Category Archives: Denim Insider

Denim News: Levi’s Denim Doppelgänger

Would you pay $758 for a pair of replicated vintage Levi’s jeans reincarnated by another brand?  The Japanese label Evisu sure thinks so.  A limited edition range under the Evisu Private Stock label, pays homage to three original vintage styles by Levi’s.  The three styles to be sold mirror the images of Levi’s 1944 501 jeans (500 pairs at $358 each), the 1890 “Nevada” jeans (250 pairs at $558 each), and the 1917 “Campbell” jeans (100 pairs at $758).

Each pair of jeans is packaged in an elaborate wooden box and will be available at select specialty stores in August, including Barneys New York, American Rag, Fred Segal, Atrium and evisu.com.

“The Private Stock collection is a showcase for Evisu to retell the story of some of denim history’s most iconic jeans,” said Scott Morrison, chief executive officer of Evisu. “We’re not remaking a Levi’s jean, nor are we claiming that this is a Levi’s jean. We’re merely taking inspiration from our past and paying homage to one of the oldest, or historically relevant, jeans in existence, which in this case happens to have been an amazing pair of Levi’s. Denim has a wonderful story to tell and as denim designers you can’t help but find ideas for the future by looking in the past.” (WWD)

Well, let’s see what the outcome is after Levi’s investigates the details of these “inspired” jeans.  It will either be a nod of flattery or the denim demons will have to put an end to this.


–Nikki Cho Russo

Denim Finds: Spring into Denim

Spring is in the air and your favorite fabric transforms shoes, handbags and jewelry into trendsetting must-have items for this season.

Joie Turn Me Loose Sandals

Joie Turn Me Loose Sandal, $245.00

Who knew gladiators could look so chic in denim.  This stud muffin will keep you in fighting style.

Joie @ Neiman Marcus

Tory Burch Denim Flats

Tory Burch “Perry” Denim Logo Flats, $250.00

Burch’s iconic flats go casual chic in denim.

Tory Burch @ Bloomingdales

Rebel Tote

Rebel Tote, $318.00

Washed-out denim with studded leather straps that lend a bit of edgy cool to all of your daily errands.

Rebel @ Anthropologie

Mulberry Bayswater Bag

Mulberry Bayswater Washed Denim Bag, $995.00

For the downtown girl that wants an edgy, fresh, and chic structured uptown kind of bag.  She’ll find it in a classic Mulberry in quilted light washed denim and leather.

Mulberry

Ted Rossi Denim Bangles

Ted Rossi Denim Bangles, $138 – $158

Rossi goes denim with his signature bangles!  Mix them up with his snake skin bangles for a bohemian clash of the titans.

Henri Bendel, 800.H.BENDEL

–Nikki Cho Russo


Thrillist Nation: The Lowdown on the Jean Scene

Today’s Thrillist article is about Denim Debate, a forum for fashion bloggers, tastemakers and shop owners who have volunteered to run 25 different premium brands through fierce wear and tear testing that is regularly documented.  Two brands that are mentioned are Momotaro and the Jean Shop, premium brands that I have done articles on in the past. Read the full Thrillist Nation article below.

New products endure rigorous testing to determine durability: for instance, the USDOT slams crash test dummies into walls, until they leave to form one-hit-wonder folk-rock bands. Check out some dudes figurin’ how your new jeans’ll hold up: Denim Debate.

Thrillist - Denim Debate

Providing comprehensive wearability/break-in/durability reports on high-end jeans, DD’s a forum of fashion bloggers, tastemakers, and shop owners who’ve each volunteered to run one of 25 different premium brands’ pairs through the ringer for an entire year and regularly document how they’re holding up (hopefully smartly, by insisting on unmarked, non-consecutive bills, and no dye packs). Each contributor gets his own page to submit updates throughout the annum, complete with background on both himself (job descrip, personal style, body type, etc) and his test brand, including detailed specs on everything from materials, to cut & style, to the type of buttons used; there’s also a photo section forvisual evidence of wear & tear, since sometimes it’s tough to use words to describe how things’ve aged — to wit, try explaining Mickey Rourke’s face. Just try it. Although updates’re fairly limited as the endeavor’s just begun, there’s already action like James Fox of blog 10engines, who after 3 weeks noticed his Jean Shops were “just starting to soften, and basically have no discernible creasing or wear to show”, and Ryan Huber of Context Clothing, wearing Momotaro Vintage Label, who acknowledges “the indigo rubs off on my hands everyday”, though he conveniently fails to acknowledge the reason for all the rubbing.

