It might not look a lot like Christmas in sunny, hot Los Angeles but LA Market was in the holiday mood this week. Select, Transit and Designers & Agents opened their doors for holiday along with a bit of Fall 2019 and even a little more weather appropriate spring selections.
Select and Transit appear to be undergoing a bit of a structural change that combines the two shows into one bigger offering. This change will continue into the coming season, all the while making the California Market Center a buying destination. This week, the accessories, footwear and apparel markets converged on the first floor. Purevida had a nice footprint with their famously youthful Costa Rican bracelets. The brand has expanded with open concept metal cuffs, rings and charm necklaces that are adding a mature element, growing up right along with their customer.
Blowfish Malibu is another familiar face to the CMC with their Fall 2018 boots and canvas sneakers. Bernie Mav Shoes showcased sparkling glitter threaded sneakers. Their hand woven products eliminate the mid sole, making them flexible and lightweight.
Italian brand Flexx was on the scene with their American counterpart, Flexx USA. Still using all Italian components and manufactured in Moldova, they pride themselves on their fashionable look with comfort features. Xoul traveled all the way from Mexico for LA Market. Their seamless, colorful athleisure focuses on sustainability, sourcing from local aioli farms while employing over 400 villagers.
Not to be missed, quietly in the corner was newcomer Brennamarie. This small line of bags and clutches is made by hand in San Francisco and sold to local boutiques. They can custom make the lining and mix styles and leathers for the perfect, bespoke bag. Speaking of bags, Venture Leather Company was also there with their carryalls made in Uganda. The company invests its money in a Ugandan factory and infrastructure to fund other companies and investments, thus the “Venture” moniker. The bags are soft, functional and have quite an interesting story to tell, too.
A meander across the street to the New Mart takes us to the holiday installment of Designers & Agents. Always packed with expertly curated, fun clothing and accessories, this season was no different. A standout this time around was Moavi and their hand woven Indian pieces. With an emphasis put back onto the craftsman, the company employs the creators rather than simply paying them per piece assigned. This creates loyalty and appreciation on both sides of the equation.
Commando was back with their original seamless foundation garments and luxury basic underwear. They also showed their seamless bottom, full leather body suits and other outfit basics. Khus + Khus showed their wellness products, potions and oils created by an herbalist to be the finest in organic and sustainable products. The Copious Skin Serum and body wax became instant best sellers and editorial darlings.
D&A regulars LA Made brought sweaters and garment dyed pre shrunken wears. Mijo by Michelle Jonas showed their washable silk lifestyle line. A darling of five star hotels and resorts, it’s the ultimate packable, travel wear. Other highlights of D&A were its DJ, delicious snacks and home vibe.
Next stop for LA buyers is the new incarnation of Agenda, coming up next week.
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