An Exclusive Q&A with Superfine Denim

As one of the leading pioneers for the skinny jean silhouette (as you’ve seen in their Fall 2011 Lookbook review) Superfine has made it’s mark on denim history. The Superfine woman is modern and styled (and a little bit rock’n'roll). The collection covers a range of sexy, dark washes: think black, grays, and deep purple. Accelerating Superfine’s chic turn towards a full ready-to-wear collection is a focus on jerseys and silks as well as tons of wool that builds on the strong jeans section. They’re basically covering all of the bases. We had the chance to talk jeans with Superfine’s designer, Lucy Pinter…

 

Denim Therapy: Lets start from the beginning.  How did you know you wanted to be a designer?

Superfine: I was styling and used denim all the time. I desperately wanted a clean rock’n'roll skinny jean for my work but no one made them. I was taping bootlegs and trying to retouch out the distressing. I decided to try to make some myself.

DT: Are there other denim brands you consider your immediate competition? How do you differentiate yourself from the hundreds of popular denim brands afloat right now?

Superfine: Not really. I think we are different. Superfine is what I would call a “fashion denim based line”. Not just jeans but a full ready to wear collection with the focus on denim and fashion pieces in the jeans section. Our image is very different to any other jeans lines I see. Maybe Balmain compares but price point is completely different and the rest of their line is not like ours (glitzy dresses etc). They do a great jean though. Acne could compare but i think the fashion jeans we do are really only available from us. I like Acne a lot actually but it’s a different brand.

DT: Do you have any pre-designing rituals?

Superfine: Not really. I begin research alone and only work with one guy on the sketches. If I’m honest, research usually begins in my pijamas on the computer in bed. Once the idea is clear, I send my product manager in Italy and the designer I work with on sketches all images for a mood board, after this, we work between my studio and the factory in Italy on fabric allocation and design. It’s a small team of only 3 including design and production management.

DT: Describe the person who represents your ideal target customer—the customer you have in mind when you’re planning a collection.

Superfine: The girl is little bit fashion, a little bit rock”roll, a little bit chic. The boy is the guy that likes this kind of girl. The Boy is not “too” fashion but likes to look cool.  Someone who understands clothes and appreciates details. But now it can be anyone. I get excited seeing anyone in my clothes regardless of how they wear it if I’m honest.

DT: Can you give us hint about what’s?

Superfine: In SS (in stores now) you have softer colors in strong ideas. A hippy girl with attitude. For AW, its much more tough. Lots of black, grey, dark purple. It’s a “gypsy punk” collection with more wool than ever before and a strong selection of pants and jeans.

DT: What would be your dream collaboration? Any plans of that in the future?

Superfine: Right now I would love to collaborate with Isabel Marant. All round dream collaboration would be Rick Owens. I’ve pretty much only worn Superfine and Rick Owens for years and years…no plans right now but I do love collaborating so watch this space.

DT: What are the most popular washes/fits in the line? What are your favorites, and how would you style them?

Supefine: The “adventure” jean has been our number one selling jean for three seasons now. It has a slightly low crotch, twisted seam and elastic insert. I personally like it with jersey tops with volume but a fitted jacket to nip in waist. It gives a great silhouette. It’s also great rolled up in summer with a heel to give a slightly fashion chino feel. Our fashion pieces with leather have also sold well – mostly in skinny styles. Worn best with boots, cool oversized distressed jersey tees and tailored or biker style jackets.

DT: Do you have any favorite/least favorite denim trends right now?

Superfine: I don’t think I ever really think too much about trends. A skinny jean will always be good regardless of trends. I must confess to being a little “over” the legging though. Bring back denim I say!

DT: Street style and style blogs are huge in the industry right now as a source of inspiration, influencing the high end labels rather than vice versa. How much does street style influence your designing?

Superfine: Maybe subconsciously more than I know. I think now I am living in Paris, while the vibe of the label is really London, it is probably more chic now than it was before.

DT: How many pairs of denim do YOU own?

Superfine: I would be afraid to count!

DT: Favorite celeb wearing your brand?

Superfine: Kate Moss

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You can learn more about Superfine London Jeans by visiting their website.

Superfine, Indeed!

