Too many cooks in the kitchen is never a bad thing in the denim market, where there are as many recipes to success as there are jeans lovers. Here, a look at some of the best of the new crop, including the latest denim confections by established designers, labels new to the blue and imports.
LACOSTE
Pedigree: Need we say more?
The Scene: While in the past the company offered a denim look or two within a larger collection, fall 2005 marks the first time our favorite reptilian mascot turned out a full denim line.
Stats: A capsule collection of the standard jeans in two washes, a matching denim skirt and jacket and a bucket hat; $65 to $195.
ALICE + OLIVIA
Pedigree: Chappaqua native Stacey Bendet turned the fashion world on its head three years ago with her flattering pants and trousers.
The Scene: Alice + Olivia’s new denim line offers a jeans type for even the most schizophrenic of personalities, from paint-splattered looks with henna tattoo-inspired embroidery (for punk ladies) to cleaner trouser-cut styles (for lunching ladies). There’s even a jean named after the most ubiquitous of Mahattanites, Skinny Bitch.
Stats: Seven styles in three different washes; $185 to $210.
INDIE
Pedigree: Designed by Joe Dahan of Joe’s Jeans.
The Scene: The styles are named after flowers to embody the different cuts. Orchid, for example, stands for a slim, sexy fit.
Stats: A basic collection of three, five-pocket fits and a premium embroidered collection; $88 to $118.
Extra Credit: Each garment comes with an illustration of UFO headlines and alien figures — a seeming nonsequitur until you learn the company’s catchphrase: “Imagine you were abducted by aliens and you weren’t wearing your indies.”
SAM AND BILLY
Related Articles
You May Also Like
Pedigree: From the people who bring you AG Adriano Goldschmied, Big Star USA and Oligo Tissew.
The Scene: Denim to go. Sam and Billy markets itself as the no-frills house jeans — quick, easy, simple. Retailers take note: The collection, named after president and chief executive officer of Koos Mfg. Yul Ku’s two sons, ships within 24 hours of placing an order.
Stats: Three styles, three washes, all the same price point; $128.
Extra Credit: The color of the stitching corresponds to style (yellow for boot, pink for flare and blue for straight) — an easy reference for sales people and customers pulling stock from shelves.