Introducing Copin Denim – Driven By Diligence, Striving For Perfection

Hailing from the denim hub that is San Francisco, CA, Copin Denim launched just a mere 5 months ago in October 2013 by husband and wife duo, Brian Rather and Anne Curtis Rather. While the idea of starting a company with their spouse may unnerve some, the partnership between Brian and Anne has proven to be imperative to their success thus far.

In the spirit of team work, Anne oversees general operations and heads up all other day-to-day duties, while Brian focuses purely on the design and production aspects of Copin. Equipped with a technical design background as well, by nature he finds himself designing their denim with a more practical and pedantic approach, as opposed to following any particular fashion or trend.

Aside from the passion for and curiosity in denim, the Rathers have found that by taking design queues and inspiration from modern, industrial architecture, their products naturally take on a cleaner, bare bones aesthetic. As a result, the young brand effectively creates denim which juxtaposes new-age, minimal design with the timeless characteristics of comfort and integrity.

Copin denim is creatively inspired by modern architecture

So where did the name “Copin” come from? None other than Brian’s great grandfather, Charles “Frenchie” Copin. Frenchie moved from France to a small farming town in Southern Illinois and eventually opened a bar, “9 oh 9”. As he became a fixture in town, 9 oh 9 evolved into the go-to spot for local farmers and workers; not only to relax and blow off some steam, but also (and mostly) to catch with their friend.

From the designer’s perspective, his great grandfather was a complete creator, risk taker, and innovator. He serves as personal inspiration for everything they do, so much so in fact that they named their first two denim models the slim straight “Charles” and the slim “9 oh 9”.

Copin Denim

Copin Denim

When denim companies are asked what separates them from the others, many will often spout buzzwords like “innovation”, “quality”, and “meticulous craftsmanship.” Copin might not be excluded from this bunch, but they seem able to substantiate their claims.

For instance, not only do they purposely hold Cone Mills denim for all of their products, but they also chose to work with a production factory that is just ten minutes from their office. They stand so firm by their creations that they hold a guarantee for all their jeans – if you don’t like them, you can always return them.

Copin Denim Label

Copin Denim Flat

Copin Denim Hem

As a testament to the quality of their products, local SF shop, Huckberry, was so enamoured by their denim that they offered to help with their launch and nearly wiped out all of their inventory within a matter of days. Rather than basking in their early successes though, Brian and Anne are exploring new fits and fabrics; including a silhouette  suited to athletic body types as well as debut additions for women.

Copin Denim - The 9 oh 9

Copin Denim – The 9 oh 9

Copin Selvedge Details

To learn more about Copin Denim, visit their website.