DenimHunt

Designer we love: 192 Doves

Last week we had the privilege of meeting Sonja Rubin, one half of the design team for 192 Doves and Rubin Chapelle. We always have fun meeting the fingers behind the design, but this was the most enjoyable designer visit we've ever had; partly in thanks to the champagne, but even more so due to the down-to-earth, passionate personalities behind the brand.

192 Doves launched last year as a stand-alone denim collection to the gorgeously minimal, Rubin Chapelle line created by FIT alumni Sonja Rubin and Kip Chapelle. Drawing its name from the number of countries in the world (as of 2006,) and the global symbol for peace, the dove, 192 Doves illustrates how universal denim truly is.

Following Sonja and Kip's philosophy that denim is a very inclusive fashion outlet, we love the fact that daughters and mothers, sons and fathers are all fans of the line. Even more lovely is the lack of unneeded embellishment on each pair of jeans.

"Every detail should serve a purpose or come from a tradition," notes Sonja as she took us from waistband to hem on each pair of jeans in the new collection. Men's tailoring is immediately referenced with pull-up loops at each hip and bandanna print pockets. Depending on the style, there are detachable pockets, hidden coin pockets, and flattering off-pocket seams. Additionally, each seam is handled with couture-like triple stitching leaving the inside of the garment as beautiful as the outside. As if it couldn't get any better, each pair is crafted in the United States using the highest quality organic denim, and stamped with a discreet logo at the waist.

The lack of obtrusive branding, complicated washes, and finishes, bring denim back to where it should be. Simple and approachable.

For more information: 192 Doves

Diesel launches Fuel for Life

On Monday, Diesel made their first leap into the fragrance industry when they launched Fuel for Life for Her and Fuel for Life for Him under a license of L'Oreal Luxury Products. The fragrance is supported by $20 million of advertising and promotion in the US and Canada with emphasis on viral marketing online.

Keep your eyes pealed for six TV spots running on cable TV, eight print ads (four for men, four for women,) and 15 billboards promoting what Diesel founder and president, Renzo Rosso, feels will comprise 35% of the brand's turnover.

Industry estimates show Diesel may be aiming for a goal of $35 million in retail sales within the first six months and first year sales to hit $81 million worldwide. By mid-2008, you can expect to see Fuel For Life in 18,000 doors in 25 countries.

The women's version is housed in a fishnet stocking-covered bottle and smells of mandarin and pink pepper, while the men's product is housed in a canvas straight jacket featuring notes of anise and grapefruit. Both are designed by Fabien Baron.

Here's the stats:

• 20K bottles will be available for customization on Diesel's Website allowing for up to 8K combinations of fabric, color, caps and logos
• Fuel for Life for Him ranges in price from $44.50 for 50ml eau de toilette to $59.50 for 75ml.
• Fuel for Life for Her ranges in price from $49.50  for 50ml eau de toilette to $64.50 for  75ml.
• Pocket chains will be available in bronze or gold options, carrying a 15ml Fuel for Life vial. These hit stores in mid-October for $95.
• Also look for the "Bling Bling" 75ml bottle which is decorated with jewelry and will retail for $95.

Will you be wearing Diesel under your Diesels?

RIP Hilly Kristal, founder of CBGB's

Hilly Kristal, founder of punk staple, CBGB's, died yesterday at the age of 75 following a battle with lung cancer.

Almost one year ago, Kristal was forced to close the infamous dive due to rent hikes and other disagreements with the landlord. CB's first opened in 1973 and served as the stage for acts such as the Ramone's, Sonic Youth, and Blondie. As happens so often, given the easy connection between music and art, CBGB's expanded into a gallery space hosting some of the art world's most unique up-and-comers, as well as the annual Terrible Toy Fair.

As Patti Smith says in today's New York Times:

“There was no real venue in 1973 for people like us,” Ms. Smith said on Wednesday. “We didn’t fit into the cabarets or the folk clubs. Hilly wanted the people that nobody else wanted. He wanted us.”

In honor of Kristal, we're wearing our favorite skinny jeans, grey Jimmy jeans, named after CBGB's fixture, Jimmy Web, of Trash & Vaudeville. We suggest you do the same and watch the Ramone's at CB's from 1977:

For more: The New York Times

DenimHunt in Life & Style Weekly

Someone else thinks we're pretty cool! Look for DenimHunt on page 14 of this week's Life & Style Weekly (with Angelina Jolie on the cover) giving the latest on finding jeans just like Cameron Diaz's!

