2 June 2011

Jeans: beyond fashion

Europe invented haute-couture, but America invented blue jeans. The symbol of democracy in fashion. Practical yet sexy, simple yet versatile, there’s nothing compared to them. They win over generation after generation with the patience and power of a true classic and with the enthusiasm of a modern piece.

I know women for whom the perfect pair of jeans means more than the perfect little black dress. They are incredibly appealing to any age and have reached the height of fashion serving even as a comfortable alternative to corporate tailoring. The classic straight-legged, the rock-chic skinny style or flared type, in elegant indigo, black or white or sophisticated wash, they are a wonder of fashion and the bedrock of my wardrobe.

During the late 60s and the 70s designers such as Yves Saint Laurent began using denim for their ready-to-wear collections. Calvin Klein made America’s first pair of designer jeans in the mid-1970s and Ralph Lauren and Giorgio Armani soon followed. As editor of US Vogue in 1988, Anna Wintour’s first cover was a pair of Guess stonewash jeans teamed with a Christian Lacroix bejeweled top.

Jane Birkin is said to have worn jeans like nobody else. Vogue named her the queen of denim. She didn’t even wear designer jeans and she was often spotted in one favourite pair. At 64, she still finds them irresistible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeans speak of James Dean, of Marlon Brando, of Bruce Springsteen, they speak of the American style which has inevitably become part of everybody’s life.

 

images: 1,6- Mih Jeans spring-summer 2011 lookbook / 3,4-source unknown / 5,7-Vogue Paris, via Knight Cat / 8-Hilary Rhoda Vogue Russia, November 2010, photographed by KT Auleta, styled by Brian Molloy / 9,10-Raquel Zimmermann by Terry Richardson for Vogue Paris, September 2007 / James Dean in Lee Jeans in Rebel Without a Cause / cover Born In The USA, Bruce Springsteen

 

 

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15 Responses to Jeans: beyond fashion

  1. Rachael wrote on
    --> 2 June 2011 at 10:14 am

    Loving all the images of the Breton stripes and jean combo. So simple, yet so classic and chic!

  2. Shin wrote on
    --> 2 June 2011 at 10:23 am

    Hi Ada! I love this post! Jeans are a staple in anyone’s closet and they’re a classic! I love the history behind it and it’s truly one of the greatest creations. There are so many styles to choose from and it’s going to be in trend no matter where you are! xoxoxoo

  3. Aubrey wrote on
    --> 2 June 2011 at 10:34 am

    I love all the history behind the legend (c: Jeans are just the best aren’t they? It’s too bad it is so darn difficult to find that “perfect pair”…and I’m pretty sure I’m a fan of any post that you can work in James Dean (c:

  4. LittleRus wrote on
    --> 2 June 2011 at 10:42 am

    Such a great post, Ada! Really enjoyed reading the story and browsing the pics. Can’t imagine myself without a pair of jeans – I once tried to quit and substitute jeans with trousers and skirts. I failed miserably. :)))

    xxx

  5. My Fashion Tale wrote on
    --> 2 June 2011 at 12:01 pm

    I love jeans…flared, wide-leg, skinny jeans…love’em all!

  6. BeLighter wrote on
    --> 2 June 2011 at 12:29 pm

    Great post! I’m totally a jeans woman, yes, for me, it’s crucial to find THE perfect fitting jeans, more then the “little black dress”, which I don’t even own! (I don’t believe in that rule!)

  7. Kate @ Travelmoon wrote on
    --> 2 June 2011 at 4:48 pm

    These images were just amazing! It is so interesting how one piece of clothing can evolve and have this kind of staying power!

  8. Dawn {The Alternative Wife} wrote on
    --> 2 June 2011 at 6:56 pm

    Nothing beat a good pair of jeans. When I find a great pair I buy two 🙂
    Hope you’re having a lovely day, Ada! xoxo

  9. Angel @ | 77inspire | wrote on
    --> 2 June 2011 at 7:36 pm

    love the jean shorts… yay for summer 🙂

  10. mary jo wrote on
    --> 2 June 2011 at 7:54 pm

    Ada, such a great post! It’s so amazing how jeans really did become a wardrobe staple! I can’t believe that was Anna Wintour’s first cover–I actually saved the image somewhere on my computer a few years back because I love Lacroix so much. And those sailor style jeans–I have to find some! You’re inspiring me to get a few pair, actually! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!

    xo Mary Jo

  11. Meagan wrote on
    --> 2 June 2011 at 10:14 pm

    I live in blue jeans! I’m truly American, ha ha!

  12. LatteLisa wrote on
    --> 2 June 2011 at 10:53 pm

    that Bruce Springsteen photo … classic!
    I’m in love with the jeans above James Dean. Is the body included in the price? 😉

  13. ashley wrote on
    --> 3 June 2011 at 1:40 am

    what great commentary on the evolution of jeans into our daily wardrobes!! i live in jeans on the weekends. a good, comfortable pair is priceless. hope you’re have a great weekd and love those pics of marloes!!

    xo.ashley

  14. Kellie Collis wrote on
    --> 3 June 2011 at 7:13 am

    I love jeans! It’s comfy and never goes out of style. Have a beautiful weekend, Kellie xx

  15. la Vinia wrote on
    --> 3 June 2011 at 9:41 am

    You’re right Ada, jeans are beyond fashion, it’s pure design. It’s the basic of our everyday fashion life. And Nothing compares with a good pair of jeans!
    Have a nice week-end! 🙂