It seems that Diesel Black Gold may be forecasting a rather cold spring and summer season. From leather blazers and pants, bomber jackets, bundled up scarves, and layered knits in a typically fall palette of cognacs, caramels, dusty tans and grays; the only thing really keeping this collection from screaming fall are the strappy leather sandals and thigh-high shorts. By the way, did I mention there was no swimwear in sight?
Photo: Yannis Vlamos/GoRunway.com via Style.com.
Now, I have to admit that the collection as a whole is a breathe of fresh air for the brand, and it definitely is a more sophisticated route. However, creative director Sophia Kokosalaki might as well have gotten rid of the ‘Diesel’ in Diesel Black Gold.
From the time Diesel was founded in the late 70s, through its successful crossover into the high-end category in the 90s, to present day, the emphasis of the brand has always been denim based with great distressed detailing. Flash-forward into S/S 2011 and shades of dark, dusty colors have displaced indigo blues, and the usual frayed edges and signature deconstructed look are subbed with fades and a more worn in look. As for men, the silhouette is slimmer than ever.
Photo: Yannis Vlamos/GoRunway.com via Style.com.
Of course fashion is always about looking forward and it’s ever-changing, and in fact since the beginning, Diesel turned their backs on the style-dictators and consumer forecasters of the fashion establishment and let their own tastes lead them. So, in reality such a radical departure–even though we love their denim–shouldn’t come as a shock.
So, even with fall just kicking off, are you ready to fall into spring and summer?
– Sandoval Gomez
Tags: Diesel Black Gold, S/S 2011, Sophia Kokosalaki
From a female perspective, it totally makes sense to use your jeans as a gauge for how much you have gained — or lost — before you slide into your favorite go-to skinny, straight leg or even wide leg denim jeans. Do you have more of a muffin-top, or do the jeans sag in the back a bit? According to a new — and might I say super cool — survey conducted by Kellogg’s Special K Brand cereals, “women often reward themselves with a new pair of jeans for hitting a dieting and weight goal. Women in Canada (85 percent), Korea (82 percent) and the U.S. (79 percent) are more likely than those in other countries to say they’d reward themselves with new jeans.
Here are some other key findings:
– Kathy Ng Hassan
Tags: denim fit, dieting, jeans fit
Our staff came across this post on some tips for denim care. The article focuses on the before, during and after, surrounding how to wash, spot-clean and dry your jeans. Also included is a tip on how to choose the right denim weight for durability.
What do you think of the soak method mentioned below? Do you have a concoction of your own?
– Kathy Ng Hassan
From Shine by Yahoo!:
If your jeans have been sitting in a drawer all summer long, they could probably use a wash…in November. Denims should only be thrown in the washing machine every six months, according to Carl Chiara, Director of Brand Concepts at Levi Strauss & Co, who shared his tricks for jeans care with The Wall Street Journal. The reasoning behind this isn’t laziness. In fact, Chiara’s cleaning methods are far more meticulous than a standard wash-and-fold routine.
Tags: cleaning jeans, how-to, washing jeans
– Sandoval Gomez
Tags: Takayuki Akachi, Traveling Denim
We love you, too, Betty Confidential!
We are so stoked to be placed on the top 5 list from Betty Confidential‘s “5 Fave Denim Blogs” report, let alone list us in the number 2 spot. We are humbled and honored!
In case you’re new to Betty Confidential, it’s a leading online women’s magazine which specializes in up?to-the?minute celebrity news, style and beauty tips, relationship advice, and healthy living and family life. It has been selected by Forbes.com as one of the “Top 100 Websites for Women”. Be sure to check out their Mean Betty section for snarky fun reads on celebrities in the headlines.
– Kathy Ng Hassan
Tags: Betty Confidential
So you got inspired by Erica Domesek of P.S.- I Made This, and think you will successfully reincarnate your trusty old broken-in and perfect-fitting pair of jeans into a new work of art via some home-brewed tie dyeing. Having never done this before, do you really want to experiment on your beloved denim? Trust me. Having attempted this myself at home with some Rit Dye and a large bucket — and failed miserably — make sure those jeans you are about to ruin are your least favorite.
Let Denim Therapy’s denim dye experts transform your trusty old jeans into a modern masterpiece. With over 30 years of experience, our head Denim Dye Therapist leads a team of artisans who provide a bespoke, one-on-one dye treatment, so your denim will be back on the scene once again in no time flat.
