Levi Strauss & Co.
The Levi Strauss & Co brand is often associated with simple, practical jeans, but the company has recently elevated its reputation with the introduction of premium denim.
Known as the Levi Capitol E jean, these luxury pants are meticulously hand-sewn from high-quality denim, requiring up to 30 people to craft just one pair. This level of craftsmanship comes at a price, with the most expensive styles selling for up to $500 per pair, each one unique in its own right. Interestingly, these high-end jeans are not even the most expensive Levi's on the market. (For more information on notable Levi sales, refer to number 9 on this list.)
For All Mankind
The well-known brand 7 for All Mankind has gained a reputation for its superior fabric and excellent tailoring. Prices for their pairs begin at a few hundred dollars and can be found easily at upscale department stores in various colors, patterns, and designs. The highest-end pairs can reach nearly $1,000, and some devoted fans of this brand claim that the cut creates the appearance of slimmer legs and leaner thighs, making it a worthwhile investment.
Ernest Sewn
The Ernest Sewn Custom Fit Jeans offer the allure of having a pair of jeans tailored specifically to your measurements and preferences. These jeans are highly popular among fashion enthusiasts who seek a flawless fit. They are crafted from exclusive batches of meticulously hand-dyed denim, ensuring their uniqueness. Each pair is custom-made to perfectly suit your unique size and body shape. Additionally, you have the freedom to choose specific details, such as the material and size of the rivets. The price for this personalized style is approximately $1,000.
Roberto Cavalli
If you love bling, then you should check out the bejeweled premium denim jeans from Roberto Cavalli. These jeans are popular among celebrities and fashion experts, such as Jennifer Lopez, who is known for her trendy style. The stylish cast of Sex and the City have also been spotted wearing Cavalli's clothing line. You can purchase these luxurious jeans at upscale department stores or at the Roberto Cavalli boutique on Madison Avenue in New York City. Be prepared to spend around $1,200 for a pair.
Dolce & Gabbana
The Dolce&Gabbana design team from Italy has a strong reputation for creating stunning clothing for fashionable women. It is therefore not surprising that they have ventured into the high-end jeans market. Their version of this item features distressed faded denim with an embroidered butterfly design. Adding to its allure is an elegant gold D&G logo placed on a pink leather patch, which adorns the back pocket and reveals the creator of this attractive and attention-grabbing design. Priced at just under $1,200 per pair, this one-of-a-kind item is in limited supply, leading to a global waiting list.
APO Jeans
When choosing APO Jeans custom denim, you have the option to select silver, gold, or platinum hardware. Additionally, you can even choose to have real diamonds instead of a regular button. The pockets are lined with pure silk and the zipper is polished and plated to perfection. However, these luxurious details, along with the high-quality denim, come at a price. APO considers their premium denim and detailing to be the best and charges accordingly. In fact, the price for this product with all the added features is $4,000. But in return, you will receive a written appraisal from a prestigious jeweler in New York City to protect your investment.
Gucci
There is an elegance and timelessness associated with anything Gucci. This holds true even when the item is tattered and ripped. This is the concept behind Gucci Genius jeans, created from a pair of regular jeans that were specially treated and torn to give them an old and worn look. The jeans were then adorned with African beading, feathers, and buttons to create a unique appearance. Unveiled in Milan in 1998, the finished product was priced at just over $3,100, earning it a mention in the Guinness World Records. (Today, this would be equivalent to just over $4,000.)
Escada
If you enjoy being the focal point, you might want to take a look at Escada's luxurious designer version of custom jeans. With this option, buyers have the freedom to choose any details and style they desire, resulting in a personalized finished product. The price of the jeans will vary depending on the selected features. Some enthusiasts of these jeans showcase their creativity by incorporating various embellishments fit for royalty. The highest-priced custom pair thus far was adorned with Swarovski crystals, costing a staggering $10,000..
Levi Strauss & Co.
Although most of the jeans on this list are new, the pair that holds the number two spot is actually very old. These jeans are an original Levi Strauss & Co. pair from the 1880s, with a lot of history woven into their vintage fabric. This particular pair, an original example of the Levi 501 style, was sold at an auction on EBay in 2005 for a staggering $60,000, which is equivalent to over $65,000 today. The winning bidder was a Japanese collector who chose to remain anonymous.
While this Levi sale set a record, there are two other notable sales worth mentioning. The first was a pair of Levi's from the late 1800s that Levi Strauss & Co. purchased in 2001 for around $46,000 (now over $55,000). Additionally, a recent EBay auction for a pair of Levi's over a century old, discovered in a California goldmine, sold for more than $36,000.
Secret Circus
The most expensive jeans winner is an unconventional pair designed by a new company called Secret Circus. The creators believe that diamonds are a girl's best friend, whether worn around the neck or on the back pocket. They have incorporated a design made from a large collection of high-quality and substantial-sized diamonds on their pants. It is rumored that the first pair was sold for a staggering $1.3 million.