WESC selvage jeans

If the internet were high school, Josh Rubin would be the quarterback of the football team; only cooler. We were browsing his site, Cool Hunting, today and found this nugget regarding WESC's new 686 raw selvage jeans:

"Baggy, but not early '90s baggy, they're a medium-rise, straight leg pant with a more generous cut than super skinnies. Part of their premium denim line, the Japanese fabric (it's ring spun denim, produced on vintage shuttle looms with a handmade finishing process) features a mix of yellow and gold seams. Asymmetrical stitch patterns adorn the two rear pockets, while the front pocket linings are stamped with the WESC print. Other nice details include back and coin pockets cut with the yellow and white selvage lines intact while buttons and rivets read "Superlative Conspiracy Yeah!"

Sounds pretty good to us!

For more info: WESC

Blind Item: Everyday favorite

Which half of a Hollywood power-couple can't get enough Rag & Bone? Word is he wears it almost everyday. Perhaps the background of their name, often credited as one of the first forms of recycling in England, has something to do with the attraction, even more than their acclaimed designs?

Pax Jolie-Pitt in Lit'l Earnies

We're aware that we posted a TON of Earnest Sewn news last week. However, even we have a soft spot for Angelina & Brad's son, Pax, rockin' his Lit'l Earnies on the playground in NYC.

Five Questions for Five Pockets: Jeremy Scott

Jeremy Scott is one of our favorite people in the whole wide world. He never takes fashion too seriously, and his show is always the perfect mix of cartoon meets couture. Making us even happier than seeing Ashley Olsen front-row at his last NY show before jumping to Paris, was his collaboration with Aussie denim giant, Ksubi (formerly Tsubi.) Incorporating his bright prints with cultural references, Jeremy Loves Ksubi reminds us why everyone from Bjork to Lindsay Lohan to Cory Kennedy, Loves Jeremy. Oh, and we can't forget, Lapo Elkann is fan too as he wore Jeremy's Adicolor pants to Marc Jacob's holiday party.

Time for us to chill with the fan-out. Check out Jeremy's answers to this week's Five Questions for Five Pockets and look for his next runway collection to hit Paris in October.

1. What was your first pair of jeans?
I'm not sure if they were the first, but I definitely remember wearing Jordache jeans when I was in elementary school and feeling like I was it.

2. Who do you think is the ultimate denim icon?

Levi's 501. It's not easy to get around the way they have been etched into the popular subconscious through images.

3. What are your current favorite jeans?
Jeremy Loves Ksubi, of course!

4. What denim trend do you wish would go away?
I don't really concern myself with trends.

5. What's your number one rule for denim?
HAVE FUN!

Blind Item: Kill the DJ

Which adorable designer will have a fashion show DJ'd by CobraSnake buddy Steve Aoki? We'll tell you September 6 following the show.

Diesel wall project

Thanks to our buddies over at Cool Hunting for the tip. Diesel has selected the winners of their wall project. With over 1,000 entries, we can't even imagine what a task it was to narrow the group down to a select four to be named winners, but luckily they found a very qualified panel which included Diesel's creative director, Wilbert Das, to do so.

If you're in Milan, Beijing, Copenhagen, or Toronto keep your eyes open for these large works falling under the theme of "I Could Be Yours."

MILAN Massimo Falsaci "Sunset" June 19-August 31

BEIJING Chui Chi Tang "Better to Keep Silence" July-September

COPENHAGEN Tucker Hughes "My Mama is so Proud" August 10-September 9

TORONTO Artemis Psathas "Look me in the Eye" August

Danielle Clarke does Ditto

Last year we worked with Danielle Clarke in partnership with her line, Frankie B. and their breast cancer efforts with Her2Genes. The event in which her iconic husband, Gilby Clarke of GnR fame took to the stage with Velvet Revolver's Duff McKagan, was a huge success. Even more of a success was her denim collection which was so coveted attendees broke into the display and stole a dozen pairs of the limited-edition jeans.

We're convinced Clarke will have as much success with her new project, the relaunch of 70s mega-jean, Dittos. Hitting shelves this fall in a color assortment that would make Crayola jealous, Dittos will be available in their classic highwaist flare as well as more modern silhouettes such as a skinny hipster jean and a highwaisted short. For a headstart, check out RevolveClothing.com where the classic style retails for $165.

