WORKWEAR REVOLUTION: Workwear Origins

April 3, 2017 Jill Lawrence

Indigo denims started life in the 1800's as work garments and denim style has come a long way since then embracing every shape and fit demanded by fashion trends. Paradoxically the origins of workwear denim and style continue to influence fashion denim even now. Rough textured coarse indigos tinted brown to emulate a "weathered" look and worn torn edges to represent the real original are just two examples of what we do to cheat our way back into history in re-generated styles that fit better than the originals.

The romance of indigo was born in many cultures in different ways, from Japanese kimonos to French artisan overalls to American factory and railroad workers. Many such vintage items that still exist are the more charming due to piecing and patching over generations with denim or other local fabrics.. Such garments are now preserved in museums but their spirit lives on in styles and shapes aped by contemporary fashion designers.

What is remarkable is the way in which the indigo colour has been either preserved or has faded whilst still retaining its amazing hue.

Styles that live on are dominated by the cover-all / flying suit /over-all i.e., originally an all-in-one protection. Now massively popular in denim fashion, RTW and expensive couture versions. More popular than it has ever been, but not for work! The bib n' brace or dungaree comes and goes in fashion popularity, currently enjoying one of its many revivals mainly in denim or plain cottons enhanced by contrast patching which amusingly emulates the originals. Enjoying a parallel revival are cotton cords, ribs, ridges, ticking stripes and herringbone tweeds, all reminiscent of vintage workwear.

The original work jean was popluarised by Levi Strauss in the late 1800's. This quickly became the cowboy jean with which we are all too familiar now approximately 150 years later. The denims are likewise little changed such that Levi closely guards and protects both shape and denim technology continuing to achieve the original looks.

Vintage

January 12, 2017 Jill Lawrence

In the popular days of 50's denim, the denim was unisex. James Dean and Marilyn Monroe would be wearing exactly the same jeans. They would just wear them differently. Style them differently. Denim in it's original nature is genderless. It is a unique fabric lending itself to any wearer regardless of gender perceptions.

L: ©Denim From Cowboys to Catwalks Centre: ©Jeans Des Heros Right: ©Denim From Cowboys to Catwalks

Vintage Bling Ring

December 19, 2016 Jill Lawrence

In the post war days of Rock jeanswear and screen idols overt bling embellishment was more popular than today. Wear and destruction was achieved naturally and decoration was the way to express individuality.

Shiny silver early vintage motorbike working in harmony with the dazzler vintage sequin star biker babe.

Rhinestone cowboys take bling to another level. Layered appliqué with a Mexican influence - rhinestones, silver studs, soutache embroidery, silver threads, tassels and dancing disks. Extraordinary!

The Pearly King of vintage denim. Military braiding over embelished with shiny pearl buttons jumbled and superimposed to create handfuls of variations on the shine theme.

Brand Spotlight: Caine London // Rialto Jean Project

November 28, 2016 Jill Lawrence

Caine London

Matt Allchin and Hayley Caine are the brains behind Caine London a cult denim brand born in Peckham London. Their brand is "irreverent and fun" , they create "wearable works of art to be worn until they die". Their ready to wear collections strive to be witty and effortless, with styles appealing to both genders. Each collection sees them source vintage denim jackets that they emblazon with unique hand-painted works of art. Influences for the designs deriving from sources such as canals of south London, 90s grunge, and everyone's favourite place, the traditional English Pub.

Their AW16 collection, aptly taking its name from the London Cockney slang for pub, "Rub-A-Dub", celebrates the traditional signs you would see hanging above your favourite local boozer.

Here at The Denim Eye we can't wait to see what's coming from for the next season from this brand.

For more check out cainelondon.com

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Rialto Jeans Project - Denim doing good.

RJP is an ethical philanthropic denim brand which specialises in hand painted one off vintage items.

Everything is handcrafted in the studio of ERIN FENIGER in South Street Seaport NYC with the brand counting A -list actors , musicians and super models among its growing customer base. Erin Feniger sources rare American made vintage and personally hand paints every piece herself thereby creating unique pieces with a current fashion awareness.

Rialto Jeans Project benefits children through art with proceeds of the brand going to support innovative therapy programmes in the Children's Hospital LA and New York Presbyterian Hospital from the RJP charitable platform of "DENIM DOING GOOD".

Follow the brand progress at rialtojeanproject.com