Designer Q & A - Atelier La Durance

This week's Designer Q & A is with Gerard Backx, Founder of Atelier La Durance.

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

Well I would say that it is to do with the functionality of the fabric. That's why people started using it and that's why people are still wearing it now.
2) Last time I counted there were over 50 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes your jeans stand out from the rest?

I had not thought of the jeans in those terms. The jeans just came about from my own hobby and I make things that I like.
3) Who do you imagine is a typical customer?

I know that the jeans are bought by a cross section of old and young. I sold them through my store in the first place just to see if, and who would like them.

4) Where do you get your inspiration from?

I get my inspiration for the details from furniture and architectural design. I am fan of Jean Prouve, Frank Lloyd Wright and the case study houses from Los Angeles. I have been travelling around the world buying for my shops for the last 15 years. So I have seen a few things.....

5) Which style and wash of your jeans are flying out of the shops the quickest at the moment?

The Prescott Sterling in 10 oz (see above) is the new style which we have just delivered. Its a slimmer fitting five pocket with one flap on the back pocket.

6) Are there any essential jeans that everyone should have in their wardrobe?

No as long as they have some.
7) What are the first pair of jeans you remember?

My first Wranglers....Really don't know what the model was but it was a great shape.
8) What have been your favourite pair of jeans that you have owned?

I would say the Wranglers as this was the start of my journey.

9) What have been your favourite pair of jeans that you have produced?

The Royal pant limitee we did for Colette (see above).
10) How many pairs of jeans do you currently own and which are your favourites?

I am really not sure. I have an old sea container outside the Atelier full of jeans and clothes and I have lost count over the years.
11) Are you a "wash your jeans after each wear" person or a "wear your jeans for six months before you wash them" person?

I am a six months to a year guy! Then dry clean once and after that wash every six months.
12) Do you own jeans for different occasions (for instance I have work jeans, smart jeans, weekend jeans, holiday jeans, jeans for going to concerts in, jeans for gardening in) if so what have you got?

I wear the same ones all the time for all occasions. I like to be comfortable.
13) Which is your favourite jeans shop?

I would say that the Nylon shop in Osaka is a spot I always check when in Japan, The Earnest Cut and Sewn shop in the meat pack (NYC) I like it as its such a clear concept.
14) Which celebs are currently wearing your jeans?

I never follow those sort of things. I live in the countryside and I would not know!
15) How important big an effect does it have on your sales when a celeb is seen wearing a pair of your jeans?

As I said I would have no idea....
16) Who is your current favourite denim icon (male & female). I am thinking the person who has the most denim style?

My good friend Marc....
17) Which character (male & female) from a movie had the most denim style?

John Wayne
18) Which person living or dead would you most like to see in a pair of your jeans?

Steve McQueen would be a real compliment.
19) If jeans had not been invented, what would we all be wearing?

Who knows .....Corduroys? Fatigues?? ChinoÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s??
20) And finally, any predictions for denim in 2007

I am not sure. I have just found some great new raw fabrics from Japan which are fantastic. I am pretty out of the picture in France so I go my own way and usually that starts with a factory sending me a fabric swatch. Then it just rolls on from there......