Denimology

Designer Q & A - Levi's

This week's Designer Q & A is with Carl Chiara, Premium Head of Design at the daddy of all denim brands - Levi's.

1) Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing?

Jeans are timeless. We have the many of the oldest jeans in our archives in San Francisco and they are as relevant and as perfect today in an emotional & style sense as they were 150 years ago for Pioneers in a rational & functional sense. A pair of jeans is not a static proposition - jeans have soul and in that there is a very meaningful relationship and personal experience that comes with each pair that can last a lifetime.

2) Last time I counted there were over 200 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes your jeans stand out from the rest?

There is an ease to Levi's jeans. The designs are considered but never overproduced. As higher quality and longer lasting products become more important what makes our jeans stand out is the craftsmanship as well as style and fit that can make sense as much today as it will 6 months or 6 years from now.

3) Who do you imagine is a typical customer?

I don't know that we have a typical consumer. We sell jeans in malls in the middle of America just as well as we do at Barneys New York in Chelsea. Our jeans are cutting edge and middle of the road at the same time.

Designer Q & A - Cheap Monday

This week's Designer Q & A is with Örjan Andersson, Creative Director of Cheap Monday.

1) Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing?
The interesting history of jeans in combination with the good looking and changeable fabric. Another important thing is all the youth and music culture groups that have dressed themselves in jeans for so many years in so many different expressions.

2) Last time I counted there were over 200 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes your jeans stand out from the rest?
The good price in combination with a personal and modern look.

3) Who do you imagine is a typical customer?
A young music and fashion interested student.

Designer Q & A - Habitual

This week's Designer Q & A is with Lee Holman who is Creative Director at Habitual.

1) Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing?
I think Yves Saint-Laurent's quote about jeans perfectly expresses why it continues to be so popular in Today's market. "I have often said that I wish I had invented blue jeans: the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and nonchalant. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity - all I hope for in my clothes." YSL

2) Last time I counted there were over 200 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes your jeans stand out from the rest?
HABITUAL is one of the Original LA Premium Denim brands and it has kept the same core principles, which is offering sexy body conscious fits made from luxurious fabrications. With each HABITUAL jean it goes through an intricate labor-intensive wash and dye process and they are handcrafted out of the USA

3) Who do you imagine is a typical customer?
We have a diverse client base due to the rigorous work on making the HABITUAL fit versatile for all body types.

Designer Q & A - YMI Jeans

This week's Designer Q & A is with David Vered, Designer at YMI Jeans.

1) Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing?
Jeans are a lifestyle (period). They are the easiest, most comfortable and practical piece of clothing to wear. Jeans can be worn sexy and/or casual. They will always be a timeless piece of clothing.

2) Last time I counted there were over 200 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes your jeans stand out from the rest?
We are very passionate about our brand. We pay close attention to design and detail and are industry noted for our overall fit and affordable price; these areas set us apart from our competition. We want girls to feel comfortable and sexy when they put on a pair of our jeans.

3) Who do you imagine is a typical customer?
The teenage girl who wants to be in her 20's and the women in her 30's who wants to be in her 20's again. We have found that our consumer range is broad and women of all ages are wearing our jeans.

Q&A with Fidelity Denim Designer Jason Trotzuk

Recently, I had a chance to interview Fidelity Denim Designer and Founder, Jason Trotzuk. A denim lover, strategic business man and Rock n' Roll enthusiast, it is Jason Trotzuk's role as President at Fidelity Denim that is guiding the company swiftly to it's place as one of the new hot brands to wear in the world of Designer Denim. Seen on everyone from Rihanna to Rachel Ray, Fidelity Denim is definitely one to watch.

Check out what Jason had to say about life, women and Fidelity Denim...as well as some of the looks from his and my favorite cuts!

Denimology: Hi Jason, thanks so much for talking to Denimology! So, I read that you first began getting into denim design by hand-painting Levi's in your parents basement. Talk about humble beginnings! What was the turning point in your career as a designer?

Jason Trotzuk: Even as I was painting jeans in my basement, I was always looking to expand into different fashion opportunities and ultimately stretched myself to thin. At 30 and was totally down and out, all my ventures were failures and nothing was working and I was about to give up...and then one day I decide to focus on what I do best and go back to the beginning, so I hired an assistant and focused on designing and selling jeans....within 6 months, I was selling over 200 stores and my jeans were flying!

