Designer Q and A - Big Star

We are kicking off 2011 with the return of our Designer Q &A section and the first interviewee is Miki Flores of Big Star.

Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing?

Denim is so versatile & classic. It's been with us throughout our lives. And each jean has its own story to tell.

Last time I counted there were over 200 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes your jeans stand out from the rest?

Big Star is known for our amazing fit, that comes in great fabrication, completed in great wash. All packaged in a great price point, that does not neglect what it takes to create premium denim.

Who do you imagine is a typical customer?

Confident, smart & independent. Someone with great style of their own, who does not fall into short-lived trends.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Everywhere & everybody. Street style, traveling, music, film, architecture & art.

Which style and wash of your jeans are flying out of the shops the quickest at the moment?

Remy in Essen.

Big Star Envy Jeans

Are there any essential jeans that everyone should have in their wardrobe?

Everyone should own a few pair of Envy (shown above), which is a mid-rise cigarette and a total classic. But this season, they should add a few fashion bodies like Panic (shown below) or Skream to add a bit of excitement.

What are the first pair of jeans you remember?

Vintage Levi's 501 jeans I slashed & ripped, after watching Salt N Peppa's video, back in the day. I ended up breaking the vacuum from sucking in all the yarns. Mom was upset, but the jeans looked great!

What have been your favourite pair of jeans that you have owned and why?

My favorite jeans for the past 3 years has been these acid wash, elastic hem w/ zipper details from a Japanese brand Mario, which I got from London. Super casual. I love the contrast on the elastic hem. And overall shape. But as of last week, I have a brand new love. It's 1974's Panic from our Fall 2011 Collection. This style has patched knees with elastic hem as well. Has a slouchy fit, but still looks very feminine.

How many pairs of jeans do you currently own and which are your favourites?
I just had a baby, so my closet has been cleaned up quite a lot as my weight has been going up & down. I do have a stack of vintage Levi's...about 12 pairs & mainly cut off in different sizes, as my weight's being going down. And lately, they are being replaced by 1974's Envy, which I love.

Are you a "wash your jeans after each wear" person or a "wear your jeans for six months before you wash them" person?
I'm a never wash your jeans person, unless it's completely covered in dirt.

Big Star Panic Jeans

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?
Never. Whatever is my favorite jeans at the moment, I'd wear it for all occasions.

Which is your favourite jeans shop?
My all time favorite thing to do is going on road trips, hitting up all the thrift stores in some random little towns.

Who is your current favourite denim icon (male & female). I am thinking the person who has the most denim style?
Anyone with confidence & individual style.

Which person living or dead would you most like to see in a pair of your jeans?
Alexa Chung.

What is the worst denim crime?
Bad wash, bad fit, & over designed.

If jeans had not been invented, what would we all be wearing?
Harems.

And finally, any predictions for denim in 2011
I see more fashion in slimmer silhouettes. A bit of slouch & utilitarian influence in modern, dark colors.

AndyK: 21/01/11