Designer Q & A - Rich & Skinny
1) Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing?
There have been many things said about this....but after years of contemplating it, I think jeans are still popular because we all have an "emotional" relationship with our jeans. Jeans become a biography or record of our lives. In fact our jeans represent the passage of time and our experiences, fun, loves, hates, challenges and like our bodies they maintain the scars or wear from these experiences.
In addition to having personal emotional allure, jeans have obviously also been a major cultural symbol for sex appeal, self expression and rebellion. In addition to being the darling of Hollywood, Popular Culture and Celebrity for the last 60 years, Indigo itself as a dye has been ultra popular for a thousand years and has had a long and magical history.
2) Last time I counted there were over 50 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes your jeans stand out from the rest?
I won't tell you our jeans are "better" than everyone else's- but I will tell you they are the best that we are able to make and Michael and I have collectively 50 years of experience making jeans...we have a denim pedigree... The first and most important thing about our jeans are the fit. Michael and I are always updating, "tweaking" and improving the fit of our jeans. The other things that make our jeans "standout" are the details... We only use the best quality ingredients in our jeans and we search worldwide for the best of everything. The best fabrics, the best buttons, we only use the strongest thread, the best washing facilities in Los Angeles and all of our jeans are MADE IN THE U.S.A. by talented artisans.
3) Who do you imagine is a typical customer?
If there is one thing I've learned over many years in this business, it's that there is no such thing as a "typical" customer. Which is probably why there are customers for so many different brands in the market.
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Designer Q & A - Daniella Clarke of Frankie B.
Where did you grow up and how has that inspired you as a designer?
I was born in Israel and lived there until I was ten then I spent the rest of my teen years bouncing back and forth between South Africa and the U.S. I definitely think that all the traveling and different cultures that I was exposed to ignited the creative engine in me.
When did you know you wanted to be a designer? Did you know always want to be a designer or were you making your own clothes when you were a teen?
I actually didn’t know until I turned 30. With that being said I always had a passion for fashion. In my teens I started to experiment with my style and my poor mothers closet. I cut up everything that wasn’t nailed down.
Who were your fashion and music idols growing up and how has that influenced you?
My idols in Fashion were Halston and Elsa Klensch. Watching Elsa on Fashion TV every weekend was a whole new level of intoxication for me. I was so inspired by her world that I would run out and buy fabric right after watching the show. Music has always been a huge inspiration for me too especially Mick Jagger and Robert Plant in the 60’s, but in my teens I was obsessed with Prince. Fashion will always be inspired by music because to me musicians represent everyone’s fantasy of freedom and rebellion. Who doesn’t secretly want to be a rock star or at least look like one.
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Designer Q & A - My Lovely Jeans
1) Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing?
Because it is the ultimate basic
2) Last time I counted there were over 50 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes your jeans stand out from the rest?
It's the jean I've been dreaming of that I couldn't find
3) Who do you imagine is a typical customer?
Young urban girls who like fashion and style
4) Where do you get your inspiration from?
Inspiration from the 60's and 70's - flea market-vintage shop- vintage shapes readapted to nowadays envies
5) Which style and wash of your jeans are flying out of the shops the quickest at the moment?
Trash 5 pockets
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Designer Q & A - MiH Jeans
1) Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing?
Jeans have been around for 200 years although they weren't always popular in the way we know them today, they were workman's clothing; worn for their strength and durability. To me fashion that stands the test of time is normally born out of function and the humble jean was a garment designed to meet specific needs, so it wasn’t atall about aesthetic. Today, they are more popular than ever as fabric technology has allowed the actual denim to be way more versatile in weight, colouration and stretchability. The labels that have continued success are normally ones that don't mess too much with the original form. There is nothing that beats a classic 5 pocket jean, however you look at it.
2) Last time I counted there were over 50 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes your jeans stand out from the rest?
The unique heritage of the brand provides me with an incredible archive and wealth of inspiration when redesigning the product today. We have a very clear point of difference to a lot of the key brands out there from our discreet Dove logo on the back pocket to the immaculate finishing of the jean and the variation of denims, we present a very sophisticated and more British looking product than all the Denim labels, which tend to be Californian and therefore very ‘LA’ in their styling.
3) Who do you imagine is a typical customer?
We capture both young and old as we have not only a nostalgic and timeless quality in the jeans but they have also been updated for the modern woman. This means both my mum, at 60, still wears our higher waist Berlin model, while my younger sister finds her favourite in our Oslo slim leg style. Ideally though, we attract women who want to wear jeans that fit into their wardrobe, whether it be for a business meeting or a dinner party but that don’t look too dressed down and casual. Our jeans are smart, well tailored, and sexy but in a much more understated way than most.
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Designer Q & A - Ruby Denim
This week's Designer Q & A is with Kate Eccles, Owner/Designer of Ruby London Denim.
1) Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing?
Most versatile, workable, reliable garment, best investment for money in fashion terms and the key item in a wardrobe that remains fashionable season on season.
2) Last time I counted there were well over 100 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes your jeans stand out from the rest?
RUBY is known for its great fits, quality denim, relablilty and for the tonal knot detail found on ruby back yokes and pockets, as well as key fashionable organic styles.
3) Who do you imagine is a typical customer?
Hard to say we go from Lindsay Lohan to Joe Whiley.
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Designer Q & A - G Star
1) Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing?
Denim is the most beautiful protective garment that was ever created. It’s original purpose is functional. It’s not for nothing that functional work wear is always a source of inspiration to G-Star… you can recognize this throughout all our collections.
2) Last time I counted there were over 50 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes your jeans stand out from the rest?
We offer unique product based on denim craftsmanship and a significant signature in terms of styling. G-Star is not a trend-let company. We see ourselves as product developers, as product engineers rather than fashion designers. We prioritize product craftsmanship above trend.
This makes our products uniquely recognizable and in some cases even timeless.
We manage to cut through the large jeans clutter/offer with our own distinctive style and signature, sophisticated classics of good quality that people identify with, for a democratic price.
3) Who do you imagine is a typical customer?
They are people that do not necessarily want to show off but have a strong natural attitude.
4) Where do you get your inspiration from?
Additional to what we mentioned before, we are inspired by the positive tension between street and luxury and build upon the unexpected combinations this offers. There are no borders to our ambition for denim. Even our runway shows are experiments actually, they form a source of inspiration for ourselves too. They are raw exercises. We stay true to this authentic approach and want to transmit original craftsmanship in every product.
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