RAINN-y Days Are Ahead for Paige Denim

Rachel Bilson, Miranda Kerr, Kate Moss, and more celebrities have been spotted in the ultra-cool denim products by Paige Denim. Just in time for spring, Paige Denim has announced plans to produce a new wash called “RAINN Blue.” Designed to promote National Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month, proceeds from the “RAINN Blue” wash sales will benefit the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network.

“This cause is very near and dear to my heart, and I am honored to sit on RAINN’s national leadership council,” Paige Denim creative director and co-founder Paige Adams-Geller said in a press release. "We created this jean to promote awareness and to provide help for victims who would not have otherwise been able to receive any.”

Launching in April, the four jean pieces available in “RAINN Blue” will range from $135 to $179, with 20 percent of proceeds donated to RAINN.

Text: Quamé A. Hamlin
Source: Los Angeles Times
Image Source: Paige Denim

Keep With the Holiday Spirit and Donate Your Denim

Hopefully you cleaned up in the gift department this Christmas, so why not clean out your closet while you’re at it. After all, you’ll have to make room for all your new swag, and the folks at Madewell are giving you a little more incentive. The store has teamed up with the International Child Art Foundation for a holiday denim drive. So those rumpled old jeans that you won’t ever be wearing again (admit it) can be put to use in children’s art projects. And there’s an even bigger reward for you than that warm-and-fuzzy feeling: As a thanks for your donation, Madewell will give you 20 percent off of a brand new pair of jeans (like the rail-straight pair featured above) in the new year.

Don’t wait ‘til spring to do some cleaning. Stop by your closest Madewell store between now and December 31 to make your donation and receive your discount. After all, giving doesn’t have to end with the holiday season!

Text Kara Solarz
Image Madewell

The Denim Jacket Debate

I'm pretty sure we all have a denim jacket of some sort hanging in our closets. When was the last time you wore it? If it's collecting dust, maybe it needs an update.

Remember the boxy denim jacket of the '90s? If you can't part with it, bring it to your tailor and have it taken in for a more modern fit.

Maybe your denim jacket isn't even salvageable. Donate the old and update to a tailored denim blazer or sportcoat. Rock the look with slim fit chinos (for the men) or over a dress (for the ladies). Keep the color dark and one-dimensional. The faded, tattered denim look should stay on your legs.

Ready to toss the whole denim jacket idea out the window? Try a loose-fitting denim chambray shirt over your fall corduroys.

Text and Graphics Rebecca Baust

Photo by Scott Schuman via The Sartorialist

Denim Trends Defining Fall

Trends may come and go, but denim seems to have a lasting effect on those who are fashion conscious. There is a vast range of the latest season’s trends in denim. With the fall season's focus on '70s fashion, the decade's key denim looks are back in circulation. The latest jean pool features a whole new spectrum of blue hues and silhouettes.

A fitted shirt and thin heel are essential to a pair with high waist, jean trousers. A comfortable and simple denim trend are the boyfriend jeans; a loose fit and "boy cut" on top, rolled up mid-calf. Chambray blouses are even making a comeback and can be styled with dark skinny jeans and espadrilles for a casual weekend look.

For a striking denim outfit that can be worn for a night on the town - heels and chandelier earrings can dress up a tailored denim blazer over a long romantic dress. Lastly, if it is an equestrian-chic look you seek, a classic pair of boot cut or skinny jeans are ideal to wear tucked into riding boots with a tailored oxford.

What's your ideal denim outfit?

Text Tiffany Frasier

BlanQ's Persona: Recyclable Art

Denim has transcended the ages, with each fashion decade bringing it a new life. We’ve seen the iconic material used in essentially every single form possible – from head to toe and even as inspiration for makeup (MAC’s denim inspired limited collection Jeanius, Spring ’11 ). Given the extensive utilization of this famous fabric, one might expect approaching denim in an original way to eventually wear thin. However it might just be the durability as well as its solid history in fashion that keeps it eternally inspiring.

Case in point is the latest from Taiwanese collective BlanQ, a series of sculptures created by Jeffrey Wang in collaboration with Levi’s and the Fubon Art Foundation. By using just safety pins and forgoing any cutting or sewing, each piece maintains the integrity of each original pair of denim. As Wang explains, “Even if we took it apart, all the jeans still hold [their] original shape and can still be worn” which is what makes this project completely recyclable in the truest sense of the word. This piece is exemplary of the underlying concept behind all BlanQ projects, which focus on moving beyond aesthetics and integrating meaning and concept into each work of art. If you love the look of the final sculptures, you can view the video of the making of Persona video.

Text Tienlyn Jacobson
Source(s): BlanqWorld, Jeffrey Wang

True Religion Launches New Phantom Line

True Religion, the very popular denim company is about to launch their new Phantom Line for the fall. Perfect for your outdoor activities, the jeans are durable. The pockets are beautified. The wash is more restrained. These jeans are perfect to wear everyday in this upcoming Fall season. Whether you are wear the jeans for an afternoon hike or for a night out with friends, these jeans will make it through your everyday activities. High quality and well known in the denim world, these jeans are perfect for your Fall wardrobe. Keep your eyes peeled. This line will be sold in stores beginning next month. The pricing of the items will be around $300. Instead of the usual True Religion brand, the jeans in this line have a different brand. A true indicator that the jeans are from this particular line is the American flag that is embroidered on the jeans. The items are made in the U.S.A.

