Citizens Of Humanity

Summary

Within Citizens of Humanity there are three ready to wear labels: Citizens of Humanity, Agolde and GoldSign, each of which boasts a uniquely directional voice and clearly carved place in the denim market. Built upon a foundation of commitment to quality and uncompromising standards, the company’s core values support everything it does.

The team uses only the most innovative fabrics sourced from around the world and facilitates product development in its vertically owned facilities to create denim, knits and outerwear of the highest caliber. Companywide, each brand is committed to being thoughtful in the creation of products and uses advanced methods to reduce its imprint on the environment including regenerative agriculture, laser technology, ozone machines and high-efficiency wash methods. In short, they invest in the future.

History

Los Angeles-based premium denim label Citizens of Humanity was founded by Jerome Dahan and his business partner Michael Glasser. Dahan and Glasser had founded ‘7 for All Mankind’ three years prior with Peter Koral and then branched off on their own after a fallout with Koral. Following litigation, Koral was ordered by an LA court to pay Glasser and Dahan $55 million with which the duo launched Citizens of Humanity in 2003.

The brand commits to designing quality denim, without compromise. Being one of the few vertically integrated denim production operations allows products to be manufactured within its sewing and laundry facilities in LA and Turkey, as well as select production partners, giving the management control over quality. With sustainability at its heart, the team cuts denim on automated machines to minimize fabric waste; two hundred and fifty sewing experts handcraft each pair of jeans; and techniques such as laser technology, ozone process, and high-efficiency washers are used.

Citizens of Humanity owns several brands including Getting Back to Square One, Agolde Goldsign and Japanese label Fabric Brand and Co. Recently, the brand bought back the company from its investors Berkshire Partners and Jerome Dahan, its co-founder and chief executive. Per BoF, “While Citizens of Humanity declined to disclose specifics of the transaction, sources indicate that it bought back Berkshire Partners’ forty percent stake in the company, acquired in 2006 for an estimated $250 million including debt. The company also acquired co-founder Jerome Dahan’s remaining stake. He will stay on as a consultant to the brand…”

Sustainability is the base of everything the brand does, “Built upon a foundation of commitment to quality and uncompromising standards, we work to maintain our core values in everything we do. Much of our product is developed in Los Angeles and Turkey, most often at facilities that are owned by us; this allows us to have maximum control of our quality and an enhanced focus on sustainability efforts…

We continue to cut to order to let the demand of our products drive our production and supply to minimize any excess products. We are committed to being thoughtful in the creation of our denim and are continuously working to lower our environmental impact. We are working with a select and innovative group of partners to consistently evolve every aspect of our process to be as sustainable as possible. We are proud of the steps we have taken, but our excitement and focus is set on the future,” per the official website.

Further, Karen Phelps was named creative director for all brands. “…when we thought about the best long-term structure for us, it was important that we maintained a private ownership structure without any specific requirements for excessive growth,” Amy Williams, chief executive of Citizens of Humanity told BoF. “…we ultimately felt that the brands, our accounts, customers and the team at the company would be best served, in the long term, with the management-led buyout. The company’s business and brand equity is growing nicely during difficult times and we have done so with a very thoughtful and disciplined approach… we have a portfolio of five brands that are all appropriately distributed in the channels that they serve well. From there, they will continue to remain extremely profitable.”

Vision

Citizens of Humanity’s vision is centered on creating premium denim while promoting ethical practices and sustainability in the fashion industry. As a brand that values craftsmanship, quality, and authenticity, Citizens of Humanity envisions a future where fashion is both luxurious and responsible. Their vision goes beyond just producing high-quality jeans; it encompasses a commitment to reducing environmental impact and creating a transparent, ethical supply chain. By focusing on sustainability and fair labor practices, the brand aims to set new standards in the fashion world, proving that style and social responsibility can go hand in hand.

At the heart of Citizens of Humanity’s vision is the belief in craftsmanship and innovation. Every pair of jeans is designed with meticulous attention to detail, reflecting the brand’s dedication to producing timeless, high-quality pieces that stand the test of time. They see their denim as a canvas for innovation, continually exploring new techniques and sustainable materials to push the boundaries of what premium denim can be. Through this approach, Citizens of Humanity aims to elevate the perception of denim from a basic wardrobe staple to a statement of refined craftsmanship and thoughtful design.

Furthermore, Citizens of Humanity envisions a more conscious and sustainable future for fashion. They strive to lead by example, not only by using eco-friendly materials and sustainable production processes but also by fostering transparency throughout their supply chain. The brand believes that fashion should contribute to the well-being of both people and the planet. This includes responsible sourcing, reducing waste, and minimizing their environmental footprint. By prioritizing sustainability and ethical practices, Citizens of Humanity seeks to create a fashion industry that is more mindful, ethical, and committed to creating positive change.

