What's Happening?
The fashion industry in Los Angeles is experiencing significant changes due to a shift in Hollywood's production locations. As studio budgets shrink, many productions have moved from Los Angeles to other
locations like Atlanta, Vancouver, and Australia, where tax credits and offsets make filming more economical. This shift has led to a decrease in local production, with Los Angeles reaching an all-time low in production levels last year, according to a report by FilmLA. The impact is felt across the fashion industry, particularly in the budgets allocated for celebrity styling during press tours. Stylists are facing reduced budgets, with rates per look often ranging between $500 to $700, despite the high earnings of big-budget movies. The Only Agency's CEO, Kent Belden, and stylists like Karla Welch and Britt Theodora highlight the challenges posed by these budget constraints, which affect their ability to maintain studios and employ staff.
Why It's Important?
The relocation of film production from Los Angeles to other regions has broader implications for the U.S. fashion industry. The reduced presence of Hollywood in Los Angeles affects local businesses that rely on the entertainment industry, including fashion stylists and designers. The decrease in styling budgets limits opportunities for fashion brands to showcase their designs on high-profile platforms like red carpets and press events. This shift could lead to a decline in the visibility and influence of Los Angeles as a fashion hub. However, the recent increase in California's tax credits for film and television production, announced by Governor Gavin Newsom, may help reverse this trend by attracting more projects back to the state, potentially revitalizing the local fashion industry.
What's Next?
With the expansion of California's tax credit program, there is potential for a resurgence in film production in Los Angeles. Governor Gavin Newsom's announcement of increased tax credits from $330 million to $750 million annually aims to attract more film and television projects to the state. This financial support has already been allocated to 28 film projects, indicating a positive outlook for 2026. If successful, this initiative could lead to increased demand for local fashion services, providing a boost to stylists and designers who have been affected by the industry's downturn. The fashion industry will be closely monitoring the impact of these tax credits on production levels and the subsequent demand for styling services.
