Good news for you shopping procrastinators, Apartment 3 comes to the CMC

"Tomorrow is Apartment 3's second annual Holiday Gift Sale for you and your ho ho ho's! You remember last year, we sorted out all your gift giving needs with reasonably priced one of a kind goodies? Well we are doing it again! This time we are hooking you up with hundreds of gifty items for under 40.00 and we are doing it with the help of our friends at the California Market Center! Please Join us on the patio Friday December 18th from 9am to 4pm. We are once again featuring some amazing designers that are bringing you gifts that like you've never seen!!" - Apartment 3

Unique Los Angeles takes over - and we like it!

For those who missed Black Friday and Cyber Monday, lucky you. This weekend brings The 2nd Annual UNIQUE LA Holiday Show.

Unique LA has quickly become one of the best shopping destinations for amazing deals on exclusive merchandise from hundreds of independent designers.

We're excited to see how Unique LA will transform the FOCUS and TRANSIT Penthouse space. As they always bring something special.

The show will feature the 300 + vendors including an all new Green Room with over 50 eco designers, two cafes, lounge area, and workshops.

When: December 5&6, 11am - 6pm both days

Where: California Market Center

Cost: $10, with partial proceeds going to a local non-profit

Entry gets you an exclusive-to-the-show limited edition tote bag,

a free drink ticket, unlimited re-entry for both days,

and access to the great lineup of free workshops. (children 12 and under are free)

More info here

Downtown Fashion Walk with FOCUS Exhibitors Maggie Barry + Micha Design

Tonight's installment of Downtown Fashion Walk will feature, FOCUS alumni, Maggie Barry's ‘Wrapped in Beauty’ a showcase of her new collection. Also featuring pieces from FOCUS exhibitor Micha Design. In addition, tonight's event will host a pop-up store by Chic Little Devil Style House with 15 upcoming and cutting edge designers, art installations, multiple bars, and DJs.

Summer '10 Application Now Available + New Dates for 2010

Focus is gearing up for the Summer '10 show Jan 16-18 and we're excited about things to come in 2010.
Check for special announcements on events, new partnerships and, of course, the best of indie
Fashion

Download Application

2010 Focus Calendar

ACT NOW! BENEFIT Wednesday, October 28, 2009 with Special Performances and Giveaways from DIMEPIECE, JOYRICH and many more...

DIMEPIECE along various companies and participating brands will be putting on a fundraise/benefit event for the Philippines relief benefit. The event will showcase various acts for the night with a $25.00 donation entrance fee. Gift bags will be raffled throughout the night provided by various brands. 100% of the proceeds will go to the Philippine National Red Cross and to the mass purchase of purification systems

US RAGS Runway Show + Live Music from Five Bands

We're excited to feature US Rags in the Oct '09 Focus but first we'll be checking out their runway show. See you there!

Crow Thief Spring/Summer '10 Collection Preview

Our friends at Crow Thief will be hosting a special event in San Diego. Check out their full Spring/Summer Collection at Focus Oct 16-18.

Focus October '09 Application now available

// Download Here

Last Call for $149 rate at CMC featured hotel, THE SHERATON

THE SHERATON CMC rates start at $149
CMC code: August Fashion Market
For reservations, contact: 1.800.325.3535
BOOK ONLINE

Features: $14 overnight self parking, complimentary wired internet in all guest rooms, 10% discount in Food & Beverage outlets (excluding room service)

"Effective E-Commerce For Profitable,Increased Retail Sales"

// FREE LA Fashion Market Retailer Seminar Series

12noon | Fri, August 7

located in The Annex, Main Lobby

RSVP!



Taking your business online is no longer an option, it is a must.

Learn the do’s and dont's of taking your business online. Learn how

to drive traffic to your stores with effective online marketing

and social networking.



presented by Shahin Kohan | Focal Technology Solutions

If you don't know DIMEPIECE you should

Check out DIMEPIECE at Focus Aug 7-9

Laugh a little, love a lot and make a difference - make love not trash

Make Love Not Trash recognizes that now, more than ever, is the time for social responsibility to dominate all aspects of life and none better than to start with great bags and accessories. Make Love Not Trash - a handbag and accessory collection of natural, eco aware, non-toxic printed materials. Extending social consciousness by donating proceeds to various organizations chosen specifically for their compelling causes. Taking a stand, making a difference and having a cause to celebrate what can be done to be more socially aware and environmentally friendly - Make Love Not Trash.

