Jordache Jeans

Heidi Klum at Bloomingdale's

Jordache was founded by the Nakash brothers, Joe, Ralph and Avi in New York. The year was 1969, and the brothers opened up a shop selling branded jeans at a discount. This selling technique drew many customers and after a few years, Jordache had opened a total of four store. Unfortunately, in 1977, the brothers’ largest store was raided and set on fire during the New York black out. From the fire, they collected $120,000 from the insurance and decided to enter the jeans manufacturing business. Because of their interest in the European jeans market, where denim and fashion was more body conscious and had a higher level than that in New York.

Timing had been right for the brothers, but because of high competition, Jordache had to use major advertisements to promote and set them apart from designer jeans like Calvin Klein and Gloria Vanderbilt. By the 1980s, the company had expanded to more than just jeans, but that later proved to backfire shortly afterward. Although Jordache’s popularity may have lessened since 1990’s, it was still clear how successful Jordache’s years have fruited.

Jordache Vintage

Nowadays, Jordache Jeans still manufacture and designs jeans, denim, apparel and accessories where some were sold internationally. Jordache also produces a line of brands including Earl Jeans, US Polo Association, KIKIT Jeans, Maurice Sasson, Fubu Ladies, Airport, Blue Star, Gasoline and Jordache. The company also manufactures jeans for big time companies like Levi’s, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger and Abercrombie & Fitch. In 2004, Jordache Jeans produced their premium line Jordache Vintage to celebrate their 25^th anniversary.

Jordache Jeans have gone through a lot of endorsements including the controversial topless woman in tight jeans on horseback with a bare-chested man. “Sexy, tight and fashion forward” was what the ad stated, which garnered appreciative views and set them apart from other brands. That ad was featured in the Times after being persuaded by Jordache Jeans President Joseph Nakash. Aside from that, Jordache Jeans is also endorsed by A-List celebrities, Brittany Murphy, Elizabeth Hurley and recently, Heidi Klum who also launched the Jordache collection at Bloomingdale’s in 2008.

Now a major conglomerate, Jordache Jeans has upgraded their simple discount store to a huge manufacturing company not just for clothes and jeans but to real estate and even aviation. The Nakash brothers certainly weren’t thinking small when they began Jordache Jeans. This company proves that when a door of opportunity closes, there’s always a bigger window that’ll open.