Mission Statement

Citizens of Humanity’s mission is to produce the highest quality denim, maintaining an uncompromising commitment to craftsmanship, precision, and attention to detail. Every aspect of their denim production is carefully controlled, from fabric sourcing to final stitching, to ensure that each piece reflects the brand’s dedication to excellence. The company prides itself on using only premium materials and the most skilled artisans, ensuring that each pair of jeans not only meets the highest standards of quality but also embodies the brand’s philosophy of creating long-lasting, timeless pieces. This mission is rooted in the belief that high-quality denim should be as much about durability and functionality as it is about style and comfort.

In their pursuit of excellence, Citizens of Humanity emphasizes innovation and craftsmanship, which are central to their mission. The brand continuously explores new techniques, sustainable practices, and cutting-edge technologies to refine and perfect the denim-making process. By staying ahead of trends and employing innovative methods, they ensure that their denim remains not just stylish but also functional and environmentally responsible. Their mission is to create jeans that feel modern and timeless, allowing the wearer to enjoy them for years without compromising on comfort, fit, or durability.

Moreover, Citizens of Humanity’s mission extends beyond producing high-quality denim; it is also about staying true to their core values of ethical production and sustainability. They are deeply committed to operating in a way that respects the environment and promotes fair labor practices. By manufacturing their denim in-house and in socially responsible facilities, they have full control over the production process, ensuring that quality is never sacrificed for profit. This devotion to uncompromising standards in both craftsmanship and ethical responsibility sets Citizens of Humanity apart as a leader in the premium denim industry, aligning their mission with a broader goal of fostering a more responsible and sustainable future in fashion.

Key Team

Creative Director: Karen Phelps; CEO: Amy Williams

Products and Services

Citizens of Humanity’s products are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, luxurious materials, and timeless designs, with denim being at the core of their product portfolio. The brand produces a variety of denim styles, ranging from classic cuts like straight-leg and bootcut jeans to modern silhouettes such as high-rise and slim-fit. Each piece is meticulously crafted to provide a perfect fit and superior comfort, reflecting the brand’s commitment to producing high-quality garments. The use of premium fabrics, including sustainably sourced cotton, and attention to detail in stitching, washing, and finishing give their jeans a refined, artisanal touch that distinguishes them in the premium denim market.

Beyond denim, Citizens of Humanity also offers jackets, shirts, and knitwear, all designed with the same philosophy of quality and craftsmanship that is threaded in their jeans. Their clothing line is characterized by clean, minimalistic designs that are both modern and timeless. Every piece is created with durability and longevity in mind, ensuring that customers can enjoy their products for years to come. The brand’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the materials they choose and their production processes, making their entire product line an extension of their mission to produce fashion responsibly and ethically.

In addition to their products, Citizens of Humanity provides a range of services that enhance the customer experience and reflect their commitment to transparency and sustainability. The brand prioritizes responsible production through in-house manufacturing and ethical sourcing, ensuring that every step of the process meets the highest standards. They also emphasize customer service, offering support and guidance on fit and styling to ensure each purchase is tailored to the customer’s preferences. Furthermore, the brand engages in initiatives that promote sustainability and fair labor practices, reinforcing their dedication to creating products that not only look and feel luxurious but are also made with integrity and social responsibility.

Awards and Recognition

Citizens of Humanity is recognised worldwide for its sustainably produced denim.

References

• Official website Citizens of Humanity
• Luxury denim brands worth your investment Forbes
• Citizens of Humanity Reclaims Independence in Break From Investors BoF
• Competing in a changing landscape fashionista
• Facebook profile of Citizens of Humanity Facebook
• Brand history Citizens of humanity
• A Radical Solution to Denim’s Climate Cost BoF
• Patch your denim GQ
• Twitter profile of Citizens of Humanity Twitter
• Citizens of Humanity Explores Its Artistic Side Harpers Bazaar
• Citizens of Humanity Denim Jacket GQ
• Citizens of Humanity Collaborates with RISK Harpers Bazaar
• LinkedIn  profile of Citizens of Humanity LinkedIn
• Citizens of Humanity’s Mom Jeans? Harpers Bazaar
• Instagram profile of Citizens of Humanity Instagram
• Shorts, Citizens of Humanity Vogue
• Youtube profile of Citizens of Humanity Youtube
• The Skinny Jean Is Dead Elle
• Brand Wiki profile of Citizens of Humanity Brand Wiki