—Jackie Racer

Tags: Acne Jeans, Balmain, Denim Therapy, fall lookbook, Isabel Marant, Kate Moss, lucy pinter, q&a, Rick Owens, skinny jeans, Superfine

Superfine London Autumn / Winter 2011 Lookbook

Provocative UK-based brand Superfine London has done it again with their rockstar-chic topless fashion lookbook for Autumn/Winter 2011. The jeans feature intricate seams and hardware detail, welt pockets, and details that add a heavy dose of texture (so much that we dare say you don’t need a shirt!). Check out the gallery below (not exactly safe for work, but in no way tasteless unless flat-chested models offend you!).

 

If you grab jeans from this collection, pair them with something like a loose knit T from Alexander Wang and a boyfriend knit cardigan like this one from Theory.

—Michelle Christina Larsen

 

Tags: autumn winter 2011 fashion trends, aw 2011, denim and leather, Superfine, superfine denim, superfine jeans, superfine london, topless fashion

Weapons of Mass Construction – Denim and the Military Trend

Military jackets, camouflage, combat boots, and indestructible denim, are amongst the explosive looks for this spring’s military inspired trend. Here’s a look at some great items to give yourself a fighting start with your spring wardrobe.  So get down on the floor and give me twenty, soldier!

Military Look1: (Siwy cut-off Denim Shorts – $163 and Juicy Couture Military Shirt Jacket – $198)

Go sexy with cut-off denim shorts with a frayed hem paired with a twill military jacket and heels.

Military Look2: (Forever21 Tori Frayed Denim Jeans – $29.80, Bleach Black Boot by Frye, $338.00)

This casual look with torn jeans paired with studded combat boots are all the rage without overdoing it.

J. Crew Ripstop Cargo pant,  39.99 & $69.99

Supersoft cargo in authentic cotton ripstop fabric that’s been garment-dyed and washed for over 300 minutes to get the most broken-in shades. The ultra-flattering fit is amped up with boyish details. For a boyishly sweet look, pair these up with heels, a denim jacket and sparkling jewelry.

Shop J. Crew

Vila Sasa Denim Military Jacket, $42.74

Vamp it up a bit with a cute cropped version of a military inspired denim jacket pair with a pencil skirt and long boots.

Shop Vila Sasa at ASOS

Aqua Leather Military Jacket, $179.00

The iconic military jacket in buttery soft leather is an anchor to the utility feel paired with dark skinny jeans and leather booties.

Shop Aqua @ Bloomingdales

Smythe Multi-pocketed linen-blend jacket, $650

Take a regimented approach to weekend dressing with Smythe’s olive linen-blend multi-pocketed jacket. Wear it with skinny jeans, a tank and towering heels for military chic.

Shop Smythe @ net-a-porter

Superfine Nighttime Denim Jacket, $487.00

This denim jacket  with a mandarin collar and contrast canvas and knit panels add military chic to a modern sihoutte.  Pair these with boyfriend jeans or harem pants and mile high booties.

Shop Superfine @ Shopbop

Bleach Black Boot by Frye, $338.00

Distressed leather combat boots with a white wash finish featuring antique brass or antique silver studs along the inner tongue adds a bad-ass touch to a pair of skinny denim jeans

Shop Frye @ Free People

Bess Studded Boots, $460.00

Bess’ black leather combat boots with gold and silver-tone studs are the cool-girl’s footwear of choice.

Shop Bess @ net-a-porter

Giuseppe Zanotti Crystal-skull Canvas Ballerina Flats,$550.00

Step into this season’s military trend in Giuseppe Zanotti’s camouflage-print khaki canvas ballerina flats with crystal-sprayed skull embellishment. Wear them off-duty to bring a touch of tough to a simple tank and jeans.

Shop Guiseppe Zanotti @ net-a-porter

–Nikki Cho Russo

Tags: Aqua, ASOS, BDG, Bess, Forever21, Frye, Giuseppe Zanotti, J. Crew, Juicy Couture, Silence & Noise, Siwy, Smythe, Superfine

Denim Deals: Jeans for Under $100 At The Outnet

Net-a-Porter’s spinoff site, The Outnet, is having their “we love denim” sale by offering a slew of premium designer jeans for under $100.  Designer, my foot, you might say.  How does $53 for Sass & Bide jeans sound to you?  A variety of designer jeans to choose from.  You’ll find distressed, wide leg, skinny, slouch, high-waisted, and cropped jeans.  Save 50 – 85% off!

