Denimology

Designer Q & A - Freedom Of Choice

This week's Designer Q & A is with Nathan Menashe (see here with co-designer Victoria Sculer), Designer of Freedom Of Choice jeans.

1) Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing?
In my opinion jeans can offer classic comfort, durability, and versatility that no other type of clothing can offer. Jeans also age well. The more you wear them and the longer you keep them the better they end up looking!

2) Last time I counted there were over 200 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes your jeans stand out from the rest?
FOC jeans are known for the fit. We have many fittings before we approve a style, and every roll is shrink tested. Our Denim is carefully selected from Japan and Italy. The feel of the jean is luxurious. Also we offer a few earth friendly jeans for the earth conscious customer.

3) Who do you imagine is a typical customer?
We have a wide variety of styles that range from classic to fashion. Our jeans are designed for any age that can afford them.

4) Where do you get your inspiration from?
First and formost FOC jeans are inspired by music. I love the idea that music is forever and that it constantly evolves and changes with moods and emotion. Freedom of Choice is named after one of Devo’s tracks "Freedom of Choice.” FOC jeans are also inspired by the past and present by incorporating the 70’s and 80’s with a modern twist.

5) Which style and wash of your jeans are flying out of the shops the quickest at the moment?
All of our jeans sell well, But are upcoming spring 2009 is selling better then ever. We have a lot more fashion styles that include paint splatters and acid wash. Each piece of the splatter jean is individually hand done myself. It is a lot of meticulous detailed work that takes time, but the end result is well worth it!

6) Are there any essential jeans that everyone should have in their wardrobe? Yes, although fashion styles are a must to make a statement, I believe that everyone should have at least one classic style that can be worn all the time anytime. Like our Parabola Bootcut (see above) that ranges from dark to light washes.

7) What are the first pair of jeans you remember?
Levi’s 501.

8) What is your favourite pair of jeans that you have owned?
Although I produce only women’s Jeans, I make my own personal FOC jeans and wear them on the daily.

9) What has been your favourite pair of jeans that you have produced?
My favourite pair of jeans that I have produced is our "Babeth" Skinny’s in washes "Monet" or "Pollak" because of all the personal hands on work that is involved when producing the wash and splattered paint. These jeans will be in stores February 2009.

10) How many pairs of jeans do you currently own and which are your favourites?
The more the merrier. I have jeans for any occasion.

11) Are you a "wash your jeans after each wear" person or a "wear your jeans for six months before you wash them" person?
Definitely wear my jeans for months. Ha ha what??? My jeans end up getting natural whiskers/ distress marks that look amazing!

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 my FOC jeans all day every day. I love that I can wear them to work and go straight to dinner or where ever I am going after work without changing. It’s comfortable, convenient and I get a lot of attention/ complements in them. It is fun conversation when people ask me where I got them.

13) Which is your favourite jeans shop?
www.revolveclothing.com They love our line and carry almost every denim line on the planet..

14) Which celebs are currently wearing your jeans?
Katherine Heigl, Jenifer Aniston, Scarlet Johansson, Adrianna (from the hills), Mary Kate and Ashley Olson just to name a few.

15) How important big an effect does it have on your sales when a celeb is seen wearing a pair of your jeans?
It helps sales drastically. Celebs are the social spotlight. It’s a walking advertisement when celebs decide to wear our jeans.

16) Who is your current favourite denim icon (male & female). I am thinking the person who has the most denim style?
I like Megan Fox. She’s up and coming and wears jeans well.

17) Which person living or dead would you most like to see in a pair of your jeans?
Megan Fox. She’s a fox.

18) What is the worst denim crime?
When there is too much bling.

19) If jeans had not been invented, what would we all be wearing?
Leaves.

20) And finally, any predictions for denim in 2008/09
FOC it for the next year!