred<br />
• 3+ Years of consumer Marketing Experience &<br />
ongoing Brand Management<br />
Excellent Benefits Package Included<br />
Please e-mail your resume to<br />
jobs@michaelstars.com or fax to 310-263-7387<br />
Blue Holdings Inc.<br />
Quality Control Finished Goods<br />
Outside QC for high end denim. Minimum<br />
10 yrs exp. LA based with extensive travel to<br />
Mexico. Requires factory exp. Must be able to do<br />
Quality Assessment / In Line Inspection. Must<br />
know all aspects of apparel manufacturing.<br />
Bilingual necessary.<br />
Resume and cover letter to:<br />
Debbie.eastman@blueholdings.com<br />
San Fernando Valley apparel manufacturer offers<br />
outstanding career opportunities for the following:<br />
TEXTILE DIRECTOR/<br />
TECHNICAL COLORIST<br />
This position requires working knowledge of the<br />
printing process, from final artwork to strike-off's.<br />
Additional responsibilities include overseeing<br />
color-pitching staff and technical write-ups for<br />
strike-off's, approving final strike-off's, and working<br />
with mills on scheduling and re-strike's. Candidate<br />
must have great color/style sense and be<br />
detail-minded and highly organized. Position<br />
requires a minimum of 5-7 years experience.<br />
TEXTILE/CAD ARTIST<br />
Position requires a creative, energetic, and<br />
thorough Textile/CAD Artist for textile print design<br />
work. Key responsibility is for designing and developing<br />
product by interpreting concepts into finished<br />
product. This includes developing themes and<br />
color for the upcoming season. Candidates must<br />
have 3-5 years experience, a great eye for repeat<br />
layouts and colorways, and excellent communication<br />
and organizational skills. Photoshop/Illustrator<br />
a must. Vision/Nedgraphics a plus.<br />
PRODUCTION CAD ARTIST<br />
This position requires expertise in repeats, ability to<br />
proof engraving cads & give technical direction to<br />
the mills. Must have ability to approve strike-offs &<br />
have knowledge of printing processes. Must have<br />
textile computer program exp. Ned Graphics<br />
knowledge a plus. Candidate must be detail oriented<br />
& highly organized. Exp. with Licensed Characters<br />
a +. Position requires a min. of 5-7 yrs exp.<br />
QUALITY ASSURANCE<br />
TECHNICIAN<br />
Central responsibilities include taking color readings<br />
on Datacolor machine and entering results<br />
to appropriate software, submitting fabric and<br />
garments to CTL and following up on applications,<br />
and maintaining spreadsheets in Excel. Applicants<br />
should have excellent color vision, high attention<br />
to detail, solid knowledge of Excel, and ability to<br />
work well in a team environment.<br />
KEY ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT<br />
Central responsibilities include all aspects of key<br />
account follow up, including order entry, monitoring<br />
on-time shipments, and maintaining Excel spreadsheets.<br />
Must have knowledge of Windows, knowledge<br />
of retail based companies, attention to detail,<br />
ability to multitask. Mass merchant knowledge a<br />
plus. Excellent opportunity for growth.<br />
CUSTOMER SERVICE<br />
REPRESENTATIVE<br />
Position requires 1-2 yrs of exp. in a call center environment,<br />
excellent communication skills, strong<br />
customer orientation, ability to work flexible hours,<br />
and computer literacy with knowledge of Word, Excel,<br />
and MS Outlook. Responsibilities include providing<br />
first-rate service to customers via telephone,<br />
fax, and email, entering customer orders into the<br />
computer system, & handling special projects.<br />
Work in an energized and fun environment with<br />
a team of highly talented and creative artists.<br />
Competitive salary and benefits. Email your<br />
resume to: apparelfashions@gmail.com<br />
TEXTILE SALES<br />
A leading Textile company seeking an<br />
energetic In-House Fabric<br />
Sales Person with at least 5 years<br />
experience. We offer excellent<br />
compensation.<br />
Fax resume to 323-234-1577 or<br />
E-mail: majortextile@sbcglobal.net<br />
Established Swimwear Company with excellent<br />
benefits and offering a competitive salary is looking<br />
for qualified personnel to join our team.<br />
Controller<br />
Must have experience managing a team of at least<br />
4 people Must have hands-on experience with all<br />
of the following:<br />
G/L<br />
Financial reports: Budgeting, Gross profit analysis,<br />
Cash Flow analysis,<br />
Forecasting, and other financial reporting &analysis<br />
<strong>Apparel</strong> chargeback<br />
Month end closing<br />
Inventory control<br />
Account Manager<br />
Must have excellent interpersonal skills to interact<br />
with Sales Rep/Buyers<br />
Must be able to multi task and manage multiple<br />
accounts<br />
Have experience fostering/building/growing<br />
accounts<br />
Must have strong retail math; able to calculate<br />
basic gross margin/selling analytics<br />
Analyze sell thru reports and assortment analysis<br />
Must be able to follow and track purchase orders<br />
from inception to completion<br />
Planning/Buying exp. in major retailer is a plus.<br />
Warehouse Manager<br />
Strong leadership and managerial skills<br />
Knowledge of all phases of receiving, shipping and<br />
warehouse functions<br />
Inventory Management Control<br />
Must have 5+ experience in <strong>Apparel</strong> Industry<br />
Major Department Orders experience<br />
Computer literate (Microsoft/Word, Excel and<br />
<strong>Apparel</strong> System)<br />
Please send resume to 323-271-1<strong>18</strong>1 or<br />
e-mail mchung@malibuswim.com<br />
Fast paced Jr. Company looking for the<br />
following positions…<br />
Woven Designer to head up department with<br />
import experience. Must be organized, detail<br />
oriented with strong communication skills. Experience<br />
in wovens with ability to handle multiple projects<br />
under pressure, must be a team player with<br />
the ability to take direction & sense of urgency.<br />
Knit Designer to head up department with import<br />
experience. Candidate must have knowledge of<br />
knits, trims & trends, with strong organization &<br />
communication skills. Must be a team player with<br />
the ability to take direction & sense of urgency.<br />
Design Assistant to work in fast paced design<br />
room. Must be detail oriented with strong communication<br />
& organizational skills. The ability to handle<br />
multiple projects & follow through with a sense of<br />
urgency, must take direction well.<br />
Fabric Sourcer for import & domestic fabrics.<br />
