Jordache
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Apparel, Real estate, Hospitality, Aviation, Maritime, Agriculture |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Founder | Joe Nakash, Ralph Nakash, Avi Nakash |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Shirts, jeans, outerwear, accessories |
| Owner | Nakash family |
Jordache Enterprises, Inc. () is a U.S.-based apparel company known for producing clothing items such as shirts, jeans, and outerwear. The brand rose to fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s primarily due to its designer denim products. Since the early 2000s, Jordache has broadened its scope to include real estate and other business interests, especially within Israel. The company’s name is derived from the combination of the founders’ first names: Joe, Ralph, and Avi Nakash.
History
Established in 1978 by brothers Joe, Ralph, and Avi Nakash in New York City, Jordache initially operated as a denim retailer influenced by European fashion. Following the loss of their stock in a fire during the 1977 New York City blackout, they introduced their own denim brand characterized by tailored fits, a horse-head emblem, and unique stitching on the back pockets.
To differentiate themselves in the market, the Nakash brothers allocated $550,000 in 1979 toward an assertive advertising campaign. One controversial TV commercial showed a topless woman wearing Jordache jeans while riding a horse; although major networks declined to air it, independent stations in New York broadcast the ad, significantly enhancing brand recognition. Additionally, the company invested around $1 million in nationwide magazine advertisements. In 1980, an attempt to increase brand exposure with a promotional blimp ended abruptly when it crashed on its first flight near Lakehurst, New Jersey.
During the 1980s, Jordache experienced growth through extensive licensing deals that yielded up to $300 million annually in wholesale sales. By 1989, the firm had partnered with 100 licensees manufacturing a wide array of products beyond denim—including children’s socks, women’s outerwear, jewelry, dresses, luggage, and umbrellas—reflecting an expansion into multiple product categories.
Operations
Jordache Enterprises remains a privately owned conglomerate focused on designing and producing denim wear, clothing, and accessories. In celebration of its 40th anniversary in 2018, the company introduced a premium denim line.
Its brand portfolio encompasses Jordache itself along with Earl Jeans, KIKIT Jeans, Maurice Sasson, Fubu Ladies, Airport, Blue Star, and Gasoline. Jordache also holds an official licensing agreement for the U.S. Polo Assn. brand and manufactures private label denim for international clients.
Capitalizing on revenue from its flagship Jordache label, the Nakash family expanded their business interests into various industries such as real estate development, hospitality management, aviation services, advanced cryptography technology, maritime operations, and agriculture. Notable assets include prime real estate holdings in New York City; The Setai Miami hotel; hotels across Europe and Israel; partial ownership of the Strip House restaurant group; management responsibilities for Israel’s privatized Port of Eilat; stakes in Arkia—the country’s second-largest airline—and MG Aviation—a leasing company contracting aircraft to Norwegian Air Shuttle and Arkia.
The organizational framework includes two governing boards: one composed of six family members from the Nakash lineage and another with ten independent directors. Each male member of the second generation within the family undertakes specialized roles with defined duties.