Designer Q + A: Doctrine Denim

1) Why do you think after 200 years jeans are one of the most popular items of clothing?
Jeans have evolved over the time with cultures and with people's needs. Denim was first made for the workers in mid 1800s because of its durability. Now it has become a staple in everyone's closet - not only for its sustainability but now as an integral ready-to-wear piece in our daily lives. With a variety of fits and washes it has truly made the transformation from work garment to fashion item!

2) Last time we counted there were over 200 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes your jeans stand out from the rest?
At Doctrine we truly believe that patience is a virtue and also plays a crucial role in what separates our jeans from the pack! We start our designs with thorough research of the markets and then shop for trending fabrics. Here patience is key as we always strive to get the most out of each chosen fabric after its numerous tests and processes here in L.A.'s best laundry houses. It is important to determine the best fit for each particular fabric and then be meticulous about the design process. We feel this extra effort is essential to keep consistency in our fits and comfort for our customers - which ultimately is the most important thing!

Additionally this patience extends to our attention to detail regarding all aspects of construction including the hardware, core- spun custom sewing threads and particularly our unique, authentic pocket designs and embroidered details.

3) Who do you imagine is your typical customer?
Our customer is a guy or girl who knows how he or she wants to feel in a great fitting pair of jeans and also appreciates the feel, style and craftsmanship that can only come from a pair of jeans produced in Los Angeles. Our customer loves our fits and comes back for more of his or her favorite fit in different fabrications and washes.

4. Where do you get your inspiration?
One of the inspirations, sometimes comes from the nature itself. You will be surprised how much natural coloration affects our thread colors and washes. Other inspirations come from evolving culture - runway shows, magazines, music and films which help to communicate the nuances of certain trends to customers thru our products. It is equally important to understand what is going on in the ready-to-wear market and create denim that also merchandises well with the most current trends.

5) Which style of your jeans are flying out of the shops the quickest at the moment?
Our Straight and Slim Straight fits are selling well.

6) Are there any essential jeans that everyone should have in their wardrobe? Jeans are arguably the most versatile and most often 'invested in' item in the wardrobe. The essential jean is one that can be dressed up or down with dark and vintage washes. We have our Chairman Slim Straights that do the trick! ) We currently have 5 fits and are introducing a slouchy skinny with stretch for Spring/Summer.

7) What are the first pair of jeans you remember?
Sergio Valente jeans in the 80's. I think it was first jeans that I purchased since moving to U.S. Also, I specifically remember white Guess jeans in my college days.

8) What have been your favorite pair of jeans that you have owned and why?
Seven, Hudson, and AG. Doctrine because of its comfort and silhouette as a boy-friend jean; Seven because I had them for so long and just molded into my body; Hudson because it has a great boot leg shape that makes my legs look longer; AG because of its vintage wash which actually looks really cool.

9) What have been your favorite pair of jeans that you have produced and
why?
We have only produced men's jeans so far and I wore a slim straight as a
boyfriend jeans. I received many complements actually. :) (Women's debuting SS11!!)

10) How many pairs of jeans do you currently own?
I have tons and never actually counted them.

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 never wash my jeans after each wear. My philosophy is to let the jeans age with time and usage as much as possible. This allows my jeans to create certain creases in just right places and also promotes natural distresses on hems. I wash them only if it is necessary.

12) Do you own jeans for different occasions?
Yes. I have my casual jeans that I wear to work, my other dark denim jeans for nights out and more vintage wash when out and about.

13) What are some of your favorite places to shop for jeans?
Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Saks, American Rag , Fred Segal.

14) Which celebs are wearing your jeans?
We have literally just had our first run of production for men's and many of the top celebrity stylists, representing the likes of Adrian Grenier, Jonas Bros, Ryan Seacrest and Zac Efron have all picked key styles.. As mentioned above - Doctrine Women's is being eagerly awaited by many stylists and female celebrity notables and will debut in Las Vegas in Feb!

15) How important is it to your brand and how big of an effect does it have on your sales when celeb is seen wearing a pair of your jeans?
Having celebs wearing our jeans is very important and does have a positive impact. It definitely draws attention to the brand. Soon we will have an opportunity to see women celebs in our jeans. I think it will have an immediate and lasting impact. Customers see celebs as the fortunate few who have the access and ability to obtain whatever the desire. Having you product on a celeb demonstrates to the consumer that this is a product that has the desired appeal. We all want to be part of an exclusive group.

16) Who is your favorite denim icon male?
It's a tie between Paul Newman and Marlon Brando early in their careers. female? Brooke Shields in Calvin Klein.

Brando not only looked good in denim he help to create the denim phenomena we have today. Brooke pushed the envelope of sexuality at the time posing in her CK on TV.
Jessie says, "I completely agree... sigh he was a babe!"

17) Which person, dead or alive, would you most like to see in a pair of your jeans?
James Dean, is king of cool and he will never get old. Steve McQueen is not far behind.

18) What is the worst denim crime?
Denim was made in every item you can imagine but the worst crime would be making a Speedo with denim.

19) If jeans had not been invented, what would we all be wearing?
Can't imagine, it's like saying if the food was not invented, what would we be eating?
Could you imagine five-pocket double knit bonded polyester jeans??

Jessie: 3/02/11