Denimology

Earnest Sewn - Designer Q & A

This week's Designer Q & A is with Scott Morrison, President & Designer of Earnest Sewn.

1) Last time I counted there were over 50 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes Earnest Sewn jeans stand out from the rest.

What I see as setting us apart is our consistency in concept and strong lifestyle identity. Our concept lies in the idea of mixing the Japanese beauty aesthetic of Wabi-Sabi, with denim's Americana past. In staying true to this we incorporate pride in workmanship and commitment to authenticity.

Each garment in actually only worked on by three people.

The Sewer who sews the entire garment from start to finish (instead of a factory assembly line) without any guides on the sewing machine (further adding to the hand made feel of the garment), the hand sander who sands down the jean with sand paper (after completing months of charcoal drawing training before he is ready to work on our garment), and the wet process technician, who washes the jean, resin coats it, and oven bakes it. These three people, along with myself, hand stamp the jean after each step of the process is complete. By signing our names we are committing our reputation to the product and claiming our belief in it.

Everything we do stays consistent with this lifestyle concept, from the design of our new An Earnest Cut & Sew clothing collection, to the brands like Santa Maria Novella (the oldest fragrance and beauty line out of Florence), Carpe Diem hand cobbled shoes and boots, and Rogues Gallery clothing and accessories that we carry in our flagship store in NYC. The focus is on superior product quality, and strong brand integrity.

2) If you had to choose one of the following which would you say is more important - the way a pair of jeans look or how comfortable they feel.

I honestly think both are important. In this day and age with the influx of new denim brands saturating the market the consumer has the luxury of demanding exactly the fit, wash and hand feel that suits them. We take pride in each of these steps, to ensure that each jean fits, and is finished to perfection.

3) Which style and wash of Earnest Sewn Jeans are flying out of the shops the quickest at the moment?

For the past two seasons our Harlan 18 women's tapered leg Japanese stretch denim jean has been our top selling style. Earnest Sewn was one of the first brands to come out with this silhouette, and since it has launched it has been a top seller at all our key accounts, not to mention a favorite among the Hollywood set, such as Natalie Portman, Mandy Moore, Lindsay Lohan, Seinna Miller, and Drew Barrymore to name a few (we can e-mail you pictures of these celebs and more wearing this style if needed). For Spring we have incorporated many new washes and variations of this popular style.

Continued (with more photos)...

1921 Jeans - Designer Q & A

Here is the second in an ongoing series of Designer Q & As, this time with esteemed Denimologist and owner of 1921 Jeans, Michael Silver.

1) Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still the most popular item of clothing.

MS) The socks and underwear manufacturers may argue that they are in fact the most popular item of clothing over the last 200 years. Where as denim has been extremely popular for the last 40 years and the last 20 years its growth has been phenomenal. I think the nature of the fabric itself (cotton) lends itself to comfort and it's a clothing item that all ages and walks of life can wear. It is one of those few products that people from all parts of the globe, all walks of life and socioeconomic status can wear and enjoy, and feel very much part of a "casual culture" by wearing.

2) Last time I counted there were over 50 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes 1921 Jeans stand out from the rest?

MS) I think there far more than 50!!! 1921 does not possess one single element that makes it unique, but does have a variety of aspects that when put in a jean make it unique as a total. I like to say that a great jean is a "sum of all parts" that being: great fit, great wash, interesting details, great fabrics that feel wonderful, and styling that is appropriate to the current trends.

3) It was reported recently that Victoria Beckham paid a visit to your offices. Can you comment on the rumours that you may be working with her soon.

MS) I really cannot comment on that, but perhaps everyone should stay tuned.

4) If you had to choose one of the following which would you say is more important - the way a pair of jeans look or how comfortable they feel.

MS) I cannot answer this question properly because I truly believe a jean that looks great and fits lousy is not better than one that fits and looks wrong if you do not either you are not a "premium denim line"

5) Are there any essential jeans that everyone should have in their wardrobe.

MS) Essentials are often what is happening at the moment such as Skinny jeans or super wide or dark. I think that everyone should have a jean they love and feel great in and that is their essential jean.

Continued (with more photos)...

J Brands Jeans - Designer Q & A

J Brand are the hottest jeans on the planet right now. These super sexy skinny jeans are being worn by everyone from Angelina Jolie to Victoria Beckham. So who better to take part in the very first Denimology Designer Q & A Session than Jeff Rudes and Susie Crippen, creators of J Brands Jeans.

1) Suddenly it seems like celebs everywhere are inseparable from their J Brand Jeans, have you brainwashed them?

SC) Actually, yes we have been training for years to be this effective our first attempt was the keyboard tie in the eighties. We got close,but, nothing like these results.
JR) Possibly buttwashed.

2) Which style and wash of J Brand Jeans are flying out of the shops the quickest at the moment?

SC) The 912 12 Inch Pencil Leg in the new favorite colors of the moment - Gingerbread, Charcoal and the Jett (black w/black stitching).
JR) And the dark indigo Ink is still #1 in the 12" pencil leg.

Jessica Alba in 12 Inch Pencil Leg Jean in Black

3) If I buy my girlfriend a pair of your jeans will she look like Angelina Jolie?

SC) Yes, and you will look like Brad Pitt.
JR) Not guaranteed, although you will worship her more and your relationship will flourish... all from a pair of jeans.

4) Can you tell us any juicy details about the Men's Collection which is due shortly?

SC) The shirts are not to be missed. Look closely for the subtle details.
JR) The rocker jean is called Mick and the boot cut Clint, and they are the coolest Men’s jeans. Shall I say more?

Continued (with more photos)...