Levi's Archivist and Historian Interview
ACL got the chance to catch up with Lynn Downey, the Archivist and Historian for Levi Strauss & Co. This has got to be one of the best jobs in the denim world. The article gives more details on Lynn's role at the company, how she has grown the archive and also an insight into how the whole vintage Levi's craze came about. You can check it out here.
Sophie Srej in Denim for Marie Claire Italy
David Bellemère is a photographer who harmoniously blends fashion to nature. For Marie Claire's September issue, he put together an out-doorsy-70's-vibe kind of shoot titled, I Love Freedom. The layout stars model Sophie Srej enjoying the sunshine while wearing retro type inspired attire. Sophie wears Crystal Denim Shorts, a Diesel Denim Vest, Miss Sixty Shorts, Angelo Marani jeans that were tie-dyed by hand and then embellished with brocade and sequins, J Brand/Hussein Chalayan Denim Leggings and Levi's Multi-Pocket Denim Shorts for the editorial.
Gap1969 London Pop Up Store
On September 10th, for 19 days and 69 hours, a new Gap1969 pop up store will open in London. The three-floor store on Kingly Court will showcase an extensive range of Gap's iconic denim styles, specially produced in uniquely engineered washes. Strictly limited edition, only 69 pairs of each style will be available, each pair individually stamped and numbered. To mark Gap's 40 year anniversary, on opening day only, shoppers will have the opportunity to purchase a limited edition pair of Gap rinsed jeans in their favorite Gap fit for only £19.69, with half the profits from all jeans sold going towards the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.
In association with Gap Design Editions, Designers Pierre Hardy and Albertus Swanepoel have both created bespoke denim pieces for the store. Gap's new season ankle boot by Pierre Hardy is re-worked in unwashed indigo, whilst Albertus Swanepoel has designed a black felt wool riding hat with denim peak. For the second instalment of the initiative, the 1969 store will host the European launch of Pharrell Williams' new Bionic Gap Collection. In association with Gap Japan and Patrick Robinson, Pharrell has re-defined classic Gap styles, creating a capsule wardrobe all produced from his patented 'bionic yarn' made from recycled plastic bottles.
Denim in the Final Issue Mixte Magazine
It's a tragic sound being heard through out printing presses worldwide. Mixte was a great editorial source for the new gen models and photogs giving a fresh take on old ideas. Enjoy this editorial from the last ever Mixte Issue. The editorial is titled Put The Veil; modeled by Luize Salmgrieze, shot by Jacob Sutton and styled by Celestine Cooney. Some of the denim pieces featured in the final issue are Faded Ksubi Jean Shorts, Henry Holland Dark Studded Jeans, Meadham & Kirchoff Jeans, Vintage Levi's Denim Vest, Ksubi Jean Jacket and faded customized Levi's jeans.
Cosmo Aug 09: Moto Denim Editorial
In the August 2009 issue of Cosmopolitan, the mag featured a biker-chic, moto denim themed editorial titled simply, Motorcycle Diaries. Photographer Dean Isidro captured Hannah Davis and Make Me A Supermodel Season 2 winner, Branden Rickman motorcycle style denim jeans, jackets and vests by a handful of lines including Levi's, RRL, What Comes Around Goes Around, and 7 For All Mankind.
Denim Trends: Legging and Vintage Style Jeans
The West Coast edition of Kingpins, a textile show, was attended by some big names in denim. Among the attendees were GoldSign founder and denim industry icon Adriano Goldschmied, Seven For All Mankind creative director Tim Kaeding, Vintage Laundry's Alex Caugant, Agave chief executive officer and designer Jeff Shafer, Genetic Denim creative director Ali Fatourechi, Oligo Tissew founder Christopher Enuke, and designers from Levi's, Tommy Bahama and BCBG Max Azria Group. According to WWD.com, the designers scoured the show for the newest stretch materials and durable fabrics, as many of them believe legging jeans and vintage styles will continue to be big for the next few seasons.
Look for denim leggings to replace skinny styles as an increasing number of designers looked for super stretchy denim beyond the 2 percent Lycra spandex that is the norm. Personally, I wish designers would incorporate more super-stretchy denim into bootcuts and other styles as well - I have one pair of Rich & Skinny wide legs that have a lot of stretch and hug curves just right. Not to mention they are probably one of my favorites because they are so darn comfortable. Also for the next few seasons, look for vintage looking ripped denim to stay in the forefront. Denim seems to be moving away from the bling, and back to basics with comfortable, easy-to-wear styles.
