AG Jeans
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Clothing |
| Founded | 2000 in Downtown Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Founders |
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| Headquarters | South Gate, California |
Number of locations | 16 retail stores |
| Products | Jeans |
| Owner | Yul Ku |
Number of employees | 800 (2019) |
| Website | agjeans |
AG Adriano Goldschmied, commonly referred to as AG Jeans, is a U.S.-based clothing brand that specializes in denim products, emphasizing environmentally responsible production methods. Launched in 2000 in Los Angeles, the company is currently owned by co-founder Yul Ku, whose Koos Manufacturing had previously produced denim for several leading labels. Italian designer Adriano Goldschmied co-founded the brand but divested his stake and trademark rights to Ku in 2004. AG Jeans maintains 17 retail outlets throughout the United States, including a flagship location that opened on Madison Avenue in New York City in 2020. Since 2010, sustainability has been a core element of the company's practices, highlighted by the adoption of a water-filtration system that allows nearly exclusive use of recycled water.
History
In 2000, Italian designer Adriano Goldschmied partnered with Korean-American entrepreneur Yul Ku to create AG Jeans in Downtown Los Angeles.[1] The initial phase involved collaboration with Ku's Koos Manufacturing, which had experience producing denim for brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic, Gap, and J.Crew. The brand debuted its own apparel collection in September 2001. By 2004, Ku had gained full control of AG Jeans, acquiring both the company and its brand identity.[1][2]
Following the period between 2004 and 2008, AG Jeans experienced a downturn in sales after losing key retail partners like Nordstrom and Anthropologie. After cycling through several creative directors, Samuel Ku—Yul Ku’s son—assumed the role of creative director in 2008. He introduced the widely embraced "boyfriend" jean silhouette and implemented strategic initiatives that revitalized the brand.[2]
Sustainability has been integral to AG Jeans' operational philosophy since 2010. By 2014, the company had incorporated energy-saving washers and dryers capable of reclaiming heat. In 2016, solar panels were installed at its headquarters, followed by an upgrade to laser technology for jean distressing in 2017.[3] In 2019, a water-recovery system was put into place that significantly minimized waste and enabled almost complete reliance on recycled water.[4]
In January 2015, AG Jeans collaborated with model and designer Alexa Chung to create a denim collection inspired by styles from the 1960s and 1970s. This partnership was promoted through events held in London, New York, and Los Angeles.[5]
The company's commitment to social responsibility expanded through a year-long collaboration in 2019 with nonprofit organization Water For People, supporting water access projects in developing regions. The partnership with Swiss artist Blanda helped raise up to $100,000 for these efforts.[6]
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, AG Jeans contributed $1 million in April 2020 to the L.A. County Response Fund via the California Community Foundation, providing assistance to area hospitals and clinics.[7]
Operation
AG handles the entire production process internally, encompassing cutting, sewing, and distressing. The primary manufacturing plant and corporate headquarters are situated in South Gate, California, complemented by other facilities and partner locations in Los Angeles and Mexico City. The company manages 16 retail outlets throughout the United States and intended to launch a store on Madison Avenue in New York by late 2020. As of May 2019, the workforce included around 550 employees at the South Gate headquarters and an additional 250 staff members at various retail sites.