Matches Studies Denimology
I was tipped off today that online retailer Matches has a big denim feature... and guess what they have called it - Denimology (see above). Unfortunately they don't give a mention to the original Denimology but they do have some great buying guides covering boyfriend jeans, biker jeans and flares for girls and bunch of straight-ish leg jeans for guys.
ShopBop Q&A - Trace Ayala of William Rast
Childhood friends Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala launched William Rast in 2005 with the idea of marrying Tennessee grit with Hollywood chic. Since that time, the line has found a devoted following, with a fan base that reads like a Who's Who of fashion and A-list celebrities. Shopbop talked to Co-founder of William Rast, Trace Ayala, about his unlikely sources of inspiration, why they wanted to go beyond denim, and what he finds sexy about the way women dress.
Shopbop: Your fall runway show had a distinctly rock and roll sensibility. Who or what were some of your design inspirations for the collection?
Trace Ayala: We get our inspiration from all aspects of life really. Not so much from the fashion world as from popular culture in all its different forms--music, art, movies. We get inspired when we see an amazing new artist perform, a new work of art, or a new movie, and we build our own creativity and style from that. Of course there are great Americana influences in our work but never in an obvious vintage way. We always strive to take it to a completely new and modern level and create something with credibility. For the fall collection the main inspiration was American biker culture and the Rat Pack.
Shopbop: You were one of the few denim designers to have fashion's elite editorial corps represented at your fall runway show. Why do you think William Rast appeals to this more fashion-forward woman?
Trace Ayala: We think William Rast appeals to any woman who does not want to try too hard with fashion but still wants to be sexy, on-trend, and express herself in a confident way. Our look is a sexy and confident tomboy look that many women can relate to, but that is hard to find in stores. We think every girl or woman should own that perfect leather jacket to go with her perfect pair of William Rast jeans.
Shopbop: Why did William Rast decide to branch out from denim into ready-to-wear?
Trace Ayala: When we started William Rast, it was really an expression of our own unique style, so we looked to traditional American denim culture for inspiration. However, at a certain point, extending our line into a full collection was a natural step since we wanted to offer a complete look to complement the denim. By adding in leather jackets, utilitarian shirts, and t-shirts that work with our classic denim pieces, we created a line of clothing that is fashionable, sexy, and wearable for a woman, whether it is for day or evening.
FAT: Store Profile
FAT in Melbourne, Australia is a denim institute. The lovely people behind the stores scattered throughout Melbourne are Bianca Wiegard, Rachael Cotra, Sarah Hamilton and Kym Purtell. Their love for all things offbeat and intrinsically original in design had their beginnings in 1998. Carrying some of the best denim brands going around at the moment we were lucky enough to catch up with Bianca Wiegard to get a FAT insight into the world of denim.
1) Why do you think is it that after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing?
Because they're always current. Jeans have a unique ability to evolve and inspire. We identify them with music, art and cultural movements which means everyone connects. Even today, there is something classic yet rebellious in jeans which means the youth are always re-inventing and developing they're own connections, hence they are ageless, genderless, classless, and malleable to infinity.
2) Denim retail is a competitive business, how do you ensure that your shop stands apart from the rest?
We have a refined and unique offering. Together with our other fashion, home wares, and accessories labels we hold a very unique and individual brand mix that stands us apart.
3) What is the story, if any, behind the name FAT?
It's a base line in music, Fat. Our first store was Fat 52 it had a great ring to it. As we grew we dropped the numbers and kept the Fat.
Continued (with more photos)...
Kiya Babanzi (Owner, Selfedge) Interview
For all lovers of quality Japanese denim Selectism have published a fascinating interview with Kiya Babzani, owner of specialist denim boutique SelfEdge. The interview covers some really interesting topics such as the growth of "heritage denim" and the influence of the internet on product development.
Retailer Q & A - ShopFarinellis.com
Don't forget to also take advantage as a Denimology reader of the code "ilovejeans" for 20% off your purchase at checkout at ShopFarinellis.com.
1) Why do you think is it that after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing?
I don't think modern science has made anything cooler yet.
2) Denim retail is a competitive business, how do you ensure that your shop stands apart from the rest?
My dad used to say, "If your friends ate shit, would you eat shit?" We offer the best customer service, we offer the best products. If you're going to be a follower and follow your friends then eat shit. If you want to stand out and be a forward thinker and appreciate quality, customer service, and fashion at its best then you'll come to us.
3) With hundreds of denim brands to choose from how do you decide which to stock?
That's an easy question. 98% of the denim brands, premium or lower, are complete garbage.
Continued (with more photos)...
Store Spotlight - Chuck's Vintage
Owner Madeline (shown above) came up with concept of an americana vintage store specializing in California workwear. Every item in the store has its own story - which is not something you would get at Abercrombie!. Their vintage Levi's start at $300 and continue on up to $12,500 and above for the older mining styles.
If you have a store selling denim and you would like to be featured on Denimology then please send me an email telling me why you love denim so much.
