Designer Q + A: Mike Lane Premium Denim
Today's Designer Question & Answer is with Founder and Designer Mike Lane of Mike Lane Premium Denim.
What are you focusing on for the Fall 2011 season? And for the Spring 2012 season?
Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 are all about the lighter denims. I'm doing a lot with acid washes, color washes and white denim which is ULTRAHOT! Summer is all about skirts and shorts. For the Fall 2012 season, I'll be sticking with lighter denim, but I'll be incorporating light grays, rips and vintage washes.
What has been your inspiration for your current collection? And the brand as a whole?
My current collection is a cohesive blend of sexy meets sophistication. I want women to feel empowered by wearing my denim; you can be a rocker girl or a party girl or whatever kind of girl you want to be without feeling stereotyped. Although, don't get me wrong. I want women to feel sexy to feel sexy too. Every woman deserves to look hot and feel sexy. Jeans are a powerful vehicle to make that happen.
Does the brand have a muse?
Absolutely. Everyday life.
Are there any new styles that you are very excited about?
Abso-f*cking-lutely. I'm very proud of the style, American Girl. I love the lighter wash with the gromets on the back pockets, and the American flag construction on the front leg is very rock-and-roll. And I'm giving Denimology an exclusive sneak peek.
Which style, cut and/or wash has been the most successful overall for your brand?
Party Girl in the Ocean Wash. It's a darker wash and everyone loves it.
What is your personal go to style of jeans?
Cosmo Girl. It's my first design, so it holds sentimental value for me. All of my denim is made from premium Italian fabric, so it's very high quality that washes and wears well.
What sets your brand apart from all the other multitudes of denim brands out there?
Bottom line-- it's the fit of my denim that sets me apart. My line makes women look taller and thinner. I've contoured the shape so that it tucks in the thigh area, which in turn lifts the butt. Also, the leg openings are unconventional. For instance, the average boot cut leg opening is 18 inches, while my boot cut is 17 inches. This allows for a longer, leaner look. Lastly, all of my jeans have their own theme, personality, and slogan. I have a jean for everyday of the week.
What design feature, detail or asset is unique to your brand, if any?
I get phone calls, emails and tweets every day from women about the thigh and butt lift features. Each jean also has a unique personality and signature message inside the zipper. With American girl the jean is "for the prideful and free-willed one" and the zipper slogan is "prideful."
How long has your denim brand been in operation?
I launched the line in 2008 and we have been rocking ever since.
At what moment (ie celeb wore them, cut/style blew up) did the brand really take off and become successful?
So many great things have happened to the brand in such a short time. Carrie Underwood was pictured in my jeans in US Weekly. I gave Jenni Pulos, from Bravo's Flipping Out, a pair and she loves them. Also, Kelley and Kristi from Bomshel are wearing the jeans on tour and just wore them in their music video Just Fine.
How great of an effect does it have on your brand if a celebrity is spotted in your denim brand?
It's a great a honor when you see it a celebrity wearing your jeans. It just puts you on the map.
Do you have a favorite style you have created?
Party Girl.
Who do you imagine is your typical customer?
Every woman that wants to look hot and feel great.
Any mere mortal, celebrity or cultural figure (living or departed one male and one female) would you most like to see wearing your denim?
Jennifer Aniston. She has that sexy, girl next-door feel. I think she is great role-model for women. She's classic and not over the top.
How many pairs of jeans do you have in your personal collection?
I own about 60 pairs.
Why do you think denim is still so popular, in this new style era and for well over the last 200 years?
Denim is synonymous with tenacity and loyalty. People feel a deep bond to their jeans. It's that one piece of clothing people have an almost inherent, emotional attachment to. Denim is fashion's best friend.
In your opinion, what is the worst denim crime?
The Boyfriend jean. Lock those up and throw away the key.
What is the first pair of jeans that you remember?
I'll never forget when my mom bought me my first pair of Levis.
Who is your current favorite denim icon?
I can't think of my favorite denim icon, but my favorite denim brand is Diesel.
What is your brand slogan, philosophy and/or mission statement?
My mission is simple: to make you look HOT. Each of my jeans are handcrafted and unique, just like the women who wear them. I want to encourage women to pick a pair that fits their style. Party in them, dance in them, laugh in them and, most importantly, enjoy your life in them.
Does your brand do any good works or favor a particular charity?
My brand supports Starlite Children's Foundation and Miracle Children's Network.
Who/What/Where are your favorite denim retailers and boutiques?
CoseBelle in SC, Lounge Boutique in WI, Imagine That in FLA, Butz Jeans in AZ, Chez Chic in WA and Posh Boutique in VA.
Collaborations are the new black; will your brand be partaking in this particular industry trend?
Actually, I am designing a shape-wear denim line with Dr. Rey from the hit television show Dr. 90210. I'm very excited about this.
What denim trends do you forecast for your brand and also the denim industry as a whole?
I see the industry reverting back to simplicity. People really just want a good fitting jean.
Is there anything else you would like Denimology's dedicated readers to know about your denim company?
I also want your readers to know that my denim company is for anyone who wants to look great and feel great wearing their jeans. I start with the finest denim Italy has to offer and each pair of jeans are carefully crafted right here in LA. My jeans are a premium quality product made in America for the American people. I took flack for that but now I take pride that the jeans are literally made right down the street from my house.
| Jessie: 18/07/11 |
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Angela K
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