Denim to die for
UNIVERSAL FABRIC: FOR WORK WEAR AND FOR FEELING SEXY IN Skinny jeans making way for looser, more relaxed fit.
It’s the universal fashion language of work wear, of sexy and feeling good. And it’s probably the only kind of fabric that reaches across all social nodes. From cheap jeans at the local discount retailer through to designer and hold-your-breath price tags, denim is the most universally loved fabric, ever. It’s not going to change soon, either.
And we have Bavarian immigrant to California, Levi Strauss, to thank for creating the gold rush clobber in 1853.
It’s estimated that today more than 2.2 billion pairs of jeans are sold around the world every year.
And while Levi shared work wear with the world, Calvin Klein gave us the inevitable sexiness of jeans.
With his Brooke Shields-modelled campaign, in suggestive poses floating the notion that nothing comes between her and her jeans. Klein launched the aura of desire and sexy that still sidebars almost every piece of denim.
There’s nothing like a well-cut pair of jeans to shape anyone’s body into a selfie-worthy look. Jeans are comfortable, and even when they rip and look old and washed out, they’re in-vogue.
After all, people pay good money for distressed jeans straight from the factory.
Hype Park designer denim Tshepo Mohlala is in love with the fabric.
He said it’s the ultimate fabric to create, design and produce stories with.
And that is what is brand Tshepo Jeans is all about.
A narrative for life with strong undertones of social conscience and self-realisation.
His ready-to-wear collection stands out, and in many cases taller, than other premium denim brands.
And the cuts are very sexy. He designs men and women’s clobber with crossover boyfriend jeans sensually dropping to slow slung hipsters.
Paired with a fleecy sherpa jacket, a tee and the look encapsulates the spirit of winter 2023.
It’s all about practicality and utilitarian wear. And this season there’s a move back to low-slung jeans, but high waisted looks are not discounted as history.
Mohlala says that this winter’s denim style looks like this: “Skinny jeans are no longer
the go-to style for many people,” he says. “Instead, there is a shift towards looser, more relaxed fits, which provide comfort and ease of movement.
“This trend reflects the broader movement towards practical, functional clothing that can be worn in a variety of settings.” Mohlala’s paint splattered denim, confident distresses and work wear dungarees are paired with cinematic checks.
At its opposite, angelic white denim jackers and jeans, speak of individuality and imprints of the Age of Aquarius. Rainbow hoodies complete a look that’s socially conscious and inspiring at the same time.
Later this season Tshepo Jeans are adding new lines of jerseys and sneakers to its range of highly expressive fashion.
The emphasis remains on comfort, inevitable sexy, and a strong narrative that is evident throughout the entire collection.
In addition to the move towards relaxed fits, Mohlala says that vintage denim is also becoming more popular.
“People are starting to appreciate the unique character and history behind each pair of jeans, and the idea of owning a one-of-a-kind piece that tells a story is becoming more appealing,” he says.
“This trend is also tied to the growing interest in sustainability, as vintage denim is seen as a way of reducing waste and extending the life of clothing.
“Consumers are now more conscious of their environmental impact when it comes to fashion and are opting for products that are sustainable and ethically made.”