We know, it's barely summer and we are already lining up the reasons to get excited for fall. Swedish brand, Acne Jeans, has nabbed Lanvin designer, Alber Elbaz for their next revolution in denim. Here is a quick preview of the high class styles that we can expect to see. Smart and classic, with urban details, the collaborative collection will be available at Bergdorf Goodman and Barney's this November.
InStyle Magazine just released the results of the 2008 Sexy Poll. We like what you've said!
Eco-friendly denim line Aristocrat is pairing with five different organizations this season, to help fight AIDS, Ovarian Cancer and other very important causes through fashion. Each charity has been given a specific color yarn which is used on several styles of jeans. The stitch colors represent each charity and the proceeds will go to that particular organization when purchased. We haven’t seen an attempt like this before, it is such a uniquely smart way to raise awareness and money.
Elle Magazine has picked a diverse group of designer's to illustrate denim's wilder side. For a style that is a little more rock n' roll than the pure indigo that we see around town, grab some lighter shades, ripped and torn or frayed patchwork. From Christopher Kane's MJ-inspired zipper jacket to D & G's patchwork tube dress, this trend can go from casual to a night out. For a smaller accent, go for the sexy heel by Tania Spinelli. There is a long list of other options, like, Girbaud, Harmon and Blumarine.
The CFDA Award Winners were announced today.....and a few of our favorites walked away with the prize. Scott Sternberg for Band of Outsiders won recognition for Menswear. A huge win for a leader in the denim lifestyle that we love here at denimhunt. Th following were the winners for other prestigious categories presented at the 2008 fashion awards:
Womenswear Designer of the Year: Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein Collection
Menswear Designer of the Year: Tom Ford
Accessories Designer of the Year: Tory Burch
Swarovski Awards for Emerging Talent:
Womenswear: Kate and Laura Mulleavy for Rodarte
Menswear: Scott Sternberg for Band of Outsiders
Accessory Design: Philip Crangi
British denim brand Lee Cooper is celebrating its 100th birthday with an exclusive collection. The brand has created, Collection 100, a 14-piece denim and apparel line to mark the milestone for fall. Lee Cooper started as a workwear clothing firm, M Cooper Overalls, in East London in 1908 and is now supplying the British Olympic team's jeans and suits for the opening ceremonies in Beijing. That special date happens to coincide with Lee Cooper's actual birthday on August 8th.
Hanon-shop.com is featuring Levi's Oldest Oldest Jean Pack. An exact replica of a 133 year old jean, the oldest known, which was found in a Nevada mining town. This edition is made of 9-ounce denim, with details that include shank buttons, patented rivets, single-needle arcuate, cinch-back and four pockets. The jean also comes with a school bag pack and Sunset T-Shirt. This vintage will retail just above 800 USD.
The 'godparents of denim' are creating two new lines: the ultra-premium Legend and the retro inspired Le Jean. Marithe+Francois Girbaud have been innovators in the denim world for decades, but now have unveiled a new way to reach the masses. The Legend collection features lots of interesting hardware and pockets with curved hems, with many styles in wax-coated denim. Le Jean is dedicated to the 1960s youth culture of Paris, with high waisted silhouettes and slim fits. Breaking away from their usual designs and reaching to a new consumer base (Americans?) will definitely help this design duo hold reign.
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This is one collaboration that we haven't come across yet, denim and bicycles. One of the coolest denim brands around, G-Star, has joined forces with Cannondale for a new special edition RAW Cannondale. The stylish result is part of their vision for an 'Urban Universe'. A place where riding a bike is a choice, where cycling is an attitude. The bike is a statement about its owner. Among the many exciting state of the art bicycles from Cannondale, this is a supreme design intervention.
New York Design Week kicked off last weekend, but on
Monday night Diesel took the reigns, to feature their newest collection of limited edition
denim. The Diesel Denim Gallery hosted a reception for ARROJADA , an exhibition featuring
the collaboration of Madridian arist Jaime Hayon and design firm
Moooi. The unique stacking of functional items like
chairs, tables, and mirrors express the collision of the
commercial and natural world. The word 'arrojada' represents a vertically stacked cactus. DDG is continually merging high design and taste with commercially appealing products. That's why we belong to THE CULT.
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Emily Zak, Executive Retail Editor of Vogue UK, keeps a great blog, fresh with personal and professional fashion information. Her latest entry is a passionate take on her ever-growing denim wardrobe. Noting that some of her pairs are held onto for nostalgia, Emily says, "The fact that something so practical, and originally designed as
workwear, has come to play such an important or even intimate role in
women's lives is remarkable." We couldn't agree more. For some more insight, check out her full entry @ VOGUE.
Designer Alber Elbaz
has revealed the new partnership between Lanvin and one of our favorite denim labels, Acne Jeans, to produce its first line of jeans. This is a serious dive into the premium pool.
"I want to bring Lanvin into their know-how," said Elbaz, in an interview with The Daily.
