Designer Q & A - 4 Stroke Jeans
1) Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing?
Versatility. Especially, with the increasing shift to informal dress in almost every social setting.
2) Last time I counted there were over 200 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes your jeans stand out from the rest?
Our unique use of fabrics and color and our general rebellion towards the traditional mentality of what makes a pair of jeans.
3) Who do you imagine is a typical customer?
Fashion forward professional with a taste for the diverse.
4) Where do you get your inspiration from?
History mostly, but spring 10 will probably be a move towards something more abstract.
5) Which style and wash of your jeans are flying out of the shops the quickest at the moment?
Women: Roseland in our fashion washes
- Evil, which is a grey marbleized wash
- Gigantic, which is garment-dyed coral (see above).
Men:
- Ridged Slim fit Vanguard Handsprings, which is sea-green denim.
- Relaxed slim Basement in our 7oz railroad stripe.
6) Are there any essential jeans that everyone should have in their wardrobe?
Dark - for dressing up
Black - for a darker mood (especially if you live in New York)
Well-worn - any shade will do as long as it is your favorite pair that you do everything in from watching TV to gardening
Fashion- Our sea-green or garment dyes. Just make sure it is a statement and don't be afraid. It's ok to be different.
7) What are the first pair of jeans you remember?
I had an old pair of Levi's that I cut off at the knees and patched an old dress shirt into them and then reattached the bottoms. There are pictures somewhere to prove it but thankfully my parents aren't listed. I guess that is what happens when you come of age in the early 90's.
8) What have been your favorite pair of jeans that you have owned and why?
Before I got my 4 Stroke Basement backsliders (7oz railroad stripe) last month. I would say it is a pair of Paul Smith red ears that have been over-dyed grey.
9) What have been your favourite pair of jeans that you have produced and why?
It's a tie: Ridged slim-fit Vanguard in Handspring, which a sea-green shade of denim, and our Men's relaxed slim Basement in our 7oz railroad stripe. Of course, we haven't gotten our 100% organic natural selvage in that goes by the name of Warsaw.
10) How many pairs of jeans do you currently own and which are your favourites?
Twenty. Favorites are: An old pair of earnest sewn I bought ridged and I wear everywhere from dive bars to my sofa, Paul Smith's (mentioned above) and 4 Stroke Vanguard in Fighter - it is our washed down sea-green denim and is probably the most comfortable pair I own.
11) Are you a "wash your jeans after each wear" person or a "wear your jeans for six months before you wash them" person?
It depends. If I by them ridged, I don't wash them until I break them in just right. If I buy them washed then I wash them once a month or so.
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?
With me, it is all mood related. If it is an event of social status, I try and keep them fitted or unique. Other than that it depends. My wife will ask me why I am wearing nicer jeans to paint or work around the house in and old jeans to go out in.
13) Which is your favourite jeans shop?
Paul Smith. Not always jeans but I love its eccentricity. Melet Mercantile. Again not all jeans but amazing.
14) Which celebs are currently wearing your jeans?
Lindsay Lohan, Sarah Jessica Parker, Paris Hilton, Gisele Bundchen, Camila Alves, Adam Gregory, Katherine Heigl, Kim Kardashian, Bijou Phillips and many more
15) How important big an effect does it have on your sales when a celeb is seen wearing a pair of your jeans?
Unfortunately, HUGE.
16) Who is your current favorite denim icon (male & female). I am thinking the person who has the most denim style?
Alison Mosshart & Jamie Hince (The Kills)
17) Which person living or dead would you most like to see in a pair of your jeans?
Any member of Kings of Leon
18) What is the worst denim crime?
Denim suit. (i.e. 2001 American Music Awards - Justin T. and Britney S.)
19) If jeans had not been invented, what would we all be wearing?
Parachute Pants.
20) And finally, any predictions for denim in 2009
Work-wear inspired distressed trousers. At least that is what we will be doing. Buy the ticket. Take the ride.
Leave a comment