Naem Denim Stays Local
Kevin Na set out to make the Naem denim line indistinguishable in quality from competing premium-denim brands—but with a different kind of price tag.
Naem jeans are cut, sewn, printed and washed in Los Angeles by proven premium-denim manufacturing resources in the industry. Naem denim wholesales for $59–$75.
“Some of these premium price points were a little bit inflated,” said Na, owner of Vernon, Calif.–based Naem. “I thought there was opportunity there. I wanted to do a clean line that was timeless and classic styling that wasn’t necessarily driven by back-pocket embroidery logos.”
Members of the Naem design and sales team bring their insight from working at top denim brands, where cut and fabric are crucial. Designer Erin McColl spent time at Yanuk and 7 For All Mankind. Sales manager Carol Scalisi previously represented Joe’s Jeans.
Naem’s skinny styles for women are made with DuPont T400 elastic fiber so the jeans don’t lose shape and “bag” after one wearing. For denim aficionados, the “Edison” men’s jean is made with Cone Denim’s “White Oak” selvage fabric.
Embellishment is reserved for the inside of the jeans. The words “Made in L.A.” are screen-printed inside the back panel of the jeans, and “Support Domestic Production” is printed on the pocket lining.
“Most of the premium-denim companies are in L.A., and the ’Made in the USA,’ ’Made in L.A.’ holds a certain value to the consumers,” Na said.
Naem started shipping its men’s and women’s jeans in December. The brand is now sold at stores such as Fred Segal Fun in Santa Monica, Calif.; The Blues Jean Bar stores nationwide; and Ian in Seattle.
For more information, call (323) 588-6914.—Rhea Cortado
