J Brand

J Brand
Industry Fashion
Founder Jeff Rudes
Headquarters Los Angeles, California
Products Women's Premium Denim, Men's Premium Denim, Ready-To-Wear
Number of employees
 150-200
Parent Fast Retailing
Website www.jbrandjeans.com

J Brand (also known as J Brand Jeans) is a Los Angeles-based men's and women's premium denim and fashion company.[1] In 2012, Fast Retailing became a majority partner, having J Brand join Theory & Helmut Lang as major acquisitions by the Japanese retail holding company.[2]

Origins

J Brand was co-founded by Jeff Rudes in 2004[3] on the premise of creating the perfect fitting jean that was classic, sophisticated and timeless.[4] In 2005, J Brand officially launched at the Ron Herman Melrose Denim Bar in Los Angeles, California.[5]

Women's Premium Denim

At its inception, the company only offered women's premium denim to fill a market need for a fashion skinny.[6] Rudes filled the void with J Brand's 811 Skinny, and their minimalist, no embellishment take on this silhouette was an instant hit.[7] However, their most famous skinny is the Houlihan Cargo Pant, named for the M*A*S*H character Hot Lips Houlihan and originally perceived as a novelty item.[8] The novelty item ended up being a revolutionary piece as Frank Doroff, Vice Chairman of Bloomingdales department stores explained it was their "best selling pant", selling thousands.[8] J Brand sold more than 300,000 pairs.[9]

Collaborations

J Brand has actively worked with fashion designers such as Christopher Kane, Henry Duarte, Erdem, Meadham Kirchoff, Peter Pilotto, Richard Nicoll, and Proenza Schouler.[10][11] In 2010, J Brand collaborated with Kane, Erdem, Kirchoff, Meadham and Nicoll to launch 5 x 5, and allowed each designer to create their vision of J Brand. Jeff Rudes, CEO, explained, "Our mission is to be a fashion leader that is making a difference; the project will help protect future young designers through the Centre for Fashion Enterprise, the London organisation that provides business guidance and mentoring for emerging fashion design talent".[10]

They have also worked with Creative Director Karl Templar and photographer Craig McDean for their Fall 2012, Spring 2013 and Fall 2013 ad campaigns.[12]

Acquisition by Fast Retailing

In late 2012, Fast Retailing, owners of Uniqlo, announced they had bought 80% of J Brand for $290MM to bolster their premium denim business.[13]

References

  1. ↑ Akbareian, Emma (3 June 2013). "The Fashion Audit: Notting Hill newbie, Flannel 2.0 and Jeanius". London: The Independent. Retrieved 3 October 2013.
  2. ↑ Inagaki, Kana. "Fast Retailing to buy 80% stake in J Brand". Marketwatch. Retrieved 2 October 2013.
  3. ↑ "Jeff Rudes (FABB conference speaker profile)". Retrieved 3 October 2013.
  4. ↑ Imran, Amed. "CEO talk | Jeff Rudes". Business of Fashion. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
  5. ↑ Sanders, Lorraine (September 16, 2009). "Where the Skinny Jean Was Born (And How to Meet Her Maker)". 7x7 SF. Retrieved 2 October 2013.
  6. ↑ Hume, Marione. "J Brand Genie". http://www.afr.com/p/lifestyle/afrmagazine/brand_genie_YJAM1hTl6HZIS08JlRpstJ. External link in |publisher= (help);
  7. ↑ . WWD http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/blue-plate-specials-jeans-mutations-578791?page=2. Retrieved 11 November 2013. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  8. 1 2 Horyn, Cathy (May 12, 2010). "Houlihan, Reporting for Duty". New York Times. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
  9. ↑ Hume, Marion. "J Brand Genie". afr.com. Retrieved 8 November 2013.
  10. 1 2 "Brand Power". Vogue. Retrieved 8 November 2013.
  11. ↑ Phelan, Hayley. "Proenza Schouler and J Brand Make Denim To Die For!". Teen Vogue. Retrieved 8 November 2013.
  12. ↑ "J Brand Ad Campaigns". Vogue. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  13. ↑ Inagaki, Kana. "Fast Retailing to buy 80% stake in J Brand". Market Watch. Retrieved 8 November 2013.
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