INDUSTRY ISSUES
Adding Affordability Into the Denim Mix Amid Economic Challenges
By Dorothy Crouch, Contributing Writer | August 7, 2026
California Apparel News asked denim experts: What are the best solutions to present affordable options in the denim space amid global tariffs and challenged economies?
Eve Denim: Inspired by Vintage, Made in L.A.
Native New Yorker Adelaide Bourbon moved to Los Angeles in 2008 and had the good fortune to meet and work for Joie co-founder Serge Azria just as he was launching his Equipment label.
Siwy Taps Jimmy Taverniti as Creative Director
Denim designer Jimmy Taverniti has joined Siwy as creative director. The first collection under Taverniti’s direction will be Spring/Summer 2016
Genetic Denim Has a New Owner
Genetic Denim, a Los Angeles premium jeans label started nearly a decade ago, was acquired recently by a small investment group that brought in veteran apparel executive Hubert Guez to help turn the company around. The acquisition price was not disclosed.
Brand Building With a Denim Foundation
With the addition of Kathy Kweon as president, Citizens of Humanity has completed a number of staffing and brand-building changes to the Los Angeles–based denim lifestyle brand.
Fighting for Greater Market Share
Premium denim is a staple at LASC, but the West Hollywood, Calif., men’s boutique kept its offerings fairly narrow until recently, when the retailer began adding new labels to its mix.
Hudson Jeans Founder Fights to Get His Company Back
Sometimes breaking up is hard to do. But Hudson Jeans founder Peter Kim is trying to do just that.
Freedom of Expression
From classic denim blues to activewear inspirations and the return of the ’70s, there is something for everyone for Fall '15.
Joe’s Jeans CEO Resigns
Marc Crossman has resigned from his position at chief executive officer of Joe’s Jeans Inc.
American-Made Denim For Nearly 30 Years
After 28 years in business, Diamond Gusset jeans owner and co-founder David Hall says there is more happening with the Bon Aqua, Tenn.–based company than ever before.
Alternative Takes a Bow
Levi Strauss & Co.’s new brand, Levi’s California introduced a collection designed by Nic Rendic, Levi’s global design director.
Big Star: European Heritage, Los Angeles Design and Environmental Philosophy
Established in 1974 in Europe, Big Star denim has been Los Angeles–based since Koos Manufacturing picked up the line in 2003, first as a licensed brand but now as one of Koos’ company-owned trademarks, which also include AG Adriano Goldschmied.
FIDM Students Get Advice, Inspiration from Some of Denim’s Best
Denim pioneer François Girbaud is credited with a lot of firsts in the industry—from stonewash finishing and industrial washing to stretch denim and new silhouettes such as the baggy jean, the pedal pusher and engineered fit.
Lynne Koplin Named President of J Brand
Industry veteran Lynne Koplin, who most recently worked for denim maker True Religion, has been named president of J Brand, another Los Angeles denim maker.
Kingpins Puts LA Show on Hiatus Until July
Kingpins—the boutique denim trade show with editions in New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong—is putting its Los Angeles show on hiatus while it concentrates on launching its newest show in Amsterdam.
