Category: Fabrics/Textiles

Streetwear and Urban Contemporary Fall Jackets Bring Mix of Camo, Wool, Multi-Dimensional Patterns, and Retro Re-Makes of the Classic Denim

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This Fall, expect a wide spectrum of genres particularly in the United States, when it comes to streetwear and urban contemporary outerwear, especially jackets. In higher-end streetwear (what Bread and Butter types call “urbanwear” which in our American eyes would be mistaken for say, Fubu, and why no one here dares call cutting-edge brands like […]

Dov Charney, CEO of American Apparel Talks Future of Manufacturing in America, Trends, Immigration in Fiery Interview

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Manufacturing in the United States is a hot issue especially in fashion these days and who better to outline predictions of a global economic change than the controversial CEO of American Apparel, Dov Charney. Filmed inside his downtown Los Angeles manufacturing center of American Apparel Charney offers up why his Made in the USA model […]

Fixie/Urban Cycling Sportswear Continues to Gain Traction, Now with Levi’s Latest

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Jumping into the growing lifestyle marketplace of urban cycling/Fixie gearheads, Levi Strauss continues to push their denim and non-denim NanoSphere collection structured and made specifically for the urban rider. The launch for summer has been met with solid reviews mainly because the fabrics which are both denim and non-denim are quite functional for urban cycling […]

Retail Round-Up: American Apparel Gets $80 Million Dollar Backer; PacSun’s Bleak Forecast; H&M On the Rise

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The beleaguered PacSun continues to forecast losses into 2012, indicating a hard hit for the action sports-based retail chain which is hoping to recreate a more fashionable presence in the new year. As we’ve noted based on our Youth Culture Studies data, various action sports-based brands and extending lifestyle apparel and footwear brands have fallen […]

Born In the USA—From American Flags to Stripes, Military, and Camo, the Theme for Fall 2012 Is Catching On Globally

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From the broad spectrum of fashion runway shows to trade shows (even SXSW just announced that Bruce Springsteen is the keynote speaker), “Born in the USA” is a movement gaining moment, but not just in the USA. Done fashionably from Japanese designers showcasing in Nick Wooster’s masterpiece exhibition at Project, to European brands like Two […]

Backpacks and Shoulder Bags Trends Move Towards Heritage Returning to Craftsmanship with Nostalgic Vibe

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Backpacks in the traditional sense are getting a make-over these days as new “heritage” brands and streetwear are turning to creating their own versions of this key utilitarian accessory. No longer the territory of a monopolized few, the standard schoolyard Jansport, or even super-techy versions with built-in music listening device pockets and secret headphone holes, […]

MAGIC, S.L.A.T.E., Street, Workroom, Project, Pool, (capsule)—Label Networks’ Review of America’s Largest Fashion Trade Show Scene and Where Trends Are Headed

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 Story and Photos by Kathleen Gasperini and Tom Wallace The flurry of fashion trade shows in Las Vegas from February 12-15, 2012 bring with them a diverse angle of what’s taking shape in fashion from a wide spectrum of genres particularly in the United States. While we mostly concentrate on youth culture influences, including streetwear, […]

Fashion Trade Shows Reveal Dichotomy Between Nostalgia Americana and Camo Classics to Beach Boys Infused Kaleidoscope Colors, and In-Between Californication

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Vegas fashion trade shows are currently in full swing as the world’s top fashionistas, buyers, exhibitors, media, and celebs have come to America’s biggest shows of the year from February 12-15, 2012 to check out the latest from MAGIC, Project, Workroom, (capsule), S.L.A.T.E., Street, Pool, and others. From our perspective of youth culture trends, we […]

Levi’s Profit Dip Due to High Cotton Costs, Discounting, Sign of the Times

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No matter how artificially pumped-up mainstream fashion media says things are going economically speaking, the reality is that sourcing problems, new trends in discounting, and an entirely new generation of youth culture consumers who have spent their teens living in a recession, are changing the game of the industry. Stay tuned for more about this […]

Bread and Butter Berlin Beats Odds with Successful Show Despite Economic Hardships in Europe

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With the theme High Fidelity, Bread and Butter Berlin which ran from January 18-20, 2012 at the Berlin Tempelhof Airport exceeded expectations in many ways including the high volume of attendees despite economic hard times across Europe. One of the leading fashion trade shows in the world, Bread & Butter is a key show to […]