Need a Re-Dye? A Tie-Dye? A Stone Wash? A complete overhaul? See what our experts can do!
– Kathy Ng Hassan
At the risk of being excommunicated and possibly stoned to death by the fashion gods, I have to admit that I had no clue Balmain even did menswear. I know, shocking, right?
Well past my initial moment of realization, which included excitement and a hint of confusion, I took a moment to gander through balmain.com and sure enough I was not disappointed. Though much of what he has to offer isn’t the most innovative and perhaps has been seen before, I will say this: it looks really good, and any man wearing his styles is sure to get noticed!
But let’s talk about what’s in his collections. Much like his women’s RTW there is one prominent motif: military!
However, for his men’s Spring/Summer 2011 designer Christophe Decarinin takes the militia concept one step further by adding in a dash of school boy charm and a whole lot of rock n’ roll. He shows us a wide selection of jackets, including embellished blazers, trench coats, peacoats, varsity and leather jackets paired with simple graphic tees, plaid shirts, and of course denim! From motorcycle jeans (a staple to the Balmain brand), some cargos, a couple of faded black jeans, and even a pair of silver jeans. Decarinin shows that denim is not going anywhere anytime soon and that it is truly wearable each season.
Every piece of this collection is impeccably tailored and is sure to transcend seasons. I’m just glad I’m in the know now!
PS: Don’t forget your combat boots!
– Sandoval Gomez
Tags: Balmain
If you are still coming down from the high of Fashion’s Night Out and New York Fashion Week shows, and need a little more to step down slowly, stay tuned to watch G-Star Raw’s NY RAW: Special Edition. Airing tonight at 7PM EDT, G-Star Raw will be streaming their recent fashion show from NYFW in all its glory and splendor. Grab your popcorn!
– Kathy Ng Hassan
Tags: G-Star Raw
While scrolling through the G-Star Web site, I was pleasantly surprised to find a collection of lady-like influences mixed with a modern, big-city style creating a perfect combination of toughness and decorous sensuality. Who knew that this brand — known for their heavy denim looks focused on a more industrial and urban sensibility — could produce such chic looks?
For Fall/Winter 2010, the emphasis — aside from their always present militant influences — is on denim-complementary textures, from luxurious shirts and tops in silk and sateen finishes to chunky cardigan knits and long coats. The main denim style is based around the distinctive low-crotch, tapered-leg silhouette — also known as the harem pants — executed in soft, feminine fabrics, with colors ranging from fresh blue to a shiny, leatheresque black. Now, roll them up ever so slightly to expose a graphic color blocked shoe and throw on a pair of half gloves and you’re good to go!
I know that not everyone is partial to this trend (personally I like it in the form of sweats, which G-Star also does) but chances are that it’s not going anywhere any time soon. However, perhaps after seeing how stylish this marriage of sporty and chic can actually be, you might take the risk! Besides, what’s fashion without a little adventure, right?
– Sandoval Gomez
Tags: G-Star
Here’s a hot scoop! If you really want to get a good deal on 7 for All Mankind jeans, then reserve your spot to attend The 7 for All Mankind Official 2010 Warehouse Sale, professionally managed by The Warehouse Sale (TWS). This is The Sale, with prices marked down, lower than other deals you may have seen throughout the year. Look for shorts, skirts, shirts, tees and outwear, with jeans starting at $65.
DEETS
October 1 – 3 (Los Angeles) - RSVP & Info.
October 8-9 (San Francisco) – RSVP & Info.
October 15-17 (New York City) – RSVP & Info.
October 22-24 (Chicago) – RSVP & Info.
Get first dibs! A special Invite Only preview day is available on Thursday, September 30 (Los Angeles) and Thursday, October 14 (New York City). The first 5 readers (for each of these two cities) to:
1) tell us which Denim Therapy service you would like to try,
2) FAN us on Facebook and
3) FOLLOW us on Twitter
will get on the Denim Therapy VIP guest list, and you can bring a friend!
Please specify which Invite Only event you want to attend. There is a maximum of 10 VIP guests for Los Angeles and a maximum of 10 VIP guests for New York City. If there are extra spots available, we will offer them to the next commenter.
Bonus: rumor has it you’ll likely rub shoulders with some celebrities who may drop in on the Invite Only events!
*Please note that by participating in this giveaway you are agreeing to receive email newsletters from Denim Therapy.
– Kathy Ng Hassan
Tags: 7 for All Mankind
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