by Andrew Asch, Erin Barajas, Deborah Belgum, Rhea Cortado and Alison A. Nieder October 23, 2009

The 824 Building was a destination for trendy Los Angeles stores Kitson, Live! On Sunset and Planet Funk and the East Coast chain South Moon Under, which has store locations in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Clean basics at an affordable price were key for menswear buyers. “Price point continues to be the strongest category,” said Tim Padilla of the T&A Showroom. Basic tees in burnout treatments by Fluxus that wholesale for $18 to $28 and Gregory Quinn slouchy tees with a clean finish that wholesale from $22 to $45 were among the best sellers. Focus returns with ThreadContemporary apparel and accessories show Focus returned to the California Market Center’s 13th-floor penthouse with an expanded lineup that included Thread Select, a sampling of labels put together by San Diego–based consumer trade show Thread. Among the new exhibitors during the show’s Oct. 16–18 run was Amai Unmei, a 2-year-old contemporary collection based in Portland, Ore.Amai Unmei means “sweet destiny” in Japanese. Designer Allison Covington’s collection features flirty dresses and vintage-inspired coats, which are wholesale priced from $125 to $230. Sales representative Vanessa Urenda said the collection’s classic aesthetic has found a base in several boutiques on the West Coast—but not yet in Los Angeles.
Returning to Focus was San Diego–based Crow Thief, which is designed by Melissa Hendrix and Ray Lawson. Described by Hendrix as “urban-contemporary streetwear,” the men’s and women’s line includes printed tees, as well as a few tailored jackets, vests and dresses. Retail prices range from $44.00 to 190.00. “I’ve written orders, but it’s a little slow,” said Hendrix on the second day of the show. This was the first time that Anna Carey jewelry designs of Redondo Beach, Calif., attended Thread Select at Focus, said Vice President of Sales Star Rivera. The company has participated in Thread’s retail show in the past. Rivera was pleased with the turnout at Focus, noting, “I had appointments, so I did well.” The collection included silver- and gold-filled pieces mixed with semiprecious stones, precious-metal clay and fused glass. The 4-year-old line sells to Southern California–based contemporary boutiques, including Traffic, Beige and Moondance Jewelry Gallery. The company also maintains a workshop in New York and sells to East Coast boutiques, as well. (Apparel News )