SOURCE: Vogue UK

MADE: I want to be a hipster

Our good friend Thomas Onorato (look for a Five Questions to Five Pockets segment very soon,) sent us his latest side project: a spoof of the MTV show MADE. Onorato's version transforms an everyday kid from NJ into a "skinny jeans rockin', Ladytron listenin', dive bar dancin' hipster."

Check out the trailer below!

Blind Item: Are daughters the new models?

Which European style queen's daughter is starring in a new campaign for a furniture heir's first foray into the fashion design world? An exclusive fashion week launch will provide the answer.

Earnest Sewn goes downtown

While we were out, a fun tidbit made its way into our inbox: Earnest Sewn is expanding it's NYC presence and opening a second location at 90 Orchard on the Lower East Side. The 1400 sqft store which opens next month occupies a space that was formerly the visitor center for the Tenement Museum and a speakeasy during prohibition years.

Following the aesthetic of their Meatpacking flagship, the additional location has restored original design elements unique to the 1901 building. There will be industrial fixtures and artifacts from the early 1900s, and a handset tile floor dating back to 1906. Much as the original, the downtown sister store is being designed by Scott Morrison, Earnest Sewn's president and designer.

Much as the Meatpacking outlet shares space with a gallery style back room and espresso area, the LES version will feature a "flower shop" run by Denise Porcaro of "Flower Girl," a company which designs arrangements for clients such as Drew Barrymore, The Beatrice Inn, Bowery Bar, and one of our favs, Lever House. Following the lead of floral shops found in Paris, customers are able to have a custom arrangement or single stem in the same early 20th Century aesthetic as the designer of the store.

They're also planning to have a nightly video installation after store closing. No word yet on specifics, but we'll do our best to uncover more details. Check back next month for a full report on the store.

Warhol Factory X Levi's X Damien Hirst

As many of you have heard, Damien Hirst is collaborating with Levi's for the next installment of the Warhol Factory X Levi's partnership. The collection, titled Warhol Factory X Levi's X Damien Hirst, is set to launch with two shows on Saturday, Sept. 8, during New York Fashion Week and will be available at retailers such as Barneys New York, Fred Segal, and American Rag beginning in January of 2008 as part of the men's and women's 2008 season.

So, what can be expected from the avant garde artist du jour? Word is one of the designs will incorporate skull studded 501's in dark denim, an obvious reflection of Hirst's most recent work, the $100 million diamond encrusted skull titled "For the Love of God". We're keeping our fingers crossed that the formal runway presentation incorporates more Hirst signatures such as his infamous floating shark installation, The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living. Of course, we can only dream that his one time business-partner, and our latest European infatuation, chef Marco Pierre White, makes an appearance. Given the tales in White's latest book, perhaps denim addict Lapo Elkann is a better bet.

Five Questions for Five Pockets: Vipada Wongpatanasin, Old Navy

As we posted before, we're more than excited about Old Navy's latest denim expansion. We thought our favorite part of the transformation was their new trouser jeans and colored denim range. That was until we were lucky enough to grab a few minutes with Vipada Wongpatanasin, the brand's senior women's denim designer. With our mutual love of Balenciaga darling, Charlotte Gainsbourg (shown below at right) and the facelift she's given the mass chain, we want to be Vipada's new best friend.

Check out the Old Navy edition of Five Questions for Five Pockets below:

1. What was your first pair of jeans?
Vintage Wrangler, the most beautiful broken twill denim ever. 

2. Who do you think is the ultimate denim icon?
No one in particular. I would say it’s more about the iconic images for example, Marlon Brando in the wild one, Marilyn Monroe in her curve hugging peddle pusher, Jane Birkin in her hi-rise bell. They all embodied their own unique denim icon. I guess Charlotte Gainsbourg is a great example for the modern day icon because she is so effortless in her denim. Ultimate denim icon to me is more about the wearers than the makers. So anyone of us in some way is the ultimate denim icon. 

3. What are your current favorite jeans?
Levi’s vintage 646 orange tab.

4. What denim trend do you wish would go away?
In your face embellished denim and hip hop denim.

5. What's your number one rule for denim?
Wear it like you mean it and love it to end.

ShopBop announces Denim Week

Check out ShopBop all week for the latest in fall denim. They also have a handy fit guide to help you find the perfect denim for your body.

