DenimHunt

Pur, couture denim?

We recently got a tour through the latest in the Pur Premium denim line...and instantly fell in love with the softest denim! Designed by Heather Yoon, with two decades of experience in the garment business
under her belt, she certainly understands what a lady wants in her jeans. Pur Premium Denim has less visual
detail than other premium lines. Yoon believes less is more, using the best denim from Italy and Spain without all the unnecessary details. Designing and manufacturing all of her pieces proudly in Los Angeles, the denim capital of the world, Pur brings denim that will flatter every woman’s figure. Check out the website to find out where you can get your own, www.purpremium.com.

Chambray Simplified

Chambray is one of our favorite ways to bring a denim look into a wardrobe, especially in spring, but sometimes it can make a guy look too much like a good ol' boy. Let Denim Hunt help. In the March issue of  Details, there is an awesome Denim Guide for men. Carefully constructed and easy to follow, they offer several examples of how to dress-up the traditionally western chambray shirt. Our favorite idea is to simply replace that tired old blue oxford shirt, throw on a blazer and be out the door in style, minus Mr. Ed.

Levi's Fenom(enal) 2008 Collection

We spotted something very exciting today on honeyee...the first look at the 2008 collection, from Levi's and
Fragment Design. This line includes archives of the Levi's brand, updated with today's trends, such as the Black Woof Denim, Painted Green Stitch and Disco Decoration.

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Jean Shop

The New York Times Style section has a great feature on one of our favorite stores in NYC- Jean Shop.
With locations in the Meatpacking district and SoHo, there is no excuse for under inspired NY denim...this is where we found tie-dyed denim (2 years ago!) before it hit the runway! Check out the full article here:
NYTimes

A Pair of Jeans

Another day, another designer collaboration. The hits keep coming with the most innovative designers teaming up with brands to cross markets and expand their reach. This time up: Adidas and Diesel. Both men and women, can get their fix of the new denim for the Spring 2008 wardrobe mix. One of our favorites is the Adi-Viker in the Dirty Medium wash. You can also check out the website (DieselAdidas)for the top 83 ways to waste your time. No, seriously, they encourage you to upload photos, videos and posts to describe your own favorite way.

Jeremy Loves Ksubi

Fresh off photographing Lindsey Lohan for the March issue of PAPER, Jeremy Scott has teamed up with Aussie label, Ksubi. Check out the checkerboard printed denim from the Jeremy Loves Ksubi line. The cut is a high-waisted, skinny leg with 2% stretch, like the original Ksubi denim. This playful look may be a bit eccentric for some Denim Lovers, but we think it is great inspiration for fresh denim designs.

Look of the Day

We love this look!
It is an image from the SS 2008 campaign for Lee Cooper denim, featuring the newest designs from Lou Doillon. This time around, the designer was inspired by The Artful Dodger, her favorite character from Oliver Twist. The deal with Lee Cooper will last for three years, so this is only the beginning of fun frocks from this Frenchy. To learn more, check out the great interview featuring Doillon, at Refinery29 .

Our favorite Chloe

One of our favorites, style icon Chloe Sevigny, is featured in The New York Times Style section through an excerpt from T Magazine. The video snippet found online ( NYTimes ) carries you through her very first headshot to her many red carpet moments. Highlighting her first turns toward fashion, as an intern at Sassy Magazine and modeling for Mui Mui in 1996, the quick clip also has nods to her acting career.

For the complete video, check out T Magazine's exclusive films.

Comme des Garcons & Levi's

Commes des Garcons does it again! Taking one step beyond the fabulous pop-up store that has been traveling the world...they have now introduced a collaboration with Levi's. As part of the Junya Watanabe MAN Collection, this black Cosmo Jean, has a branding print on the top half of the pant. Not yet sure if it is available in the current LA pop-up, but we will be sure to report back on where to find it.

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Denim Darlings

Although, our current favorite denim piece from Dondup is the straight-leg overalls, (Dondup) we had to share something else with you. The Italian luxury brand just launched a new premium denim line for one year olds, the first ever!  The my first denim line offers a choice between DQueen for girls and DKing for little boys and they each come in the cutest little silver luggage. The little tykes will be ready to jet-set in style!

