Denim first hit the streets back in the 1800s in the French city of Nîmes (de Nîmes where the name originates). The strong cotton twill fabric was durable for the workers of the day where hard physical labour was common. The first denim jeans became a staple garment for American miners in the 1850s and can almost be regarded as their national clothing. Here in the UK, we’ve seen how the styles of jeans has evolved, matured and developed into the fashionable everyday and special occasion clothing we wear today. They are no longer just worn by workers but stylish young ladies and celebrity role models alike.
Katy Perry wears Diesel skinny fit jeans in her music videos. Follow her great look in the Littlewoods Diesel Shop. Source
Hollywood heartthrobs such as James Dean and Marlon Brando popularised jeans wearing with films ‘Rebel without a Cause’ and ‘The Wild One’ and since the 1950s teens everywhere have made them their own. The 1960s and 70s saw jeans being cut, frayed and embroidered and used in the Flower Power movement by the country’s hippies. The 80s brought new hues and pastel shades to the range with black becoming prominent in the 90s until popularity returned to the original indigo colour. Throughout these last decades stonewashing and distressing the fabric became the norm as well as it having the beneficial effect of pre-shrinking the jeans. Come the 21st Century and colours are back, a range of cuts are in vogue and it’s even becoming more acceptable to combine jeans with formal wear.
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This season is all about the cut rather than colour. Summer 2011 is great for young ladies in all sizes as the return of bootcut and boyfriend jeans emerge back onto the highstreets. Emphasising the classic vintage style, distressed bootcut jeans are great for everyday urban wear. This flattering form can be complemented by baggy T-shirts and trainers while out and about or spiced up provocatively with a teasing ruffle blouse and stunning heels.
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They are rounded off with front and back pocket detailing, a neat leather Diesel tab and a front zip-fly fastening. Unsurprisingly the term ‘bootcut’ is a traditional style that flares towards the ankle to allow for the easy wearing of boots. It differs slightly from the 90s’ look in that these are tighter at the knee.
The image below shows Diesel’s attractive pocket design, stitching and leather tab.
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Style icon, Uma Thurman, hit the streets of Manhattan in her Louvely Diesel Jeans.
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Elle MacPherson is no stranger to looking good. She, too, is keen on her Diesel bootcuts. Source
For those of us with an ‘apple’ body shape, a pair of wide fitting bootcut jeans complemented by short heels really accentuates height, giving a slimmer look.
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Wanting a more relaxed look? Then look no further than a great pair of boyfriend jeans. So-called because of their connotations to slipping on a pair of your man’s jeans (as well as a shirt!) they make comfort: key. Relaxing and chilling comes naturally in these loose fit jeans. A variety of tops and footwear complement these admirably and also emphasis shapely ankles.
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Harking back to times-gone-by: the new brand of Essential Boyfriend Joe Brown Jeans come with a fabric print belt that adds to the style and gives these jeans an extra dimension.
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The boyfriend jeans have a big thumbs-up from celebrity style setters. Katie Holmes maintains her appeal with an almost androgynous look. A wide belt and short scarf give her an air of chic. Accessories really bring out the best in any attire. Joe Brown jeans have a more feminine look thanks to a smart use of tapering. In keeping with the latest trends the Joe Brown jeans exemplify the lived-in look and the wash gives them instant classic appeal. Pockets front and back and a front zip complete the style.
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Jennifer Aniston’s holiday this month saw her looking great in her boyfriend jeans.
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Who knows what next year will bring but one thing is certain; denim fashions have evolved over the course of 160 years and this doesn’t seem to stop any time soon. This is great news for designers and us jeans wearers everywhere!
Guest blogger, Greg Coltman, writes prolifically about the fashion and makeup industry.