Etched Clothing back at Focus

Etched Clothing, birthed in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was created with a specific purpose in mind; even the name Etched, meaning to leave a lasting impression, wasn’t an accident. It is our hearts desire to see people love more. Most people will tell you that some people are just unlovable. We disagree! The people that are the hardest to love are the ones that need it the most. We want you to put on the clothes we have created and instantly feel like you have been wrapped up in love. We have striven to do just that with our fall/winter line. It’s all about comfort, incorporating some of the softest cotton fabrics you’ve ever laid your hand on; simplistic clean design, that draws the eye in instead of distracting it; and of course, the ultimate symbol of love: the heart. Love is many things, but it is definitely not selfish, so let’s resolve to love more. It started with an idea; the rest is up to you.

New styles from Sequoia Paris at Focus

Season after season, Sequoia Paris has launched innovative collections that set an example around the world. The line’s unique “Parisian flair” is regularly featured in the press and sought after by retailers and celebrities alike. Featuring a wide array of looks for the modern woman such as, sumptuous suede’s in electric blue, very cool funky shearing- style bucket bags, luscious lambskins, hip lightweight nylons, as well as structured colorful highest quality leather bags and more!

The designer for Sequoia Paris is the world famous Pierre Hardy who also designs for Hermes and Balenciaga. A truly inspired couture product at a great price point ($60-$250 wholesale)

Sequoia Paris is currently carried in Kitson, American Rag, and Takashimaya to name a few.

Check out Noon Jewelry at Focus

noon jewelry : careful craftsmanship is the key to long lasting design. each piece from the noon design collection is made up of semi precious stones and/or exotic organic materials paired with sterling silver or 14k gold fill. the distinctive combination of color and texture hint at the natural order present in nature. all pieces are hand fabricated in ocean beach california.

Helping Mind: Philanthropy & Fashion @ Focus

Helping Mind®, a socially conscious company out of Miami Florida that passes 50% of its profit from the sale of its fine fashionable Tees, to its non-profit partners, is debuting its inaugural women and men product collection this summer at the California-Market Center. Helping Mind’s participation at “FOCUS” looks forward to signing up and selling to “boutiques and retailers” in the West Coast that will identify with its quality-fashionable garments and the company’s socially conscious mission.
The Helping Mind t-shirts for women and men feature exclusive designs from rising fashion artists and are quality tailored with 100-percent Pima cotton – “the softest tees on the street”.
Sales will benefit each of four non-profit partner organizations: ACCION International, Camillus House, Colombianitos and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Affiliate.
“At Helping Mind, we are passionate about helping our nonprofit partners and share their vision of assisting people in need locally and around the world,” said Pablo Vega, Founder and Chief Philanthropic Officer (CPO) of Helping Mind. “We are very excited to bring our very unique, cool graphic t-shirts to all of our young and young-at-heart supporters.”
Helping Mind’s products are receiving great acceptance on the East Coast and they certainly look forward to being a success in FOCUS and throughout the West Coast.
For a preliminary introduction on the line and information, feel free to contact the company’s owner and founder – Pablo Vega at info@helpingmind.com – web: http://www.helpingmind.com/ or visit the Helping Mind booth at FOCUS on the California Market Center from August 7th through August 9th 2009.

Check out the Renegade Craft Fair @ CMC

August '09 FOCUS Application is now available!

SAMPLING OF PREVIOUS EXHIBITORS
3sixteen Agent Katalyst Anna Campbell amykathryn BGN Paris Blue Platypus Cameron Hawaii Cardboard Robot Chillers Clothing Chulette ETSU Farmer Jeans Instant People Designs James Le Roy Jenny & Jimbob Kate Preschutti Katorey Swimwear LaBosh Handbags Lira Clothing Maggie Barry Make Love Not Trash Micha Design Mon Bijou Oyukaa Polymath Rubyzaar Sabre Vision Saffie California Sanna Lee Originals Sequoia Paris Shona Joy SOH Soldat Tailoring Tea Stain THREADselect Tretorn

RETAILERS
The recent LA Fashion Market featuring FOCUS was shopped by stores such as, American Rag, Bluefly.com, Graphic Traffic, Metropark, Nordstrom, Miss Trendy, Revolve Clothing, Scout 3, Diane Merrick, Bettina Duncan for Fred Segal, Kitson On Robertson, Ron Herman, Pink Tangerine, PE 101, The Garment District, Soho, E Street Denim Co, Zappos.com, and many more...

