Designer Q & A - Rich & Skinny
1) Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing?
There have been many things said about this....but after years of contemplating it, I think jeans are still popular because we all have an "emotional" relationship with our jeans. Jeans become a biography or record of our lives. In fact our jeans represent the passage of time and our experiences, fun, loves, hates, challenges and like our bodies they maintain the scars or wear from these experiences.
In addition to having personal emotional allure, jeans have obviously also been a major cultural symbol for sex appeal, self expression and rebellion. In addition to being the darling of Hollywood, Popular Culture and Celebrity for the last 60 years, Indigo itself as a dye has been ultra popular for a thousand years and has had a long and magical history.
2) Last time I counted there were over 50 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes your jeans stand out from the rest?
I won't tell you our jeans are "better" than everyone else's- but I will tell you they are the best that we are able to make and Michael and I have collectively 50 years of experience making jeans...we have a denim pedigree... The first and most important thing about our jeans are the fit. Michael and I are always updating, "tweaking" and improving the fit of our jeans. The other things that make our jeans "standout" are the details... We only use the best quality ingredients in our jeans and we search worldwide for the best of everything. The best fabrics, the best buttons, we only use the strongest thread, the best washing facilities in Los Angeles and all of our jeans are MADE IN THE U.S.A. by talented artisans.
3) Who do you imagine is a typical customer?
If there is one thing I've learned over many years in this business, it's that there is no such thing as a "typical" customer. Which is probably why there are customers for so many different brands in the market.
4) Where do you get your inspiration from?
I am inspired by everything... but the things that influence me the most are people on the street and how they modify or wear their jeans as a form of self-expression, that and vintage garments.
5) Which style and wash of your jeans are flying out of the shops the quickest at the moment?
Our new Boyfriend jean (see above) is getting rave reviews and our skinny "sleek" is always a best seller.
6) Are there any essential jeans that everyone should have in their wardrobe?
The essential jean is the one you feel best in... not a particular style. People should buy jeans according to what makes them look and feel good- not according to trend. Right now the most attractive jean is the one you feel good in. There are no do's and don'ts.
7) What are the first pair of jeans you remember?
A pair of button fly 501's- memorable because I wore them the first time I fell in love. They are still at the back of my closet!
8) What have been your favourite pair of jeans that you have owned?
Same as above...
9) What have been your favourite pair of jeans that you have produced?
My favorite pair right now are a pair of Boyfriend jeans in our "love bites vintage" wash, in yard dyed grey denim- they ROCK!!!
10) How many pairs of jeans do you currently own and which are your favourites?
Wow- I haven't counted but the entire bottom half of my closet is full of jeans and I have a vintage library of over 400-500 pairs.
11) Are you a "wash your jeans after each wear" person or a "wear your jeans for six months before you wash them" person?
Jeans that I buy in raw state I wash very little...so that the wear and tear and beauty of the denim will reveal itself naturally.... a little known fact is if you don't want to wash your jeans, but you want to kill bacteria...you can put your jeans in the freezer in a zip lock bag and this freezing helps kill the bacteria and resulting odor....FYI. Jeans that I buy pre-washed, I generally wash and wear.
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?
The list is too long, yes I have a pair for every one of those occasions... I also have a "after surfing" pair , a "Sunday morning coffee with a friend" pair and a "see my great butt" pair!!
13) Which is your favourite jeans shop?
www.richandskinny.com check out the characters too- they crack me up!!
14) Which celebs are currently wearing your jeans?
Blake Lively (see above), Katie Holmes, Rihanna and Carrie Underwood among others...
15) How important big an effect does it have on your sales when a celeb is seen wearing a pair of your jeans?
Product placement on celebrities helps draw attention to the brand, but if the jeans don't "deliver" when the customer goes to the store- they are not going to buy them... our customers aren't fashion victims- they know good fit and product when they see it.
16) Who is your current favourite denim icon (male & female).
I am thinking the person who has the most denim style? Male- Johnny Depp Female- Katie Holms
17) Which person living or dead would you most like to see in a pair of your jeans?
Michelle Obama- for the exposure...
18) What is the worst denim crime?
Chinese Denim and Washes
19) If jeans had not been invented, what would we all be wearing?
Our birthday suits!!
20) And finally, any predictions for denim in 2008/09
Think Value and Quality
| AndyK: 12/11/08 |
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