Apparel Manufacturing – Cal McCollum Has Struck Gold With His Women’s Contemporary Line Cali

There are so many cute tops out there, but many of the popular styles pose a technical problem for women everywhere. Cali, a new Los Angeles-based company, has solved that problem by creating tops and tanks that feature built-in bras. "I think Cali fills a gap for women who don’t want to wear bras all the time, but would still like some support and look sexy at the same time," explains Cali owner and designer Cal McCollum. "There is no reason you can’t be simple and look your best while going to the grocery store."

In addition, to be carried at Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, influential retailers like Ron Herman/Fred Segal in Los Angeles, Brown Eyed Girl in San Francisco, and Olive and Bettes in New York have scooped up Cali’s sexy tees and assorted tops. Trend setting celebs like Debra Messing and Katie Holmes have already discovered the collection, which debuted last spring nationwide.

Raised in Dallas, Texas, Cal realized that he wanted to work in the fashion industry while in his early 20’s. He had already received a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Arkansas. Cal’s father was the chief operating officer of Rampage at the time so he thought that asking his dad for a job would be a great place to start. "He wisely told me to go to fashion school first and learn something," Cal explains. "So I packed a couple of saddle bags, threw them on my Harley and rode to California."

FIDM was the school most recommended to Cal among people in the industry so he decided to major in Apparel Manufacturing at the Los Angeles campus. "I always liked clothes, but when I was young I never thought about designing," he explains. "When ripped jeans were in, my friends and I made countless trips to the seamstress in search of the perfect alteration."

In 1997, Cal graduated magna cum laude. "I learned how everything overlaps from the first sample to shipping the final product," he says. "You need to know at least the concepts of each part in order to make a smooth transition." Before starting his own collection, Cal worked for a small company where he was responsible for sourcing, overseeing production and shipping orders. He sees his time at FIDM as an invaluable platform for understanding the basics of his industry. "The best thing about FIDM is most of the teachers have worked in the industry so they are speaking from experience and not just theory alone," he explains.

Retailers and customers love Cali specifically because the built-in bra really works. "Most companies put another piece of fabric and elastic inside and call it a shelf bra," explains the 6’2" Texan. "There is a lot more involved. That’s why we don’t say shelf bra because we don’t want to get lumped in with the ones that don’t work."

Cali tops come in various styles such as off-the-shoulder, cami, shoulder tie, halter and spaghetti strap. Colors range from baby pink and lilac to green and black. They retail for $40 to $75. While he never intended on becoming a designer as a child, the former personal trainer realizes that he has found his true calling. "Seeing girls wearing my stuff always puts a smile on my face."

Visit calicoclothing.com to find store locations.