Billy Reid, owner of the eponymous Florence, Ala.-based men’s and women’s brand that draws inspiration from the South, is returning to his indigo roots.
The former denim salesperson turned CFDA-award-winning designer teamed with Citizens of Humanity on an edited collection of men’s jeans.
Sharing a common approach to elevated staples—and some manufacturing facilities—Citizens of Humanity tapped Reid to develop three exclusive washes for its Adler fit, the brand’s popular slim straight jean.
Related Stories
The fit, which offers a slightly higher rise and fits full through the waist and thigh with a small taper from the knee, was chosen with the Billy Reid customer in mind, according to Marianne McDonald, Citizens of Humanity’s creative director.
“Signature to both Citizens of Humanity and Billy Reid is our dedicated approach to reimagining the classics. We both understand the importance, and the beauty, of crafting products with integrity and authenticity,” said McDonald, adding that the washes blend into men’s “daily uniform of wardrobe classics.”
Made with Japanese denim comprised of 98 percent cotton and 2 percent polyurethane, the Adler jean is available in light indigo, medium indigo and dark indigo. The light and medium styles feature slight whispering and fading. All jeans are stitched in the U.S. and are finished with “Billy Reid touches” like the brand’s signature heirloom ribbon flag, leather washers and co-branded leather back patch.
Collaborations are a go-to way for Billy Reid to carry its Southern aesthetic into new product categories. The brand previously collaborated with Levi’s, J. Crew, Coach, Neiman Marcus, Williams Sonoma, Gibson and K-Swiss.
The partnership with Citizens, however, follows each brand’s belief in “creating fewer, better things to balance sustainability and artisanship.”
“Citizens of Humanity is a leader in USA manufacturing with admirable ongoing sustainability efforts,” Reid said. “Our shared approaches and love for American denim set a great foundation for our relationship. You’ll find that our pieces are designed to live and made to last.”
Citizens of Humanity x Billy Reid collection is available only at Billy Reid’s 11 freestanding stores in the U.S. and on its website. The jeans retail for $278 each.