"What if you don't want to wear a skinny jean? It's time to go back to
a product that has a dream to it. I asked myself, 'What kind of jeans
can I bring that will be a Lanvin jean and Acne spirit infused in one?"
The line is planned for 2009...get ready!
For a brand whose motto is, "We used to be about music, now we are music", this isn’t too surprising. French denim label April77 has launched its own music label, April77Records. They plan to release vinyl records (!) from a different band each month. To start dancing tonight, check out The Red Hearts. www.april77records.com
In the May issue of Harper’s Bazaar, they’ve featured a fantastic special report on Denim. The comprehensive guide highlights jeans for every age, shape and trend taste, to help quell your worries. HB has covered everything from the skinny styles, which Susie Crippen, cofounder and creative director of J Brand has declared: “Skinnies are here to stay, and they will share my closet with my wide legs and live in harmony.”
Featuring some of our favorite celebrities and designers, you’ll be able to find suggestions for the best in distressed denim, bleached blues, the classic bootcut and many more…no matter what size you are this week.
We love this ad from Jesus Jeans!
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We're always looking for a man who knows how to dress best in denim, so naturally we were intrigued when we saw this article in the UK's Telegraph. Drainpipes are for boys - men's jeans need pleats goes right along with all the buzz about the return of bespoke fashions in menswear. But, wait a minute, pleats? Yep, Acne Jeans does it right with The Gentleman's Jean. This aptly named style is high-waisted with subtle pleats and is a more comfortable fit than those tired old cigarette legs. Uh, hi, do you come here often?
We love Ksubi denim, but now we have a new reason for our fandom. They have just won an Interior Design Award for their new store, The Bombed Mache. Created in part with Herbert & Mason architects, they formed a completely sustainable shop to house their latest collections. Working together, they were able to make a truly customized space with nearly eighty percent of the store being made from recycled materials. The Bombed Marche is still able to act as a temporary locale and art space, with the interiors constantly changing. This is more than a cool pop-up design store and Ksubi, as always, is ahead of the design game!
We are gearing up for Earth Day (April 22nd) here at Denim Hunt and this is the best plan yet! Earlier we reported on the Make an Earnest Difference event happening in NYC, which required an old pair of jeans for entry. It was a huge success! As you can see in the photo above, the Cotton From Blue to Green campaign collected hundreds of jeans that night, which will now be recycled into environmentally safe insulation for homes. We've since learned that GUESS will partner with Cotton From Blue to Green by sponsoring a denim drive, between April 19th and April 26th, in select GUESS retail locations. In exchange for the donation they are offering a 10% discount towards your next purchase of denim. Now Mother Earth can benefit AND you get a new discounted pair as replacement. What could be better? For more information, check out GUESS or go here to learn more ways to participate in Cotton From Blue to Green. You can also enter to win a Glam to Green trip to New York City, courtesy of Cotton and Glamour Magazine. Check it out: COTTON
TIME Magazine has a photo essay on The World of Blue Jeans. The pics are amazing! This feature shows the steps taken to create denim for discount retailers to runway designers, while offering a global perspective of the levels within the industry. Gain insight on the indigo dying process in China to a famous model in Germany...just another fascinating aspect of denim!
National Jean Company, The Earnest Sewn Company and Cotton Incorporated have teamed up for an exciting event! As part of the ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the eco-benefits of recycled denim, Make an Earnest Difference is happening tonight in NYC. Guests are required to bring an old pair of jeans for entry, which will be donated to Cotton. From Blue to Green, which transforms old denim into environmentally safe insulation for homes. There will also be a runway show featuring some of the hottest denim brands out there....we can't wait to see!
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
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!
Earnest Sewn designer, Scott Morrison, is stepping down in his role as president of the denim giant. Michael Press, former VP of Paige Premium denim will be taking over while Scott will continue to design the collection. With the rapid expansion, we're confident this will only lead to bigger and better things for the company leaving Scott to concentrate on the celebrated simplicity Earnest Sewn has become known for.
After an eight year absence, Italian brand Meltin' Pot is back at Pitt Uomo. The return marks the beginning of a 10 year strategy to increase the brand's worldwide market share. With over 2,000 retail outlets around the globe and 100 of those being in the United States, it will be interesting to see if Meltin' Pot's strategy works and positions them as one of the world's leading names in denim. They're on their way there; the US alone accounts for almost $3million in sales for 2007, only a small fraction of last year's over $88 million in revenue for the 40 year-old brand.
To kick off the brand's market plan, the company has updated their classic 5-pocket jean with a more contemporary "M" stitched on the back pockets. However, much like Italian powerhouse, Diesel, Meltin' Pot is expanding their collection beyond just jeans. 30% of the brand's line is now comprised of fashion pieces such as tops and jackets. Of course, Augusto Romano, the company's director, reminds us that despite the addition of fashion pieces, denim will never disappear:
"This is a cyclical business, but it's constantly growing and is part of our culture," Romano said. "There are no alternatives to this fabric in the mind of the consumer."
