Though the name is French, the intentions and the product couldn’t
be more all-American. In 2001, two entrepreneurs--David
Long &John
Vandewiel—decided they wanted to create the next big
thing in denim. Their challenge: how to stand out among the blue-legged
masses. By 2002, the duo realized the way to go about it was to
make the brand the next great American denim brand. With current
events savvy that matched their knowledge of the advertising and
fashion industries, they had a firm grasp on the impact NAFTA had
on industry in the Southeast United States. Through their connections
and the research that goes into building a new business, the partners
got in touch with several experienced and skilled craftsmen who
had worked for high profile brands and manufacturers. After months
of careful consideration and thought, it only made sense that Jean
Paul Da’mage jeans for men and women would be assembled
and finished by U.S.A. manufacturers exclusively. Making good on
their promise, Long, Van de Weil and third partner Jeff Schaefer
rescued three factories from closure, transforming them into suppliers
of the Jean Paul Da’mage brand.
" I guess you could say we were altruistic in reviving cut
and sew and washhouses in the states but the reality was that we
were simply trying to make the best product with the best people,”
says David Long. “Our company has some of the most talented
people in the business and it shows in our end product. If your
a denim connoisseur like we are, right away you will be able to
spot a pair of Da'mage jeans. The bottom
line is we could make our jeans at the White House, or in the Statue
of Liberty, but if they are not flattering it doesn't matter. The
great thing is, Da'mage has some of the most beautiful and sexy
jeans in the market and if you feel guilty paying 200 dollars and
up you can feel good that you just supported American jobs”
To date, Jean Paul Da’mage is one of the only premium denim
brands that has its own finishing plants, so it’s no surprise
that the collections are known for their individual aesthetic and
exceptional, flattering fit. Jean Paul Da’mage jeans are further
distinguished by the way they are hand cut, sewn, and finished to
what the team describes as “imperfect
perfection,” with use of automated equipment kept to
a bare minimum. Price points for the denims ($180.00 to $578.00)
are reflective of the work that goes into their products.
Celebrity fans include Matt Damon
and Drew Barrymore, and the denims
with such star-making fits can be found at stores like Nordstrom,
Saks, Atrium and Traffic.
Through the remainder of 2005, the Jean Paul Da’mage name
will expand into fresh new territory which includes Underground
Rock and Roll Venue Tee Shirt collection and a line of fitted jackets.
