Designer Q & A - Rock & Republic

This week's Designer Q & A is with Michael Ball, CEO and Creative Director of Rock & Republic.

1) Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing
Because they are so versatile. Casual to Sexy, Levi's to Rock & Republic.

2) Last time I counted there were over 200 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes your jeans stand out from the rest?
Rock & Republic is Sexy, Comfortable Luxury Denim

3) Who do you imagine is a typical customer?
Our Customer is confident, sexy and fashion-forward.

4) Where do you get your inspiration from?
Music. Our office space is filled with it. You are actually required to know the number 1 and 2 songs of all time by Led Zeppelin.

5) Which style and wash of your jeans are flying out of the shops the quickest at the moment?
Men's - The Ralph straight leg in Vigorous and the Colburg Skinny in Rapport
Women's - The Berlin skinny in Lucky and the Berlin in Reconcile (Recession Collection)

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

7) What are the first pair of jeans you remember?
The first pair of denim was actually in the form of a dress - I was a kid when I watched a movie called Lenny Bruce. She unzipped her denim dress and was nude. I knew then I was straight.

8) What have been your favourite pair of jeans that you have owned and why?
Rock & Republic Colburg Skinny and Levi's 501s. The Colburg because I designed them specifically for me - they are my favorite fit. 501's because they are classic. Without Levi's none of us would be here in the denim arena.

9) What have been your favourite pair of jeans that you have produced and why?
Rock & Republic Colburg Skinny because of the fit.

10) How many pairs of jeans do you currently own and which are your favourites?
Too many

11) Are you a "wash your jeans after each wear" person or a "wear your jeans for six months before you wash them" person?
Wash after each 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?
I have day and evening jeans.

13) Which is your favourite jeans shop?
Rock & Republic

14) Which celebs are currently wearing your jeans?
Bono, Beyonce, Rihanna and Ciara

15) How important big an effect does it have on your sales when a celeb is seen wearing a pair of your jeans?
Very

16) Who is your current favourite denim icon (male & female). I am thinking the person who has the most denim style?
Males: Chuck Norris and Burt Reynolds
Females: Farrah Fawcett and Mary J. Blige

17) Which person living or dead would you most like to see in a pair of your jeans?
MJ

18) What is the worst denim crime?
Texas Tuxedo

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

20) And finally, any predictions for denim in 2010
Men's Leggings