STYLE : The Color of Denim

Denim, that ubiquitous uniform of the last three decades, has passed through every conceivable process--it’s been acid-washed, stone-washed, bleached, brushed and sandblasted, not to mention ripped, fringed, embroidered, appliqued, graffiti-painted, stretched and studded. Now, in its latest incarnation, denim is injected with the rich, deep color that one associates with silks and wools. For casual wear, colored denim is rapidly replacing twills and gabardines.

Shapes and styles are as varied as the finishes. Stores are full of overalls, baggy shorts, short shorts, skirts, vests and cropped jackets. Leading the pack is the enduring five-pocket jean in several silhouettes: straight and narrow, relaxed and slouchy, and anti-fit or oversized. These styles aren’t the “fashion victim” designer jeans of the past; they’re produced by manufacturers who take their cues from street-inspired looks and ethnic cultures.

There’s nothing pretentious here--just free-spirited fun and function. Colored denim can be worn day or night, winter through summer, a piece at a time, monochrome or mixed. And it’s not restricted to any age or gender. Look for spring designer collections to feature haute couture denim.

Photographed at The Cue Ball in Alhambra by Marcus Morianz; hair and makeup: Eric Castellano/ Celestine L.A.; models: Jo Huffman/ IT Models, Craig Clawson and Angelo/ OMAR’S MEN