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Destination Denim: NYC
So, over the next few of weeks, we’re going to be covering a few hot spots on the map—major cities and major denim shopping spots alike–with a new mini series on the DenimBlog called “Destination Denim”. Suggestions or places that you’d like targeted? Just let us know and we’ll hit ‘em up for you!
First up…the most obvious choice…the Big Apple! Here are some of my favorite shopping spots for denim in New York City:
1. The Earnest Sewn Co.
821 Washington Street, New York, NY 10079
Welcome to the world of The Earnest Sewn Company. The store itself, located in Manhattan’s meatpacking district, is not only a super trendy place to land on a Saturday afternoon, but is definitely a piece architectural eye candy too. Packed with rolls of hand picked fabrics, Earnest Sewn denim is custom made right there in the 2,500 square foot facility. Whether you’re searching for raw, selvedge, a classic boot cut, or for children’s or men’s, the Earnest Sewn Flagship has quickly become one of the most heralded denim destinations around for, well, everything. So do yourself a favor and stop into Keith McNally’s Pastis on 9th, have a Quiche Lorraine with your best pal, and then gear up for a couple of went spent hours indoors on Washington Street. However, don’t forget to bring that check book along…because no one said that these jeans would be cheap!
2. Jean Shop
424 West Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Four years ago Eric Goldstein, along with partners Barry Perlman and Gene Montesano, created Jean Shop—a revolutionary thought process on denim at the time—stemming from the finest Japanese and Selvedge traditions. Sources from Louis Vuitton and GQ magazine have already called the shop one of the best stores in Manhattan, and their loyal clientele includes a growing number of celebrities, such as singer Bryan Adams. With all of their denim processed right on the premises, Jean Shop is the perfect place to look for dry denim, or for that classic one-wash you are craving. If you want something a little bit off the beaten path—something made to order perhaps—Jean Shop’s got that covered too. The design consultants at Goldstein’s place will work with you one-on-one to get that ideal look, but if you are not in New York, don’t fret. They do phone consults too! Check them out on the web or if you live in the area, just pop in.
P.S. They’ve got tons of awesome vintage pieces too, including boots, leather and denim jackets.
3. OAK
208 North 8th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211
So really, Oak is not only one of the best stops around for denim, but just all around one of the best stops in town, period. With over 60 brands for women and 50 for men, and at least a quarter of those devoted solely to denim, Oak is a powerhouse—to say the least. Not only do they have their own pretty extraordinary line (a collection of denim, footwear and jewelry), but they also carry iconic collections from Helmut Lang and Comme des Garcons as well as edgier designers too (like the remarkable duo of Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai that is Vena Cava, Alexander Wang and ACNE). And, lucky for you, in you live in Manhattan, not Williamsburg, they’ve got a location there also—right on Elizabeth Street in the heart of Nolita. And, even luckier for you, if you don’t live anywhere near New York City, they’ve got you hooked up with ecommerce as well. Log on, check out their ridiculously cool editorials (November 2008 dubbed “Oakalypto”…yeah…I know…), browse their buyers’ genius picks and then return to denimblog.com and tell us what you think!
4. Blue in Green
8 Greene Street, New York, NY 10013
Men! Pay attention! You are always asking us to give you a better place to shop, a better place to find your perfect jeans, somewhere where women are not the main focus…right? Well here it is. Blue in Green is probably the number 1 place in New York (and if you are into online shopping, then maybe on the web too) for men’s raw, dry and selvedge denim. Offering the absolute finest in quality denim with brands like Samurai Raw Selvedge and Evisu Japan, Baracuta, Naked & Famous, Eternal and even Sugar Cane, Blue in Green is a complete “men’s lifestyle store”. When you head on in to Blue in Green, you won’t have to worry about alteration, hemming, or even a hat boys…they’ll have you taken care of at every angle. Oh, and I think I should mention, I’ve heard the ladies working there aren’t so bad either!
5. Bloomie’s in SoHo
504 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
I had to give you an old standard, right? Just in case you are ever in dire straits of a pair of jeans immediately, and boutique shopping is just not an option (just in case of course, I mean, who pops into Bloomie’s for no good reason, right? Ha!)…well then scoot on down to Broadway! I would not recommend 1PM on a Saturday for this tourist’s haven of course, but grabbing a pair on a Monday after work? Dropping in on the way to drinks on Friday? No problem girls! Definitely test out this old school—but totally new—department store classic, where you’ll find just about the largest selection of designer denim in the city. We’re talking about 7 For All Mankind, Ralph Lauren, AG by Adriano Goldschmied, Burberry, Theory, DSquared2, Citizens of Humanity, Hudson, J Brand, James Jeans, Antik Batik, Paige Premium, Rock & Republic, Joe’s Jeans, Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, William Rast, True Religion, Anlo and MORE. Ahh…sigh…so many jeans to wear, so little time to wear them all…
And while we’re on the topic of so much denim, here’s 5 more!