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Denim Digits

Since the debut in 2006, Proportion of Blu has been one of our favorite denim brands. With a unique mathematical concept behind the design, all parts and proportions are properly aligned, which makes our bottoms proportionally pretty. Designer’s Terrell Wick and Richard Atkins were inspired by The Golden Ratio- Euclid’s philosophy in which the ratio of the longer side to the shorter is the proportion to be aesthetically pleasing. Here is a preview of this season’s new denim for men and women, which features a resin press for a super sleek finish.

ProportionofBlu

Los Angeles Denim

There is a great article in the California Apparel News regarding the importance of the Los Angeles Denim Market. Highlighting several international brands, Fidelity, Miss Sixty and Cursed Blue, as forward thinking for coming to LA for its laundries and manufacturing capabilities. With the US dollar continuing its slump, the chance for international brands to gain status in the US by using its facilities, is now.
For a complete education, check out the article in full: capparelnews

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Goin' back to Cali

We wanted to highlight something new from our favorite Swedish-based California-inspired denim brand: Cali Denim. They have just introduced some new additions to their staple raw black denim in their Leather Lux edition.  The denim still features the same red selvage, but also has black piano laquered rivets and buttons and the most unique detail- the denim protector on the leg. This is an amazing trim that protects the ends of your jeans from fraying, while not letting anything get in between your sneakers and pants! Also, for the not-so-fancy man, the black on black combo makes it hardly recognizable, but still protective.
Hurry - it's a limited edition!

CaliRoots

Siwy Denim

We just came across a great interview with Michelle Siwy, designer and founder of Siwy Denim. One of our faves since its launch in 2005, Siwy has proven to make our backsides beautiful! With its uniquely shaped back seam and top quality denim, this line continues to be stellar for the Spring 2008 season!
For a complete look at the interview: coutorture

True Blue

Our friends over at MyStyle.com tipped us off to something new happening at True Religion. This season, they have created a line of luxury handbags for women. The bags are mostly leather with fringe and woven details and an assortment of bright colors, but a few choice ones are from what made them famous: denim.
You guessed it, that's our favorite!

Travels with Kate

Kate Moss will launch her 5th collection for UK based TopShop tomorrow, March 18th. As a global fashion icon and traveler, Kate was inspired by her time spent in Ibiza, Miami and India for the Spring 2008 collection entitled, A Bohemian Summer. Filled with dusty shades and soft, lightweight fabrics, this is the perfect mix of style and comfort for the summer season. We caught a sneak-peek of some pieces, which included boot-cut denim and Aztec printed cotton tops. There is also a promise from Miss Kate of some evening wear for the season. Just as always, she covers all the fashion bases!

KateMossTopShop

Love for Lova

Today, we were finally able to swing by the Revolve Clothing Pop-up store on Melrose. The store was only here for 4 days during fashion week, but will return sometime in August as their LA flagship. Featured for this short time, was a new line by Lova (pronounced Lo-vah, not Luv-ah) - a collection of simple, yet sophisticated, casual menswear. The straight-fit denim is clean-cut and matches perfectly with the soft knits and woven shirts. Our favorite is the subtle details inside the snazzy black and white blazers.
Check out more here: Revolve

Battalion

Last night, LA Fashion Week wrapped with an exciting conclusion at the BoxEight factory. One of our favorite shows, Battalion, started the night off right. Although the collection was denim light, we loved the 70's styling and inspiration...until next season!

Diesel Wall call!

Diesel Wall is back and calling for artists! This international art contest will place the winner's creation on a large urban canvas. Born out of the need to preserve city space from needless advertising, artists are encouraged to show their "unconstrained self expression." The walls are to be featured in Manchester, Zurich, New York and Barcelona and the submission dates vary throughout September.
For more information, check out the DieselCult.

GUESS what?

Guess Inc. announced it will begin a new eco-friendly line, including denim, with a capsule collection of organic fashions. Along with cotton tees, it will hit the stores exclusively in April.       

             

 

Rachel and DKNY

While Lauren Conrad just showed her first fashion creations at Smashbox Studios, we have another celebrity jumping into the designer ring!
Rachel Bilson, best known for being a part of the sexy cast of The O.C., has just signed with DKNY. Bilson will create a junior sportswear line called Edie Rose for DKNY Jeans, which will be reaching the stores in September. Spotted at many recent New York Fashion shows and at the European collections, Bilson has had her eyes on all the right inspirations.