RATES START AT $900 FOR A 10x10 BOOTH! INCLUDES
· hardwall booth, track lighting, and furniture
· extensive email, mail, and telemarketing campaign to buyers nationwide
· three days to write orders, pick up new accounts, and meet with stores in a boutique loft setting
· inclusion in show directory
· validated parking in CMC garage

PRIORITY PLACEMENT DEADLINE JULY 10th
Click HERE to download application*please note: this show now begins on FRIDAY*

Join us @ the CMC for a free seminar!

{COMPLIMENTARY RETAILER SEMINAR}

RETAILING IN A NEW ECONOMYJune 30 12:30p-1:30p The Annex, CMC Main Lobbyfree! registration/rsvp info: jriggs@californiamarketcenter.comGood planning, choosing the right merchandise, speed to market, immediates, marketing and customer service are some of the important topics this panel will address during this informative seminar.Panel will include:Allie Samek of Ron Herman Allie has overseen operations, financial planning, and online sales for the Ron Herman stores. www.ronherman.comJ. Pierre Brodeur of Canzoneri Design Pierre started Canzoneri Design in 2002, providing visual merchandising, visual display, interior design and event planning services to Dior, Van Cleef, Cartier, Smythson, Faconnable and several other highly distinguished retailers, and was previously the Director of Interior Design & Display for St. John's Knits.Philippe Derey of Philippe Derey, Malibu Owner of Philippe Derey boutique, voted 2008-2009's Best of Malibu for Women's Fashion. Philippe brings over 25 years of experience as a retailer specializing in upscale European and contemporary collections. www.philippederey.comDeborah Levine of the California Market Center Currently the Public Relations & Marketing Manager for the CMC, Deborah's experience as a fashion, event and lifestyle agency publicist includes designer, brand and store launches and consumer marketing.Moderated by Frances Harder, Fashion Business Inc (FBI) http://www.fashionbizinc.org/

Hi Unfunded, We see you!

We'd like to thank Unfunded for stopping by the show and for showing us love! Check out what they had to say about FOCUS:

“FOCUS was a part of the Market showcasing edgy, street friendly labels – think Urban Outfitters and Nylon Magazine mashed up into one indie designer casserole.”
- Fabunfunded.com Fashion Blog

Here are some of their favorites from the show:

Micha Design

Etched Clothing

Crow Thief

DustieDoll Clothing

Some Thoughts Regarding June '09 Focus

So June Market has come and gone. We are now planning for the next show but first we'd like to say THANK YOU to everyone that participated in the June ’09 Focus Tradeshow, you are a pleasure to work with and we hope to see everyone at the August ’09 show.

We are overwhelmed by the amount of talent that is represented in the lines featured at FOCUS.

Despite being in midst of one of the steepest recessions in history, we had a great show and feel this is due to the amazing personalities and the great energy that each of you brings.

The FOCUS Tradeshow staff would also like to thank the retailers that attended the show. We appreciate your support for FOCUS and our group of designers. We look forward to bringing you more unique, trend-setting collections from the best emerging designers.

Lastly we can’t forget our partners: Thanks to Buzzflikr PR, Nakhon Beer, Sugar Bliss Sweets, Agency DJ’s, StyleChick, WSGN, FGI, FIDM Alumni Association, Muddy Waters Coffee, The Wine Company, and Nature’s Mistake.


See you all next Market!

Get your hands on art by Nature's Mistake

Nature's Mistake artist Carson Cornet finally completed his piece while at the show. The painting is composed of three large sections and watching Carson's progress was amazing. Carson also shared with us that there's hidden elements to painting that are not immediately seen but we'll let him tell you more about that . The piece is up for sale. If your interest you can contact Matt from Nature's Mistake: matt@naturesmistake.net