Hilary Duff to do DKNY JEANS Collection
Hot off the press from WWD is the news that Hilary Duff is about to collaborate on the design for a collection with DKNY Jeans. The line, which has been dubbed Femme for DKNY Jeans, is targeted to women in their 20′s, who, like Duff, aspire to that flirty yet laid back style.
In her recent interview with Women’s Wear Daily, Duff said that in her opinion, “One of the hardest things [was] to come up with [the collection's] name.“ She continued that, “Femme works really well and explains the line perfectly as feminine but tough all at the same time. It’s aggressive, but in a good way.“
We’ve all seen Hilary herself in that exact same light I think! There may have been a cat fight or two, but the girl has truly remained a class act…
“There is truly something in this line for every girl whose styles change every day, like mine does,” said Duff. “Sometimes I want to wear tight leather leggings with a big plaid shirt, or other days, I want to wear a floral-print dress but make it look edgy. Some days I like to be a bit more punk rock, but in a girly way. I love wearing layers and scarves, and I love that his line can be mixed and matched just the way you want it to. I think it’s the perfect line for young girls who can’t afford to buy a lot of clothes these days.“
Although we haven’t seen the lookbook yet, the sketches are looking nice. And, from her description, I have to admit, I’m pretty excited to shop the collection too. Check it out:
Photos & quotes via wwd.com
Junya Watanabe Spring 2009 RTW

When I heard that Junya Watanabe had pulled together, once again, a remarkable collection for Spring, I closed my eyes and tried to picture just what he might have in store. Known for stark period and cultural influence, always a jacket and skirt in site, and never without a hat or headdress of course, Watanabe endlessly produces great shows, often in the vain of a curatorial feat no less.
This season, being no exception–many of the same elements persisting–we at the Denimblog, are happy to report, that Watanabe took a stab a something different, including our favorite indigo tones too.
With a clear African affect, inlaid lace, gingham, flowered and paisley prints, Watanabe toiled with not only the Boyfriend jean, but with layered, fitted, and cut up skirts and tiny little military styled jackets as well. The head pieces are purely couture, in my opinion, but, that said, they definitely herald a look of just the home sewn glory that patch work denim calls for (a la Kate Moss’s recent foray into pieced together fabrics).
It seems to me that this exact African influence might just be one of greatest references that we’ve seen on the runways for Spring. Have you noticed that as well? If you’re interested in the theme, take some time to review Louis Vuitton’s Spring Collection and notice the subtle inclination toward specific fabrics, patterns, and a drifting escape from classical western simplicities. I will also mention that Ralph Lauren’s RTW collection was falling that way too, with a certain Safari ease.
Watanabe’s collection of fab denim and tribal detailing may not be an everyday something in your wardrobe–this I already know. In fact, I might venture to say that for most, it might be a never-day occurrence in your wardrobe! Yet, even if you are going to sit on the side lines with this one, can you deny its artistic subtlety and brilliance? I, for one, absolutely can not.
Toby Keith to debut new Menswear Line
Yet another celebrity and singer is moving onto the denim fashion scene. None other than country star Toby Keith, famous for his head to toe denim looks and country swagger, is now also the name and face behind a new line of menswear–that will most likely retail at a lower price point–somewhere from $20 to $60.
The line, which will feature not only jeans and other denim pieces (jackets and button downs too), will also include t-shirts, polo shirts, baseball hats and even leather wrist straps and bandanas for the men out there who really want to channel that down home look. The line, appropriately named “TK Steelman”, will debut on February 18th at Keith’s Vegas restaurant “I Love This Bar & Grill” (after his song of course) located in the famous Harrah’s.
Sorry guys, no pics for now…but, I bet if you close your eyes and conjure up an image of TK himself, you’ll pretty accurately be able to imagine what men ages 24-55 are going to be buying at Target, Wal-Mart and even Macy’s when they pick up some of the new TK Steelman line starting in March.

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