Jeans by Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake has launched his fashion label William Rast in the UK. Joining fellow musicians, Madonna, Kylie and P Diddy, the singer-cum-designer has added an extra accolade to his belt. Set up with his friend and business partner Trace Alaya, the casualwear label is on the measure up in the glossies and finally available in the UK.

William Rast's Spring/Summer 2007 "Street Sexy" collection is named after Timberlake's and Ayala's grandfathers, respectively. The rockabilly collection, which was inspired by the duo's Tennessee roots, features plenty of denim, vests, and short shorts, plus a few girly pleated dresses. According to the website, when you buy William Rast, you're buying comfort, quality and long wear. The collection is crafted with exquisite attention to detail and fabrics milled in the US, Japan and Italy.

www.williamrast.com
26 July 2007

Lee jeans team up with de Castelbajac

French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac is teaming up with London-based Lee Cooper jeans to launch collection called JCDC Denim Edited by Lee Cooper. "Lee Cooper exemplifies British denim by excellence and its pop-rock attitude from the Sixties," de Castelbajac said. "Its message is very close to my own collections. It's an ideal partnership."

JCDC Denim Edited by Lee Cooper is themed around Sixties British rock icons. Targeting a younger clientele, de Castelbajac applied his colorful aesthetic to slim-fitting jeans and played with whimsical prints on denim styles for the summer 2008 debut collection. The denim line for women and men will be distributed in 250 Lee Cooper stores in 70 countries, as well as in Jean-Charles de Castelbajac flagships.

In addition, the Paris-based designer next summer will launch his first high-end denim line, JC de Castelbajac, backed by Lee Cooper. "It's the first time I have ever had a diffusion line," Castelbajac said, noting that the line features couture finishes and intricate detailing. "I am very excited about the opportunity to create a more affordable product range that will be accessible to a younger customer base."

www.jc-de-castelbajac.com
21 June 2007

Buffalo opens flagship in London

Canadian denim label Buffalo David Bitton is opening a stand-alone store in London . After a successful trial with a temporary London store this summer, the company has chosen to commit to the UK market. The first store is slated to open on Kensington High Street in London , with further stores to follow in Brighton , Croydon, Kingston-upon-Thames and Kent in May. There are also plans for stores in Manchester , Birmingham and Liverpool . Eventually, Buffalo David Bitton intends to open 35 stores in the UK and Ireland over the next two years and is investing more than £15 million in the expansion.

"There is a vast gap in the market here for quirky product, and the female ranges are extremely strong," Jennifer Lacoste, president of Lacoste Enterprises Group - Buffalo David Bitton's retail partner - told WWD. "The customer base is very broad and it seems to have stretched from 18-year-olds to 60-year-olds. People love the fact that the clothing is different." The 4,400 square foot Kensington High Street store will offer David Bitton's women's and men's jeans and fashion collection, which includes embellished jeans and hot pants, and denim clam diggers. Prices range from approximately £30 for a cotton top to £180 for a pair of embellished jeans. Lacoste said that they had chosen High Street Kensington above Oxford Street or Regent Street because it was more personal. "We wanted the store to have a superb ambience."

Lacoste owns and operates all of the brand's UK and Irish stores. The company is also planning to expand into Europe . "In the next four or five years, we hope to open in the principal cities in Europe ," Lacoste said. In addition, Lacoste intends to promote Buffalo David Bitton with editorial and television promotions and collaborations with celebrities.

www.buffalojeans.com
1 March 2007

1921 denim comes to London

A new, extremely hot jeans brand is coming to London. 1921 Premium Denim is a favourite with the hippest Angelenos, including Nicole Ritchie, Lindsay Lohan and Jessica Alba. Sold at the LA's trendiest store, Kitson, the label is crossing the Atlantic and will be available in Harrods starting next month. Ironically, the brand's creative director Allan Kemp was greatly influenced by the UK while designing. "England in a large way shaped my vision," he told Vogue. "As a teenager I listened to bands like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Animals and Cream. I saw fashions by Mary Quant, models like Twiggy and my style was influenced by the Mods and the Rockers. It is very exciting to have England now wearing my jeans."

1921 was founded in that same year by a family-owned denim manufacturer. Each pair of jeans is hand-cut and hand-treated to give it a vintage look. Afterwards, the jeans are given an abrasion treatment with hand tools that have survived through the decades. Prices start from £159.

www.1921jeans.com
28 February 2007

Wrangler to open Carnaby store

American denim brand Wrangler in is due to open a UK flagship in London's Carnaby Street. It will be the company's first UK Concept store showcasing Wrangler's mens and womenswear collections.In store Iconic denim brand Wrangler has chosen one of the capital's most renowned shopping destinations, Carnaby Street, to open their first UK Concept on the 22nd March 2007.

