Trend Alert: Pure Jeanius

The humble fabric has come a long way. De-veloped originally for miners, denim is now getting luxury treatment. Fashion designers destroy it, bleach it, embellish it, cut it, dye it, embroider it, bead it and put their names behind it. It has become the favorite fabric of the industry. If you think everything that can be done has been done with this fabric, think again. Every season, fresh designs are introduced and they become the must-haves of the moment. Who would have thought that this casual and rugged fabric could be used for haute couture? This is the look of the moment – luxury items made with this humble fabric.

We know it as America’s favorite fabric but it probably originated from Nimes, France. The word denim came from Serge de Nimes. Its comfort, wearability and strength gained popularity among cowboys, miners, railroad workers and farmers. From then, the all-American item became the symbol of rebellion for the teens to the hippies. Remember James Dean’s rugged look in a white tee with a leather jacket paired with blue jeans in Rebel Without a Cause? Then, Calvin Klein started the trend of branding jeans with his name. The once affordable jeans became exclusive and expensive. Give me one fashion house that has not followed this trend. GiorgioArmani, Versace, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Dries Van Noten, Helmut Lang, Christian Dior, Valentino, Jill Stuart, Vivienne Tam, Alice Roi, Roberto Cavalli, Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, Christian Lacroix, Fendi, Henry Duarte, Earl, Prada, Miu Miu and Chanel are some of the names which have maximized the denim’s popularity.

Now, more than ever, the denim has reached iconic status. With the advancement in technology, anything is possible. The fabric of the moment has reached its peak in creativity together with technique. It is so versatile. You can dress it up or dress it down depending on your mix. Personalize your look. Dress it up for evening with real jewelry from excessive strands of pearls, large pins, thick bangles dangling earrings, jeweled belts, ultra-wide belts, embroidered cummerbunds and stiletto heels. During the day, jeans worn with a tee top and the now trendy designer sneakers are so hip. This season, Junya Watanabe has the most creative and interesting collection using denim. He pleated, patched and tore the fabric and used it in different shapes and volumes. The common denim looks different and distinct again. If you want to save up, rummage through your closet and revive your old jeans. The vintage look is so current. Customize your jeans by ripping them, bleaching them or beading them. It’s fun and at the same time so individual. I remember 13 years ago, when I beaded my aunt’s old Levi’s. Then and now, people still ask me where I got them. And last year, during the show of Anonymous, stylist Michael Salientes asked a few people to personalize some jeans. I was one of them. Recently, he borrowed some of them for Gary Valenciano to use for his shows and pictorials. I couldn’t believe that he opted to keep mine. I was really flattered. It doesn’t cost much to do this. All it takes is a little patience and creativity. It’s a perfect way to look current without spending much.

Denim has endured one hundred years and it will last another hundred years or even more. It will never go out of style. Just watch out for the new shapes and designs and base your look on that. Remember that this a must in every woman’s wardrobe. Start with a straight cut, basic dark indigo pair if you still don’t have one. Create your own look and style with this basic must-have.

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