Fore more: WWD
David Cardona, former military aircraft designer (serious,) has joined Rock & Republic under creative director and founder, Michael Ball as VP of design, overseeing accessories, denim and rtw for men and women's collections.
Keep a lookout for his first full collection to debut in Spring 2009.
WeSC, the Swedish wunder-label of denim and streetwear, has opened their first flagship in Paris. As long-time fans, we couldn't be more excited. Yet another reason for us to make a trip to the city of lights.
WeSC, ie: We Are the Superlative Conspiracy, is building itself to be a lifestyle brand, rather than just a skate brand.
"We're a street fashion brand built for life after skating. Paris is a tough market, but street-inspired fashion is still in high demand," founder Greger Hagelin tells WWD.
Both men's and women's collections fill the 970 sq/ft store along with a mezzanine devoted to Nike SB. As we reported earlier, the collection features a wide range of denim offerings including Japanese and organic denims. Look for bright colors and slim fits to hit shelves as winter approaches.
Stop by the shop:
WeSC
13 Rue Tiquetonne
Paris, France
We didn't want to be nosey and ask all our friends and party partners at Diesel why they crossed the pond this week. Luckily, Vogue UK gave us the skinny. King of the avant garde, John Galliano, has just signed with the denim giant on a five year contract to design the Diesel children's collection. Considering Galliano routinely plays dress up in everything from astronaut to matador costumes, we're confident that he understands exactly what kids are looking for.
"The premium world is generally booming, so it's no surprise that it also touches the kidswear business, a market which has been experiencing amazing growth year-on-year," Diesel chief Renzo Rosso told WWD."
We find this news quite fitting as we just completed an article tracking the trends in the children's premium denim market for an upcoming website. Besides, isn't everything always cuter in mini?
CORRECTION: In the words of Missy Elliot, "flip it and reverse it." Galliano's children's line is being produced and distributed by Diesel; he's not designing a Diesel line.
For more: Vogue UK
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
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
VF Corp. has announced the purchase of Seven for All Mankind. VF reports they expect to pay $775 million for Seven which projects their 2007 revenue to be $300 million.
Mike Egeck resigned from VF last year to become CEO of Seven. he will return to VF this year as president of the new group at VF overseeing Seven for All Mankind and Lucy Activewear. Additional brands are expected to join the portfolio.
VF Corp.'s other brands include Lee, Wrangler, the North Face, and John Varvatos.
Yesterday, WWD announced Paul Guez has stepped down as CEO of Blue Holdings Group, the parent company of brands such as Antik and Taverniti So Jeans. He leaves the company looking to develop foreign markets such as Japan and Europe with expansion into the footwear, children's clothing, eyeglasses, and outerwear markets.
Glenn Palmer, a turnaround specialist, has stepped in to help the company reevaluate Blue Holdings Group amid what they say is a "softening denim market." Specifically, Palmer's looking to reevaluate their distribution plans This is the third change in senior management at Blue Holdings Group in seven months.
We'll see in the coming months what this means for their umbrella of premium jeans. Keep your eyes on the shelves!
Following the announcement of their lawsuit against Polo on Monday, Levi's strikes again; this time against Abercrombie & Fitch.
Again sighting pocket stitching infringement, Levi's finds the arches on A&F's Ruehl brand jeans a bit too similar for comfort. Both sides are remaining pretty quiet, but Levi's is seeking an unspecified amount of cash for damages and loss of profits.
Who do you think Levi's is hitting next?
In our book, Andre Leon Talley can do no wrong. You heard it--NO wrong. He proves us right once again with his denim-loving editorial in the August issue of Vogue. With Resort becoming the third season, it's hard to believe designers are able to pack in another collection and buyers able to purchase another shipment between the frenzied Spring and Fall collections calendar. However, as Andre highlights, designers such as Donna Karen, Marc Jacobs, and Zac Posen have made this once VERY exclusive season approachable by incorporating the most versatile fabric, denim.
For more resort check out coverage on Style.com.
Photos: SOURCE
Levi Strauss & Co. allege Polo Ralph Lauren is stealing their stitches. We have not seen the pockets in question and neither has the RL team of attorneys as told to WWD in Monday's edition. While we love both teams, it brings up a bigger issue--how similar is too similar?
With Polo being such a large signature brand of its own, we doubt they would intentionally copy a competitor rather than using their own John Henry. However, Levi's, being synonymous with American denim, has become a category in addition to a brand name. Think Kleenex and Band-Aid.
Numerous mass retailers have emulated the signature stitches of premium denim bigwigs such as Seven and True Religion. But when does your signature lose it signature? Is Levi's vs. Polo the Metallica vs. Napster? (yes, we're still on our 90s kick) Just as many record labels looked to Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield to lead the way, do you think numerous other brands will follow "suit" with Levi's?
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