Founder Adriano Goldschmied is known as “the godfather of denim”. He created Diesel, Gap 1969, and AG Jeans, and is currently overseeing Citizens of Humanity’s mens’ line. He’s said to have started premium denim, and although he’s sold his namesake brand to his partner, Yul Ku, the roots are still there.

AG continues to focus on the “made in America” standard, and bring premium denim with a mastered fit and wash. It’s something that can only be guaranteed when all parts of the process are owned and integrated by the brand. Yul Ku’s son, Sam, is now the Creative Director for the brand. He said,

“One of our biggest advantages at AG is that we’re backed by a fully vertical jeans manufacturing company, Koos Manufacturing, Inc., based in South Gate, California, where we produce jeans from start to finish, all under one roof. Our competitors are at a disadvantage because they have to work with separate cutting factories, then send the product to a different sewing facility, then transport the product to a different wash house. The product changes hands from vendor to vendor, and you lose a large amount of quality and control. For us, everything from cutting to sewing to laundry and finishing is done here. We are able to keep a close eye on our production, and our designers are able to work with our technicians very closely to design and create the amazing product that we love.”

So what makes AG Jeans different?

“AG is known throughout the industry as a brand that is cutting-edge in terms of our innovative ways of making jeans. One of our newest innovations is implementing laser-burning onto our jeans, which is used to create abrasions and burn indigo off the surface. Using art files, we can burn everything from whiskers, holes, and even patterns onto the product. We also use an ozone-generating machine that is used to wash down the color, and to reduce back-staining [leftover indigo residue that could alter the finish]. Our biggest innovation is the process we use to make our ‘AG-ed Vintage’ jeans, which is a closely guarded secret that I can’t share with you now!”

Stop in to find your favorite style. Men’s styles include Dylan, Matchbox, and Protege (a fan favorite), and women’s styles include the Absolute legging, the Farrah Skinny, and the Prima.

Read the full interview with Sam Ku here.