Denim comes in many different styles, from ’50s retro to the cool hippy look or business chic. This summer the versatile fabric is set to reinvent itself once again, say European fashion experts.
The latest denim reinvention started last summer when Italian designers Dolce & Gabbana and Roberto Cavalli draped their models in sinfully expensive, artistically ripped jeans.
Now even pumps come in denim designs. The new jeans fashion emphasises creativity, fantasy and individualism. It no longer comes from the street but from the designer scene.
The washed out, second-hand look is big this summer. Ready-made creases and an artificial worn look, make brand new jeans look like old favourites as soon as they leave the shop.
New York designer Tommy Hilfiger has also taken up the trend. The new collection ranges from “trucker chic” with a “dirty finish” to American campus style, aiming for a “college atmosphere with a slightly hip note”. The Hilfiger college girl wears her hip jeans with nostalgic polo shirts, classic tweeds or training jacket.
Whatever look they are slipping into, jeans should always radiate sex appeal.
“Very tight fitting, narrow on the thighs and flared leg” are the most popular style of jeans at the European clothes chains. They are worn with narrow waisted, and washed out jean jackets.
Anyone with a good figure to show off is this season putting on jeans overalls with broad belts in matching denim to emphasise the hips. To make it comfortable and wearable, the overalls are usually made of a thin stretch material with a denim look.
Jeans decorated with embroidery, glitter or studs are especially popular with the young. They are worn with t-shirts with bright, colourful prints and a washed-out look. Jeans skirts are also a favourite, pepped up with trimming, fringes, pockets or printed lettering.
Up-market Italian label Cerutti’s jeans collection is both casual and vibrant, with striped or checked patterns, flowing lines, light fabrics in faded blue and pastel tones and khaki.
A variety of accessories can give “jeans basics” an individual stamp. Belts can be anything from glamorous chain to punky leather with studs. Jeans can be made elegant and wearable for work with a smart leather belt and a tucked in white blouse. For a hippie look, wear your jeans washed out with a Carmen blouse, leather thong sandals and dangling earrings.
The right shoes to wear with jeans this season are flat or half- heels. Fashionable are delicate sandals, sexy cowboy boots and slip-ons with wooden soles and block heels. Trainers should be simple and not high-tech. Pumps made of blue denim are decorated with bright stitching, shiny embroidery and delicate heels that give jeans shoes a relaxed and ladylike look.
