Insider Brings Apparel Expertise to New Collection

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Janine Blain brings her expertise in apparel industry merchandising, buying and market research to her new venture: She’s playing the role of fashion designer.

Blain launched her own apparel brand, JBlain, last week at a private party staged at her Pasadena home. Guests nibbled on desserts and sipped champagne while previewing the collection of contemporary women’s clothing, including flowing tops and dresses made of silk and other fine fabrics. The clothes feature California-inspired designs and prints.

“I’ve always been a frustrated designer,” Blain said.

Blain left her position as vice president and general merchandise manager at New York apparel market research firm Doneger Group to launch JBlain. She said the idea was a little intimidating, but felt she had an opening.

“There was definitely an opportunity for clothes that were simple, easy, but more interesting and special and at prices that were reachable for most women,” she said.

Blain is meeting with representatives of major department stores where she wants to place the JBlain line, which sells from $38 to $75 at wholesale.

The clothes are manufactured at a factory in China that’s owned by Blain’s business partner.

“You have to be patient and work back and forth with China and the factory so your vision comes to life in terms of the detail and fabrics,” Blain said.

Ilse Metchek, executive director of the California Fashion Association and one of the guests at the launch event, said Blain has the advantage of understanding how the apparel business operates.

“Based on her contacts and on her knowledge of the category, we are hoping that she has a leg up on all competitors in terms of startups,” Metchek said. “Most startups don’t have what she has in her pocket of history.”

Call of the Malls

Todd Optican got a new job leading the retail merchandising department at Caruso Affiliated, and his first plan is to make sure that the Grove remains one of L.A.’s go-to shopping destinations.

Caruso Affiliated, headed by real estate developer Rick Caruso, announced Optican’s addition to the company two weeks ago. Optican previously served as managing director at licensing agency and consultancy Beanstalk Group.

In his new role at Caruso Affiliated, Optican is responsible for identifying emerging trends in the retail industry – such as the rising popularity of fast-fashion retailers Forever 21, H&M and Topshop – and adding stores to Caruso Affiliated’s shopping centers in response.

Optican said he’s planning to focus first on the Grove and Americana at Brand centers.

“The Grove is coming up on its 10 year anniversary in 2012, and we’d like to make sure we are relevant and fresh,” Optican said. “And the Americana at Brand is our newest center where we have the most opportunity. Americana is the most open canvas that could use some layers of paint.”

Optican, who’s known Caruso since the two attended USC together in the late 1970s, said he joined the company because he wanted to apply his expertise in the retail business to shopping centers. During his career, Optican opened retail stores for Ralph Lauren in the United States and internationally. He also oversaw Four Season’s retail stores such as the hotel chain’s gift shops.

Executive Swoosh

Guess Inc. is adding a former shoe executive to its ranks as the apparel maker and retailer targets international expansion.

Guess, which manufactures jeans and other apparel and accessories, announced last week that J. Michael Prince will be joining the downtown L.A. company as chief operating officer on Nov. 15. Prince will oversee Guess’ operational support and global supply chain.

Prince was previously chief financial officer of Nike Affiliates, a division of Nike Inc. Prior to that, he held the same position at Nike subsidiary Converse Inc.

Prince replaces Carlos Alberini, who left his role as president and chief operating officer in June to become co-chief executive at Restoration Hardware. Alberini continues to serve as a member of the Guess board.

Managing Montage

Hermann Elger joined Montage Beverly Hills as general manager this month, overseeing all of the luxury hotel’s operations.

Elger previously served as general manager of Ritz-Carlton Cancun in Mexico. He spent 18 years with Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co. before joining Montage Hotels & Resorts.

Montage Beverly Hills, which opened in November 2008, has 201 guestrooms and 20 condos, nine of which have been sold.

The hotel is set to open a new restaurant this month, Italian eatery Scarpetta, by celebrity chef Scott Conant.

Staff reporter Alexa Hyland can be reached at [email protected] or at (323) 549-5225, ext. 235.

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