Los Angeles is often defined by its connection to the coast. For California Incline, that connection isn’t just a metaphor; it’s the very foundation of the brand.
“The name comes from the actual location, ‘the California Incline,’ that connects Los Angeles to the Pacific Coast Highway, linking the city to Malibu and beyond,” Co-Founder Kelsey Chapman explains. “We felt like it was a perfect fit.”
Founded by Kelsey Chapman and Jay Luchs, one of Los Angeles’s largest real estate players, the brand is inspired by the 21 miles of scenic beauty and the ease of California living. The brand curates collections consisting of linens, crewnecks, and vintage pieces that capture the feeling of sun-warmed days, all year round.
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“Our aesthetic is understated, natural, and endlessly wearable. It captures the essence of living on the West Coast,” Chapman shares. Made entirely in downtown Los Angeles, each piece is thoughtfully crafted using premium cotton and linen. “Our sweatshirts, for example, are crafted from a breathable yet durable cotton terry that feels soft against the skin but is built to last. We wanted every piece to feel natural yet elevated and effortless.”
For California Incline, the decision to be designed and produced locally wasn’t a business strategy, rather a non-negotiable. “When we started this project, the one non-negotiable was that we make our clothing in downtown LA. We wanted to be able to experience the entire process from start to finish and actually see where everything is made and meet the people who make it,” says Chapman.
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In addition to its core collections, California Incline brings California’s cultural history into its product line through vintage sourcing. “We love sourcing limited drops of vintage pieces that tie back to California’s culture and history — things like a vintage UCLA hoodie, a Warner Brothers crewneck, or a Malibu surf contest tank from the 70s. Each piece feels like a time capsule, and it allows us to celebrate the state’s heritage in a way that feels personal and unique,” says Chapman.
That blend of heritage and originality comes to life most strikingly in the Scenery Collection, which has quickly become the brand’s signature. “Our Scenery Collection has been our most popular launch and also the most unique. Each sweatshirt features original landscape photography on the back, shot by me. These require a specialized printing process to be produced that takes a lot of time, as they are done individually, one by one,” says Orlando.
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This fall, California Incline will open its first Malibu storefront, a project that carries profound significance given the community’s resilience following both the 2024 Franklin Fire and the Palisades Fire that caused devastation early this year. “Opening in Malibu has always been a dream of ours, but doing so now after everything that has happened carries even deeper meaning,” Chapman says. “We’ve seen the community show such resilience, and we feel grateful to be part of that recovery. For us, it’s not just about opening a store; it’s about creating a space that contributes to Malibu’s spirit as it rebuilds. We’re committed to giving back and being an active part of the community’s renewal.”
The space itself was designed as a reflection of that strength. “Malibu, and the broader community around it, has shown incredible resilience over the past year. We’ve seen people come together in new ways to support local businesses and one another. Our vision for the store is rooted in that spirit: a space that feels welcoming, restorative, and reflective of the strength and beauty of this place. We’re honored to play even a small role in helping bring people back to this amazing community,” says Chapman.
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From surf photography at Surfrider Beach to vintage Malibu prints in the dressing room, even the smallest details were considered. “We wanted the store to feel like a true reflection of Malibu itself,” they note. “On the walls, you’ll find artwork that celebrates the area, including a large surf print photographed at Surfrider Beach by our co-founder and a vintage Malibu Colony Drive print in the dressing room. Even our floral displays incorporate wild fennel that grows naturally in Malibu. Every detail was chosen to capture the spirit of the coast and make the space feel rooted in its surroundings.”
Currently, the Malibu store is open at Cross Creek Ranch on Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 7pm. With its Malibu doors newly open, the brand is already planning its next chapter. “We’re really excited about what’s ahead. This fall, we’re collaborating with a couple of iconic Malibu restaurants on a small launch that feels very rooted in the community. It’s our way of giving back and celebrating the place that inspires us. We also have a series of in-store events coming soon, which we hope will bring people together and create a space that feels as much about connection as it is about clothing,” says Chapman.
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With its foundation in Los Angeles craftsmanship and its vision tied to the California coastline, California Incline is more than a clothing brand — it’s a love letter to the state itself, and what those who are locals or not can.
Presented by: APG
