10. Levi Strauss &
Co.
The name Levi Strauss
& Co. may conjure up images of basic, practical jeans, but the well-known
company has recently taken its reputation up to new heights with the
introduction of its premium denim. Called the Levi Capitol E jean, these
high-end pants are sewn by hand out of high-quality denim and it can take as
many as 30 people from start to finish to craft just one pair. Such intensive
workmanship doesn’t come cheap. In fact, the most expensive cuts of these jeans
sell for as high as $500 a pair and no two are exactly
alike.
9. 7 For All Mankind
The popular
7 For All Mankind brand has become known for its high quality fabric and
exceptional cut. Pairs start at a few hundred dollars and are readily available
at better department stores in a variety of colors, weaves and styles. The top
of the line pairs can run as high as almost $1,000, and some fans of this line
swear that the cut gives the illusion of thinner legs and leaner thighs, which
just may make it a worthy
buy.
8. Earnest Sewn
Imagine having a pair of jeans made for your exact measurements
and taste. That’s the lure of the Earnest Sewn Custom Fit Jeans, which are a hit
among fashion lovers who demand a perfect fit. These jeans are also made from
rare batches of fine hand-dyed denim, making them unique. When you order a pair,
they are made to perfectly fit your individual size and body shape. In addition,
you can select the details that you would like to add, such as rivet material
and size. The cost for such a customized style is about
$1,000.
7. Roberto Cavalli
If bling is your thing, then consider the bejeweled premium denim
jeans offered by Roberto Cavalli. This is a favorite among celebrities and
fashion insiders, including Jennifer Lopez, who is known for her cutting-edge
style. You can find these extravagant jeans at high-end department stores, or at
the Roberto Cavalli boutique on Madison Avenue in New York City. A pair will
cost you close to $1,200.
6. Dolce & Gabbana
The Italian design team of Dolce & Gabbana has an excellent
track record for designing beautiful clothes for some of the best-dressed women.
Therefore it should come as no surprise that they’ve captured a piece of the
high-end jean market. Their take on this item is a distressed faded denim with
an embroidered butterfly design. The finishing touch is an elegant gold D&G
logo centered on a pink leather patch that decorates the back pocket and let’s
people know who is the creator behind this attractive and eye-catching design.
The price for a pair is just under $1,200 and this unique item is in limited
supply, resulting in a waiting list worldwide.
5. APO Jeans
Do you prefer silver, gold or platinum hardware? When you select
APO Jeans custom denim, you can choose rivets made from any of these three
metals and can even opt for real diamonds in the place of a regular button.
Further, the pockets are lined in pure silk and the zipper is polished and
plated to perfection. Of course such luxurious details, in addition to the
finest denim, doesn’t come cheap. APO considers its premium denim and detailing
“cream of the crop,” and charges accordingly. In fact, the price tag for this
product with all of the bells and whistles is $4,000. But in return, you receive
a written appraisal from a prestigious New York City jeweler so you can protect
your investment.
4. Gucci
There is an elegance and timelessness that is conveyed by
anything Gucci. This premise holds true even when the item in question comes
tattered and ripped. At least that’s the idea behind the Gucci Genius jeans,
which were made from a pair of regular jeans that were specially treated and
torn to make them look old and worn. Then the jeans were covered with African
beading, feathers and buttons to give them a unique look. The finished product,
which was unveiled on the Milan back in 1998, was priced at just a bit more than
$3,100, earning it a mention in Guinness World Records. (Today this would be
equal to just over $4,000.)
3. Escada
Do you like to be the center of attention? If so, then consider
luxe designer Escada’s version of the custom jean, which lets the buyers select
any details and styling their hearts desire. The finished item is priced
accordingly. Some fans of this jean really exercise their creativity, adding a
range of embellishments worthy of a princess or queen. The most expensive custom
pair to date was decked in Swarovski crystals. The price for this indulgence was
$10,000.
While most
of the jeans on this list are new, the ones that hold the number two spot are a
pair that is actually very, very old. These jeans are a pair of original Levi
Strauss & Co. that date back to the 1880s and lots of history is captured
within the weave of its vintage fabric. These jeans, which are an original
example of the Levi 501 style, sold at auction on eBay in 2005 for a shocking
$60,000. This translates today to more than $65,000.
The first
was a pair of Levi’s also from the late 1800s that were bought by Levi Strauss
& Co. in 2001 for about $46,000 (today this equals more than $55,000). In
addition, a recent EBay auction for a pair of Levis more than century old that
were found in a California goldmine sold for more than
$36,000.
1. Secret Circus
And the winner for the most expensive jeans is . . . an unusual
pair that is designed by a new company called Secret Circus. The creators are
banking on the idea that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, no matter whether
you wear them around your neck or on your back pocket instead. That’s why they
included a design made from a large collection of high-quality (and
substantially-sized) diamonds on their pants. Rumor has it that the first pair
was sold for a shocking $1.3 million.