Ashley Olsen in Earnest Sewn

We're big Olsen fans and couldn't resist posting a pic of Ashley at LAX in her Earnest Sewn Harlan 18 jeans.

And we're back!

Thanks to everyone for being so patient while we have been on vacation.

As promised, we have lots of exciting news to share with you including the latest from Earnest Sewn, Levi's, and Hudson.

Five Questions for Five Pockets: Craig Smith, professional hunting guide and cowboy

We promised you a special edition of Five Questions for Five Pockets from our trip to Wyoming. Following through, we'd like to introduce you to Craig Smith, owner of Triple Three Outfitters. He's a professional hunting guide at his ranch in Buffalo, WY, and all around tough guy. Craig's the kind of guy who ropes cows, starts campfires with flint and steel, and plays poker in the back room of local bars.

Be it riding his horses, hunting in the mountains, or working on his ranch, Craig is always in his jeans. We thought he'd give us a different perspective on denim rather than our usual fashion-focused POV. Check out our wild west edition of Five Questions for Five Pockets:

1. What was your first pair of jeans?
The first pair I can remember were a pair of Levi's when I was about nine. My mom took me shopping at Santerians in Hatboro, PA. There was nothing I hated more than shopping. At that time I was practicing shooting my gun and trapping animals in my parents suburban neighborhood. I can remember making myself vomit whenever it came time to go clothing shopping.

2. Who do you think is the ultimate denim icon?
Country singer, George Strait. He's a classic. Always acts like a gentleman and his jeans always look great--never like a costume get-up.

3. What are your current favorite jeans?
Wrangler's cowboy cut jeans 34w36l and anything from Carhartt. I used to wear Levi's when I lived on the East coast, but I can't find the same fit out here. I like sturdy jeans that take a beatin' without falling apart.

4. What denim trend do you wish would go away?
People cutting slits in their jeans. Why mess up a good pair of jeans? Plus, it just looks stupid. Also, button fly jeans. I gave them a shot, but it's just too much work to get them buttoned back up.

5. What's your number one rule for denim?
Comfortable and durable. They have to feel good and hold up with the wear and tear.

Diesel plays matchmaker

In the mind of Carrie Bradshaw (I know, we're not really SATC kinda kids,) NY is full of "modelizers." Unfortunately, sometimes it's not so easy to bounce from date to date, let alone model to model.

That's where Diesel comes to the rescue. From now until August 26, Diesel has 19 models for your viewing pleasure online and in-stores. Each model represents a new style of jean available from the denim giant in their Winter '07 collection. Wait! It gets better. From Diesel.com you can even email each of the models, and as part of their contract, they MUST respond. We call dibs on Thanaz and we'll be wearing the same jeans as Clush. Isn't it more fun to link your friends to the dating profile of a Diesel model rather than a lawyer, doctor, real estate salesman, etc. found on all the other online dating services? 

Get to it before your bragging rights expire!

True Religion smells...good!

This week's DNR gave us a sweet smelling treat: True Religion has signed a fragrance deal with Selective Fragrances to launch men's and women's fragrances in fall of 2008. Selective is also working with Jimmy Choo and Max Mara to create their signature scents. True Religion plans on selling the fragrance in over 1,000 retailers including Sephora and Ulta in addition to the usual department store offerings.

We're working on getting a sneak sniff and as soon as we do--you're the first to know!

Farmer Jeans takes Los Feliz

Rather than set-up shop in the usual neighborhood of West Hollywood, Farmer Jeans took their game elsewhere--Los Feliz. They opened their first retail space last month filling the 1000 sq. ft. storefront with concrete flooring, dark-wood shelving, and remnants of the design process including patterns.

Of course, keep your eyes peeled for their signature denim designs for men and women and in the future look for their line to expand into the areas of t-shirts, outerwear, and like True Religion, a children's line.

To pop in:

4648 Hollywood Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90027

Programming note: We're on VACAY!

Hi everyone,

A quick apology for the lack of posts to come. We're taking a much needed vacation before the fashion week chaos consumes our lives. We'll be visiting the wild west of Wyoming until Aug 20.

We will be posting as much as possible, but please forgive us if our quantity depletes a bit over this time. Of course, as soon as we return on Aug 20, we'll be posting up a storm to make up for lost time.

