Denim Interview: Big Star Denim

Spring collections have started to hit the market and we caught up with Big Star to see what inspired them this season. From the choice in prints to new cuts and fabrications, see how they came up with their new California inspired collection.

DenimBlog: What was the inspiration for this Spring 2015?
Big Star: The inspiration is free and easy, going back to Southern California in the 70’s for a laid-back coastal vibe. Vintage flashbacks of the boardwalk hippie and the city dweller permeate the wash collection, which ranges from naturally worn dark to distressed medium to sun bleached light. Our intent was to have these finishes exude the qualities of a spirited, adventurous, and youthful lifestyle.

DB: Big Star has usually stuck with more classic, clean styles, for the most part, in the past. This season, there is more variety of amazing distressed styles. How did these come about?
BS: Natural washes are every closet’s bread and butter, but we think distressed pieces will be stealing some of the spotlight this year. It was also a very organic evolution for us, since our inspiration was taken from the golden years of southern California’s free spirited culture. Fall and holiday collections are always a bit cleaner, so this was our time to have some fun experimenting with texture.

DB: Prints also have a little moment for the new season in both the men’s and women’s collection. Why choose ones that are more monochromatic opposed to ones with contrasting colors?
BS: We feel that men are still dipping their toes into the ÔÇÿprinted denim’ pool. For them, it’s easier to style a subtler print than something really bold. Brighter prints are also less consistent when translating an idea onto fabric. It looks great until production starts, then you realize it isn’t exactly what you wanted. We have high standards for all of our prints so if it doesn’t look perfect, we don’t sell it.

DB: Denim cutoff shorts for men is a style that continues to get more popular by the day and are perfect for Coachella, which is coming up. What was the design process behind these?
BS: Denim shorts have never traditionally been a staple for menswear, but we’re out to change that! Denim shorts are important to have for spring and summer months and, being surrounded by beautiful weather in Los Angeles, it’s natural for us to incorporate shorts in our warmer collections. They’re made with the same processes as our denim, and we regard them in the same manner as our jeans. As in, have a staple wash or two, then experiment with fun washes and prints to follow your favorite seasonal trends.

DB: The Nirvana would have to be my favorite piece. What was the idea that helped inspire the piece?
BS: The idea of ÔÇÿAthleisure’ seems like it’s here to stay, and the Nirvana is a big part of that for us. Comfort is becoming king in the denim industry, and with athletic wear becoming a major trend, it’s the perfect opportunity to combine the two. We travel a lot for work and we wanted to create a jogger style that you could wear to the airport or around town while still looking put-together.

DB: New fabrics were introduced this season, such as a 4-way stretch. How does this differ from previous styles from past seasons?
BS: Yes, the 4-way stretch also touches on the idea that consumers shouldn’t have to compromise anything when it comes to comfort and denim. This fabric is used in our new Omni fit, which features a slimming front panel and contour waistband for an extremely flattering fit. You can wear these all day without it losing shape or sagging. It’s definitely a must-have for anyone!

DB: Not many people know, but Big Star is an Eco-Friendly brand. How are you guys able to keep with this concept, while still keeping the jeans at an affordable price point?
BS: Yes, we are! Our production processes and manufacturing standards have always been the highest priority to us. Our advanced washing methods, ozone-friendly laser machines and eco stones (used in the washing process) all help us to keep our environmental impact at a minimum. Our manufacturer has been in the clothing production business for a long time, so we have the savvy to go above and beyond while not compromising the quantity of our production, which keeps prices down. We don’t cut corners for profit, and I think our customers really appreciate that.

DB: Lastly, what style(s) from the new season should both men and women have in their closets?
BS: To us, spring is the time to experiment with trends. For women, we’ve had a lot of fun seeing how celebrities have styled our overalls. They’re fun without being fussy, and are a great break from your go-to shorts. Distressed denim is also more versatile than some people assume, and it’s something that transcends all seasons. Everyone should own a pair!