If you’re all about getting over-involved, DD’s open to feedback and submissions from readers on their experience with particular brands, although you couldn’t quite explain why those JNCOs really weeeerrrre coooool. Mmm mmm mmm mmm…

Read up on how the jeans endure at DenimDebate.com

(Source:  Thrillist Nation)

–Nikki Cho Russo


Denim Therapy Fan Letter

I opened up my email this morning to a lovely note from Kerry Lange, who wrote, “I recently told my friend about your service and she sent me the following email. Thought you would appreciate the poetic response…”

There is serious beauty in that website (Denim Therapy).

My jeans do not wear out in a way that could use this service. They just eventually lose their soul. Like, the soul lifts from them one morning as they lie in a heap next to my bed after having been hastily removed on my way in from the bar. They become weightless and shapeless and almost like wearing nothing at all. This is beyond comfortably worn. They become icky like cheap leather or a man’s skin that is too soft. You can see through them. My jeans rarely suffer injury. It is mostly just they are beat until they dissipate into the atmosphere. Then, they just float around me in the air in tiny little pieces.

I adore that this is available, though. Jeans must be the article of clothing people feel the most affection for. I keep pairs that I can no longer wear, but pull them out and look at them affectionately sometimes. And, yes, sometimes I shed a tear. So many memories we have shared together… So much we have bestowed on each other. We are both different because of the other.

These people understand that.

This truly is poetic and we thank Kerry and her friend for their praise and support to Denim Therapy. Denim, a great metaphor for life, pure in it’s conception, made in a spectrum of washes, tough and durable, and with age softens and settles into it’s most beautiful and truest form.  How does anyone live without it?  We certainly can’t, which is why Denim Therapy exists.

–Nikki Cho Russo

Denim Finds: Denim That Snap, Crackle, and Pop!

With so much rain, sleet, and snow lately, what better way to remedy your cabin fever than to weather the storm and go shopping!  There’s plenty of denim that will put a little snap, crackle and plenty of pop into your wardrobe (and spirits).

Alexander Wang Denim w:Belt

Alexander Wang Denim w/belt, $170.00

Black denim pants with leather belt detailing and metal hardware.  Mad Max for the modern woman.

Alexander Wang @ Aloha Rag

Rock and Republic Malevolent Jeans

Rock & Republic Crazy Low-Rise Malevolent Jeans, $248.00

Gorgeous edgy jeans in a metallic black/silver wash for the fashionable rocker chick.

Rock & Republic @ Bergdorf Goodman

Marc by Marc Jacobs Diamond Denim Dress

Marc by Marc Jacobs Diamond Denim Dress, $298.00

This fabulous tribal print denim dress is a breath of fresh air for any spring wardrobe.

Marc by Marc Jacobs @ Shopbop

MM^ Maison Martin Margiela Tube Dress

MM6 Maison Martin Margiela, $275.00

A sexy denim tube dress easy to slip on and easy to slip off.

MM6 Maison Martin Margiela @ Shopbop

Andy Warhol for Pepe Jeans2

Andy Warhol for Pepe Jeans

Andy Warhol makes Pepe pop with iconic prints.

Pepe Jeans

All Star Missoni:Converse

Just in time for the spring, it’s La Dolce Vita!  The Italian powerhouse, Missoni, has gotten Chuck’d and taken for a whirl-wind of a ride in a collaborative love affair with the American All-Star rock ‘n’ roller. Dropping in selected stores in April, Missoni’s iconic pattern graces the Chuck Taylor in two color patterns at $200 a pop!  Sizzling!

