Lucky Brand Jeans

Lucky Brand

File:Lucky Brand Jeans logo.svg
File:LuckyBrandJeansBoston.JPG Retail location on Newbury Street in Boston
Company type	Private
Industry	Denim
Founded	1990 (1990)
Headquarters	Vernon, California , United States
Products	Denim Sportswear Outerwear T-shirts Active wear
Owner	Authentic Brands Group
Parent	Catalyst Brands
Website	{{URL|example.com|optional display text}}

Lucky Brand is a U.S.-based denim manufacturer established in Vernon, California, in 1990 by Gene Montesano and Barry Perlman. The brand specializes in denim apparel as well as activewear, outerwear, and T-shirts.

After filing for bankruptcy in 2020, Lucky Brand was purchased by SPARC Group, which later merged with JCPenney to create Catalyst Brands in 2025.

History

During the 1970s, Barry Perlman and Jamal H Nathan launched a jeans retail outlet named Four Way Street in Florida. In 1978, Montesano relocated to Los Angeles to pursue a career in fashion and co-founded Bongo alongside Michael Caruso. After 15 years, Montesano partnered with Perlman to establish Lucky Brand in 1990.

In 2012, the company moved its headquarters from Vernon to the Arts District within Downtown Los Angeles, situating itself nearer to vital fashion industry centers.

Leonard Green & Partners, a private equity firm, acquired Lucky Brand Jeans from Fifth & Pacific Companies for $225 million in December 2013. Carlos Alberini stepped down as chairman and CEO in 2019. The retail downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led Lucky Brand to file for bankruptcy protection in July 2020, after which Authentic Brands Group took ownership.

On April 24, 2024, Ted Baker Canada, responsible for operating Lucky Brand locations across Canada, sought creditor protection and filed for Chapter 15 bankruptcy in the United States due to unpaid supplier invoices associated with Authentic Brands Group. This development resulted in the shutdown of all Canadian Lucky Brand stores.

Product

Denim remains the core of Lucky Brand’s merchandise, representing approximately 60% of total sales. A signature element of their denim line is the embroidered pair of four-leaf clovers accompanied by "LUCKY YOU" on the fly shield. Their denim collection offers an array of fits and washes.

The brand extended its offerings to children’s apparel in 2005, catering to infants through age ten. The following year, they inaugurated Lucky Brand Jeans Kid stores dedicated exclusively to this category.

Production transitioned from predominantly U.S.-based manufacturing prior to 2010 to international facilities located in Indonesia, China, Peru, Chile, Vietnam, Mexico, Sri Lanka, and Haiti. Nonetheless, jeans crafted in Los Angeles continue to be handmade with intricate detailing except for the washing process.

In 2013, Lucky Brand revived its Made in America (MIA) collection. Denim fabric is sourced from Cone Denim’s White Oak Mill situated in Greensboro, North Carolina, while jeans are hand-stitched locally in Los Angeles. Currently, most women’s and men’s designs offer an MIA variant.

Operations

Following Carlos Alberini’s exit as chairman and CEO on January 28, 2019, Lucky Brand has been overseen by an "Office of the CEO." Alberini moved on to serve as CEO and Director at Guess, where he had previously held the position of COO from 2000 until 2010. He assumed the role of Lucky Brand’s CEO beginning January 31, 2014, succeeding David DeMattei.

Lucky Brand maintains roughly 150 stores under direct ownership throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Europe. In regions such as the United Arab Emirates and Australia, their merchandise is retailed through David Jones department stores. Within the U.S., Lucky’s product lines are also stocked by prominent department stores like Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom, Belk, and Dillard's, as well as specialty outlets including Buckle.

Lucky Foundation

Founded in 1996, the Lucky Brand Foundation dedicates its efforts to supporting charitable organizations focused on children. It has successfully raised more than $8 million via fundraising events that have featured renowned artists such as Jackson Browne and B.B. King. One of its major programs, the annual Black Tie & Blue Jeans Gala, has contributed approximately $6 million to beneficiaries including Smile Train and The Bridge School. Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Summer of Love and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, the foundation secured over $700,000, underscoring its sustained philanthropic commitment consistent with the company’s social responsibility objectives.