LOS ANGELES: The newest premium denim contender comes from the most unexpected place, Cookie Johnson, the wife of sports legend and philanthropist Magic Johnson.
With a keen eye for trends and how to wear them, Johnson despaired over the lack of premium denim for women with a figure like hers, fit…but curvy.
“I couldn’t find jeans to fit my body type,” she explains. “It frustrated me to try on every pair in the store and leave with nothing.” Over the years Johnson realized that her testimony was one of many women. So, instead of waiting for a brand to appear that would fill the void, she decided to create one.
A graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Retailing of Clothing and Textiles, Cookie Johnson is collaborating with denim golden boy Michael Glasser, the mastermind behind Seven for all Mankind, Citizens of Humanity and current owner of Rich & Skinny to launch Cj by Cookie Johnson.
Through his own blue jean journey, Glasser, too, had uncovered this missing market for the woman who wants a designer look, but doesn’t fit into the standard, slim cut of premium jeans. A few meetings later and Cj by Cookie Johnson answered that demand: a new premium denim line embracing real bodies in both fit and style.
Call it fashion kismet.
With Johnson’s instinct for fashion and Glasser’s seasoned hand, Cj by Cookie Johnson is quickly becoming denim’s new MVP. Johnson, meanwhile, is overwhelmed with the reactions she sees in dressing rooms across the country.
“I’ve seen everything from tears of relief to sexy struts in front of the mirror,” she smiles. “The confidence that great-fitting jeans give women is the most rewarding thing about creating Cj.”
Cj by Cookie Johnson debuted with an all-star line-up of styles – boot cut, straight leg, boyfriend, high-waist, and legging. At a price point of $145-$198 the line is available in sizes 24-38.
The line is debuting at Nordstrom for summer, with a debut in Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales set for September.