Converse


Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo NixenPlatform, $795.00

Rock that 70s style in these platform corked heel sandals.  To complete the retro look, add the Martha clutchindenim with jazzy lightening bolt and star print, $1050.00

Martha Clutch by Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo

–Nikki Cho Russo

Joe’s Jeans Goes Outlet

pic3

Joe’s Jeans, a Los Angeles-based premium denim label, has just inked a deal with Simon Property Group to open nine outlet stores in Simon’s Premium Centers across the country.

Joe’s Jeans produces one of the most recognized and sought-after premium denim brands in the world with their signature logo and great fitting denim with an expanded sportswear apparel line, bags and accessories.

Now more denim lovers can afford to buy a pair of premium denim at outlet prices.  Brilliant!

pic1

Starting today through the 17th, receive 25% off when you enter the code: AMOUR

pic2

Shop Joe’s Jeans

–Nikki Cho Russo

Denim Insider: Marc Allison Jeans

 Marc Allison Jeans various

 

With all the dizzying array of denim styles out there, it’s always nice to find a denim brand that goes further to bring you expert tailoring and advanced textile technology.  Marc Allison Jeans, (formerly Marc Alan Jeans) a semi-newbie to the premium denim mix, has decidely produced fashion’s It-Jeans with a refined flair.  Take their skinny jeans, for instance.  I’m serious.  Take them, and try them on!  They feel velvety soft and stretchy.  No pinching on your hip bones and the skinny jeans I tried on conforms to the length of my legs without choking them.  Marc Allison michi2Marc Allison michi1Marc Allison michi3

I tried on the Michi Skinny in Medium Blue Indigo with abrasion (it’s still pretty dark), which are super low-rise, so ladies with a booty will look great in these.  If you have less junk in the trunk, they may ride down a bit if you squat, but the waistband doesn’t pucker out.  Don’t be scared off by the 32″ inseam if you normally go shorter, because they crinkle up a bit.  The cut of the jean also doesn’t choke the ankles, so, even though they are skinny, legging-like jeans, they have a made-for-you look.

So, I had to find out what was the real story behind these super comfy jeans, and Marc Flashberg, President of Marc Allison Jeans, was nice enough to fill me in.

What inspires you?
My love of denim.  I’ve been selling denim since the inception of the premium denim market and it became a major part of my life.  Over the years, I’ve moved from selling denim to creating denim fabrics, and now actually designing my own line.

We have something different, something you can’t get any where else in the denim market.  It is so inspiring to hear comments on the feel of the jean, the comfort and movability, [and] the recovery in the jean that it motivates me to continue our journey.  

What bugs you about some “premium” denim jeans currently out?
It really bothers me that a woman can put on a beautiful fitting pair of jeans in the morning and then half way through the day, the fit is gone.  The jean doesn’t come anywhere close to looking as good at the end of the day as they do when they are put on at the start of their day.  The major reason for this is the fabric.

Unlike other premium denim, the entire Marc Allison jeans line is designed with a completely new fabric that no other brand is offering – a four-way X-FIT stretch denim infused with Supima cotton, that makes for a stunningly flattering fit, extraordinary movement and comfort, with great recovery so it won’t stretch out.

Are there plans for a men’s denim line? If so, when?
We’d love to start working on a men’s denim line; however, we are focusing all our efforts on the woman’s wear market. We do believe we will be able to start designing a men’s line within the next 2 years.

Marc Allison Jeans can currently be found at select Theory stores, and other upscale boutiques in the coming months.

☞Stay Tuned for a Marc Allison jeans giveaway!☜


 


Kathy Ng Hassan



Denim News: Levi’s to Open in Meatpacking District

Levi

America’s iconic denim brand, Levi Strauss & Co, will be opening a location in the meat packing district this fall at 414 West 14th Street, between Ninth Avenue and Washington Street in a renovated historic building. Levi’s will be joining other denim brands such as the Jean Shop and Earnest Sewn in the trendy high-end downtown shopping destination.

