While many people are fixated on fashion trends that dominate Hollywood’s red carpets during the annual award season, Los Angeles’ fashion industry has largely been unappreciated as a driving force for the city’s economy, according to the report “Los Angeles Area Fashion Industry Profile and 2014 Outlook”. 

 

While many people are fixated on fashion trends that dominate Hollywood's red carpets during the annual award season, Los Angeles' fashion industry #

The report was commissioned by CIT Group Inc., a leading provider of financing and advisory services to small businesses and middle market companies, and the California Fashion Association (CFA). In fact, according to the report, local companies capture more than $18 billion in revenues through the fashion industry, and about one-third of that flows through to local workers.

 

While many people are fixated on fashion trends that dominate Hollywood's red carpets during the annual award season, Los Angeles' fashion industry #

“Los Angeles represents the intersection of innovative design, fashion leadership, commercial transport and production that meet global needs,” said Jon Lucas, President of CIT Commercial Services. “As Los Angeles’ profile in fashion keeps rising, local entrepreneurs and businesses will continue to need financing solutions to get their ideas and projects on to the global market.”

 

While many people are fixated on fashion trends that dominate Hollywood's red carpets during the annual award season, Los Angeles' fashion industry #

According to the report, the success of Los Angeles’ apparel industry has long been driven by the pull of design talent, favorable cost economics, the appeal of L.A. fashion and speed to market. However, while the city’s access to seaports and airports provides a strong advantage for imports coming into the United States from East Asia and Central America, the lack of Los Angeles-based fashion shows (typically associated with fashion “meccas” like New York and Paris) limits public awareness of the strength of the industry. What’s more, fashion trends emanating from Los Angeles tend to focus on active wear and not the high-fashion design typically associated with runway shows.

 

While many people are fixated on fashion trends that dominate Hollywood's red carpets during the annual award season, Los Angeles' fashion industry #

Additionally, the report indicates that Los Angeles needs to do more to develop the employment base and public awareness needed to solidify the city’s position as a true fashion capital. Specifically, the report suggests that additional positive economic impact could be realized by aggressively marketing the “L.A.” and “California” brand in fashion apparel, especially overseas.

 

While many people are fixated on fashion trends that dominate Hollywood's red carpets during the annual award season, Los Angeles' fashion industry #

In addition, training grants and tax incentives for small businesses could help create more job opportunities. Moreover, academic institutions need to go beyond simply offering apparel design classes, and offer apparel-related business management and merchandising studies, too.

 

While many people are fixated on fashion trends that dominate Hollywood's red carpets during the annual award season, Los Angeles' fashion industry #

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While many people are fixated on fashion trends that dominate Hollywood's red carpets during the annual award season, Los Angeles' fashion industry #

 

While many people are fixated on fashion trends that dominate Hollywood's red carpets during the annual award season, Los Angeles' fashion industry #