Must have in depth knowledge of yarn, fabric &<br />
printing with contacts.<br />
Trim & Treatment Sourcer to find new trims &<br />
treatments matching current market trends for import<br />
development. Must have knowledge of import<br />
production & contacts.<br />
1st Patternmaker to work with knits & woven<br />
with knowledge of shrinkage. Computer patternmaking<br />
experience required. Strong communication<br />
& organizational skills with a sense of urgency<br />
& ability to work as a team.<br />
Marker/Grader with min 3 years experience on<br />
computer. Must grade from store spec.<br />
Please forward resumes to<br />
Lskinner@Aquablues.com
POSITION AVAILABLE POSITION AVAILABLE POSITION AVAILABLE<br />
Recognized as a global leader of women’s contemporary fashion, BCBG Max Azria Group continues to<br />
grow and diversify. With an international vision of Bon Chic, Bon Genre (French for Good Style, Good Attitude),<br />
BCBG Max Azria Group maintains the highest standards in creativity, quality and innovation – in its<br />
product offering, operations and staff. The Group’s vast portfolio of over 15 brands encompasses a retail &<br />
wholesale network of more than 9,000 points of sale in over 45 countries on 5 continents. With more than<br />
10 offices around the globe, our worldwide team is integral to the company's successful expansion. We are<br />
currently seeking creative, talented & dynamic individuals to join our growing workforce of over 10,000<br />
employees. The following exciting opportunity is at our Global Headquarters in Los Angeles, CA.<br />
Technical Designers<br />
Attend fittings and communicate technical changes, formulate corrections and provide solutions<br />
to factories globally. Review garment samples and tech packages to ensure accuracy of<br />
information relayed to factories globally. Work closely with the pattern room and sample room<br />
on development samples, spec development, grading, pattern correction and sample approvals.<br />
Must have 5 yrs. Technical design experience, knowledge of shrinkage, excellent<br />
organizational/communication skills. WebPDM a plus.<br />
Associate Textile Designer<br />
Support the design team for all graphic needs. Create artwork, yarn dyes, plaids and print<br />
designs. Must have 2 years experience in apparel/graphic textile design.<br />
Degree in related field preferred.<br />
To Apply: Qualified candidates, please submit your resume to human.resources@bcbg.com.<br />
BCBG Max Azria Group is an equal opportunity employer. To view all of our current career opportunities,<br />
please visit our company’s career section at www.bcbg.com.<br />
Luxurie by LRG is looking for a highly motivated<br />
Head Designer to lead the trend research and<br />
creative design development process for the<br />
Luxurie by LRG Line/<br />
Key Responsibilities:<br />
1. Be aware and on the forefront of design and<br />
industry trends.<br />
2. Execute, lead, and drive the Luxurie line creatively<br />
3. Ensure sufficient service to product management<br />
and development<br />
4. The ability to put together a cohesive collection by<br />
proving a complete package, including but not<br />
limited to: trend forecasting, story boards, color<br />
stories, mechanical drawing, and anything else to<br />
ensure the finest product.<br />
5. Understand and manage grading and sizing<br />
process.<br />
Talents, Skills, & More:<br />
1. Must have a minimum of 3 years Head Designe<br />
r experience in the clothing industry.<br />
2. Solid experience designing women’s apparel is<br />
required.<br />
3. Knowledge of youth driven lifestyle market, as well<br />
as technical knowledge of materials, fabrications,<br />
garment construction, colors, and design process.<br />
4. Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is<br />
required.<br />
5. Good understanding of international production and<br />
logistics process.<br />
6. Highly driven, flexible, excellent communicator, and<br />
team oriented.<br />
7. Strong Portfolio is necessary.<br />
Email resume to: lux_design_job@l-r-g.com<br />
LEAD TECHNICAL DESIGNER, ROXY YOUTH<br />
Position is responsible for leading of youth<br />
tech team to ensure a consistent & quality fitting<br />
garment is brought to market<br />
Areas of Responsibilities Include:<br />
- Create spec files and block patterns for styles<br />
owned from development through to production<br />
- Communication of seasonal work strategies to<br />
team and peer workgroups<br />
- Addressing all technical inquiries from vendors<br />
Required Experience/Skills:<br />
- Must have 6- 8 yrs of production pattern knowledge<br />
w/ability to ID fit issues quickly & accurately<br />
translated into revised pattern blocks & specs<br />
through written comments to global vendor partners.<br />
- Good communicator w/strong verbal and written<br />
ability.<br />
- Flexible and driven to move product forward<br />
through team collaboration and communication.<br />
- MS Office, Excel and Illustrator a must .<br />
Gerber V8 and PDM experience a plus.<br />
join our team. apply online<br />
www.quiksilver.com<br />
HEAD TECHNICAL DESIGNER, QUIKSILVER<br />
Position responsible for ensuring products are<br />
brought to market meeting company delivery,<br />
fit & quality expectations<br />
Areas of Responsibilities Include:<br />
- Review & management of seasonal workload;<br />
focus on delivering on time w/quality & fit<br />
- Ability to address all technical inquires from<br />
global vendor partners<br />
- Training of new team members on process<br />
and product standards<br />
- Organizing & attending all fittings w/Sourcing &<br />
M&D<br />
- Development & communication of seasonal work<br />
strategies with team & peer workgroups<br />
- Provide technical leadership to team as needed<br />
Required Experience/Skills:<br />
- Must have 10 -12 years of production pattern<br />
knowledge w/ability to ID fit issues quickly and<br />
accurately translate into revised pattern blocks<br />
and specs through written comments to<br />
global vendor partners<br />
- Good communicator w/strong verbal & written<br />
ability.<br />
- Flexible and driven to move product forward<br />
through team collaboration and communication.<br />
- MS Office, Excel and Illustrator a must .Gerber<br />
V8, AS400 and PDM experience a PLUS<br />
- Prior experience managing staff is preferred.<br />
join our team. apply online<br />
www.quiksilver.com<br />
∫<br />
PATTERN MAKERS<br />
Seeking highly skilled 1st and Production<br />
Patternmakers, GERBER system a Plus.<br />
Must have 5-10 years exp. w/couture gowns.<br />
Excellent Salary and Benefits.<br />
