10 On-the-Rise Denim Labels to Know Inline
Photos: Courtesy of B Sides1/10B Sides
What to know: Online vintage shop Where I Was From has a cultish following of cool women—ergo, it should come as no surprise that a denim spin-off project, B Sides, is on-point. Claire Lampert and Stacy Daily rework vintage Levi s to patchworked perfection, so practice your "oh this old flea-market find?" nonchalance now.
Where to find it: Assembly New York, No. 6, Kinobi, Need Supply Co.
Photos: Courtesy of Assembly New York; Courtesy of 692/1069
What to know: For those who would take their jeans with a goodly dose of the avant-garde (and an even goodlier dose of play), look no further than 69. Since launching a few years back, the L.A.-based label has specialized in post-gender denim pieces and oversize shapes that have earned it a staunch following from those in the know.
Where to find it: Opening Ceremony, Assembly New York
Photos: Courtesy of Goodhood3/10Aries
What to know: Aries crystallized in 2012, the brainchild of Sofia Maria Prantrera and Fergus Purcell, a veritable cornucopia of pop references, from punk to skate to street. Their graphic shirts have already enjoyed a certain amount of limelight, but denim is the real star for this London brand. Case in point: patched-up boyfriend jeans and boilersuits—their boxy cut is among the best we ve found.
Where to find it: Matches Fashion, Goodhood
Photos: Courtesy of Tortoise; Courtesy of Matches Fashion4/10Tortoise
What to know: Traditional denim-washing techniques are anything but environmentally friendly—enter Tortoise. This Los Angeles brand from Lukus Eichmann and Erynn Feldman specializes in artfully distressed pairs and jackets that are earning it a fast-growing fan base.
Where to find it: Matches Fashion, Barneys New York
Photos: Courtesy of Totokaelo5/10Chimala
What to know: Chimala is no new addition to the denim landscape. The workwear-focused Japanese label has been a favorite among hard-core jean junkies for years, though price tags hovering well above $400 have prohibited it from going mainstream. But with a Jenna Lyons endorsement (she s frequently lensed wearing one of the brand s cropped styles) and a spot in both Madewell and J.Crew s Web stores, its stock is rising. Heavyweight, handcrafted by Japanese artisans, and unlike any other pair in your closet, trust us when we say this is a jean that will stand the test of time.
Where to find it: Madewell.com, JCrew.com, Totokaelo, Mill Mercantile
