LA gets Lucky, luring the high-end jeans brand downtown

Southern California is a high-end denim haven. We’ve got Seven For All Mankind, J Brand, Joe’s, Citizens of Humanity and more. Today, Lucky Brand celebrated its move to Los Angeles's downtown arts district with a ribbon cutting.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa thanked CEO Dave DeMattei for bringing nearly 250 jobs to Los Angeles. ”We’re lucky to be here in the Arts District, no pun intended,” said Villaraigosa, speaking at a podium in front of the art-deco-inspired headquarters situated near the historic 4th Street Bridge.

Lucky Brand’s creative director Patrick Wade gave Villaraigosa a tour of the 46,000-square-foot space where the artists and designers work. The vibe was light on the tour, with the mayor talking about his penchant for gray denim and sunglasses.

Then, on a serious note, Villaraigosa mentioned high taxes as an obstacle to getting companies to settle here. “You gotta do everything you can to cut the red tape and lower our business taxes so that they’re at least competitive with the region,” Villaraigosa said while walking through one of the merchandizing rooms.

That was, perhaps, a not-so-subtle nod to President Barack Obama’s new business tax plan. Mayor Villaraigosa was just chosen as one of the national co-chairs of Mr. Obama’s re-election campaign.

Mixing denim with politics — fashion or faux pas?