D: Fidelity has a vintage feel to it. However, it is very modern in the sense that it is exactly how every woman wants to look as well. As a man, how do you stay constantly tapped into what women want in their wardrobe and how they want to feel in their clothes?

JT: It is definitely a luxury to have a job where I get to focus making women look hot and feel wonderful. I'm constantly surrounded by women, at work, at home, in social settings...everywhere!!!! I'm always in touch with women so I constantly hear and see how they feel about everything. My wife accepts the fact I have to work with beautiful women and she just laughs because in the end, I am making a product that looks amazing on her!

D: You have so many amazing cuts and washes at Fidelity. Personally I love the ALOE and the STEVIE. Do you have a personal favorite? Maybe one that you had the most fun with or possibly one that is a best seller?

JT: For many reasons, my personal favorite is the SCOOP VIPER RINSE, firstly, the fit is flawless and everyone who puts it on looks amazing in it. Second, it is a style that works entirely. Meaning, the the right fit, the pocket detail, wash....it is one of those items that is essential in every wardrobe...simply put, it truly is the best pair of rinse wash skinny jeans you will ever find...ok, so I am a little biased.

D: I know Fidelity has been doing a charitable collaboration with Rethink Breast Cancer, with the creation of the Hyacinth BC "Forever in our Hearts" Jean. What was your inspiration to do this limited edition, hand numbered collection?

JT: I love the thought that we can do something in business that makes a difference to people....fashion can be superficial, so it is nice to put things back into perspective and do something good for mankind. Creating a limited edition gives you the notion of being a part of something that makes a difference and your holding to on something not available to everyone.

D: How does it make you feel to know that regular women everywhere know who you are and love your clothes? How does it make you feel when you see very positive and powerful women like Cindy Crawford or Courtney Cox or Demi Moore in your designs?

JT: Tough question! I guess it makes me feel good, but ultimately it reminds me we are all one on this planet. It is just as cool knowing my next door neighbor is wearing the same pair of jeans as Demi or Cindy.

D: What a great answer! I could not agree with you more! And speaking on powerful people...that brings me to my next question...What is it like being in the fashion world during the recession, especially when we're constantly seeing changes at some big powerhouse designers like Bill Blass and venues like Bryant Park? How do you personally stay focused and positive?

JT: Funny enough, this is our best year ever! The reasons for this is our focus (in the recession) is on product. Firstly, the combo of fabric, fit and finish makes for an exceptional jean experience to the wearer. Secondly, our goal is make sure our retailers have the right styles in their store to ensure Fidelity is one of the top selling brands. I stay positive by reminding myself that even in tough times, quality prevails!!!! And Third, I am very fortunate to have a loyal consumer...even in hard times, people come back and buy Fidelity.

D: So, what's up next for Fidelity Denim?

JT: What's next...to continue making a tremendous, uncompromising product and helping set the bar for premium denim!

Shop for Fidelity Denim online at Revolve Clothing and FidelityDenim.com!

Designer Q & A - Never Denim

This week's Designer Q & A is with Nina Roana Engebretsen, Designer at Norwegian jeans label Never Denim.

1) Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing?
Anything made from denim fabric is constantly changing and developing as you wear it. It becomes personal and distinct, and that is why we love it. Jeans are the key item in every wardrobe, and defines a look whether it is cool, chic, clean, rough, hot, posh ....all depending on the way you wear your jeans.

2) Last time I counted there were over 200 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes your jeans stand out from the rest?
Cool new washes and details! Never Denim brings you the newest fashion on jeans first! It is a flirty and feminine jeans concept with heaps of attitude, specially made for girls by girls. Whatever mood you are in...Never Denim will take you there.

3) Who do you imagine is a typical customer?
A girl with attitude who knows what she wants. She is fashion conscious but without following trends too much. She is both Rock Chick and The Girl Next Door. She wants to stand out from the crowd one day, and then be comfortable and relaxed the next day. Never Denim is how girls are: sweet, happy, melancholic, gorgeous, tired, energetic, confident, unsecure, cool and lovable to the bone!