Denim Sale Highlights
$81 for Acne

$96 for Current/Elliott

$84 for J Brand

$68 for Notify

$53 for Sass & Bide

$86 for Superfine

SHOP THE OUTNET

– Kathy Ng Hassan

Tags: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Acne, Current/Elliott, Earnest Sewn, J Brand, McQ, Notify, Sass & Bide, Superfine

Stand & Deliver! Balenciaga Spring 2010 RTW Collection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is no doubt the brilliance of Nicholas Ghesqui??re’s out of bounds vision that shines more brightly every season.  Forging towards the future while ironically capturing elements of the past, his use of mindful innovative materials and clever proportions always result in unique and extraordinary garments.

In this collection,  Ghesqui??re has redefined what street style means to the ordinary fashion plate and delivers on another composition of technologically enhanced pieces: from afar it may seem like denim, but look closely to the patchworked jeans and you will discover that they are vegetable dyed leather, hoodies made of molded leather, dream weaver kilt-like skirts, super future shifts, and of course, his fantastical footwear – always the ultimate star landing for me – are once again crafted in complex ways, this time using hand-loomed fabric and leather.  The overall look is a tribal street beat of Adam Ant reprised for the woman of 2010.

Let’s not forget that Balenciaga is a good way to stay the course on dieting as it is only for the slim ‘n’ slender.  Bravo to Nicholas Ghesqui??re for another breath taking collection!

It is near impossible to try and attempt to put together a similar look, but drawing inspiration from the two toned patchwork jeans, I can offer these two alternatives: Jeggings

 

 

Superfine Jean Leggings , $170

Buy it!

 

 

Rag & Bone  Jean Leggings, $225

Buy it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

–Nikki Cho Russo

Tags: Balenciaga, rag & bone, Superfine

A Patriotic Gentleman Always Wears Denim

Gentlemen, start your engines, fire up your grills and let’s get the party started! Tomorrow, you and that lady friend of yours will gaze into each others eyes under the sparkling sky and you’ll want to look your Fourth of July best.  Set off some fireworks of your own with some great fitting and looking denim.

Grill Master:

Yeah, you’ve got that Midas touch and she wants it hot and juicy, the burger that is, so flip that bad boy in style.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acne White “Max” jean, $299

Buy It!

Levis 511 cut-off denim shorts, $49

Buy It!

Poolside Posh:

Go casual-chic as the champagne flows and you lock eyes with a Hamptons beauty.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rag & Bone RB15 jean in grey, $275

Buy It!

Superfine Duke straight leg jean, $192

Buy It!

Rock and Roll:

Showing off your air guitar talents may not get you the girl, but a nice fitting jean definitely will.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

grn apple tree – men’s speak denim (indigo) jean, $98

Buy It!

Nudie Grim Trim dry stretch selvage jean, $249

Buy It!

 

–Nikki Cho Russo

Tags: 80spurple, Acne, grn apple tree, Levi's, Nudie, Oak NYC, Odin New York, Opening Ceremony, rag & bone, Superfine, urbanoutfitters

Kirna Zabête: 1st Annual online Warehouse sale!

 

Kirna Zabete, one of my favorite and an impeccably well curated NYC boutique, is having their first ever on-line warehouse sale! Although the only denim that is on sale are Superfine Liberty Skinny jeans, I thought I would wet your appetite for more perusing on the other sale items.  If you have more bank than bang check out the non-sale items. Lanvin has a denim foldover shoulder bag in collaboration with Acne for a cool $1,420 or Alexander Wang’s Donna Medium Hobo bag that has the look of denim for $825.

 

Lanvin Denim Foldover Shoulder Bag, $1,420 

with contrast grosgrain trim. Made in collaboration with Swedish design studio Acne. 

Alexander Wang Donna Medium Hobo, $825

Washed leather hobo with front zip pod pockets, welt pockets above. 

Go get ‘em!

