Earl Jean is a leading designer, manufacturer, wholesaler, and retailer of premium women’s jeans and related apparel. The Los Angeles-based company was founded in 1996 by Benjamin Freiwald and Suzanne Costas Freiwald and was one of the first denim brands to create the silhouette that has become the standard in women’s jeanswear. The brand can be found in stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Nieman Marcus, Isetan, Fred Segal, and Harvey Nichols.
Earl Jean engaged The Sage Group to explore opportunities in the marketplace. In 2001, the company completed the sale to Nautica Enterprises Inc. The founders will remain at the company to oversee day-to-day operations.