The Cult Denim Labels That Are A Hit With Celebs & Style Influencers
These independent denim labels give the wardrobe staple a trendy edge
A denim renaissance is taking place in Spring/Summer 2023 as designers give the workhorse fabric pride of place in their collections. From the distressed treatment spotted at Givenchy and Diesel to the couture-like silhouettes at Burberry, denimâs versatility is undeniable. Beyond these trendy takes on denim, though, there are a handful of independent denim specialists that have always made jeans fashionable. Ahead, a look at how they do it.
Los Angeles-based label Goldsign is committed to small-batch distribution and specialises in premium denim staples. Smart, sleek and tailored, fans include everyone from Kate Moss to Kendall Jenner. We love the structured fit of The Atticus (pictured) which has a wide-leg shape accentuated by pleats that fall from the waistband.
Nili Lotan launched her eponymous label in 2003 after heading up design teams at Ralph Lauren, Liz Claiborne and Nautica, so itâs little surprise sheâs nailed that relaxed-meet-grunge noughties vibe. The Mitchell jeans are cut from sturdy Japanese denim and has loose, slouchy legs and a low-rise waist, which youâll probably see on Gigi Hadid.
Made from organic denim, a signature style from the Los Angeles brand is the Criss Cross with the overlapping waistband, and its newest iteration is the broken waistband (pictured). If youâve got an hourglass shape, flaunt it with its 90s Pinch Waist jeans. With a wide range of styles, cuts and colours, this is a popular brand with celebrities such as Rihanna, Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande.
The New York-based family-run business places sustainability at the front and centre of its label. Creating premium denim since 2008, they oversee the entire process from fibre to finished garment and are considered one of the leaders in denim fabric and sustainability technologies. From flared jeans to low-rise A-line skirts and cool shirt jackets, get your denim fix at this ethical brand if youâre into doing good for the environment.
With denim for men and women, the American label says its âcollection evokes teenage rebellion, unconditional love, and hilarious insult all at the same time.â The go-to denim brand for Meaghan Markle and Jennifer Lopez, Motherâs The Super Cruiser (pictured) is a bestseller; with its high rise and flared silhouette, the jeans are rigid and will take time to break in.
Louise and Gary Edgley founded Slvrlake with one goal: to create impeccably tailored premium denim. The premium vintage indigo denim they use has a unique open weave construction which creates rich authentic looking washes in an incredibly wide variety of shades of true indigo. If youâre looking for a pair of jeans that make you look long and lean, look no further than the London (pictured) from Slvrlake. With a straight leg, high waist and streamlined cut, it slims, elongates and lifts. Pure magic
What began with the concept of taking apart vintage denim and reconstructing them into new fits, has evolved into a full-fledged denim label. Since its launch in 2014, Re/Done has diverted over 158,000 pairs of vintage Leviâs jeans from landfills. We love its super wide-leg trouser, high-rise loose and Leviâs double-waisted pencil skirt. If youâre looking for vintage fashion from the â50s to â90s, check out its marketplace on the e-commerce website.
The New York labelâs rock ânâ roll aesthetic is not for the faint hearted, which is why it often references Punk Rock counter culture and New Wave aesthetics. That rebellious attitude is captured with the Damon pleated jeans (pictured), which are made from Italian denim and dyed in pink. Wear yours slung low on the hips and chunky combat boots.
Text: Ying Rui/Female