For denim connoisseurs a must see will be the Blue Bell Archive area showcasing the history of the first modern day 5 pocket jean. The Blue Bell range was first designed in 1919 by the famous rodeo tailor 'Rodeo Ben' Lichtenstein, whose clients included Roy Rodgers and Bill Hailey.

The store opening will coincide with the launch of Wrangler's new womenswear collection, called Blue Bella. Louise Vaughan, Wrangler UK Marketing Manager said, "Wrangler introduces the best collections to date for spring summer and it is fitting that we open our first UK Concept store to showcase them in. Carnaby Street is a Mecca for denim aficionados and the Wrangler Store will be a key destination for this consumer." The Wrangler boutique opens on 22 nd March.

www.wrangler.com
14 February 2007

True Religion to launch shoes

Jeanswear firm True Religion apparel is about to launch a range of footwear and headwear in a bid to offer consumers a complete lifestyle range. On Monday the company announced the signing of a licensing agreement with Italian shoemaker GMI Corporation. GMI, which also produces footwear for Levi's, will produce and distribute the brand's footwear for men, women and children on a worldwide basis. True Religion shoes, sneaker and sandals will hit stores in fall 2007.

In addition, the US brand has also signed an agreement with American clothing and headwear specialist Paramount Apparel International. The latter will produce headwear, scarves and gloves for True Religion, which will be available in stores from next summer. Paramount already produces headwear for sporting goods giant Nike and footwear retailer Timberland.

"This brings us one step closer towards our goal of becoming a vertically integrated, premium, global lifestyle brand," said True Religion's chief executive Jeff Lubell. The two deals are expected to contribute €7.1 million of operating profit during the life span of the transactions. Last year, True Religion generated a turnover of $102.6 million (£53.9 million).

www.truereligion.com
7 November 2006

Directional denims brands in collaboration

Two well-known names in the denim world, GoldSign designer Adriano Goldschmied and Japan's Evisu, are collaborating on a limited-edition jeans style. The partnership will yield only 1,000 pairs - 500 for men and 500 for women - that will retail over £175 and be shipped to stores later this month. The concept was originally intended to mark the 10th anniversary of the Evisu brand in the U.S. and was to be sold solely through Evisu's boutiques. But interest in the jeans has grown so much that Peter Kaplow, Evisu's managing director, said expanding distribution to select retailers worldwide is being considered.

This is the latest collaboration for Los Angeles-based Goldschmied, who has designed jeans with retailers such as Barneys New York and Kitson, but his first with another designer. The venture underscores the importance of exclusivity in the denim market for expensive dungarees. The relationship between Evisu and Goldschmied started 10 years ago, when Kaplow and Goldschmied worked together to develop the Evisu label beyond its cult following in Japan and make it a more global brand.

"Goldschmied has a deep understanding of the Evisu brand, having known it for so long, so he was easily able to understand the interesting historical tension between its subtle, demure attention to detail and its bold, almost arrogant side," Kaplow said. Goldschmied developed the wash and fabric. The men's jean is a straight-leg style made from rigid denim, with gold kimono thread woven into it. The women's model is a skinny style and has a wax treatment. Both feature a back-pocket logo that is a hybrid of Evisu's abstract seagull drawing and a lower-case "g" in cursive script.

www.evisu.com
www.agjeans.com
18 October 2006

Acne Jeans and Browns Focus in shop swap

London's directional boutique Browns Focus is to do a store swap with the cutting edge Swedish cult brand Acne Jeans. For a period of ten days between October 25 and November 5 Browns Focus' London store moves entirely, including shop front, stock and staff, to Stockholm, home of Acne Jeans; Acne Jeans moves into Brown Focus' South Molton Street space.

Brown Focus' Buyer Alexandra Stylanidis has selected 22 progressive London-based labels, including Roksanda Ilincic, Ashish, Boudicca, Ann Sofie Back and Richard Nicoll, plus international brands Philip Lim, Josh Goot, David Szeto, Tina Kalivas and Hanii Y to take to Stockholm. To mark the event Browns online is selling Acne Jeans' women's collection.

www.brownsfocus.co.uk
www.acnejeans.com
26 September 2006

Wrangler to relaunch women’s denim

US denim brand Wrangler is relaunching its women’s jeans collection for spring 2007. The new range, to be called Blue Bella, will be aimed at 20 – 30 year-old women and is inspired by Wrangler’s heritage, drawing on designs from the brand’s archives from the 1940s to 70s.

