Designer Q and A: David Kahn Jeans

This week our designer Question & Answer is with Bryan Boone, Designer for David Kahn Jeans.

1) Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing?
Denim was worn with a completely different approach than how it is now. They were not trying to make a fashion statement in the early 1900's, they just needed functionality. The versatility of denim today and its new incarnations creates aesthetic diversity along with function and comfort. All the new developments in denim keep the public wanting more and more.

2) Last time I counted there were over 200 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes your jeans stand out from the rest?
David Kahn Jeans have a great fit. I'm taking this fit and broadening our customer base by adding new fabrics, exciting washes and a great variety of styles. My background in art and in denim processing definitely creates an edge in the current marketplace.

3) Who do you imagine is a typical customer?
The David Kahn customer is definitely a modern confident girl that relishes comfort and loves style. Her jeans are always part of her everyday ensemble.

4) Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get inspired by a myriad things; photography, pop culture, furniture, art and vintage shopping definitely tops the list.

5) Which style and wash of your jeans are flying out of the shops the quickest at the moment?
Printed pants and coatings, I personally refer to this as "leather sprayed", seem to be catching the customer's eye right now.

6) Are there any essential jeans that everyone should have in their wardrobe?
A nice black and a dark indigo denim is a must have for every woman and man; a skinny (women) and a slim or a straight (men). These are timeless pieces providing comfort and fashion without the effort.

7) What are the first pair of jeans you remember?
I remember an indigo Calvin Klein and a black Guess Jean. I was in absolute heaven. Mind you I was 12.

8) What have been your favorite pair of jeans that you have owned and why?
I have several favorite pairs of denim. But they are ALL in just a dark indigo wash. I'm fortunate to be in the denim industry, I test most (not all) washes on myself before I decide to put them on the line.

9) What have been your favorite pair of jeans that you have produced and why?
I'm excited about the upcoming "Sophie", "Siouxsie" and " Victoria" silhouettes. The "Sophie" is just such a great update to last seasons cargo trend with a fresh fit. While "Siouxsie" has such a too cool for school attitude about her. And "Victoria" gives an exciting twist to the girl next door. These silhouettes in addition to the special washes I'm putting on them gets our "style" engines fired up at David Kahn.

10) How many pairs of jeans do you currently own and which are your favorites?
I probably own about 15 pairs of denim. I tend to purge my collection every year. I realize I need to only really keep what I wear. But don't ask me about my chino collection.

11) 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 definitely a "wear my jeans till they get a really weird stain or smell before I wash them" person.

12) Do you own jeans for different occasions?
My jeans are more based on what shoes I will be wearing than where I'm going.

13) What are some of your favorite places to shop for jeans?
American Rag, Free & Easy Store, Double RL and the Rose Bowl Flea Market.

14) Which celebs are currently wearing your jeans?
The new DAVID KAHN collection has JUST launched! We shipped the first of the new collection in December and key celebrity stylists have snapped up many of our pieces.

15) How important big an effect does it have on your sales when a celeb is seen wearing a pair of your jeans?
The internet and magazines have allowed people to see what a celeb is wearing the same day if not sooner. People are always interested in what celebs are wearing so it really helps our brand awareness but a great jean speaks for itself and ours have such individuality.

16) Who is your current favorite denim icon male & female? I am thinking the person who has the most denim style?
Paul Newman and Kate Moss. Definitely!

17) Which person living or dead would you most like to see in a pair of your jeans?
Paul Newman and Kate Moss. Definitely!

18) What is the worst denim crime?
Anything with bling and thick stitch embroidery.

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

20) And finally, any predictions for denim in future seasons.
Women are slowly coming to like having something special in their jeans again. Nothing crazy. Tasteful and stylish. And because they have so much dark denim in their closet already.

Jessie: 17/01/11