Jeffrey Rudes has been working in the fashion biz for over 35 years, perfecting the fit of cotton warped textile (that's denim to you and I).
He first got into the denim industry in the late 70s and since then has set up various apparel brands and consulted for the likes of Abercrombie & Fitch. Fast forward to the mid-noughties and he co-founded the cult denim line, J Brand, a company that is widely credited for instigating the skinny-jean trend with their “910” range back in 2006.
And now, here we are present day, where Rudes was brought into the L'Agence fold as CEO, a company that exudes a "California lifestyle, with a French attitude." It was a natural move for the Los Angeles-based firm to utilize his years of know-how, not only when it comes to the ultimate cut but also in creating a globally hot brand, assuredly, Rudes was the man for the job.
As for the brand aesthetic, within their ready-to-wear offering expect tailored blazer-trouser looks, oh la la semi-sheer blouses, essential tees, flirty dresses and of course, plenty of elevated denim (just check out the statement Lorde Jean), so basically everything you could want.
Felicity Carter: What was your first fashion memory?
Jeffrey Rudes: My first fashion memory was when I was about 4 years old. My mother would take me shopping at Bergdorf’s in New York City. She had a lot of style and was always elegant. I would watch her try on Pucci, YSL, Chanel, etc. It was like my first fashion show which honed my eye for women’s fashion.
FC: How did you get in the industry and how did the label come about?
JR: In 1975 I was selling denim fabric at 17 years old for my father’s company. I bought a French jean called Mackeen which I loved and took some of the denim I sold and started my first jean company with the inspiration of that French jean. The company was Paris 2000. It later was one of the first brands to start the designer jean phenomenon.
FC: What are the cornerstones of your brand?
JR: Launching denim was a huge cornerstone, the reaction to the fabric and fit was beyond expectations, and it brought completeness to the collections, for example, the silk shirts that were a driver for the business had something to go back to, the denim, and the L'AGENCE "uniform" started to take form in a new light.
The celebrity and influencer placement the past few years has been incredible, L'AGENCE is becoming a go-to for celebrity stylists and influencers, because of the wear-ability and flattering fits, we are gaining more traction each month.
FC: How does the Cali vibe feed into the designs?
JR: The easy chic inspiration of the clothing is what we consider the "Cali vibe", the idea of always looking put together, while being comfortable, and feeling your best. Unlike other California based brands, our idea of laid back California cool is actually in the sophistication of our garments to make the customer always feel sophisticated and put together, without compromising comfort.
FC: What's the L'AGENCE signature style?
JR: It’s our silk shirt and our jeans. We look at developing the ready-to-wear with a strategy of what goes back to the jean. This is what we call easy chic and sophisticated.
FC: What was on the mood board for SS?
JR: It’s too early to share this one with you.
FC: What's in store for this year?
JR: Two more retail stores to add to our Madison Ave, New York store and our Melrose Place store in Los Angeles. We are launching two collaborations and expanding the design team to take on new product categories for 2020.
Shop the collection on lagencefashion.com.