Flat pockets from a pair of 1940s dungarees are just one of the elements used in the new range. Other key styles include jeans with braces and denim waistcoats.
There are 15 jeans fits in a range of shades, including black, grey, blue and white, with the choice of either a clean or vintage finish. The range also features an extended collection o tops, including jerseys and floral shirts. Wholesale prices range from £20 to £28.

Blue Bella will launch at Bread & Butter in Barcelona tomorrow until 7 July. Urban Outfitters has meanwhile bought the collection for its London stores.
Wrangler’s spring men’s collection includes the W Rivet range, which features 12 jean fits in up to 12 different washes. The range also includes waistcoats, cardigans and polo shirts with a W on the front. Prices range from about £20 to £36.

www.wrangler.com
4 July 2006 

Skinny jeans craze replaced by ‘boyfriend’ jeans

Skinny jeans have been all the range since last year, but are soon to be replaced by the ‘boyfriend’ jeans. What are ‘boyfriend’ jeans, you may ask? In fashion circles it is a term coined at a looser silhouette in denim, defined by a straighter leg, higher rise and more relaxed fit. Loose fitting in the same sense as wearing you’re boyfriend’s jeans.

These baggier jeans are the antithesis of tight, spray-on denim and are all the rage for Autumn/Winter 2006. Stores around the UK have been ditching the skinny jeans look to gear up for the new trend, which has started already.
Brands such as Marc Jacobs, Chloe and Zac Posen are leading the way, however more mainstream brands such as Levi’s. G-Star and Replay have introduced boyfriend-fit jeans as the look is set to be much more commercial.

High Street stores including New Look and River Island have already launched own-label trials of more relaxed styles this spring, and New Look said it had a phenomenal reaction to the jeans from customers.
One thing is certain, the skinny jeans, whilst they look great on Kate Moss and Nicole Ritchie, look out of proportion on anyone with hips or a fuller figure.
On trend for Autumn/Winter is a new layering and looser silhouette, which includes turtlenecks under dresses, oversized knits over leggings or jeans, a subdued bohemian look that is more chic than hippy, more loose than fitted.

Malin+Goetz skincare team up with Earnest Sewn jeans

Malin+Goetz skincare, the uber modern New York apothecary who's products are taking London by storm, are teaming with cult denim label Earnest Sewn in New York. Earnest Sewn's bespoke and made-to-measure denim boutique in the meatpacking district is opening a special apothecary in honour of Malin+Goetz.

M+G's unisex skincare, who's loyal following include Jessica Alba and Mischa Barton, will be available at the store from April 5th. In London the brand is stocked at Liberty and Selfridges. It's to-die-for packaging will make any bathroom look fashionable.

Skinny jeans boost sales

The arrival of the skinny jean has signified an ever strengthening passion for denim. The trendy, unembellished jeans have caused the denim market to reach sales of $15.26 billion (£8.79 billion) in 2005, an increase of 9.3 percent from the year before. Although not everyone is as wild about the unforgiving cut, overall jeans sales have not suffered, thanks to a myriad of choices made available to consumers. According to the US based NPD Group sales in the higher segment, concerning prices of $80 and up, have risen 27.7 percent to $335.4 million

The phenomenon has reached global proportions with boutique owners from New York to London and Milan professing the popularity of the premium jean. Consumers are more than prepared to be more for a brand name and a special cut. "People are willing to pay up the wazoo because it's such a hot jean and a great fit," a New York boutique owner tells WWD, speaking of a Sass & Bide skinny jean. Owner Jo of The Denim Hub in Manhattan 's East Village tells WWD, "Most people are happy spending $150. When it comes to paying more, some people complain, but they mostly expect to (pay more)."

Another shop owner said that "there's absolutely no price resistance" to jeans purchases. The current trend for which people will be a premium is clean, sophisticated, non-distressed and slim cut. Brands such as Seven For All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity and True Religion are still selling well, although slightly newer brands such as J Brand, Earnest Sewn, Notify, Acne and Chip and Pepper are also enjoying great success at the moment. Any brand offering the popular slim cut is reaping the benefits.

In Europe , cities like Paris are only just picking up on the trend of the skinny jean, which is expected to be a big seller this summer. Sarah Lerfel, buyer for the iconic lifestyle store Colette, tells WWD, "Skinny fits with a rock 'n roll feel are strong directions this summer." Joanna Jeffreys at Harvey Nichols also sees no diminishment of the popularity of the skinny jean, although there are reports of the skinny jean having to make way for a roomier fit next season. "There's no sign of the skinny jean waning," she said. However, the one thing that everyone agrees on is that demand for premium jeans shows no signs of slowing down.