DDC Lab Fall 2008

Last night at the LA Melrose Avenue location, DDC Lab previewed their Fall 2008 collection. The in-store party was hosted by designers Roberto Crivello and Savania Davies Keiller and debuted the latest in the technology that they have played with this season. Fabrics from DDC Lab can charge you mobile phone, block radiation or just simply make you the coolest kid on the block. Our choice to pair with denim- the men's Cork Blazer. Created from cork bonded to lycra, the fabric acts like a soft leather and can take wear n' tear like the best of them. The cork is sustainable and does not damage the tree when removed. The right kinda guy will pair it with DDC's indigo denim, complete with an ergonomic cut leg for perfect draping.

Converse Century

Converse is celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. These canvas kicks have been our favorites since we were kids and we just got a new pair for the summer! Check out the website to learn more about the history of this lasting brand, from their roots in Harlem music to NYC and basketball. Highlights take you through the birth and development of product to the customization choices that please today's tricky shoppers. Converse has a proven history in sports and fashion and has a relevance in today's fashion world, from sneakers to denim. While perusing the site, check out the latest from the Spring Summer 2008 collection from John Varvatos. We love the silver metallic skinny denim and the super-wide leg denim in a soft blue.

dVb Men's Denim

One of our favorite Beckhams announced the expansion of the dVb denim line. Victoria will now be including men's denim as part of the collection. The silhouettes promise to be baggy and comfortable for guys, rather than slimmer silhouettes...something she says is influenced by David...our other favorite. As the Creative Director, VB says that the jeans will be 'what David likes', the prototypes are practiced on him. The first men's denim will be a boot fit available in five washes, eventually the line will feature a straight leg and and vintage-wash Tshirts.

Whitley Kros - Fall 2008

Sunday kicked-off Mercedes Benz LA Fashion Week, so we headed down to Culver City for the first shows! Whitley Kros granted us with another fun and edgy collection full of 70s and 80s influence. The audience consisted of Andre Leon Talley, Vogue Editor at Large, making his first visit to LA Fashion Week and several celebrities, such as, Erika Christensen, Bijou Phillips and Juliette Lewis. Designers Marissa Ribisi and Sophia Coloma, infused bright colors into slouchy knits, jumpsuits and skinny pants. The accent of zebra-art across the front of pants was very cool! We also loved the use of plaid and tweed throughout their designs.

not so Cheap Monday

H & M announced today that they purchased 60% of Fabric Scandinavien for $92 million, with the chance to acquire more of the company within 3-5 years. Along with several Swedish retail ventures, such as Weekday and Monki, they are the owners of one of our favorite denim brands - Cheap Monday. Their success has been proven and now their exposure is sure to blossom. We hope that the brand remains to be edgy and at the fashion forefront in these new hands.  CheapMonday

For the details on the deal, check in with our friends at Sportswear International: NEWS

SexyBack

We are beginning to suit up for spring around here! Our seasonal shopping urge has kicked in and denim shorts are at the top of our list, but that list has just begun. First -up: MadeMe. We mentioned our admiration for this brand and designer, Erin Magee, back in 2007 (denimhunt)when it launched. The denim debuted was instantly a favorite and now we're in love with this season's bleached short. Styled here, with and without braces, we think these may be our 'sexy shorts' this summer!

MadeMe

Dazzling White Light

Last night, at the LA in-store party, we scored a preview of the Spring Summer 2008 line from Reiss. Aptly titled, Dazzling White Light, this season's looks are a collection of soft, whitened pastels with touches of calm neutrals. Of course, we were on the lookout for the key denim pieces from one of our favorite UK brands, so here is a shot of our favorite picks! Although the wide leg trouser was all the rage on recent runways, we still like these skinnier silhouettes for summer. The navy, engineered stripes is our wardrobe choice, but the alternatives also have similar zipper details that we like so much. I guess it wouldn't hurt to have all three!
For more from the Spring/Summer 2008 collection: www.reiss.co.uk

The Original

Levi's unveiled its uber-cool mobile phone today! Dubbed, The Original, this sleek cell has a nonslip diagonal pattern on the front and back and 12 miniature steel bolts that remind us of rivets from denim pockets. The phone is substantial, but lightweight and will retail for $520. The black color is super sophisticated, while it also offers all the data, video, and storage that we need. Levi's doesn't stop there, also included, is a chain to link it to your favorite pair of 501s!

