Ernest Alexander: The New Classic Denim Shirt sale

Last week, I posted about Ernest Alexander: the up-and-coming New York line that I recently discovered. This morning, while perusing their site, I was happy to find they're having an online sale today through Sunday on some killer denim shirts. Ernest Alexander perfectly mixes modern slim fits with heritage-style Japanese denim, offering fashion-relevant shirts that will stand the test of time. Lightweight materials and a range of nuanced washes make these "new American classics" key from winter through spring.

I've been talking to my new friends at the label, and will surely follow up with another post to highlight my favorite looks from the FW12 lookbook.

Rihanna in J Brand/Christopher Kane

A relaxed and sun-kissed Rihanna sported the new J Brand by Christopher Kane denim jacket in neon yellow, while on vacation on Oahu. The jacket is just one of several hypercolor items available in this limited-edition resortwear collection. Last month, I sat down for breakfast with rising star designer Christopher Kane and J Brand founder Jeff Rudes at Barneys, where they discussed their unique collaboration and Kane's enduring relationship with J Brand.

PROJECT NY Jan 2012 Recap

My friends over at PROJECT created this great little video of last week's successful New York show. For those of you who missed it, and for those of you looking to whet your appetite for the Las Vegas edition, take a look! For additional reading pleasure, check out my on-site take of the show and a post on my favorite brands exhibiting.

 

Naked & Famous FW12 at (capsule) New York

Known for its "rare and raw Japanese denim", Naked & Famous attracted buyers and bloggers to its front-and-center spot at last week's (capsule) tradeshow in NYC. My favorite piece by far is the dark denim, which abrades over time as the owner wears the jeans, revealing new and completely individual chalky red tones.

The diamond-quilted chambray shirts have cozy appeal with fuzzy striped linings; despite the added insulation, they avoid being too bulky and work in a slim silhouette with high armholes. Another chambray shirt with checked lining (revealed via cuffed sleeves) is sure to be a purchase of mine come fall.

To top it all off, the label wowed denim purists at the show with its 32 ounce jean, which after a few years in development, is now perfect and stands up on its own!

 

Denim Archive: L.L.Bean Warden Jacket

L.L. Bean's Warden Jacket, rediscovered by the denim archive purists at e-workers.net, was originally a cotton poplin penitentiary jacket. Evolving as an all-purpose field jacket in the 60s, its gusseted and buttoned side pockets, matching chest pockets, inner zip pockets and large rear pocket have long appealed to fishermen, campers and hunters. "Field and stream" looks remain big at retail and on the streets, making this a key inspiration for denim, duck and corduroy interpretations.

Wrangler's Return of the Flare, SS12

"All right, all right, all right" - Matthew McConaughey, Dazed and Confused

Back in the 70s, iconic denim brand Wrangler was one of the first to offer flared denim. Recreating a retro bohemian mood, the all-American label is once again turned-on to the silhouette, featuring three new cuts (Bethany, Cary and Bryn) for SS12. I love the ad campaign; it reminds me of one of my favorite 90s coming-of-age flicks Dazed and Confused...

Dazed and Confused

Dazed and Confused

Robin's Jean FW12 at PROJECT New York

For all of you embellished denim fans, Robin's Jean featured some intricate, interesting examples for FW12. Merging rocker edge with heritage motifs, placement embroidery and leathery finishes are key treatments. Standing apart from the rest at last week's PROJECT New York, the line is already carried at specialty purveyors Fred Segal and Atrium, as well as luxury department stores Harvey Nichols Hong Kong and Neiman Marcus.

  

[BLANKNYC] Spring/Summer 2012 lookbook

[BLANKNYC] continues to offer fresh girly looks, highlighting solid neon tones and updated retro fits for SS12. From cropped skinnies and longline flares to destroyed cowgirl cutoffs and high-waist short shorts, silhouettes remain on point. Electric jade and fuchsia strengthen the season's colored denim trend, while nude tones and faded indigo are sure to be shop floor staples.

True Religion, FW12 at PROJECT New York

Inspired by all things American, True Religion has overhauled its style direction for spring, offering a fresh collection strengthened by the label's new ad campaign.

At PROJECT, the denim giant's FW12 collection furthers these ideals, offering looks steeped in American heritage. Highlights include colorful Native American woven patterns (on denim shirt yokes), US Flag motifs and labels, Corn Belt-inspired faded plaid shirts, bright California colors (on solid denim), and of course lots of distressed and perfected heritage indigo dungarees.

The True American, True Religion SS12

For its SS12 collection, True Religion celebrates youthful love for adventure and an American lust to wander… principal qualities in the very forming of the country way back when. Articulated through four iconic, wild-at-heart characters, the new ad campaign expands upon Americana heritage, in a story of these archetypes journeying west.

Each character’s experience on the open road offers a fresh interpretation of authentic "Made in America" style. Fearless independence characterizes the restless "Wanderer", who likes to make a statement as long as it gels with her laid-back style. The "Rebel" evokes rock 'n' roll edge with his knows-no-bounds attitude, while the "Maverick" offers a revitalized take on the cowgirl. The 60s-inspired "Bohemian" stays true to her romantic impulses, furthering retro Haight-Ashbury counterculture themes and California living ideals.