Shade55

American Made From Day One

Paul Hagopian — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:15:26 +0000

Two and a half years ago today we created our first men’s proto type. It was far from perfect or complete. Our custom made buttons were still in the development phase so we had to use a generic brass button, among a dozen other things. But despite it being rugged and raw, this pair took Shade55 from an idea to a reality. From that moment, we were able to visualize our dream and have never looked back.

Shade 55 @ Project Las Vegas 2/19 – 2/21 Preview

Paul Hagopian — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 19:04:01 +0000

We are excited to be showing our newest collection of 100% Premium American denim inspired classic American craftsmen at Project Las Vegas February 19 – 21. Our creative juices have been on overdrive and we are thrilled with the result. We plan to debut many 1st’s during the show. Updated fits and one-of-a- kind washes are just a small part of what’s new. Come check us out at booth #20057.

One of the creations we are most proud of is the newest addition to the Shade 55 family, style #1978-the Classic American Rise Straight Leg. Inspired by the classic American fit, this straight leg has been engineered for comfort, from the American grown fabric to the pattern. The demand has been great for an update to this American classic and we delivered with this new style. This style features an updated mid rise with a heavy duty zipper closure, along with a comfortable leg opening. Complimented by an array of innovative washes, 1978 will be your favorite pair of jeans the first time you try them on!

Another BIG announcement that will debut at Project Las Vegas is our first women’s jean! We are calling it the EX-BOYFRIEND jean… because it was his favorite pair! Since day one, women have been asking for a classic American style they can call their own, especially after hearing their male counterparts express how comfortable their Shade 55 jeans are. So we delivered with the launch of this new new style, the EX-boyfriend jean. We combined the same rugged details, comfort and American master craftsman ship of our men’s jeans but tailored them for her. Combined with the exclusive washes that were developed just for this style, the EX-BOYFRIEND jean will soon be her favorite pair.

Our creative juices didn’t stop there. This year we managed to snag a corner booth location. We plan to make the most of the corner space and debut a new and improved display. Come see the day in the life of the Shade 55 manufacturing world. Check out our wash board and the materials and tools we use to make each pair of jeans unique and built American tough.

We look forward to seeing you there and personally showing you why Made In The USA Is Back!

SHADE55 IS “ONE OF THE BEST BASICS WE’VE SEEN AT ENK” FROM WGSN

Paul Hagopian — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:38:03 +0000

This is WGSN’s first look at Shade55 from ENK Las Vegas. Thanks for naming us “one of the best basics we’ve seen at ENK” Click the image to read more.

SHADE55 BACK PATCH. BEFORE AND AFTER

Paul Hagopian — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:28:55 +0000

Here’s a great photo that shows the steps and transformation that happens to each of our hand made leather back patches. We only hand select the strongest leather and then create our unique back patches with hand-made details. A machine is never used in the creation of the patches. Therefore, each is unique.

VIDEO: SHADE55 PREMIERS ON VANITI.COM

Paul Hagopian — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 02:55:22 +0000

Vaniti.com, the new luxury online retailer, has just released a new video about Shade55.

Click here to view

VIDEO: Shade55 on Vaniti.com

Paul Hagopian — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 02:19:36 +0000

Shade55 video on Vaniti.com. It’s a great inside look into the brand.

Click here to view now.

Denim Guy Reviews Shade55 Slouchy Jeans

Paul Hagopian — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:35:33 +0000

With this being my third Reader Review with the Denim Guy, I thought I had seen every type of fit/style in denim. I was very intrigued when I was recommended to try a “Slouchy” fit.When I hear the word slouchy, in my mind I picture something droopy and baggy like a harem pant. When I tried on the jeans, I was pleasantly surprised…

The Denim – Lewis and Clark Wash. Retails for $198

Click here to read the entire article and see more pictures from Shade55!

Test First – Then Cut. You Will Thank Me Later.

Paul Hagopian — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 00:08:48 +0000

One of the most important parts of making a perfect pair of jeans is getting to know the denim being used. Water, heat and other elements can effect the denim and thus change the fit. Shade55 is committed to testing and retesting our denim to make sure it meets and exceeds our standards (which are pretty high since we have been making jeans for a long time).
Pictured is our shrink test done right! Within the next couple days, this yard of denim will be put through the ultimate test. It will be washed and dried numerous times, along with heavy stone washing, heat treatments and hand sanding. Only after it passes all the tests and the most extreme conditions and use do we cut it into jean parts.

Our denim is here!!

Paul Hagopian — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 23:31:34 +0000

The first rolls of production fabric began to arrive today at our cutting facility in Los Angeles. This is a HUGE deal and it couldn’t have happened on a better day than today, 11/11/11!! Pictured with one of the sulfur black denim rolls is Horacio. He is a cutting master and has been cutting denim for over 35 years. He is an important part of the Shade55 family.
This roll is destined to become one of our most popular styles and wash; The Tapered Leg in Lewis and Clark wash.

What It Means To Be Truly American Made

admin — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:18:42 +0000

Nowadays, it seems like everything is imported. From computers, to cars, to clothing. Everywhere you go, there is a label that usually reads, “Made in China” or another country. And if it does read, “Made in the USA,” how can you be sure it was it REALLY Made in the USA?

Did you know that companies often use a loop hole that allows businesses to claim “Made in the USA” on their products even if 90% of the materials and labor are imported? For example, if a small, final operation is completed on USA soil, then the

“Made in USA” label is legally OK to display. This is even true for the most premium brands that claim the strong phrase of “Made in the USA.” Without a doubt, there is something special to be said about an American-made product, whether it be craftsmanship or value, which is the reason why companies will sometimes do almost anything to have the “Made in USA” label attached their product.

Some things are best imported, like coffee from Columbia. I also give credit to Apple, who clearly state “Designed in California and Assembled in China” on all their products. But shame on those companies, especially those that import products which could be made the best in the USA, who claim “Made in USA” even though it’s really not. Whether they import their fabric from China or assemble in Mexico, their products are partially made in the USA and partially in other parts of the world. Companies who conduct this kind of marketing should be frowned upon, at best.

Shade55 is proudly committed to only using the finest USA grown and made raw materials and labor in everything we make. There is absolutely no reason to outsource anything we do. Our cotton is best grown on the fertile US soil and the strong labor force of the USA has the experience and knowledge to make America’s staple item, jeans. To import or outsource jeans is like bringing sand to the beach. You just don’t do it. While other companies have cost cutting strategies on their mind to increase profitability, Shade55 is focused to delivering men with the utmost in comfort and luxury without ever substituting or importing.