James Perse was born in Los Angeles in 1972. He grew up between the beach, the ice rink, and his father’s cutting-edge boutique, Maxfield, located in the same city. While Maxfield was helping to establish Los Angeles as a fashion capital, James was immersed from an early age in a world shaped by contemporary design, European and Asian influences, modern furniture, and a clean, minimalist aesthetic.
Ironically, it was his passion for sports that first led him into the world of fashion. A dedicated baseball cap enthusiast, James could never find one that was well-crafted, well-fitted, and made from quality fabrics in refined colors. In 1991, he set out to create the perfect cap for Maxfield. It quickly became a hit—directors ordered them for their film crews, and record labels for their touring artists.
In 1994, he launched a line of T-shirts that instantly attracted a loyal following looking for the perfect balance of luxury and casual wear. Two years later, in 1996, James introduced his first women’s collection under his own name. This gave rise to two distinct lines: Standard James Perse, focused on high-quality essentials, and James Perse Los Angeles, a ready-to-wear line featuring jackets, sweaters, pants, and dresses. A men’s collection followed in 1998, along with later lines for babies and children.
Deeply influenced by minimalist architecture and the California indoor-outdoor lifestyle, James developed a design philosophy based on elevated comfort: effortless elegance that is both understated and refined. This vision is evident in every aspect of his brand.
In 2003, he opened his first store—conceived as a space that would fully embody the brand’s world and values. In 2007, James Perse launched his e-commerce site, extending his reach to a broader global audience.