31 March 2006

Lee Jeans and Goose collaboration

Lee Jeans Europe has collaborated with Goose Design on the development of its brand identity. With Goose Design's help the brand has introduced new concepts, which have helped revive it.

Goose was also approached by Lee Jeans Europe to help create a new, contemporary label strategy for it. Lee Jeans has a strong reputation and rich history but wanted to develop an edgier product line with its relatively new Lee X-line collection. Goose will further help the company by providing creative direction for the autumn/winter 2007/8 collection and beyond. "Goose design has been an important partner in the re-ignition process we started during 2005 for the Lee brand in Europe," said Johan De Neil, Brand Director Lee Jeans Europe. "They brought new thinking and expertise into our brand team, which has resulted into defining a clear vision for the future and how we align the line architecture with our different distribution and consumer segments."

The new Lee Jeans vision was first showcased at Bread & Butter Barcelona and generated a positive reception. The new collections will be available in the fall of this year.

www.leejeans.com
30 March 2006

Brand jeans win case against counterfeiter

Jeans brands Seven For All Mankind and Rock & Republic have been awarded damages for the sales of fake goods. The New York-based Rational Fashion was given two separate injunctions for selling counterfeit versions of the two brands over the internet.

Seven For All Mankind was awarded $450,000 (£259,140) for the Rational's wilful copyright infringement and attorney costs. Rock & Republic was awarded $1 million in damages.

"We are sending a strong message to online counterfeiters," said Michael Heimbold, a partner Alshuler Grossman Stein & Kahan, who represented both jeans brands.

"We are aggressively targeting counterfeiters throughout the US and the world who are harming the good name and reputation of our clients. The court's judgements in these cases demonstrate that sellers of counterfeit branded products via the internet face damages into millions of dollars, even if their purported profits are only a fraction of this amount."

Jordache acquires Earl Jean

Jordache Enterprises has acquired the Earl Jean Brand from VF Corporation for an undisclosed amount. The leading apparel and denim manufacturer and marketer made the acquisition together with a group of private investors. Earl Jean will be integrated into Jordache's denim business and the company will present the brand to major retailers in the coming weeks.

"The acquisition of Earl will continue to cement our position as a leader in denim and apparel manufacturing," said Liz Berlinger, president of Jordache Enterprises in a written statement. "Earl is the first premium denim brand, and Jordache has always stood for quality in denim and cutting edge design and marketing. We think this will be a great fit for our company and we have already had interest form some major retailers."

www.jordache.com
28 February 2006

Message from our sponsor

The perfect pair of jeans is the holy grail of fashion. From Marilyn Monroe in the 50s, to Marianne Faithful in the 60s, to Ali McGraw in the 70s, to Brooke Shields in the 80s, to pretty much everyone in the 90s, Jeans of all descriptions have clothed our icons and underpinned our wardrobes. Now, every high street chain has a denim range, every designer a denim line and even Victoria Beckham is cashing in on the market. but for most women the perfect pair is still one hemline inch away from her grasp.

Ilovejeans.com, launching in the New Year, is the complete online guide to buying jeans. Set up a stylist driven to despair after fifteen years perpetually seeking good jeans for her shoots and herself. The website addresses the confusion of brands, fits, finishes and trends on the market, and provides a clear and cutting edge guide to finding a pair to suit every reader.

The site will give the low down on all the best denim brands; from new styles, to limited editions, and reissues; plus who's wearing them and where to buy them. The idea is to give a comprehensive guide to what's available- so the site will include high-end jeans from Paige Premium Denim and Serfontaine, to classics like Lee and Pepe, to affordable high street labels including Miss Selfridge.

Advice on what to buy for every shape will be dispensed by a team of fashion advisors including buyers, celebrity stylists (Angela Buttolph and Caryn Franklin) and designers for leading denim ranges (Paige Adams, Paige Premium Denim). The website will also have a section where the reader will be able to "Ask the Stylist" any jean related questions that will be answered and posted on to the site. Their expertise will form part of complete interactive guides to buying jeans to disguise the bad and flatter the good.

At this stage the reader will not be able to buy their chosen jeans directly from the website but will be directed to click on to a link that will send them to an affiliate site (Browns on-line, Net-a -porter, Asos.com & Yoox.com) where they can buy on line.

In addition, fashion writers & stylists will be introduced to ilovejeans.com as an easy way to select jeans for their fashion pages- and we will also be welcoming fashion editors to write about the jeans they are currently wearing or coveting. The website will be launching official in March, but in the meantime there will be a working site up from the end of the year.

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