Photography by Rom Jacob Bokobza
Proudly Made in California Pam & Gela: Founders of Juicy Couture are making California Style a global look. The originators of California Luxury Casual Style, Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela
sensation known around the world for being the outfit of the “new money.” Pam
Nash-Taylor are the founders of the California-inspired global uber-brand Juicy
and Gela created the California Chic style and forever changed the way fashion
Couture. The self-taught moguls met while working in a Los Angeles clothing
saw casual comfort. It was all the rage. You could not go anywhere without seeing
boutique in 1988. They launched a maternity line — each partner contributed
women in these colorful track suits. From airplanes to grocery stores to Rodeo
$100 — and parlayed their success into a range of luxury cotton shirts under their
Drive to Fifth Avenue, they were everywhere. Wall Street also took notice of this
new Juicy Couture label, which was launched by the designing duo in 1995, with
trend and in 2004, the two best friends from the San Fernando Valley sold their
corporate offices located in Pacoima, California.
company to Liz Claiborne for $56 million, with a $200 million earn-out.
In search of public attention for the brand, with no internet or social media
Staying true to their California roots, Levy and Taylor are back with the launch
at the time, Nash and Levy did it old school: they sent bags and bags of their
of “Pam & Gela,” a luxe casual contemporary line that reflects the essence of
colorful velour designs to celebrities from Los Angeles to New York City. And it
California’s coastal lifestyle. They also recently published a tell-all business book,
worked. Reese Witherspoon, in a pink velour hoodie and matching track pants,
“The Glitter Plan.” I had the pleasure of sitting down with the inspiring, ever-so-
was photographed by People magazine walking her dog in Brentwood, Lara
beautiful inside and out, super-talented Pam and Gela, and learned just what
Flynn Boyle was seen walking the beach in Malibu in her tangerine track suit, and
their California Style is.
Britney Spears was seen in Calabasas waiting in a valet line in Juicy Couture from head to toe. The celebrity appearances in Juicy clothes made the brand famous
As the founders and designers of Juicy Couture you brought the California
almost instantly. Starbucks and valet parking were their fashion runway. In 2001,
brand global. Can you describe how the California lifestyle influenced
the famous Juicy tracksuit was custom designed for Madonna, and she turned the
you then and now?
velour tracksuit into a mega fashion trend with her celebrity endorsement for the
It is just our vibe, California is who we are! It is easy to live here and our design
company. Madonna was the first big break. Juicy Couture then became a brand
esthetic mirrors the essence of the California lifestyle.
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