Designer Q & A - William Rast
1) Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing?
I love jeans because they allow you to be comfortable and stylish and most importantly remain true to your own personal style. There are so many different kinds of jeans, and different ways to wear and style them, everyone can be unique and yet we are all still wearing jeans. They have managed to improve with the trends as well, they might have been around for 200 years, but they’ve certainly evolved.
2) Last time I counted there were over 200 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes your jeans stand out from the rest?
We are passionate about our jeans. We want people to feel comfortable and look good in them, and really just be themselves. We pay a lot of attention to detail, fit and wash and make all our jeans here in LA.
3) Who do you imagine is a typical customer?
We hope everyone finds a style that works for them, but realistically our core consumer is a younger, fashion focused consumer - looking for something they can keep in their closet as a basic styling piece... something they can wear with all different looks.
4) Where do you get your inspiration from?
I’m inspired by everything, a lot of our inspiration comes from our Southern roots. Every time I go home to Tennessee I get more great ideas.
For men’s, the Billy Flare, a more traditional boot cut style always does the best for us. For women’s the boyfriend cuts are really popular. As always our Stella (see above) is the best seller for the ladies, it’s also a traditional boot cut. Washes.. probably Jupiter for ladies, it’s a more distressed bleached look and the same for men’s called Trucker. Everything relaxed is doing well right now.
6) Are there any essential jeans that everyone should have in their wardrobe?
Everyone should have two pairs of essential jeans... First a relaxed day time look that they are comfortable in doing anything and everything, but still feel good about the way they look in them. Second, a more tailored dressier look for the night. As long as you like the way you look and feel in them your golden.
7) What are the first pair of jeans you remember?
I had the best pair of Lee overalls as a kid!
8) What have been your favourite pair of jeans that you have produced and why?
William Rast Billy Old Timer. I can wear them at the ranch all day, come home, throw them in the wash, and wear them out again that night with a leather jacket to a club.
9) How many pairs of jeans do you currently own and which are your favourites?
I can’t even begin to count!
10) Are you a "wash your jeans after each wear" person or a "wear your jeans for six months before you wash them" person?
Ha! I’m definitely NOT a wash your jeans after each wear person. I like to really live in them before giving them a good wash. Once you really wear them in, that’s the best feeling - you ruin it when you wash them!
11) 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?
Definitely, I have different jeans for all different looks. I have my work jeans, my jeans that I wear at the ranch, my going out jeans.. I have different jeans for whatever kind of mood I’m in.
12) Which is your favourite jeans shop?
I don’t really shop for jeans since I just make my own!
13) Which celebs are currently wearing your jeans?
Obviously Justin and Jessica Biel (see above) wear them all over, my boy Kid Rock, Kelly Pickler, Jessica Simpson all support us - it’s awesome.
14) How important big an effect does it have on your sales when a celeb is seen wearing a pair of your jeans?
Celebrity support always helps out sales, they help set the trends for the season so we are always really grateful when someone wears our clothes.
15) Who is your current favourite denim icon (male & female). I am thinking the person who has the most denim style?
Johan Lindeberg
16) Which person living or dead would you most like to see in a pair of your jeans?
Steve McQueen and James Dean.
17) What is the worst denim crime?
Elastic waist band
18) If jeans had not been invented, what would we all be wearing?
I shudder at the thought.
19) And finally, any predictions for denim in 2009
I think we will be seeing even more relaxed fit for women - boyfriend look etc. And guys will be going the opposite more fitted and tailored.
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