These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Friday.
Why Emerging Fashion Brands Are Betting on L.A. Manufacturing
California is the leading U.S. state for apparel manufacturing, and L.A. remains its main hub as it accounts for roughly 23% of national apparel-manufacturing employment. Anna Esposito, account director at L.A. manufacturer Lefty Production Co., said that the company is seeing more emerging brands interested in producing locally because they can review samples in person as well as change fit or construction quickly. L.A.’s cluster of apparel specialists also makes it different from manufacturers elsewhere in the U.S. {Glossy/paywalled}
JW Anderson Denies Zara Collaboration Rumor
Photo: JW Anderson on Instagram
Following rumors swirling online about JW Anderson allegedly collaborating with fast-fashion retailer Zara, the designer’s Instagram account clarified that no such partnership is in the works. In an Instagram story posted on Friday, the brand called these reports “untrue.” {Instagram}
Palisades Village Is Reopening
Palisades Village is reopening on Saturday, Aug. 15 after the Los Angeles wildfires forced it to temporarily close in 2025. The grand reopening will feature a ribbon cutting at 10:30 a.m. and all-day celebrations with community leaders, local businesses, tenants and residents. “Opening day will celebrate the resilience and shared determination that made this moment possible,” Caruso CEO Corinne Verdery said in a statement. “We are deeply grateful to our neighbors, tenants and community partners who never stopped believing in the future of the Palisades.” {Fashionista inbox}
Brother Vellies Announces New Business Era
In multiple Instagram stories posted on Brother Vellies Founder Aurora James’ account, the designer announced that the label will be refocusing on artisanship. “I love working with artisans, I love traveling, I love designing,” James said on her Instagram story. “I just don’t love mass consumption for me.” Brother Vellies will stop designing heels, and instead focus on traditional vellies, huaraches and cowboy boots. The footwear brand is selling off all of its shoes that aren’t a vellie, huarache or cowboy boot during its annual sample sale that is open now through Aug. 19. {Instagram}
Court Lets Trump Collect Tariffs for Low-Cost Imports
The New York-based U.S. Court of International Trade is allowing the Trump administration to continue collecting tariffs on low-cost imports. The court rejected a challenge to Trump’s executive orders over the past year that lifted the de minimis exemption for goods with a retail value of $800 or less. The court ruled that Trump’s move to end the tariff exemption for low-cost goods was allowed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. {Business of Fashion/paywalled}
Nicole Kidman Covers British Vogue
Photo: Venetia Scott/Courtesy of British Vogue
Nicole Kidman is the cover star for British Vogue‘s September 2026 issue. Photographed by Venetia Scott and styled by Poppy Kain, the actor wears a Stella McCartney sweatshirt and jeans, a Hermès bag, Chloé sunglasses and Yvonne Léon earrings on the cover. In the cover story written by Giles Hattersley, Kidman talks “Practical Magic 2,” her Euro summer and her love of fashion. Read the full cover story here. {British Vogue/paywalled}
How Brands Can Reach Gen Z Club Kids
Experiential activations are becoming one of the best ways for brands to reach younger consumers, as seen in YSL Beauty’s Block Party and Casablanca’s DC-10 series. Many of Gen Z’s club kids are sober curious and searching for digital detoxes found at phone-free or taped-camera events. Brands need to offer authenticity to attract younger consumers, and the focus should be on supporting club culture rather than merely sponsoring it. {Vogue Business/paywalled}
