Socialite Olivia Palermo, dancer Julianne Hough, and the influencer known as “Pookie” are three vastly different women with one thing in common—their love for L’Agence. The beloved Los Angeles–born label was started by former J Brand founder Jeff Rudes and is now creatively directed by his niece Tara Rudes Dann.
For L’Agence’s big return to the Big Apple, Rudes thought it was only fitting that the spring 2025 presentation was hosted at the iconic Plaza hotel. It’s a familiar space for fashion show attendees: Sarah Staudinger’s celebrity-packed spring 2024 show and Christian Siriano’s most recent fall collection debuted in the grand ballroom space. But for L’Agence, they wanted to make their showing a bit more casual. Rather than a catwalk set up in the center of the ballroom, models adorned in matching wigs were positioned as if they were part of a mannequin display at one of the brand’s own stores. The low-key environment gave Rudes and Dann time to mingle with their guests, many of whom belong to the influencer community and are dedicated supporters of the label.
Dann can only credit L’Agence’s broad reach across customers to explain the brand’s ability to design outfits for every occasion. “It’s really about creating a wardrobe for our woman that can take from her the minute she wakes up to the minute she falls asleep,” says Dann. “It’s about the wardrobe being her lifestyle. Our woman is doing a lot of activities, going to many places, and will always have a reason to wear our swimsuits, matching sets, and tailoring.” The spring collection did just that with each of the models adorned in a vastly different look meant for a different occasion: from a sequined teal midi-dress perfect for dancing the night away to a gray plaid shirt and pants set to take you to the office the following day.
And while the company’s denim may be the most recognizable part of its identity thanks to the family background at J Brand, the Rudes want you to know that they’re more than just a jeans brand. “We’re elevated contemporary,” says Rudes. His niece echoed the sentiment: “It’s about lifestyle. We do everything from shoes to outerwear to blazers, dresses to swim, and even belts.” But for denim enthusiasts, there’s no need to worry, even as the brand expands to new and foreign territories. The jeans still maintain the same quality you remember, but are even better now thanks to modern-day technology. As they both say, “Good genes run in the family.”
