By Mariam Nihal
Saudi Gazette
Denim is timeless. You can never go wrong with it. Denim truly is perhaps the only component that never goes out of fashion. Now at its peak thanks to new streetwear brands that took its alluring presence to the TV screen and social media timelines, it is back with a rage and only getting stronger. Denim on denim completes your look, no matter how you wear it. For girls, a dress worn with an oversized denim jacket and Adidas sneakers can nail the look. Isn’t that what your favorite celebrity is donning on her instagram page? Dress up denim with heels or with Yeezy’s, the look only gets bolder and stronger. Ripped denim jeans have been the iconic brand ambassador for all fashion lovers this season. For men a denim jacket thrown over a long t-shirt with torn denim jeans and cool sneakers or boots can transform you instantly. Dress it up or down, the power of humbled denim is outstanding and will always make you stand out in a crowd. Luckily fashion has infiltrated down to the mainstream brands and denim is now available at your local stores and malls. Check out Zara, Bershka, Topman and H&M for basics. You can even log on to Namshi, ASOS, MarkaVIP, and Net A Porter for easy online shopping and multiple brands. We have assembled a few looks and trends that may work for you. But lets not deny that denim has no rules, so if you feel like throwing on that oversized embellished Gucci denim on your thobe, go for it. Make your own rules as you go along and enjoy it.
1. Cropped denim: Be it a short cropped jacket or a vest thrown over a t-shirt, denim works best with casual cotton or even a formal outfit you want to understate.
2. Distressed is the key word. Don’t try to make it work otherwise. It is best distressed and that is how it works its magic. “This season it’s all about sulphur washes and overdye treatments for that authentic, lived-in look. Rips are also becoming more and more extreme, with double-knee slashes and holes,” said Gordon Richardson, Creative Director of Topman. Streetwear brands have taken the fashion staple and given it more authenticity. “Amiri takes distressing to a new level of authenticity. Each piece is peppered by gunshot,” said Ben Hurren, Denim Buyer at Selfridges.
3. Embellished jeans and jackets are all the rage. It is the Gucci effect. Under the leadership of their Creative Director Alessandro Michele, Gucci showed an oversized shearling trucker overgrown with flowers, use of tigers and strong metallic bonds in their new designs. You have seen it on the biggest celebrities and musicians out there and now they are available at all your favorite stores. A new venture launched online by London label M.i.h Jeans is a customization tool, that taps into the current craze and helps you create your own personalized designs.
4. Black and white. Don’t restrict denim to one color. For AW16, Calvin Klein showed dirty white denim meanwhile black denim works great for those who love to do ‘black on black’ outfits. Adding some color to your rotation also gives you another safe option for pulling off a double-denim look. You don’t have to worry too much about the shades of blue melting into one another but you can go ahead and mix these whites with colors elsewhere.
5. The tussles and frays. Bloggers wore them during Milan Fashion Week and it sure makes a statement for streetwear photography and fashion.
6. The wide leg for women. The wide leg culotte style is back with a bang. You have seen this sported by boots and Gucci’s embellished platform heels this season. You can rock it with ‘trend-led’ piece this season.
7. For men though, it is all about the tailored fit. “A key style for SS16 is the more relaxed, straight or tapered fit,” said Robyn Ferris, Junior Buyer at MRPORTER.com. All your favorite Arab celebrities, Hollywood and Bollywood actors are wearing them right now.
8. Stepped hems are in. “We have a great exclusive capsule from Frame on Net-A-Porter this season. They have reworked their classics with a staggered hem that is amazing. I love the ‘Le Original’ and ‘Le High’ styles,” said Lisa Aiken, Net-A-Porter’s Retail Fashion Director.
