Sneak Peak of DOCTRINE JEANS Fall/Winter 2012

My friends at DOCTRINE have given us a sneak peak at their new Fall 2012 collection. Coated denims are gonna be big, giving soft sheen to slim straight cuts. The rum raisin jean was a particular hit at PROJECT NEW YORK last week. The label is also debuting its first ever raw denim straight leg for next season. Schoolboy styling, fitted broadcloth button-fronts and thick bow-ties convey the sophisticated, tailored yet completely wearable approach that DOCTRINE is taking.

HABITUAL Angelina Cigarette Skinny - Vintage and Modern Muses

HABITUAL designer Jennifer Wojinski draws inspiration for the Angelina Cigarette Skinny from muses Marion Cotillard, Emmanuelle Alt and Audrey Hepburn. For Jennifer, Cotillard embodies today's modern woman; she has the winning combination of class, talent, beauty and sense of humor.

Merging these ideals with Hepburn's elegant, simple style and Alt's casual approach to femininity creates an evolved, sexy, European look. Inspired by Hepburn's famed wardrobe, the Angelina Cigarette Skinny in solid black has vintage ideals, updated with a dose of edge for a new generation of strong women. Here, Jennifer shares some of her key inspirations images. Find this iconic style at Nordstrom.

Jessica Alba in the new MiH Aztec Jacket for SS12

Jessica Alba wore the new MiH Jeans Aztec Jacket while out and about in LA this past week. New for SS12, the jacket has a simple boxy shape that works great with skinnies. Woven in Japan, the 100% cotton stripe jacquard comes complete with frayed edges, herringbone tape and hook 'n' eye closures.

Current/Elliott SS12 lookbook

While pretty and sweet, Current/Elliott's SS12 lookbook also has an enticing, tangible awkwardness that evokes adolescent angst and indifference. It tells the story of three moody and rather blasé teens reluctantly having their picture taken as they traipse around a rambling clapboard house. They look bored, but thankfully it's not contagious; I love this book.

Floral print shorts, jeans, denim shirts and dresses are the backbones of the collection. Dainty white blouses with Peter Pan collars look right with printed Capris. Short shorts come in both a frayed cutoff version and dolphin hem style. A boxy striped tee pairs with light blue, low-rise skinnies for a laidback weekend look. Also showing up on men's and women's runways, khaki leathers and denims are important fabrics in this collection.

Anne Hathaway in MiH Oslo

Paparazzi captured Anne Hathaway in her MiH "Oslo" long slim leg jeans, while at LAX this week. Derived from the original Made in Heaven collection from 1973, this versatile silhouette features the label's classic mid rise, and comes in a vast range of indigo, neutral and dark tones. The full length creates a slightly stacked hem and puddled effect that works for rocker chick to Parisian street looks.

A.P.C. Fall/Winter 2003 collection

Need proof that A.P.C. is on the cutting edge of fashion, art, denim and lifestyle? Look at this image from their Fall/Winter 2003 collection; from concept to styling, it could have been shot last month.

Kristin Cavallari in David Kahn skinnies

Kristin Cavallari sported the DAVID KAHN Siouxsie Six Zip Ankle Skinny while grocery shopping in West Hollywood last weekend. The slanted zippers and copper pulls at side pockets and hems create angled lines that juxtapose the otherwise fluid and body-hugging silhouette.

BIG JOHN: the history of this Japanese denim powerhouse

Despite the busyness at last week's men's tradeshows, I was able to visit with the denim technicians at BIG JOHN, who flew in from Japan to show at PROJECT NY. The brand has long been a pioneer of authentic denim craftsmanship yet is intently focused on forward-thinking innovation.

In 1940, BIG JOHN founder Kotaro Osaki set up shop, manufacturing workwear and U.S. military-inspired pants. Then called Maruo Clothing Company, the label was already in tune with trends, reacting to the popularity of American-style clothing in Japan.

After WWII, the company started selling imported American-made used clothing, remaking pieces to fit the Japanese market. Throughout the 60s, the label continued to improve upon the US-made fabrics it was importing. BIG JOHN became the first brand in the world to develop denim washes, calling them BIG-WASHING. This achievement was followed in 1973 with the company's first completely Japanese denim fabric.

In the 80s, BIG JOHN developed the world's first purposely uneven yarns and created its RARE JEANS selvedge denim using power looms. This method continues to inspire vintage and replica styles the world over.

UNIS sale!

Making room for SS12, UNIS is offering up to 65% off its winter collection! Classic and understated yet uniquely contemporary, the label merges effortless style with tailored sophistication.

The UNIONMADE Sale!

West Coast denim purveyor Unionmade is taking another 20% off its already on-sale merchandise. Known as one of the more directional retailers for denim and denim lifestyle, Unionmade is the place to spot emerging trends and find covetable, hard-to-find pieces. Check out the sale online or at one of the store's two brick and mortar locations: 

San Francisco

493 Sanchez Street (at 18th Street), Castro; 415-861-3373

North Bay

Marin Country Mart, 2257 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur; 415-461-5700