Citizens of Humanity
United States
Citizens of Humanity is a premium denim label based in Los Angeles, founded in 2003 by Jerome Dahan. In 2017 its management team, led by chief executive Amy Williams, bought out the founder and Berkshire Partners. The brand is known for high-end jeans made in its own facilities.
| Founded | 2003, Los Angeles |
|---|---|
| Founder | Jerome Dahan |
| Ownership | Management buyout in 2017 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, United States |
| Production | Own facilities in Los Angeles and Turkey |
| Website | citizensofhumanity.com |
What is Citizens of Humanity?
Citizens of Humanity describes itself as a Los Angeles-based premium denim label with a commitment to producing the highest quality denim. It designs jeans and wider wardrobes for women and men and is a fixture of the premium denim category in American and European department stores.
History
The brand has designed and manufactured denim since 2003. It was founded by Jerome Dahan, a denim designer in Los Angeles. Private equity firm Berkshire Partners later became an investor. In 2017, according to TextilWirtschaft, the management team led by chief executive Amy Williams took over the shares from Dahan and Berkshire Partners, with Dahan remaining as an adviser to the design team.
Products and positioning
Citizens of Humanity sits firmly in the premium price range. Its online shop offers:
- Women's jeans, trousers, tops, knitwear, dresses and outerwear
- Men's jeans, trousers, shirts and jackets
- Styles made with regenerative cotton
- Collaborations such as a collection with jeweller Jennifer Meyer
The brand emphasises fit, fabric and washes as its points of difference.
Business model and distribution
Products are made in the company's own sewing and laundry facilities in Los Angeles and Turkey, plus selected production partners. This degree of vertical control is unusual in fashion and lets the company manage quality and finishing in-house. The brand sells through department stores and specialist retailers, and directly via its e-commerce site. The company cites laser technology, ozone wash machines and recycled water among the methods used to reduce the impact of finishing.
Why it matters
Citizens of Humanity is one of the companies that defined the Los Angeles premium denim wave of the 2000s and has remained relevant as many peers faded. Its management-owned structure and in-house manufacturing make it a useful reference for how a premium denim business can keep control over product, finishing and margins.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Citizens of Humanity?
In 2017 the company's management team, led by chief executive Amy Williams, bought the shares from founder Jerome Dahan and Berkshire Partners. Later changes to the shareholder structure are not covered here.
Where are Citizens of Humanity jeans made?
The brand says its products are made in its own sewing and laundry facilities in Los Angeles and Turkey, together with selected production partners.