MARKER / GRADER<br />
Must know in detail all aspects of marking and<br />
grading on GERBER system. Min. 5 years exp.<br />
SEWER<br />
Couture Designer seeking highly skilled sewer.<br />
Must have exp. w/silk chiffon. Min. 5 years exp.<br />
Call Hector 213.342.3436<br />
Salary based on exp. Fax resume &<br />
salary history to: 213.747.9311 or<br />
email: hr@moniquelhuillier.com<br />
FIRST PATTERNMAKER<br />
Strong 1st patternmaker needed for FAST PACED<br />
Bodywear Division. Must have min. 2 yrs computer<br />
patternmaking exp; Gerber preferred. Knowledge<br />
of sewing construction & detailed sewing<br />
heets a must. Looking for good interpretation<br />
from sketches & great organizational/<br />
communication skills.<br />
Fax Resume: (323) 395-0692<br />
Established Premium multi-branded company<br />
located in Woodland HIlls, is continuing to expand.<br />
We are looking for experienced and committed<br />
professionals to fill the following positions:<br />
Graphic Designers, Mynt, Levis, Karen Neuberger<br />
Minimum of 3 years experience must have<br />
incredible knowledge Adobe Illustrator & Photo<br />
Shop. Experience in creating screen prints, flats,<br />
catalogs and screen prints.<br />
Assistant Designers Y.C./Missy Mynt Levis<br />
Minimum of 2-4 years experience design exp in all<br />
aspects of design including fabric, trim, design and<br />
pattern creation, fit and trend research. Must have<br />
exp w/ Illustrator and Photoshop.<br />
Designer Young Contemporary<br />
5 years experience. Understanding of YC Market,<br />
Knowledge of silhouettes, fabrication, colorways,<br />
and prints. Ability to design around concepts. Must<br />
have exp w/ Illustrator and Photoshop.<br />
Designer Missy<br />
5 years experience. Understanding of Missy Market,<br />
Knowledge of silhouettes, fabrication, colorways,<br />
and prints. Ability to design around concepts.<br />
Must have exp w/ Illustrator and Photoshop.<br />
Independent sales rep - Mynt<br />
Mynt is currently in top Department and specialty<br />
stores. Reps must have established relationships<br />
with Department Stores and Specialty clientele, a<br />
showroom a plus. Available territories: <strong>California</strong>,<br />
Midwest, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami and Seattle.<br />
We offer competitive salary and benefits,<br />
opportunity to grow, and creative professional<br />
environment. Email your resume & Salary<br />
history for consideration to:<br />
andrew@newportsportswear.com<br />
Lucky Brand Jeans has the following<br />
outstanding opportunity available:<br />
Technical Designer<br />
To facilitate the transition of apparel styles from<br />
design concept / first prototype to a final, production-ready<br />
sample. 3-5 years work experience in<br />
the <strong>Apparel</strong> Industry including technical design and<br />
/ or patternmaking with construction experience<br />
and full knowledge of total production timeline.<br />
Other knowledge should include an understanding<br />
of grading, costing of garments, textiles, garment<br />
testing, draping and fitting. Strong computer<br />
knowledge, including Microsoft Excel, Adobe<br />
Illustrator and Photoshop. Prior experience<br />
with patternmaking required.<br />
For consideration, please email<br />
resume and salary history to:<br />
Dorell_Mitter@luckybrandjeans.com.<br />
Lucky Brand is an Equal Opportunity/<br />
Affirmative Action Employer (M/F/D/V).<br />
1ST PATTERNMAKER<br />
Seeking exp’d Gerber patternmaker for our JR.<br />
Dress Division. Must have dress exp. Must be detailed<br />
oriented, organized, and have strong knowledge<br />
of garment construction. Only patternmakers<br />
with Gerber V8 exp. will be given pattern test.<br />
MARKER MAKER<br />
Seeking individual who has strong marking experience.<br />
Must be extremely detailed, organized, fast,<br />
accurate and able to work in a high paced environment.<br />
Experience with Gerber PDS a must, no<br />
exceptions. Min. of 2-3 years exp. required.<br />
Swat-Fame offers a great working atmosphere,<br />
competitive benefit package. Qualified exp.<br />
candidates fax resumes to 626-934-5201 or<br />
email toHR@swatfame.com<br />
OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS 31
POSITION AVAILABLE POSITION AVAILABLE POSITION AVAILABLE<br />
ABOUT US: We’re a fast-growing import premium<br />
denim co. w/multiple product lines. We offer a<br />
challenging yet fun working env. w/exc. growth potential.<br />
AVAILABLE POSITIONS:<br />
• Operations Manager w/extensive shipping,<br />
EDI, AIMS, import logistics, & tech. exp. Must be<br />
strong critical thinker & problem solver.<br />
• Production Coordinator w/import exp. &<br />
strong tech. knowledge. Mgmt potential for the<br />
right candidate.<br />
• Sales Executive w/boutique & majors<br />
following (New York based position, corporate).<br />
• Independent Sales Representatives<br />
(most regions available).<br />
QUALIFICATIONS: Sharp individuals with a strong<br />
work-ethic, track record of excellence, and a hunger to<br />
succeed are most desired. Additionally, we require:<br />
• Fashion and/or four-year college degree<br />
(highly desired).<br />
• Excellent oral AND written communications skills;<br />
bilingual a plus.<br />
• Team mentality and harmony-focused disposition.<br />
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills<br />
a MUST.<br />
• Computer proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook,<br />
and AIMS mandatory. EDI, Adobe suites, or<br />
graphic design knowledge a huge PLUS.<br />
PLEASE EMAIL RESUME W/SALARY HISTORY<br />
TO CAREERS@SAFORTE.COM IN<br />
CONFIDENCE. WWW.SAFORTE.COM<br />
robert rodriguez<br />
West Coast Sales Associate<br />
High energy, self motivated, responsibilities include<br />
a wholesale experience of 3 years minimum with<br />
emphasis on specialty stores and established<br />
relationships. Qualified candidate will have<br />
exceptional written & verbal communication<br />
skills flexibility to travel and computer literate.<br />
Design Assistant<br />
Minimum 3 years – great oppty. for energetic team<br />
player. Will be responsible. for assisting with:<br />
sketching, specs, fabric & colors, management<br />
of sample room.<br />
Import Production &<br />
Pre-Production Director<br />
Highly skilled and motivated individual with extensive<br />
import experience. Must have intense follow<br />
through approach from sourcing to receipt of<br />
goods. 5 years experience with Asia production.<br />
Exceptional communication, negotiation<br />
& garment construction required.<br />
HR@Modanicola-int.com<br />
Or fax 213-629-2828<br />
