Fred Segal, the iconic Los Angeles retailer that has been curating cool for over 60 years, announced the re-launch of The Original Jean Bar. The shop-in-shop builds upon the retailer’s rich and storied history in which it is credited for creating the first-ever “denim bar” in 1965. While launching at its Sunset Blvd. flagship location, the retailer plans to launch up to six, 900 sq ft stand-alone Jean Bear locations by 2023 and eventually have stand-alone locations in every major city around the world. The Original Jean Bar has been updated and reimagined with today’s customer in mind, offering a highly curated assortment of denim from cult-loved brands to new brands to know.
“Fred Segal, the man and the brand, have always been ahead of the curve when it comes to setting trends. From day one, Fred Segal created a retail scene that defined Los Angeles fashion and sparked a revolutionary shift in style that transcended decades and the denim bar was the beginning of that,” said Jeff Lotman, Fred Segal CEO and Owner. “My first experience with the brand was as a customer visiting the denim bar in the 80’s. It was the place to see and to be seen - it was like nothing I’d ever seen before. We wanted to bring back that sense of magic and nostalgia but in an entirely new and fresh way that speaks to what our customers want now.”
The Original Jean Bar features both men's and women’s styles from an array of classic, up-and-coming and established brands, such as Good American, Frame, Knorts, EB Denim, Ganni, Pale, Re-Done, Still Here, Closed and more. Denim brands selected as part of the curation are evaluated and adhere to a set of standards focused on sustainability and inclusivity. A number of factors are considered and analyzed for denim labeled as “sustainable,” including the material, ingredients and processes used during manufacturing. Also, in addition to exceeding the industry standard size, “size inclusive” styles offer a variety of fits suited to an array of shapes and sizes.
“When I launched Knorts, I always intended the brand to be a fully-fledged denim brand, however, due to the unique way we fabricate our pieces, we were always lumped in with knitwear, which is why I was so honored that Fred Segal asked us to be a part of their Original Jean Bar relaunch,” said Knorts founder Eleanore Guthrie. “As an LA-based brand it’s an honor to be a part of LA history and we are so excited to partner with the iconic institution that is Fred Segal.”
When Fred Segal launched the denim bar in the 60’s, he initially created the first “fashion” jean, transforming basic denim into exclusive styles and sold them for an unheard price of $19.95 when, at that time, jeans were typically $3. Before long, customers flocked to the store to purchase a pair for themselves, thanks in no small part to Fred’s ingenious, first-of-its-kind use of celebrity and influencer marketing in which he dressed A-listers and staff at P.J.’s Nightclub across the street. Paying homage to the lasting legacy of Fred, the new Original Jean Bar’s retro-modern design fuses the past with the present through intricate details like floor to ceiling wood shelving based on the original denim bar from the 60’s. The curved lucite panels invoke a feeling of nostalgia, but the diverse and unique selection, curated in part by Los Angeles-based denim expert and author of Denim Dudes, Amy Leverton is entirely modern.
“The humble jean is the most democratic item in our wardrobes and it gives me so much pleasure knowing that Fred Segal is re-launching their Original Jean Bar through the lens of today: with an eye on inclusivity, social responsibility and sustainability,” said Amy Leverton. “There is certainly a gap in the retail space that addresses not only the varying needs of the market but also the broad community of denim lovers out there.”
Upon launch, Fred Segal will employ specialized “denim fit experts,” to provide informed advice ranging from, fabric, brands, and of course fit. The denim fit expert will be available on-site at The Original Jean Bar during normal store hours as well as available to set up virtual appointments online. The Original Jean Bar is a permanent fixture at Fred Segal’s Flagship Sunset Blvd. location open now and also available to shop online at fredsegal.com.
About Fred Segal:
Curating cool since 1961, FRED SEGAL continually offers the best new, upcoming and established brands in fashion, beauty and home. When Fred Segal opened his first store, he put LA’s “casual, comfortable, and sexy” style on the world map. From the first shop-in-shop to the first denim bar, he created a lifestyle brand before it was even a term — redefining retail and changing pop culture forever.
FRED SEGAL collaborates with iconic brands, artists, and emerging names to create unique collections and immersive experiences — all seen through our unique lens of creativity, optimism, and inclusion. We find and nurture new talent through our Season Zero launches, and give back to the larger community through our Fred Gives program. Our exclusives, including our very own FRED SEGAL COLLECTION, include collaborations with top global brands and homegrown LA artists.
The iconic flagship store is on Sunset Boulevard, with additional stores in LA, Las Vegas and internationally. And the best is yet to come — from location-specific capsules to special events to digital expansion.
