Los Angeles boasts the best denim artisans in the world. From heritage brands such as Citizens of Humanity and Paige, to newer brands like DSTLD and Frame, the knowledge of denim in Los Angeles is truly unparalleled. If only we had time to try on every pair and give you the scoop on skinnies, boyfriends, slouchy, straight-legged, distressed and waxed. We narrowed it down to a few of our current favorite Los Angeles denim brands – a mix of major denim players and their up-and-coming counterparts – to shoot our own LA-inspired denimtorial (above) and curate just a few of our favorite Fall styles from the biggest denim players in the city of jeans – ahem – dreams.
Photography: Robby Mueller
CITIZENS OF HUMANITY
Citizens of Humanity crafts the types of jeans that you will want to live in - literally, they are comfortable enough to sleep in. Founder Jerome Dahan has been a major player in the denim industry for over 25 years, and brings a wealth of denim knowledge to the brand, having worked previously with 7FAM and Lucky. Citizens is a brand for the people- from the Rocket High Rise to the Emerson Boyfriend Jean, comfort is key and there is truly a fit for everyone.
On Model Above:
Rocket in Pollock: $238
FRAME
A new-ish player in the denim game, Frame was founded by Jens Grede & Erik Torstensson in 2012. The brand is known for their OG le skinny jean, (a closet staple in our wardrobe), but now the Venice Beach X London-based brand has a full ready-to-wear collection of contemporary basics. Headquartered out of both Venice and London, Frame's premium denim maintains a heritage quality and aesthetic from LA, with the influence of it's London counterpart's European style, cut and fit.
On Model Above:
Le Skinny Satine in Greys Inn: $219
DSTLD
If you haven't met DSTLD yet, allow us to introduce you. Another new-ish player in the denim scene, DSTLD is making buzz with their innovative business motto and reasonable price point. The DSTLD philosophy is simple – “distill” the business of denim, cut out the middlemen and sell direct to consumers, thus keeping the material and production quality high and the price point low. It doesn't hurt that their high rise skinny jeans feel like butter and fit like a glove.
On Model Above:
High Waisted Skinny Jean in Dusk: $65
GENETIC
We love Genetic's modern approach to the art of denim, and are super keen on their unique patterns, edgy embellishments and contemporary design. Their collection features classics such as the distressed straight leg Alexa and the mid-rise Brooke, but with options for colorful stand-outs and essential prints.
On Model Above:
The Shane in Black Rain: $240
3SIXTEEN
Our men's hero of the bunch, 3Sixteen is inimitably defined by quality and craftsmanship. Their designers work closely with a premium Japanese denim mill to actually conceptualize and create their own custom fabric - a testament to thorough design and innovation. This also means that you will never find another brand with the same caliber of quality or detail as in a pair of 3Sixteens.
Similar On Model Above:
Heavyweight Indigo Slim Tapered: $270
PAIGE
Another LA heritage brand, and a big thumbs up for girl power, is Paige denim. Founder & Creative Director Paige Adams-Geller has a great eye for upcoming denim trends and has established a brand that is known for its attention to detail and subtle embellishments. Currently, we're crushing on the foil knee patches and silk coated collection.
On Model Above:
Verdugo Charcoal Galaxy Coating: $249
