Hot Kiss Denim Adds Novelty Corduroy
Hot Kiss, a junior and contemporary manufacturer based in Los Angeles, announced plans to introduce six groups of novelty fashion corduroy into its denim division for the Fall 2001 back-to-school season.
The company, which originally launched its denim collection in 1998, introduced corduroy to its denim line last Fall. Last year’s corduroy collection was very basic, said Alex Bajrech, Hot Kiss’ creative director. “With this collection we’re moving more into fashion,” he said. “And, the direction we’re taking in washes and treatments translates into our corduroy.”
Hot Kiss design director Michael Aguirre said the new groups consist of novelty treatments and washes, infusing fashion basics with embellishments such as suede ties, low inseams, color blocking, overstitching and fraying.
Hot Kiss’ Fall 2001 collection takes its cue from European street fashion, Aguirre added. The group features junior tops, bottoms, dresses and jackets made with soft, lightweight fabric. The new line, which is inspired by late ’60s and early ’70s fashion, has been treated with tie-dye color washes and abrasion treatments. “Think Britney Spears in corduroy,” said a company rep.
“This year’s silhouettes are sportswear-inspired and the treatments and washes are denim-inspired, so they go beyond traditional corduroy styles,” Aguirre said, referring to how the company is delving into non-traditional corduroy styles such as tube tops and other popular junior trends.
Hot Kiss’ corduroy addition to its denim line is being well received by the public, according to some buyers.
“[Hot Kiss] is a very forward company and they did a very good job on their new line,” said Henry Castro, a buyer for Wet Seal. “They’re adding a lot of new twists to corduroy that needed to be there to make the look exciting.”
Retail price points range from $20 to $40 for sportswear and dresses and $30 to $50 for the denim collection. Hot Kiss is sold to Wet Seal/Contempo Casuals, Macy’s, Gadzook’s and better department and specialty stores nationwide. —Claudia Figueroa