Keep your eyes open for a special "Equality State" version of Five Questions for Five Pockets on Monday.

In the meantime, clue us in on what you'd like to see more of, what you don't like, and even where your favorite vacation spot is!

Cheers,

DenimHunt

Five Questions for Five Pockets: Andrew Buckler, Buckler

Launched in 2001, Buckler has established itself as the perfect mix of traditional American blue jeans with a Brit twist. Icons such as Iggy Pop, Tommy Lee, and the Stones have been seen in Andrew Buckler's tailored denim pieces.  With a past position with Ungaro, it's no surprise Buckler's biggest fans are also the biggest names in rock and roll. Check out Andrew's answers below in the third installment of Five Questions for Five Pockets.

1. What was your first pair of jeans?
I was living in the UK; it was a pair of Diesel circa 1980--acid wash--they were the only pair of jeans I owned apart from my own in addition to a pair of Daryl K jeans and a pair of vintage Levi's which cost me an arm and a leg.

2. Who do you think is the ultimate denim icon?
Bernard Lichtenstein! No many know who the hell he is. He was probably the first fashion designer of denim jeans. Levi Strauss created the denim jean which was a work wear jean to be sturdy and strong and to last forever. Lichtenstein worked for Blue Bell aka Wrangler to design boot cut jeans for rodeo riders in the 1940's.

3. What are your current favorite jeans?
The Buckler "Franklet" skinny grey denims. The cut also comes in raw and washed indigos from selvedge. The narrow cut is still a statement, especially on guys.

4. What denim trend do you wish would go away?
Denim and trend is an oxymoron. I think the "trend" is all going away and the companies and styles left standing will have lasted the test of time. No more bells and whistles. Keep it lean and mean.

5. What's your number one rule for denim?
Apart from don't wear over designed denim, as in Q4, I think the rule is to keep it organic. I don't just mean the cotton in the fabric, I mean the whole process. Too many jean washes involve carcinogens and chemicals that don't just screw the environment, they literally damage the workers. Buckler has just introduced an organic selvedge denim in the "Angry Anglo" and "Franklet" fits. We reviewed the whole process of making and washing the jeans to find ways to make it as environmentally safe as possible.

Levi's friends and family discount

A little bird dropped this in our mailbox:

New York Fashion Week/Spring 2008 collections:denim madness

While we're gearin' up for fashion week in general, we're also noticing the amount of denim-friendly brands hitting the runways. Below's a cheatsheet. We'll keep you updated with additions to come.

September 5, Wednesday

Rag & Bone

LAMB

Rock & Republic

September 6, Thursday

Miss Sixty

Alexander Wang (word is he has some cool water-repellent denim hitting the catwalk)

G-Star

Fashion Rocks event

September 7, Friday

Obedient Sons

Buckler

Just Cavalli

September 8, Saturday

McQ

Diesel

Ralph Lauren

Levi's/Andy Warhol by Damien Hirst

September 9, Sunday

DKNY

3.1 Phillp Lim

September 10, Monday

Helmut Lang

Marc Jacobs

September 11, Tuesday

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Calvin Klein

Zac Posen

Pucci and Seven sittin' in a tree

Following VF Corp's purchase of Seven for All Mankind, Pucci announces today they are partnering with the premium denim giant to produce a limited edition collection of 2,000 pieces which will hit shelves this month.

The collection will feature brightly hued jeans designed by Pucci's creative director, Matthew Williamson, to coordinate with Pucci's fall line. The jeans will be a straight-leg cut with a Pucci signature pocket, copper hardware, and a Pucci-print label and waistband, retailing for $400.

Photo: SOURCE

What brand of jeans are you?

So, our dayjobs kept us from posting up a storm today, but we didn't forget about you! Check out this fun quiz from Glam.com to see what brand of jeans best describes you.

We're Sass & Bide:

You’re Sass & Bide jeans! A creative chick with an appetite for offbeat life and style, you also have an independent streak that’s true-bluer than your compatible jeans. With a flair for funky, you confidently stride through life at your own time and pace, making you a perfect partner with unique and edgy Sass & Bide. TAKE THE QUIZ SEE ALL PRODUCT MATCHES Share with Friends | More Glam Quizzes | Shop at Glam | Celebrity Photos