IMPORT PRODUCTION<br />
COORDINATOR<br />
Baby Phat, a fast paced junior apparel mfg. is<br />
searching for a self motivated individual with high<br />
attention to detail to work in the Import Production<br />
Dept. Duties include: Assisting production<br />
manager, sample processing, sending and receiving<br />
packages, daily correspondence with factories<br />
and many other duties. Candidate must possess<br />
strong initiative, able to work well with other departments<br />
and work independently. Experience with<br />
Excel a must; web PDM a plus. Entry Level<br />
1 - 3 yrs production exp.<br />
Send resumes w/ salary history to:<br />
jobs5@bpjeans.com or Fax: 562-576-0<strong>18</strong>1<br />
Fulltime - w/Benefits<br />
DESIGN ASSISTANT<br />
Designer looking for a team player, creative,<br />
organized and detail oriented, able to work with<br />
vendors, spec garments, follow-up on samples, fit<br />
approvals and able to multi task. Must have Excel,<br />
MS Word, Photoshop and Illustrator knowledge.<br />
Email resumes to bearly5425@aol.com<br />
32 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007<br />
MAVERICK J, LLC<br />
Contemporary Menswear We are currently<br />
seeking the following at our Culver City office:<br />
EDI / ALLOCATION SPECIALIST<br />
•Minimum 5 yrs experience in apparel industry<br />
•Extensive knowledge of EDI requirements for major<br />
department stores<br />
•Work closely with distribution warehouse<br />
•Must possess strong verbal & written communication,<br />
organization and follow -up skills.<br />
•Work independently<br />
•Computer literate, proficient in word & excel<br />
CUSTOMER SERVICE<br />
•Minimum 2 yrs exp in apparel industry<br />
•Accurate computer skills<br />
•Duties include order processing, data entry, incoming<br />
calls, order follow-up, general office work.<br />
•Excellent verbal & written communication skills a must.<br />
• Proficient in word & excel<br />
•Ability to multi-task<br />
•Work independently<br />
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/RECEIVABLE<br />
•Minimum 2-3 years experience<br />
•Knowledge Peachtree accounting software a plus<br />
•Proficient in word & excel<br />
Email resume with salary history to<br />
barbara@maverick-j.com or fax to 310-280-3805<br />
Maxstudio.Com a global corporation bringing<br />
leading edge design to today's woman seeks an<br />
Assistant Designer.<br />
ASSISTANT DESIGNER<br />
A rare opportunity to work directly with the<br />
designer. Responsibilities include: sourcing and<br />
developing fabric and trim for first sample lines,<br />
creating detailed tech packages, interacting with<br />
patternmakers, and creating all line sheets and<br />
sales tools required by the sales department.<br />
Candidate must be organized, detail oriented, and<br />
have strong communication and computer skills.<br />
Individual must have 3 years exp. in the industry.<br />
Maxstudio.Com offers a competitive salary and<br />
benefits package.<br />
Please fax resume to Human Resources<br />
@ (626) 797-3251 or email to<br />
daira@maxstudio.com<br />
EOE, M/F/V/D<br />
Playboy <strong>Apparel</strong> is seeking an experienced<br />
Pre-Production Coordinator. Must have<br />
knowledge of garment construction and the entire<br />
production process. Will be responsible for<br />
ensuring the accuracy, consistency and quality<br />
of the fit, construction and specs of the garment.<br />
Must have management/supervisor experience,<br />
good fit skills & ability to lead a fitting.<br />
Knowledge of patternmaking a plus.<br />
Please e-mail resumes to<br />
recuiting@playboyclothingusa.com<br />
LRG Clothing Company is looking for an extremely<br />
detailed, organized, motivated<br />
Technical Designer<br />
Must be extremely competent in Illustrator CS. The ability<br />
to multi-task and fit/spec both Men's garments ranging<br />
from knits, outerwear and denim. The candidate must be<br />
able to create technical packages. Must have good understanding<br />
of screen printing, grading, fit, garment<br />
construction, sewing techniques and industry wording.<br />
Able to work under tight deadlines with the ability to work<br />
extra hours as needed.<br />
6 months - 2 years experience<br />
Detailed oriented is a must<br />
Highly driven, flexible, excellent communicator, and team<br />
oriented<br />
Strong portfolio<br />
A great opportunity to learn and grow with a fun and hard<br />
working team!<br />
Email resume to: lrg_tech_job@l-r-g.com.<br />
PRODUCTION PATTERNMAKER<br />
Leading privately-held Junior, Girls, and<br />
Women’s manufacturer, established 1964,<br />
seeks organized, detail-oriented Production<br />
Patternmaker at our Los Angeles facility.<br />
Ideal candidate would have working knowledge of<br />
Gerber PDS 2000, at least 2-3 yrs. production exp.,<br />
excellent communication skills, construction and fit<br />
knowledge, & basic computer skills in Outlook,<br />
Word and Excel.<br />
Excellent Medical and Dental Benefits,<br />
besides generous Profit Sharing and Pension<br />
Plans that are both fully paid by the company.<br />
Compensation commensurate with qualifications.<br />
LETTY HERNANDEZ<br />
HR Manager – Paquette Mfg.<br />
Fax (323) 780-7792<br />
E-mail: lhernand@byer.com<br />
Rock & Republic is expanding our product<br />
categories and looking for experienced team<br />
players for our fast paced environment.<br />
Technical Designer<br />
Strong fitting and some patternmaking skills.<br />
Will manage import product. Primarily working<br />
knits & wovens—all non denim. Ability to<br />
run fittings and work under tight deadlines.<br />
Bi-lingual in Mandarin or Chinese preferred.<br />
Sr. Designer<br />
Looking for an experienced Sr. Designer with<br />
5-7 years exp. in the luxury market. Must have<br />
strong knowledge of garment construction,<br />
fabrications, technical processes, trend analysis,<br />
and management skills.<br />
Please email resume along with a cover<br />
letter to jobs@rockandrepublic.com.<br />
No phone calls please. Scrapbook, a leading Orange<br />
County based knit manufacturer<br />
is seeking qualified<br />
individuals for the<br />
following positions:<br />
www.apparelnews.net<br />
Import Production Manager<br />
Minimum 3-5 years of experience importing apparel<br />
from China. Duties include negotiating & placing<br />
orders with vendors, and tracking & communicating<br />
progress/changes both within the company and with<br />
vendors. Person must be computer literate, highly<br />
organized, and detail oriented. Excellent follow up<br />
skills' a must. Mandarin speaking preferred.<br />
