On May 20th, 1873, a global fashion icon was born, denim jeans! This multi-woven, durable fabric first made in Nimes, France as serge and used to make apparel to last the distance was then changed up when it was introduced to indigo blue dye. The process involved dye sitting on the surface of the fabric penetrating halfway through which created a bonded durable surface. Makers soon found that the material would soften with continual wash and love for the material grew. Denim was about to make its mark.
Businessman Levi Strauss and his tailor friend Jacob Davies patented and gave the world a pant design that has consistently been evolving through various time periods and cultural influences.
This indigo dyed cotton fabric has become a major player in our fashion world being used in so many aesthetics, from shoes, furniture, hats, bags, and anything that this twill weave can be applied to. Fashion designers have been faced with its constraints of being heavy and stiff for decades and they are constantly taking these factors into consideration to keep denim trends high on the consumer market.
From low-rise to high-rise, straight-leg to barrel-leg, and acid-washed to stone-washed, stores now stock a magnitude of styles
I don’t think I know anyone that hasn’t worn something made from denim and we all know how particular we have to be when we head out to buy a new pair of jeans. With so many styles colours shapes, but where do you start? These days, we have the luxury of stretch denim with the addition of elastane and spandex which has become a game changer. Gone are the thick styles that made you feel like you were wearing cardboard. From low-rise to high-rise, straight-leg to barrel-leg, and acid-washed to stone-washed, stores now stock a magnitude of styles and endless choices, and not just in jeans! Skirts, jackets, shorts, and dresses are also fast becoming wardrobe favourites.
I casually visited Red Hill House in Sorrento recently and to my delight discovered not only a beautifully merchandised display of local artisanal creations, stunningly curated collections of jewellery and homewares but was also welcomed by owner and master creator of the visual loveliness that greets you on arrival. Josie has made it a mission to provide both her stores, the other in Red Hill South, with quality product over quantity.
As you meander around the store to absorb it all, you quickly realise there is qualitative choice and become immersed amongst the scented soaps, aromatic oils, candles and all the unique gifting on offer. The apparel was another lovely diversion, and I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of designer denim pieces teamed with woollen knits, printed scarves, and leather accessories.
With Mother’s Day around the corner, it’s a destination that will please the senses and fill the gifting brief for this or any occasion. Josie is no stranger to working with denim. From her early days in retail at Dakota501 boutique Josie has fond memories of styling and repurposing well-worn jeans giving them new life by adding suede leather inserts in worn areas, something the family-owned business was very proud of.
As we all know from experience, over time our denim gets easier to wear. The colour fades and jeans seem to soften, making them a solid choice for those around-the-house days as well as those around-the-town nights. But do they wear out? Denim has such longevity and its no wonder they used it to make military uniforms and workwear before rivets and studs gave the fabric a designer profile. It’s become a fashion phenomenon, the most consumed fabric globally and perhaps the most donated as well.
Repurposing denim is one of the best things we can do for the fashion industry
Not everyone wants a new pair of jeans to wear in. If you’re like me, I want mine a bit worn, so I forage the racks of vintage and thrift stores for my precious finds. Repurposing denim is one of the best things we can do for the fashion industry as denim is seriously high maintenance. Facts like one pair uses between 4000 to 9000 litres of water during the dying process shows denim production carries a heavy carbon footprint.
Sustainability will not only help the future for eco production it can also help to drive wonderful initiatives like Gathering Tree Collective. Enjoy a barista-made coffee and their fabulous social enterprise shop offering quality second-hand goods, sustainable and upcycled products and art from local makers right in the heart of Rosebud.
This enterprising community space is driven by Bayview Care and profits are directed to creating stronger futures for young people, families and individuals on the Southern Mornington Peninsula. With a great energy and atmosphere as soon as you enter, the volunteers value every customer inviting you to get comfy with a book and latte or sit with your laptop to catch up on emails.
Its not hard to find a great outfit or two and all for the greater good. Their programs assist skill building, mentoring, feeding, and clothing the needy and guide those seeking job opportunities or support programs. I couldn’t resist loitering for a while, and I found denim garments galore, even a pair of denim Vans in perfect condition!
I bumped into a lovely friend, added another top to my collection, and found the best faded denim wide-leg jeans to match the jacket I had with me, both made by the same brand…go figure.
Changing the future for others is a wonderful outcome for purchasing and donating our fashionable goods. This action especially for denim items embraces changing the nature of denim production to align with our eco fashion ideals. Re-evaluating production methods from 3d printing onto cotton, reducing water consumption, and using new dying techniques are helping jeans go green.
Don’t be too quick to discard your go-to pair and spare a though for the journey they took to get into your wardrobe. Upholster a stool or sew up a pillowcase or two. Get creative and keep that cycle going round and round. Gift a bit of denim and don’t be scared to embrace it for elevated dressing either. Embellished jackets, designer style handbags and the good ‘ol denim skirt is here to stay. The universe has certainly sent me a message after my local find, so I will be doing double denim and loving it! Happy street shopping.
Fashionably yours,
Annette