Creative Director and Designer Amie Gaines was already a success story for the way she successfully introduced Level 99’s denims into the market, thanks to expertly crafted, five-pocket pants and coordinating pieces that go from workplace to weekend to cocktail hour effortlessly. Industry-wise, she was and is noted for using the highest quality denim and slightly funky designs to define the brand. However, this fall, Gaines is not planning to ride the blue wave alone. When the mercury falls, a newer and more diverse rendering of her vision will be hitting stores, manifesting themselves in trouser-like cuts, wool and twill fabrics, sexy and wardrobe-building coats, dapper vests, a great wear everywhere dress and envelope pushing fabrics. Celebrities dressed to the 99s include Jessica Alba, Angelina Jolie, Cameron Diaz, Ashley Judd, Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu, and Mariska Hargitay. This Level is certainly their lucky number!
As a designer, Gaines knows a woman’s body. Finding inspiration from years of devoted people watching, she designs each flattering style for impeccable fit and comfort. Level 99 puts a tremendous amount of thought into its line, with pieces that almost universally complement one another. “Level 99 is the highest level of spiritual transcendence, it’s when you become all knowing,” she says. “We feel the quality starts with the raw materials, and all key elements perfect the garment you see. Each wash is developed in-house and processed by hand. We manufacture each style/garment with only the highest quality standards because if we wouldn’t wear it, we expect you wouldn’t, either. We are our toughest customer.”
Case in point: her acclaimed Typhoon pant--a five-pocket jean with a 28” opening, available in several denim washes including a buttery-soft Tencel. And then there’s her “Gaucho,” a popular update of the mid-70s staple offered in a variety of cuts, including a wide legged, longer Gaucho and a shorter, slimmer gaucho are available as well to flatter different body types.
With pants and jackets retailing between $100 - $199 (with shorts and gauchos below $100), Level 99 is available at Neiman Marcus, Anthropologie, Fred Segal, M. Fredric and other fine stores in Southern California.