Customer Service Specialist<br />
Minimum 2-3 years related experience working with<br />
major retailers and boutiques alike. Must be<br />
organized and operate in a fast pace environment.<br />
Knowledge of Microsoft Office required. Clear and<br />
consistent written and verbal communication's a<br />
must. Knowledge of AMS is a plus.<br />
FAX RESUME & SALARY HISTORY to<br />
714.379.4795, or EMAIL jobs@femmeknits.net<br />
Sample Maker - Must be exp’d working with prod.<br />
patternmaker. Knowledgeable of all machinery.<br />
English speaking please.<br />
Prod. patternmaker - Contemp sptwr co needs a<br />
detail oriented professional w/ 5 yrs min exp. capable<br />
of 1st thru production. English speaking please.<br />
Email: art@kymsta.com<br />
GRAPHIC ARTIST<br />
Leading Clothing MFG is looking for an Experienced Artist<br />
for a FAST PACED Dept; w/Expert level proficiency in<br />
MAC OSX, Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator CS2. Must<br />
have knowledge of new trends. Team player a must!<br />
Fax Resume: 323-395-0692
POSITION AVAILABLE POSITION AVAILABLE POSITION AVAILABLE<br />
ESTABLISHED APPAREL COMPANY SEEKING<br />
INDIVIDUALS TO FILL THE FOLLOWING<br />
POSITION. EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY<br />
AND BENEFITS.<br />
IMPORT PRODUCTION<br />
COORDINATOR<br />
Highly motivated person with 2-3 years exp. in the<br />
junior denim bottoms market needed to assist in<br />
import production. Must have well rounded knowledge<br />
of overseas garment production & construction.<br />
Experience with measuring garments as well<br />
as approving finished garments, lab-dips, fabrics,<br />
etc. Must be a self starter, detail oriented individual<br />
and have strong written & verbal comm. skills.<br />
PRODUCTION PATTERNMAKER<br />
FIRST THROUGH PRODUCTION patternmaker<br />
with 3 to 5 years experience in the junior denim<br />
market. Must have a good understanding of<br />
garment wash and shrinkages. Candidate must be<br />
a self-starter, well organized and have experience<br />
with Patternmaking software.<br />
Email to hrdept6@verizon.net or fax resume<br />
with salary history to (323) 657-5344<br />
<strong>Apparel</strong> Internacional, Inc<br />
Request<br />
Laundry Manager<br />
Qualifications:<br />
Experience in Denim washing and tinting.<br />
Machine and Control<br />
Equipment management.<br />
Availability to reside in Torreon, Mexico.<br />
Excellent in production planning.<br />
Salary: US Compensation.<br />
Qualify candidates send resume to:<br />
scardenas@lajat.com.mx<br />
Blue Holdings Inc.<br />
Denim manufacturer looking for energetic and creative<br />
individuals. We are a publicly traded company offering an<br />
interesting and challenging work environment with great<br />
opportunities for growth.<br />
Production Tech Pak<br />
Tech Pak for denim garments. Fast, accurate, and<br />
dependable. Proficient in Adobe Illustrator / Microsoft<br />
Excel Flat sketching / Pattern familiarity<br />
Import experience required.<br />
Accounts Payable<br />
Prompt payments to Contractors and Suppliers. Dispute<br />
Resolution. Good Excel skills. Highly organized in a fast<br />
paced environment.<br />
Resume and salary history to<br />
debbie.eastman @blueholdings.com<br />
Account Executive<br />
Established O.C. Sportswear Co. has a great<br />
opportunity for a talented, energetic & motivated<br />
Account Executive. Must have 3+ yrs. exp with<br />
established accounts. Ability to maintain existing<br />
accounts as well as open new ones. Strong comm.<br />
skills, detailed oriented & ability to follow up.<br />
Production Pattern Maker<br />
Min 4 yrs exp. as Production Patternmaker working<br />
with knit & woven tops. Will attend fittings and<br />
issue corrections. Work closely with Design team<br />
and production. Must be able work in fast paced<br />
environment. Knowledge of Illustrator a plus.<br />
Fax resume: (714) 898-0904/<br />
email hrd@bodywaves.com<br />
CUSTOMER SERVICE<br />
Located in SFV is looking for Experienced apparel<br />
customer service. Will be dealing with customers<br />
located in Asia & Mexico. Customer and factory<br />
interface a must. Bilingual English/Spanish.<br />
Fax resume: 8<strong>18</strong>-361-3810<br />
Email: dbulluck@earthlink.net<br />
www.apparelnews.net<br />
Pre-production/Production Assistant<br />
Responsibilities include issuing cutting tickets,<br />
detailed tracking of production and related data<br />
entry with emphasis on customer service.<br />
Experience in both domestic and import<br />
production. Position offers opportunity for<br />
growth for highly organized, motivated team<br />
player. Min 3 years experience.<br />
Cutter<br />
First Sample Cutter with minimum two<br />
(2) years experience.<br />
Full Charge Bookkeeper<br />
5 years experience in the garment industry.<br />
Please fax resume to: 323.277.1467<br />
RN CONVERTIBLES is looking for a<br />
DESIGNER<br />
to head the division. A minimum of 5 years of<br />
related experience is required, with at least 2 years<br />
of specialization in cut and sew jersey. Candidates<br />
must be able to take design direction, make<br />
comprehensive, relevant presentations, and have<br />
the ability to follow collections through to<br />
completion. They must be able to work well with<br />
pattern-makers, sewers and pre-production staff,<br />
and must be competent to communicate with<br />
jersey mills, converters, print and dye houses.<br />
Healthy egos are appreciated provided they are<br />
accompanied by a courteous deference to the<br />
established direction. This is a great company,<br />
benefits and environment for the right candidate.<br />
Fax or email resume to 213 489 1615<br />
or marcus@annag.com<br />
Denim Merchandiser:<br />
"Calik Denim a world leader in denim textiles and garment<br />
manufacturing is seeking to add a Denim Merchandiser<br />
based in NYC. This individual will be a key member<br />
of the team and will be responsible for interpreting current<br />
and future market trends and working with existing<br />
customers to identify and fill their fabric needs .This individual<br />
should have a strong relationship with key brands.<br />
The individual we are seeking must have 5 to 10 yrs<br />
in the denim textile arena, have a strong technical/<br />
fashion sense, good presentation skills and be<br />
willing totravel as necessary.<br />
We offer a competitive benefits and compensation.<br />
Please E-mail/Fax resume to<br />
JCafferelli@calikusa.com &<br />
MTopal@calikusa.com<br />
Customer Service:<br />
Downtown based Jr's Manufacturer has an<br />
immediate opening for a Customer Service<br />
