In the wake of the devastating fires that ravaged Los Angeles a year ago, Vogue Business takes a closer look at the fashion industry’s recovery and rebuilding efforts as part of their ongoing series, Refashioning LA. As we assess the city’s fashion and apparel sector’s trajectory in 2026, it’s clear that the landscape has shifted significantly since the fires.
As Hollywood gears up for awards season, the usual buzz and glamour have returned momentarily to the city. However, the exodus of actors and industry professionals for the majority of the year is more pronounced now than ever before. Many former Angelenos now find themselves working on film sets in locations like Atlanta, Vancouver, or Australia, as studio budgets tighten and filming shifts to more cost-effective regions. Last year, LA saw a record low in production, highlighting the impact of these changes on the local economy.
Kent Belden, CEO of The Only Agency, notes the ripple effects of shrinking budgets on talent and styling in the industry. Stylists, accustomed to generous budgets for press tours, now find themselves working with significantly less resources. Despite the success of big-budget films, styling rates remain modest, with some stylists expressing frustration at the disparity between film revenues and their compensation.
Karla Welch, a renowned stylist, emphasizes the cost-saving mindset of media companies and studios, highlighting the challenge stylists face in delivering high-quality looks on limited budgets. Britt Theodora, another stylist, echoes these sentiments, underscoring the extensive work and resources required to curate looks for press tours and events.
On a positive note, there are signs of change on the horizon. Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to increase tax credits for film and television production in California from $330 million to $750 million annually is expected to bring back movie and commercial projects to LA. With 28 film projects already receiving financial support through the expanded tax credit program, the industry is poised for a resurgence in 2026.
As the fashion and film sectors in Los Angeles navigate these challenges and opportunities, the city’s resilience and creativity continue to shine through. With a renewed focus on rebuilding and revitalizing the industry, 2026 holds promise for a vibrant and thriving fashion scene in LA.