–Nikki Cho Russo

Tags: Acne, Alexander Wang, Kirna Zabete, Lanvin, Superfine

Recession Schmession…For the Die-Hard Denim Guy

 

In a time when our country is facing economic turmoil and some may say could rival the Great Depression, it’s hard to believe that prices for jeans are still up there.  But hey, movie sales have hit a record high, so I suppose it’s business as usual for Hollywooders with their spending, so why not! I’m sure Brad Pitt still spends a pretty penny on designer duds.  

Whether you have the funds or can wait until they go on sale, which they inevitably will, here are a variety of great looking jeans to feast your eyes on.  Dream a little dream or go out and get them, but either way, these jeans are hot!

 

 

Raf by Raf Simons

Dark Grey Regular Fit Jeans

Straight leg jean in coated dark grey denim from Raf by Raf simons. Clean, 5 pocket style with black leather circular back patch embossed with Raf by Raf Simons insignia. Button fly, contrast stitch details. $225

Buy them now!

 

 

 

 

Surface to Air  

Regular Dirty Jeans

Black coated cotton 5-pocket jean with a straight leg and regular fit. Button fly closure and black hardware. 9.5??? rise, 34??? inseam. $182

Buy them now!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nudie Jeans

Dry Stretch Thin Finn

Long, low back yoke for a dropped pocket. Lean cut legs and easy slim fit. Indigo stretch denim that fades spectacularly with age and wear. For an extra slim fit we recommend sizing down. 2% elastane, 98% cotton, 34??? inseam, 10??? rise.  $174

Buy them now!

 

 

 

 

Superfine

Duke Straight Leg Jean

English import Superfine??™s characteristic crisp, relaxed jean. Straight leg indigo denim with clean finishings, tonal topstitching. Zip fly and button closure. Model wears a 28, measuring: 11??? rise, 32.5??? inseam, 100% cotton. $274

Buy them now!

 

 

 

 

Martin Margiela

Washed Down Grey Jean

Tags: martin margiela, Nudie Jeans, pop, pure blue japan, raf for raf simons, rag & bone, Superfine, surface to air

Denim Don’t Treat Me Bad!

Ever since I saw the collection of treated, resin-baked jeans from brands like 7 for All Mankind, I was instantly whipped.  I knew I had to have ‘em.  I knew that if I couldn’ t have ‘em, then nobody can!  Ahem, well, I didn’t really get THAT obsessed, but boy did those leather-looking, rocker chic jeans stop me in my tracks.  Would I feel like a supermodel in ‘em, or would I be more Joan Jett?  What about the guys’ version?  Even denim designers like Mik Serfontaine have been spotted sporting his own pair of well-loved coated Serfontaine Denim slimleg jeans.  He looks so rocker in ’em!

It also blew my mind to discover that the treated jeans didn’t come in just black.  Can you imagine walking into some night spot and heads turn.  “Are those leather pants?  Is it leatherette?  Is she with the band?”  In the other part of my fantasy, after partying the night away in my SUPERFINE Blue Resin Jeans, I head into a diner to grab some grub at 3 a.m.  As I slide effortlessly onto the banquette, I only worry about which Blue Plate Special to order, and whether I’d get mustard on my Hayden-Harnett Grey Angelika leather vest.  I’d spend the next hour working on a new song called, “Who Needs Boys When Denim Don’t Treat Me Bad?”  I need to work on a shorter title, I guess.

So here they are, a collection of coated, baked, treated jeans that I’ve stumbled upon recently.  How would you rock it?  Check it!

 

Featured in the slideshow:
7 FOR ALL MANKIND ’Ginger’ Wideleg Jean, available at BlueFly.
7 FOR ALL MANKIND IDP ‘Roxanne” Skinny Jean, available at BlueFly.
SUPERFINE ‘Liberty’ Skinny Blue Resin, available at Forward.
GENETIC DENIM ’Alex’ Treated Miniskirt, available at ShopBop.
ANLO ‘Brooke’ Treated Skinny Jean with zipper (in silver), available at ShopBop.
ANLO ‘Willa” Treated Skinny Jean, available at ShopBop.

Do you have a favorite treated jean not featured here?  Share It!

– Kathy Ng Hassan

Tags: 7 for All Mankind, Anlo, Genetic Denim, Mik Serfontaine, Serfontaine, Superfine