Consumer Durables and Apparel Sector

Mattel Uses Own 'Barbie Labs' to Test for Lead

The Associated Press reports that El Segundo-headquartered Mattel Inc. has been granted an exemption from a federal law requiring that toy makers have their products tested for lead ​content at third-party laboratories. Instead, the makers of Barbie dolls and Hot Wheels will be allowed to test its ... More >>

Morning Sixpack: A News Roundup

Over the Rainbow Flags Between 3,500 and 5,000 gay-marriage supporters peacefully marched from West Hollywood to Hollywood tonight, protesting today's state supreme court ruling upholding Proposition 8's ban on same-sex matrimony. NBC, City News Service (subscription required)Koretz Claims Win As Pa ... More >>

Toymaker Claims Smackdown Win Over WWE

Jakks PacificThe L.A. Business Journal quotes Malibu-based toymaker Jakks Pacific Inc.'s claim that a U.S. appellate court has thrown out a lawsuit brought by World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. The wrestling-promotion outfit had accused Jakks "of bribery and other actions," according to LABJ. The ... More >>

Lonnie Kane

In a land of sweatshops, Karen Kane Inc. stands out by paying its workers full medical benefits even in hard economic times

Tee-For-All

Oh boy oh boy! 1 Million (or as Dr. Evil would say, ONNE MILLLION) garments are supposed to be available for the pickin' this Sunday at the American Apparel Factory flea market downtown. Tanks, shorts, and leggings for holiday gifts? Maybe. Not sure if these are seconds or what, but for a buck ... More >>

Tokyo Hardcore Starring Davey Havok and Jeffree Star

No, it's not the name of some Japanese bukkake film, Tokyo Hardcore, is a series of clips presented by Tarina Tarantino to launch her latest collection. Tokyo Hardcore the jewelry line was inspired by her first trip to Japan—lots of crystals, sparkle, and neon colors of the Tokyo skyline. Tara ... More >>

She Is Barbie, Hear Her Roar

Designer Tarina Tarantino drapes her favorite feminist icon in pearls

Metro 7: Wal-Mart's Debut

That's right I said Wal-Mart. I was up to the congested sinus cavities with apprehension and preconcieved notions. The show itself was partnered with MyTVNetwork and their two shows, Fashion House and Watch Over Me, the former a bitch-slap-athon Dynasty style between Bo Derek and Morgan Fairchild, ... More >>

We Heart Denim...Honest

I'm not sure if any of us Style Council gals were at the denim shows last night... Buffalo, Yanuk and Taverniti were the designers showing, and even though denim and sportwear are LA's greatest exports - or at least most lucrative - how exciting can a pair of jeans get, right? Maybe that's why I ... More >>

Wrenda Hasbro’s Sweet Salvation

Snakebites

The Milliner’s Tale

Losing Our Shirts

An unhappy New Year looms for American apparel makers

A Sizable Paradox

It Was a Doll Revolution

Mending Fences

Two L.A. garment-district workers settle over back wages

Fashion Victims

If you missed the Smithsonian's Sweatshop Exhibit at the Museum of Tolerance, or don't remember even hearing about it, you're not alone

No-Tell Mattel

Censorware maker slams the censor busters

1987 Timeline

Weapons of Mass Distraction

U.S. arms dealing leads Project Censored’s list of the Top 10 underreported stories of 1997