DenimHunt

Brand to Watch: Grey Ant

Known for pioneering the way with the high-waist jean, Grey Ant has quickly ascended the fashion ranks over the last few seasons since their founding in 1998. Now offering a full collection of not only denim, but  also elegantly draped dolman-sleeve sweaters, and slinky dresses, founder Grant Krajecki has established himself far beyond his beginnings traveling the US in his family's VW van.

Each collection is manufactured in Grant's homebase of Los Angeles, but luckily, you don't have to live in the city of angels to snag yourself a pair of Grey Ant jeans. Available at all the big wigs like Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, and Fred Segal, in addition to shopbop.com, Grey Ant has come a long way from his Chicago roots.

First Look: Levi's 23/501

Remember when we gave you the heads up about the Air Jordon/Levi's collaboration? We finally received photos of the full collection including the incredible Air Jordons made of Levi's denim fabric  with signature copper rivets for laces.

Hop to levis.com or to local Levi's stores on Mach 1 as we're sure these aren't going to last long.

Blind Item: Going global

Which cult-favorite and extremely hard to get denim brand is launching a completely revamped website including e-commerce next week? We're sure Dave Grohl and Nicole Richie aren't the only fans excited for this move.

Edun FW08

Despite the mish-mash of snow, sleet, ice and rain, we made it to the Edun FW08 presentation hidden at the Seminary on West 20th street in New York's Chelsea neighborhood. After winding through an endless path of freshly fallen snow, we finally made it to the presentation area, a gorgeous room with a seven foot fireplace and couches clustered in each corner. Of course, Bono was present as was his wife, Ali Hewson and a slew of celebs from Michael Stipe to Josh Hartnett.

Both men's and women's collections were shown under the title of Nocturne; completely appropriate given the color palettes and silhouettes of the collection. The men's collection featured slim silhouettes constructed in natural fabrics of wool, alpaca, and cotton. Of course, denim was a strong player with Odyssey skinny jean and the Meteor straight-leg jean.

For women, again, natural fabrics of cotton, silk, and wool composed a somber collection of blouses, tunics, and dresses. Detailed with zippers, lace and black lacquered buttons, the all natural collection was anything but granola. Three new denim styles were introduced in organic cotton. The Freya boyfriend-fit, Sian straight-leg, and the Moon Glow wide-leg jean provide variety for every body type and every mood.

WeAr magazine presents Denim Legends

Our favorite glossy, WeAr magazine, has answered all our wishes and published a 400page book covering the most legendary names in denim. Surprisingly, coming from a publishing company, Denim Legends is completely advertising free (though sponsored by Cone and Cobrax)and features exquisite photographs and editorial from the team at WeAr.

Not just your everyday book about denim, Denim Legends covers everything from 1870 Levi's to current collections from Replay and Citizens. Of course, there is a guarantee of no reprints and a hefty price tag of $980 to assure you'll be one of only 2,500 people to get your hands on a copy.

We were lucky enough to snag a sneak peek from our friend Sven at WeAr, but if you'd like to order your own copy, CLICK HERE.

Alexander Wang STORM DENIM(TM)

We gave you a preview last season that Alexander Wang was working with Cotton Incorporated on a new denim finish called STORM DENIM(TM). This water-repellent finish looks and feels exactly the same as non-treated denim, but protects the wearer against the elements. Now the talk has become a reality with Alex's Fall 2008 collection. Check out the video from our friends at NYLON with Alex and one of the coolest girls we know, Erin Wasson.

For more: NYLON TV

Ruffian FW08

Yes, Ruffian is not known for their denim designs, but this season, they collaborated with one of our favorite denim houses, Earnest Sewn, to add an updated classic to their favored ruffled blouses and victorian-inspired jackets. As with many designers this season, the palette was dark with hints of rock & roll detailing ranging from Nirvana and the knit poncho hoodies their fans coveted, to the Stones and their penchant for skinny ties.

Keep your eyes open for a pop-up store in Earnest Sewn's Meatpacking District store to continue the collaboration. Additionally, word is there is a book in the works highlighting the design duo's denim and RTW collections.

Photos: SOURCE

Rock and Republic FW08

Surprisingly, Rock & Republic marked their FW08 runway presentation not offsite, but at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Bryant Park. Of course the celebrities were lining the front row and the runway was less than typical. Formed in a U, the "pit" was filled with an orchestra and proved to be a bit of a hazard to models and staffers. More importantly, the collection, called Noir and based on classic film noir styling, made up for any production blunders.

Waxed cotton jeans and slim-cut leathers stood out against feminine double breasted suiting. Our favorites were the black leather bomber with exaggerated cuffs and collar and all the slim, but wearable suiting for men. At least on the runway, denim seams to be losing ground, but with new stores at Wynn Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York, we're sure they'll stay true to their denim roots.

Fashion Week Owns Us

First, a HUGE apology for our absence over the last few days. We've been 110% consumed with New York Fashion Week.

Lucky for you, coming up in the next few days we have updates from Earnest Sewn, Ruffian, Rock & Republic, Alexander Wang, G-Star, and Levi's.

What shows have you been at so far?