Not Your Classic Denim

 




The denim jacket is one of those pieces that everyone should have in their wardrobe. It doesn’t matter what clothes are trending this season — the denim jacket never really goes out of style, no matter how many years go by. Its secret? It’s simple and neutral, but it can complete almost any outfit. Few items of clothing have aged as well as this jacket and jeans. Their versatility is what has made denim one of the most popular fabrics of the last few decades.

The denim jacket started out quite humbly as part of the American truck driver’s outfit around the 1950s, not long after the Second World War. It became popular when actor James Dean wore it in the film Rebel Without a Cause, and many anti-establishment young people at the time adopted it as part of their look. It may seem like a modern garment, but it actually has a long history that began in the 1950s with Levi’s. Back in the mid-19th century, the German Levi Strauss had the idea to make work clothes for miners using the same canvas that had previously been used for ship sails. The name of the fabric comes from the French city of Nîmes, where the textile was produced. "Denim" originated from "de Nîmes," ultimately transforming workwear and fashion.

Actress Marilyn Monroe also helped make it popular. In 1954 she wore a denim jacket in the film River of No Return, which made her one of the first women to wear denim in this way. As one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, she made the jacket part of her image, which made it even more popular. Even though the jacket is a classic, it has had thousands of variations over the years — not so much in the basic design, but in the prints, patches and decorations added to it.

In the 1970s, a new way of seeing the world emerged, influenced by the difficult economic and social situation in the West. This was when the denim jacket really changed, as young people began customising and personalising their jackets. This trend has continued right up to today. Artists like Cindy Lauper and Blondie also turned the jacket into a symbol of rebellion and youth. Decade after decade, the denim jacket has been a way for people to express their personality, including Princess Diana, who also had one in her wardrobe.

It was during the 1990s and early 2000s that the denim jacket reached peak popularity among both celebrities and the general public. Supermodels like Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer and Kate Moss helped promote denim, partly thanks to trends set by brands like Calvin Klein, Versace Jeans and DKNY. Today, the denim jacket has evolved in terms of design and versatility. You can find everything from classic styles to more modern and elegant versions. Designers and brands keep experimenting with cuts, washes and details to keep this iconic jacket relevant and stylish.

I am wearing this classic garment myself, but this one specifically is anything but classic. This garment features a deconstructed denim jacket on a shape that reminds us to a kimono. A design that represents a modern fusion of traditional Japanese tailoring and contemporary streetwear. These pieces typically blend the open-front, wide-sleeved silhouette of a haori or samue with the durable, versatile texture of denim. Modern "Sailor" or "Hanten" styles combine workwear finishes with traditional kimono fastenings and boxy silhouettes. Super stylish outside and comfortable and warm inside thanks to its fur. The knitwear underneath features an abstract print in different blues and ivory. I am wearing this with grey tailored trousers with the matching belt and vertical stripy sock in blue and white adding some extra print to the look. Merging classic and contemporary, the super bright colour loafers, traditional in design but with a great twist with its fluorescence yellow colour. Spring might have arrived but still can be quite chilly in the mornings so I am wearing an oversize ivory scarf and multi-colour leather gloves. Very colourful and quirky accessories in blue colour with some orange and fluorescence yellow featuring a middle finger in one glove and written “F*ck Off” in the other one. I'm wearing a grey fedora, blue sunglass that match my jumper, and a retro brown leather crossbody bag, which can be held by hand or worn across the back.


Levis jacket, vintage jumper, Zara trousers, Giuseppe Zanotti loafers, Zara scarf, topman socks, vintage cross-body bag, D. Franklin sunglasses, Lion fedora hat
Photos by: Evan Baul 
Instagram: evanbaul 

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