Representative. Will be responsible for EDI and<br />
order processing, must have strong follow-through<br />
abilities, good communication skills and basic production<br />
knowledge. Bi-lingual English/Spanish a<br />
plus, must have basic MS Office knowledge and<br />
good 10-key skills, Blue Cherry experience a plus.<br />
Please e-mail resumes to<br />
recruiting@ungerfab.com<br />
KEY ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE<br />
FOR DENIM COMPANY:<br />
Terrific opportunity for a professional individual<br />
ready to move ahead in a great career<br />
Major Retailer Customer Service proficiency<br />
Sales Skills<br />
Responsible for developing and executing<br />
business goals<br />
5 year minimum experience<br />
Salary based on experience<br />
Email: rhaber@peopleslib.com<br />
True Religion Brand Jeans is passionate aboutdenim<br />
and sportswear. If you are on the leading<br />
edge of Graphic Design in the fashion world and<br />
have the following skills, you need to contact us.<br />
-background in both Graphic Design and<br />
Illustration<br />
-Fluent in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Excel<br />
-Strong attention to detail and organization skills<br />
-Knowledge of <strong>Apparel</strong> Printing & Print Advertising<br />
-Understanding of Garment Construction<br />
-Ability to work in a hands-on, fast paced, deadline<br />
driven environment<br />
Please email resumes to<br />
resumes@truereligionbrandjeans.com<br />
Technical Designer<br />
Strong fitting, patternmaking, and spec skills.<br />
Must have domestic & import exp. Primarily<br />
working w/ knits—athletic apparel background<br />
preferred. Ability to work under tight deadlines<br />
and thrive in busy environment.<br />
Sample Sewer<br />
Must know knits and have soft hand.<br />
Athletic apparel exp preferred.<br />
Please send all resumes including<br />
salary history to jobs@rockandrepublic.com<br />
-stoosh-<br />
SENIOR TECHNICAL DESIGNER<br />
Busy and established garment maker is seeking a<br />
highly qualified import technical designer.<br />
• Collaborate with import agents & customers<br />
• Attend all fittings<br />
• Send detailed comments to overseas factories<br />
• Work with production patternmakers<br />
We offer paid vacation, holidays, and<br />
health insurance.<br />
Please only fax resume if qualified:<br />
323.927.1765<br />
DESIGN ASSISTANT<br />
Los Angeles Luxury Goods Company seeks Design<br />
Assistant. 2-4 years experience with a design and or<br />
manufacturing background. The candidate should have<br />
knowledge of garment and fabric construction (knits,<br />
wovens, leather), notions and trims, as well as, sourcing<br />
in and out of the country. Must be very organized, detail<br />
oriented and a team player with great follow-up skills.<br />
Must be able to multi-task in a fast paced environment.<br />
Responsibilities include daily communication with<br />
vendors and members of the team, putting together<br />
packages, swatches and assisting the design team in all<br />
phases of development. Proficient knowledge of all<br />
Microsoft Office applications. Please use job code DA1<br />
in the subject header when sending your<br />
resume/cover letter.<br />
Submit resumes to<br />
submitresume915@gmail.com<br />
Fast growing comp. seeks Finishing Supervisor<br />
w/experience in garment dye. Full time In-house<br />
Patternmaker/Grader/Marker, at least 3 years<br />
experience in garment dye & Gerber software 2007<br />
for contemporary knit line. Competitive salary.<br />
P: 323-231-8988 F: 323-231-8588<br />
Email: info@knitresource.net<br />
Trim Clerk<br />
Needed for fast pace Trim Dept w/knowledge of<br />
pulling trim & working w/contractors, have great<br />
follow through skills, & organized. Min 1 yr exp.<br />
Fax Resume: Angelo (310) 965-7763<br />
OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS 33
POSITION AVAILABLE POSITION AVAILABLE POSITION AVAILABLE<br />
PATTERN MAKER - 1st thru Production<br />
Fast growing “BOTTOMS” company.<br />
Expert in detail & productivity, must<br />
Understand importance of speed & accuracy.<br />
Able to calculate garment dye & wash shrinkages.<br />
Tukatech a must! Team player- NO EGO<br />
Health & profit sharing benefits.<br />
E-mail resume: info@mybillyblues.com<br />
fax: (323) 727-0011<br />
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT<br />
Los Angeles Luxury Goods Company seeking<br />
Production Assistant with 2-3 years experience.<br />
Must be organized, detail oriented, possess strong<br />
follow up skills and be comfortable working in a fast<br />
paced environment. Duties will include PO creation<br />
and management. Creating/updating spreadsheets,<br />
sample management and corresponding<br />
with vendors and team members. Strong computer<br />
skills with emphasis on all Microsoft office applications.<br />
Please use job code PA1 in the subject<br />
header when sending your resume/cover letter.<br />
Submit resumes to<br />
submitresume915@gmail.com<br />
Seeking Exceptional Patternmaker<br />
Requirements:<br />
• 10 Years Experience<br />
• Gerber Knowledge<br />
• Fluent in English<br />
• Fast & Efficient<br />
Offering:<br />
• Good Working Environment<br />
• High Weekly Pay<br />
• Health Insurance<br />
• Paid Vacation Days<br />
Fax: (323) 983 – 0700 Commerce, CA<br />
Denim Sales Representative:<br />
"Calik Denim based in Istanbul Turkey with offices in NY<br />
is a world leader in denim fabric with a capacity of<br />
60 million yds, is seeking a west coast representative.<br />
The territory involved is the western US & Canada<br />
with the exception of SanFrancisco.<br />
We offer basic rigid and stretch fabrics as well as<br />
premium rigid and stretch fabrics at agressive price points<br />
along with excellent customer service,sales support and<br />
on time shipping.The line is compact and relevant to<br />
premium and mid tier customers.<br />
Please E-mail/Fax resume to<br />
JCafferelli@calikusa.com &<br />
MTopal@calikusa.com<br />
Young, urban men’s & women’s wear co. is<br />
seeking team players who can multi-task in a fast<br />
paced environment.<br />
- Graphic Designer (must be proficient in<br />
Illustrator & Photoshop and production knowledge<br />
preferred)<br />
- Pre-production/Assist. Designer (Illustrator/<br />
Excel knowledge preferred)<br />
Email resume to jobs@streetsaint.com<br />
Jacket & Swim Importer seeks:<br />
Asst. Technical Designer<br />
• Must have some knowledge in gmt construction,<br />
specs & sewing.<br />
• Need to know how to quick sketch &<br />
examine details<br />
• Pre-producttion & QA<br />
