Jeaneology
I’ve been finding out a lot more than I ever knew before about the history of the Jean in recent weeks at work. I’ve been proof-reading the text for our next big exhibition, Suits and Saris at New Walk Museum, Leicester. This free exhibition is going to open on 31st March 2012 and is part of the Stories of the World project, a series of exhibitions running around the country for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. The exhibition looks at global fashion, including fusions and cross-overs between British and South Asian styles. Given the multi-national success of the jean, it would be strange if it wasn’t covered!
Levi Strauss’ nineteenth century creation was originally intended to be a utilitarian piece of male work clothing, but became globally popular after being featured as a ‘must have’ item for women in Vogue magazine in 1935. The trend continued to gain popularity as denim became a staple of the Hollywood A list.
Denim styles came in styles and colours; acid wash, capri and boyfriend cut have all been, gone and evolved as the decades have gone by. My favourite style is by far the flared jean. In fact, this is the only style of jean I have elected to wear since I was old enough to pick my own clothes. I’ll just about settle for a bootcut if I’ve got no other option, but not happily.
What is your favourite cut of jean? I must confess to being rather partial to the current colour blocking trend and Next’s colour jeans are pretty awesome. I love their bright colours, especially the camel coloured jeans… because they are flared (a bit). In an ideal world though, I’d have the fabulous parakeet green of these Joe’s Jeans, pictured, in a flare rather than a skinny. That is a colour to die for! I reckon they’d look great for Spring, especially teamed with some chunky mules and either a bright blocky blue or red top.
