J Brand, founded in 2004 by Jeff Rudes (an important name in designer denim since the late 1970s), was initially conceived as a brand aimed at providing women with jeans that emphasized a sexy, body-conscious silhouette in a comfortable fit. As the first company to introduce and drive the dark wash skinny jean trend in 2005, J Brand quickly gained massive popularity with consumers, celebrities, and fashion editors alike. While the skinny jean is still the brand's signature style, and one that they continue to execute superbly, the company's founder is intent on keeping J Brand on the cutting edge, always first in line to deliver the next big trend.