As far as a brand concepts go, it doesn’t get much better for me than the Los Angeles based Stonghold. The company was founded in Los Angeles in 1895 as the area’s first denim manufacturer, and operated continuously until its closure in 1949. Fast forward to 2004 when Michael Paradise and Michael Cassell revived the defunct work wear label as a contemporary brand with every bit of authenticity as the original.
The Stronghold of today operates in a sort of time warp, making its products to the same quality and standard as in the early days. Staying true to its roots, Stronghold still manufactures all of its products in the U.S. The company operates a store on Abbot Kinney in Venice Beach, California (1625 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA 90291 (310) 399-7200), that stocks the house label, as well as an edited collection of classic brands. Revered American companies like Filson, Pendleton, White’s Boots, Russell Moccasins, American Optical sunglasses and Stetson hats.
The store’s helpful manager, William Sack, explains the concept behind the store’s merchandising: “We carry only brands active while the original Stronghold was still operating, so they have to be pre-WWII. In addition, they have to still be made in America, and made on the original patterns.”
Stronghold manager and all around nice guy Mr. William Sack.
The Stonghold offers off-the-rack denim for $285 (cost per wear people, cost per wear), as well as made-to-measure trousers which start at $485, and are truly custom. The company develops a pattern specifically fit to your body and allows you to choose all of the components (fabric, hardware etc.) that go into your jeans. All Stronghold garments come with lifetime alterations and repairs free of charge. As you would expect, Stronghold only uses selvage denim in the construction of its jeans. Most of the basic fabrics are from the Cone Mills White Oak line. Some of the more esoteric, exotic, or organic selvage denim comes from Japan.
The wall of denim options for made-to-measure jeans. The glass tube display holds choices of hardware.
Stronghold jeans are available at Bergdorf Goodman and Jeffrey in New York City.
Stronghold | 1625 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA 90291 (310) 399-7200
Beautiful space and product
http://www.hyrcollective.com
I’m sure these are the nicest jeans ever. or something….but
aren’t we missing thepoint of jeans?
they’re for going down into the coal mines, right?
I’m not really a fan of jeans with braces. But if it’s inspired by work wear, than I guess that would be a little bit more true to form. But 3 bills for a pair of jeans?!!? One bad spill can ruin the no-wash strategy to get the natural creases. I guess you could wear it after the spill, but I’m a fan of hygiene. Oh well.
This really has a traditional American feel. I’m an instant fan.
http://urbantakeout.wordpress.com
These are on sale at Bergdorfs right now for $69.99. I just picked up a pair of the slims and they’re unbelievable.
i love the stronghold store! and they serve whiskey which you can drink in their club chairs and they never cut you off.
What a brilliant store concept.
What can I do if I have this wonderful jeans in Germany wants to buy?
amazing store was there yesterday.
Had a chance to visit L.A. and hang with Mike & Mike of Stronghold while we were out there covering all the dope shit from L.A… Dope, dope, dope, dudes who have a real passion for classic all American work wear.
Expect a heavy feature soon.
Went in here today and they really do have quality products. Everyone in there seems knowledgeable and incredibly friendly. Didn’t have time today, but plan to go back to get a (W) pair of jeans.