Levi’s could merchandise the more than 2,600-square-foot store with its highest-priced vintage line, which includes $500 jeans, or its Capital E jeans in the $100-to-$200 range, but most Levi’s jeans are in the $50-to-$80 range. On the low end, there’s the Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. brand selling at mass merchants such as Wal-Mart, Target and Kmart. Levi’s also customizes jeans in a few stores.

“Our new location in New York’s Meatpacking District is exactly the kind of site we are looking for as we expand the Levi’s Store retail network across the United States,” said Joelle Maher, senior vice president, Levi’s Americas retail commercial operations. “We have secured a prime location in an area that has become a mecca for savvy, creative and artistic consumers looking for innovative, trend-leading products. The neighborhood is vibrant and growing, and has attracted some of the world’s top brands and retailers.”  (WWD Click here to read today’s full article).

So, look forward to a day of taking in the view from the Highline, a lot of shopping, lunching at the Standard Grill and skipping home with a new pair of Levi’s jeans.

–Nikki Cho Russo


Denim News: Olsen Twins To Launch Textile Elizabeth and James

Jean

(Photos by George Chinsee)

As the Olsen Twins junior brand, Olsenboye, launches today at J.C. Penney, the design duo continues the expansion of their fashion empire with yet another project, a denim-based secondary collection under the Elizabeth and James contemporary label.  Named Textile Elizabeth and James, the Seventies inspired collection with design stemming from jeans the Olsens’ own in their wardrobe (with one pair dating back to their high school years), will feature three styles of jeans  - the Hendrix (with a slight bell-bottom), the low-slung Stevie, and the cropped, highwaisted Joni.

In the fall, the Olsens plan to roll out a full lifestyle collection for Textile. “We’re talking about the favorite things you want to wear with your jeans, like the ultimate flannel shirt,” said Siskin. The recently launched Elizabeth and James men’s collection, meanwhile, will be repackaged under the Textile umbrella, with less suiting and more casual- and outerwear.

“Elizabeth and James is a name the customers really relate to,” said Siskin. “To give them this other piece of their wardrobe, with the same brand, is an easy connect.”  (WWD Click here to read today’s full article)

Hendrix Jean

Jean

The collection, which wholesales from $106 – $111, will be launched exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Intermix in March.

–Nikki Cho Russo


Denim Brand: Kicking Mule Workshop

pic

Kicking Mule Workshop, a Boulder-based denim brand, sends 100% Zimbabwean cotton to Okayama, Japan where crafty artisans rope-dye with natural indigo to create raw selvedge denim that has won the hearts of many die-hard denimphiles.

KMW offers 3 models: 1950 classic cut; 1980 slim cut; and rocker skinny unisex cut. Available in sizes 29″ through 34″ waist and available in 2 different inseams (32″ and 34″).  KMW’s slim cut are a bit looser than slims that the Swedes produce, which may be a better alternative for the modern man who wants a clean line without the tightness.  Of course, it’s all about the intricate details without all the distracting bells and whistles, which is the beauty of these jeans.

Check out the new Kicking Mule Workshop jean in person when it arrives in stores later this year.  Some retail names on the stock list include OAK, Odin, United Arrow, Revolve, Ron Herman and many more, but you can find KMW on-line right now at Detour and Context.

1980 Raw

Kicking Mule Workshop 1980 Raw, $275.00

Slim but not too slim.  KMW’s best selling jean in Japanese selvedge.

Rocker Jean in Dry Black Japanese Selvedge Denim

Kicking Mule Workshop Rocker Jean in Dry Black Japanese Selvedge, $275.00

The perfect black selvedge jean for the true rockstar!

Selvedge Khaki Blazer

Kicking Mule Workshop Selvedge Khaki Blazer, $375.00

KMW also produces a great selvedge blazer that looks and fits amazing!

Shop Kicking Mule Workshop @ Detour

Kicking Mule Workshop

–Nikki Cho Russo