Levi's Limited Edition

We are about to tease you with something really cool...Levi's has debuted a new collaboration with graphic designer and illustrator Kenny Wong. The jeans have an interesting ripple-like effect from their wash and  original compass-inspired prints on the front, copper rivets and a black satin logo. The catch? Well, these 523 beauties are a limited edition and only to be sold in Taiwan. We still approve!

Unique Uniqlo

We recently featured Alexander Wang's Storm Denim(TM) featured in his Fall 2008 collection and now he has done it again! Uniqlo (www.uniqlo.com/us/) announced today that Alex is one of their choices for the Designer Invitation Project. The unique project, which highlights young designers for small collections to be featured in the Uniqlo line, will continue for their Spring line. Always one of our favorites, Denim Hunt can't wait to see what Alex has in store, when it hits the stores!

Triumvir Spring 08

The kids behind HighSnobiety.com are like that cool kid in class when they mention a new band and you nod your head and pretend you're a fan as well. Then you rush home and try to find out exactly what they were talking about. They were raving about the Spring 08 denim line from Triumvir, and we immediately had to learn more.

The collection hits shelves March 15, and while everyone's been raving about the fit, we're most impressed with the subtle, but unique detailing of colored rivets with a secret message: "***K Your Clique."

Check out their site for an online store (opening 3/15,) additional products, and a full listing of brick and mortar stores carrying Triumvir.

For more: Triumvir

J Brand Fit Clinic @ Owl's Lab

One of our favorite stores is teaming up once again with one of our favorite brands to address the number one concern in buying denim: fit.

This Saturday, March 8, from 12-5pm, pop into Owl's Lab where one of J Brand's own fit specialists will be on hand to help you shimmy into the perfect skinnies, wide legs, and every style in between.

If that's not enough incentive, every shopper that picks up a pair of jeans will receive 100% organic cotton J Brand tote. Still not enough? The entire store is 10% off.

Stop by:

Owl's Lab

20 East 12th Street (btwn University & 5th Ave)

New York, New York

212-633-2672

Level 99 summer preview

Remember a bit ago when we gave you the heads up of the amazing new denim line, Level 99? Well, after raving about them to Sacramento Magazine, we thought we should give you a lil update.

Their summer collection 2008 hasn't hit shelves just yet, but we have a special sneak peek normally reserved only for editors. Our favorite pieces are the flattering high-waist short and the ultimate in summer chic: the sailor trouser in both white and indigo. We can't wait to add Parisian stripes and a pair of our friend, Phillip Lim's new sandals for the ultimate in warm-weather sophistication.

(Lest we forget; for the dudes, be sure to check out the men's collection!)

For more: Level99

Everyone's a blogger: Evisu

Sure, we've linked to the Evisu blog before as a reference point in stores, but never have we given it the attention it fully deserves.

With posts ranging from the latest Evisu styles, to their runway collections, and oddly enough, Japanese girls eating ramen noodles, the blog effectively communicates not only brand news, but also brand image without even purchasing the product. Our love certainly increased when we found out they even gave a nod to DenimHunt on their blog roll.

Keep a lookout for updates on the site, but for instant gratification, check out their FW08 runway show in the clip above.

For More: Evisu.com/blog

Rick Owens FW08

We're always fans of Rick Owens and his eternal celebration of "grunge couture." Adding even more excitement to his FW08 collection was the promise of a NYC store opening in Tribeca this summer;we'll no longer have to rush the racks at Barneys or keep our fingers crossed that Net-a-Porter has stock.

Typically working in leather, fur, and various jersey fabrications, we were excited to see denim details in his collection rather than solely in DRKSHDW. With the expansion of retail outlets and the evolution of his collections (remember last season's striped chiffons?) we're keeping our eyes open for more denim inspiration from Rick Owens in seasons to come.

Photos: SOURCE