Text Stephanie Buscema
Source(s): Truereligionbrandjeans.com

Trend Watch: Lose The Skinnies

In a true testament to the cycles of fashion, wide-leg denim is back. Forget your
skintight, butter-your-legs-up-and-use-a-wrench-to-pull-up-the-zipper skinny jeans,
and ease into a pair of 70’s style denim. Brands like True Religion, J Brand, Citizens
of Humanity and the Olsen twin’s off-shoot brand, TEXTILE Elizabeth and James, are
all putting out effortlessly cool looks with a lot of room to breathe. Styles range in a
variety of washes, from light and distressed to stark white and black.

To keep from looking like a Dazed and Confused extra (although with summer beach
weather quickly approaching, that may not be too bad of a thing), keep the rest
of the outfit sleek and fitted. A printed tank top and a straw fedora would be the
perfect Sunday brunch outfit, complete with sky-high wedges to keep your leg-line
looking as long and lean as possible. Or, play into the 70’s hippie child theme with a
chiffon floral top (bonus points if it’s cropped) and bloodshot eyes. Either way, your
ankles will thank you for the breather.

Text Liza Sokol
Source(s): Shopbop.com

Up in Smoke - ksubi's New Fashion Film

Model of the moment, Bambi Northwood-Blyth, is jumping off, in the most literal

way possible. In a film directed by Daniel Askill for cult fashion brand, ksubi,

a midriff baring Blyth, as well as co-starring models, Cisco Gorrow and Heidi

Harrington-Johnson, jump over classic 80’s muscle cars and vividly colored smoke….

All in slow-motion.

The video, meant to showcase ksubi’s new line of brightly colored denim, was shot

next to Sydney’s Kingsford Smith International Airport, with a billowing, opera-style

soundtrack as the models jump over cars, reminiscent of a bull and matador fight.

What’s even greater about the already gorgeous video is the brand’s foray into

fashion film, a previously untouched territory that is surely gaining more and more

steam. Instead of stagnant, one-dimensional images, artists and designers have

begun using a whole new media, perfect for capturing motion and creating an

entirely new aesthetic.

ksubi’s “kolors” collection is available in stores and online now.

Text Liza Sokol

Source: ksubi kolors from ksubi on Vimeo.

American Apparel Launches Denim, And No They're Not The Crotchless Kind

Once a place where all metallic leggings go to die, American Apparel has definitely come a long way. Through out the years the L.A.-based company has added accessories (bringing back scrunchies and athletic headbands), jazz shoes and California Select vintage clothes. But of course what it's mostly known for these days are the controversies that surround its provocative ads, which include a model sporting sheer underwear that exposes her au natural lady part, and CEO Dov Charney, who is not one to shy away from sexual harassment cases.

The company recently reported a loss of $86.3 million dollars last year, and according to WWD, it is potentially very close to filing bankruptcy. However, despite of the controversies and its bad financial state, American Apparel is coming out with denim. In a press release, Charney says, "Jeans are iconic, essential part of the modern wardrobe, just like the t-shirt... No one does basics like American Apparel. We've mastered the basic t-shirt, now we're getting excited about jeans."

But can denim save American Apparel? Despite the seemingly lack of ethics in its practices, the company does employ many Americans with their local, vertically integrated manufacturing. Not to mention that it carries some pretty great basics that other clothing companies just can't seem to rival. What do you say, will American Apparel be able to dig itself out of the hole?

Text Kristina Bravo
Image courtesy of American Apparel
Source: Fashionista.com

The Canadian Tuxedo

Denim on denim can look two ways - really good or REALLY bad! Otherwise known as, denim on denim has been displayed on many fashion blogs, runways, and magazines throughout the years. However, not everyone can pull off this trend – like everything in fashion, it has to be done right. By many critics, denim on denim can be typically seen as tacky or unfashionable. However, the fact it's seen as 'low fashion', make today's top designers want to perfect the impossible look. It's fairly easy to put this outfit together, but you'd need some basic accessories. Mix it up by wearing a brown suede belt and gladiator sandals to add a little more color, remember to use just enough and not go overboard.

The denim look is a great outfit to wear during the day, not only is it fashion forward but simple to put together. Even if most critics give it a thumbs down, the only real critic is yourself. Now, the question remains: are you brave enough to sport The Canadian Tuxedo


By: Jessica Moy

Rock the Dungarees!

Dungarees! It might be a while ago since you last wore dungarees, but I'm sure you've owned a pair. Perhaps, you might have to dig through your closet, we know you've got a pair. If not, head over to your favorite shopping spot and pick yourself up a pair. As you may have noticed they have started re-appearing so they shouldn't be hard to find. It's really good timing with the sun shining, these good great paired with a fitted tank. The great thing about dungarees is you can dress them down and make them casual or you can dress them up by adding heals and accessories.

If you haven't had any luck with tracking a pair down don't fret, you can purchase them online, here are a few options:

Urban Outfitters
ASOS
GAP

So the question is ... are you brave enough to buy a pair of dunagrees? Why not, they're cute, fun and girly!


by Laura Woodbury-Smith

Spring, Bleached & Trashed? Yup!

I'm thinking My So-Called Life, just a little bit here, no? I think Jared Leto would agree! Heh. Well, whatever I'm down. These are hot! Mid slouch jean, ripped, torn and tattered then bleached white! Straight leg and zip fly with button closure. Made in American by Oak. Make sure to go up and size or two to get the look, you don't want these tight. Or, if you're looking for something a bit more original these babies are self made, anyone can edit their jeans to look like this, EASY! You just need scissors, sandpaper, bleach and a creative mind, go wild! It can be done to any beat-up jean you might own. Just please, make sure not to use your skinny's. This style does not look good  skin tight and with flesh popping out. Lets keep it classic, shall we? ;)