• Must be quick & respond well to challenges<br />
Fax Resume to 310-538-2462<br />
PRODUCTION MANAGER<br />
Knit Jr Manuf. seeking assertive & motivated<br />
individual familiar with all aspect of production.<br />
Min. 5+ yrs. Well organized, a proven leader with<br />
strong planning , communication & supervisory<br />
skills understanding the urgency of deadlines.<br />
Computer literate, fluent in English/Spanish, will<br />
Supervise QCs, Contractors.<br />
Please e-mail resumes with salary history to:<br />
HRTops@AOL.COM<br />
34 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007<br />
GRAPHIC ARTIST<br />
Needed to develop screen prints for fast growing<br />
MENS and Boys company (est. 1983). Great sense<br />
of trends and color A MUST! MAC fluent in<br />
Photoshop and Illustrator. Portfolio must reflect<br />
mens and boys screen prints.<br />
EXPERIENCED NEED ONLY APPLY!<br />
Fax resume attn:<br />
Dennis/Art dept. 323-234-1038<br />
HEAD PATTERNMAKER<br />
Innovative, established designer collection is seeking a<br />
head production patternmaker to manage the department<br />
and to expedite the pattern/sample making process.<br />
Candidates must possess a thorough understanding of<br />
garment construction, must be comfortable working with<br />
all types of fabrics, and must be able to conduct fittings<br />
effectively and efficiently. Previous designer market<br />
experience is required. This is a great opportunity for a<br />
pro-active individual looking to assume responsibility<br />
for a great product.<br />
Send resume to <strong>California</strong> <strong>Apparel</strong> <strong>News</strong><br />
Box M159, 110 9th St. Suite A-777<br />
Los Angeles, CA 90079<br />
Fast growing Jr. Sportswear Co. seeking two<br />
Full Time Graphic Artist w/ experience textile<br />
prints and/or screen development. Must have<br />
2-3 yrs. experience in Jr. Sportswear.<br />
Please send in sampling of your portfolio and<br />
resume to Staci@misschievousclothing.com<br />
Patternmaker<br />
Premium denim company seeks a First/Production<br />
Patternmaker w/5+yrs min.exp. with denim, washes &<br />
shrinkage. Comp. exp.with Gerber Accumark PDS a plus.<br />
Fax resume to: 213-488-0435 or<br />
email FBjobs@frankieb.com<br />
Customer Service<br />
Fast Paced Junior Textile/ Garment Co. seeks<br />
energetic FASHION oriented individual.<br />
Extensive Follow-up in house & w/ customers<br />
on New Fabric, Lab Dips. Strike-offs, Tech<br />
Packs, Garment Specs. Word / Excel / E-Mail<br />
a must.<br />
Send Cover Sheet / Resume to:<br />
design@livlov.net<br />
DESIGN ASSISTANT<br />
Trixxi Clothing Company is looking for a Design<br />
Assistant to work in our Sportswear Division. Must<br />
be energetic, motivated, be able to handle a fast<br />
paced environment. Min 1 yr exp in a design room.<br />
Fax resume 213-943-1083 or<br />
Email: ron@trixxi.net<br />
LAGUNA FABRICS<br />
IMPORT GARMENT COORDINATOR•<br />
Must have import garment experience<br />
Motivated, responsible & well-organized.<br />
Fax resume to 213-622-5824 or<br />
Email: david@lagunafab.com<br />
PATTERNMAKER<br />
Energetic and self-motivated individual needed to<br />
work in fast paced Private Label company.<br />
5- 7 years experience as a pattern maker(first to<br />
production), high-end denim exp. a must. Must be<br />
a team player, detail oriented and well organized;<br />
willing to follow through on projects with excellent<br />
customer service skills and computer literate.<br />
Gerber software a plus.<br />
Please fax or mail resumes with salary history<br />
to: Human Resources Department<br />
14725 S. Broadway Ave., Gardena, CA 90248<br />
Tel. No. 310-217-9888 ext. 219<br />
Fax Number: 310-366-7889<br />
CORPUS seeks two positions<br />
Associate Designer I (Collection) &<br />
Associate Designer II (Denim)<br />
AD I and AD II will be involved all aspects of design<br />
development and production process in respective<br />
areas. 3-4 years exp. min. Strong skills in Excel,<br />
Photoshop and Illustrator are required, responsible<br />
for illustrations, detailed specs, flats and tech<br />
packs,sourcing fabrics, and working<br />
independently with vendors.<br />
Email resume, cover letter and 2 flat<br />
samples to jobs@corpusclothing.com<br />
PRE-PRODUCTION ASSISTANT<br />
A very successful and rapidly growing dress manufacturer<br />
is seeking an experience, well organized and detail-oriented<br />
person to assist in fabric buying, cutting tickets,<br />
fabric inventory, import purchases and allocation. Must<br />
communicate well, think logically and have good time<br />
management skills. Will work closely with Sales,<br />
Production and Shipping Depts. Knowledge of Blue<br />
Cherry is a plus.<br />
Fax or e-mail cover letter and resume in<br />
confidence to 213-745-4792<br />
PATTERNMAKER<br />
Los Angeles based Premium Brand, seeking<br />
full-time First/Production Patternmaker. Must have<br />
experience with Gerber System/AccuMark 8.0,<br />
construction, shrinkage and fit. Must be detailoriented,<br />
and have good communication skills.<br />
Denim experience a plus!<br />
For consideration please e-mail resumes to:<br />
patternmaker2007@gmail.com<br />
CHARGEBACK/ ACCOUNTING CLERK<br />
Fast paced womens sportswear manufacturer<br />
seeks detailed individual, strong follow up,<br />
sense of urgency and organizational skills<br />
required. Both major dept and specialty<br />
stores. Handling chargebacks / collections a<br />
priority, assist in accounting dept. Must have<br />
at least 3 yrs experience.<br />
Fax resume to: 323-584-1304<br />
Creative Freelance Designer<br />
needed for young men's and urban line to be<br />
marketed to mass merchants, secondary dept<br />
store and specialty. Must be ableto do spec's,<br />
complete tech packs, sewing details and graphics.<br />
Must be experienced in knits, woven and denim.<br />
Please fax resume to 323-233-7600 or<br />
email hotchocolateinc@yahoo.com<br />
Design Assistant/<br />
Technical Designer<br />
Min 5 yrs exp. designing baby/children's<br />
clothing.Must be able to do tech packages,<br />
flat sketching on Photoshop and illustrator.<br />
Must be willing to travel and speaks<br />
Spanish fluently.<br />
Please fax resume & salary history to:<br />
(213) 623-7285<br />
Store Manager<br />
I am searching for an enthusiastic, experienced, manager<br />
to help me run a successful high end women's clothing<br />
store in Westwood <strong>California</strong>. We carry TrinaTurk, Rozae<br />
Nichols, Cynthia Steffe, Alice + Olivia,shoes by<br />
Cynthia Vincent and Calleen Cordero.<br />
Fax resume to: 310-470-2694
POSITION AVAILABLE POSITION AVAILABLE POSITION AVAILABLE<br />
EXPERIENCED SAMPLE SEWERS<br />
Children’s wear designer seeks experienced<br />
sample sewers for knits & wovens. Full Time.<br />
Start at once!<br />
Call Sarah @ 213-742-7744<br />
FIRST PATTERNMAKER NEEDED<br />
3-5 years minimum experience in juniors or girls,<br />
dresses and sportswear. Knowledge of garment<br />
construction necessary.<br />
Send resume to fax #213-742-7755<br />
1st Patternmaker<br />
Needed for junior and kids woven and knit tops.<br />
At least 5 years experience necessary.<br />
We are located in Gardena area.<br />
Please contact Patricia at (310)527-6295<br />
Plus Size<br />
Designer Wanted<br />
Lane Bryant, Maurice’s,<br />
Charming Shoppes,<br />
Cato, etc exp a MUST!<br />
Freelance.<br />
Base salary+ comm.<br />
- resumes.sp<br />
@gmail.com<br />
Freelance<br />
Patternmaker<br />
1st thru Production<br />
Patterns<br />
Women’s, Men’s &<br />
Kids<br />
Sportswear, contemporary,<br />
Missy & Jr.<br />
Call: 626-482-4144<br />
SRDESIGNWRKZ<br />
Be a leader not a follower.<br />
Creative talented designer<br />
can show you how.<br />
25 yrs. exp. design/prod.<br />
srdesignwrkz<br />
@hotmail.com<br />
To place your classified<br />
E-MAIL: jeffery@apparelnews.net<br />
or zenny@apparelnews.net<br />
Bee Darlin’ Catalog<br />
Division seeking<br />
Production/<br />
Shipping Assistant.<br />
Must have strong<br />
computer skills. DL &<br />
insurance required.<br />
Send resume to:<br />
pat@beedarlin.com<br />
or fax: 213-689-4574<br />
WAREHOUSE SALE<br />
POSITION WANTED<br />
DESIGNER, PATTERNMAKER, SAMPLEMAKER<br />
FREELANCE<br />
Pattermaker 1st thru<br />
Production - Patterns<br />
marking/grading service<br />
10 yrs of exp. swimwear,<br />
lingerie, sportswear,<br />
Jr, missy<br />
Call Ana 562-413-4673<br />
Freelance<br />
Patternmaker<br />
Over 25 years exp.<br />
1st thru prod.<br />
Grading/Marking<br />
sportswear, junior, missy<br />
call:310-251-2<strong>18</strong>8<br />
coop58@verizon.net<br />
Prime location<br />
DIANE DESPAS<br />
THE BEST FREELANCE<br />
DESIGNS/ PATTERNS/<br />
SAMPLES<br />
(213) 765-0722<br />
1031 S. Broadway<br />
Suite #1150<br />
ddespas2000@yahoo.com<br />
Experienced Sample Sewer needed for High<br />
End Contemporary Collection.<br />
Working with Silk, Knits, and Wovens.<br />
Company is located in the South Bay area.<br />
Good pay.<br />
Please call 310.609.0200 x 136<br />
PRODUCTION MANAGER/<br />
IMPORT MANAGER<br />
Responsible for leading production sourcing efforts in<br />
Asia & related matters. Req. BS & 5 yrs. exp. Excellent<br />
communication & negotiation skills.<br />
Resumes to glennl@bejainc.com<br />
WANTED<br />
PROFESSIONAL<br />
SALES PERSON<br />
For High End Bridal &<br />
Coctail wear fabrics.<br />
Fred<br />
213-6<strong>18</strong>-8614<br />
Soel<br />
310-650-0216<br />
TEXTILE<br />
DESIGNER/CAD<br />
artist 3 yrs exp. in<br />
Nedgraphics, great eye<br />
for color & patterns.<br />
Email to<br />
jk7412369@yahoo.com<br />
or fax to 323-233-8200<br />
call 213-627-3737 x278 or 280<br />
to advertise<br />
FREELANCE<br />
Exp'd 1st/Prod. Computerized<br />
Patterns/Marking/<br />
grading service on PAD<br />
SYSTEM. Import specs &<br />
sample making available.<br />
25 yrs. exp. Fast/reliable<br />
Ph. 626-792-4022<br />
ORANGE COUNTY'S<br />
BEST<br />
Designs/Patterns. 1st thru<br />
Prod., Samples, Fittings<br />
Designs, etc., all areas<br />
contemporary Junior &<br />
Missy. Lynn<br />
714-292-0381<br />
FreelancePatternmaker<br />
15 years experience<br />
In-House Or Out<br />
1st thru Production<br />
Samples, Fittings<br />
Call Margaret<br />
8<strong>18</strong>-679-2007<br />
FREELANCE,<br />
20 yrs. exp’s women and<br />
men’s 1st thru production<br />
pattern, import technical<br />
spec package avail. Fast,<br />
accurate, Reliable.<br />
Excell. Refer.<br />
909-856-6922<br />
Pattern Service<br />
Available<br />
35 yrs. exp. 1st through<br />
production patterns,<br />
samples, evening gowns,<br />
denim, sportswear<br />
David 213-814-6944<br />
1ST THRU PROD. PATTERN<br />
MAKER, FREELANCE<br />
Looking for part-time position<br />
in house, 3 or 4 days a week.<br />
Knowledge of specs. 25 yrs<br />
exp. Lrg. size, Missy, Jrs,.<br />
Dresses, Sportswear<br />
& Bottoms 213-948-7110<br />
SALES REPRESENTATIVE<br />
Unitex Int’l a Textile Company with extensive<br />
experience in design and product development .<br />
Specializing in both domestic and imported prints and<br />
novelty knits is looking for an experienced sales person.<br />
In confidence: fax resumes 323-581-5561<br />
“Making Statement” Clothing Company seeks<br />
Sales Assistants for Men’s and Women’s<br />
product. Must be energetic, dynamic, and want<br />
long term success. Duties include maintaining<br />
existing accts. Hourly wage and possible bonus.<br />
Fax resume to: 213.744.1490<br />
POSITION WANTED<br />
DESIGNER, PATTERNMAKER, SAMPLEMAKER<br />
Pattern design and Tech packages service<br />
*25 years experience in fashion industry<br />
*excellent fit and style<br />
*1st through production with Gerber V8<br />
*Tech package for overseas, domestic specs.<br />
*Tel: 562 802 1949 Fax: 562 802 3283<br />
35 Yrs. Exp.<br />
1st thru prod. patterns,<br />
samples, fitting, grading,<br />
sportswear, menswear,<br />
lingerie, Kids, Jr, Missy &<br />
all area. Sketches &<br />
pictures available.<br />
Christin 213-627-9191<br />
EXECUTIVE MNGMNT.<br />
SENIOR DESIGN<br />
MANAGER<br />
~ 10 yrs of exp.<br />
~ Open, established, direct a<br />
Design office in Hong Kong<br />
for thelast 4y<br />
~ Strong understanding of<br />
Design / Directoin /<br />
Technicality<br />
310 854 2601 / Melanie<br />
www.melch.hk<br />
LINES AVAILABLE<br />
MISSY FIT MODEL<br />
10 YEARS<br />
EXPERIENCE<br />
38" 30" 40"<br />
TERRI SPENCER<br />
714-397-5650<br />
FIT MODELS<br />
CLOSE OUTS<br />
ADVERTISE<br />
YOUR<br />
POSITIONS<br />
HERE<br />
ADVERTISE<br />
YOUR<br />
OPPORTUNITIES<br />
HERE<br />
Fantastic Sales Opportunity<br />
Sales Reps for 100% Organic Cotton Tee Shirts<br />
Stocked Warehouse products,<br />
Private Label Available All Territories Open<br />
E-mail ; genes@ecoapparelinc.com<br />
Call Gene @310-704-0735<br />
APPAREL<br />
CLOSEOUTS<br />
WANTED<br />
We buy it all!!<br />
Call Alex or Peter<br />
213-749-7629<br />
mgwebuy@jps.net<br />
THE GREAT 8<br />
freelance<br />
FIT model<br />
15 yrs. exp. /size 8<br />
323-850-8622<br />
ADVERTISE<br />
FOR YOUR<br />
CLOSE OUTS<br />
HERE<br />
To place your classified call<br />
213-627-3737 x278 or 280<br />
OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1, 2007 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS 35