California Apparel News

Women want comfort and the freedom to express themselves when it comes to their jeans, and for the Fall season, denim designers are offering them plenty of choices. From classic denim blues to activewear inspirations and the return of the ’70s, there is something for everyone.

To create the best looks of the season, denim brands have developed a variety of innovative new fabrics, washes and silhouettes. “We’re in the midst of a diverse denim moment,” said Marianne McDonald, president and head of design for McGuire Denim. “It’s been a long time since we’ve seen such a range of silhouettes. Forward-thinking versions of ’60s and ’70s silhouettes are still prevalent, but anything goes—high-waisted, low-slung, embellished, tie-dyed, painted, distressed [and] super clean.”

Consumers and retailers continue to demand fashion-forward looks, but comfort is key. “The term ‘Athleisure’ doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere, and we personally couldn’t be happier,” said Big Star Senior Designer Ron Balatbat.

Big Star’s Fall ’15 collection features its four-way stretch fabric for women as well as men. “It is the epitome of comfort and flexibility in denim, both of which are becoming industry standards,” he said.

And no matter what the style, fit is key, according to Citizens of Humanity Women’s Creative Director Catherine Ryu. “The emphasis on fit becomes more important this season over wash treatments such as holes and mending,” she said. “There is a seismic shift in fits in denim: the skinny silhouettes are now a true basic. The high-rise continues to be important, and the mid-rise slim straight leg and flares become the new news for fashion denim.”

Here are the key trends of the season.

Photo Gallery

’70s Flare

The ’70s are back, and many brands—including Big Star and Citizens of Humanity—are using the era’s key silhouette as inspiration. “The ’70s feel on point,” Ryu said. “Flares continue to pick up momentum,” she added, explaining that the Citizens of Humanity Fall collection includes an assortment of styles. (Click through slideshow to see designer credits.)

Photo Gallery

Basic Blues

Classic blues as well as black shades are making a return for Fall ’15. “Over the last several seasons, jeans have become a complement to the whole outfit rather than the focus. The new trend is cleaner, darker denim that is less embellished and more of a partner to the outfit,” said Carrie Moldenhauer, vice president of design for Stetson Apparel and Footwear. (Click through slideshow to see designer credits.)

Photo Gallery

The Skinny

The skinny has become a basic in every girl’s closet, but the newest variations on the style are anything but typical. Look for high rises, figure-hugging four-way stretch fabrics and sleek surface treatments. At n: Philanthropy, a key denim trend is its ultra-long “Scrunchie” skinny legging, which resembles a leg warmer at the ankle. (Click through slideshow to see designer credits.)

Photo Gallery

Sports Chic

The merging of activewear and denim is on the forefront of denim innovation. Think joggers, denim knits and innovative stretch fabrics. “Activewear is still a really big trend,” said Marta Goldschmied, co-founder and designer of Made Gold. “It’s all about being sporty chic and having an outfit that’s comfortable yet makes a strong fashion statement. Finding new ways for denim and activewear to coexist is an interesting new world we are excited to pioneer and explore.” (Click through slideshow to see designer credits.)

Photo Gallery

Distressed

Vintage and workwear inspiration continues as designers develop new techniques to create authentic and original denim looks. For Fall, G-Star Raw has introduced “Restored Denim,” which celebrates the dying art of mending jeans. Special techniques, such as tailored darning stitches and blanket-stitch reinforcements, are utilized to repair ripped and distressed denim styles taken from G-Star’s workwear archive. (Click through slideshow to see designer credits.)

Photo Gallery

Surface Interest

While some brands are going back to basics, others are continuing with surface treatments and plenty of novelty. “We feel strong about embellishments, including soutache, patches and studs,” said Jen Neumeister, creative director/designer for Siwy. At Black Orchid Denim, bold colors, sequins, fun prints, straight lines, subtle clean washes and shiny soft leathers are key. (Click through slideshow to see designer credits.)

Photo Gallery

Cabin Fever

The great outdoors is a hot topic for Fall ’15, and denim designers are finding inspiration in the classic outdoor look. “Our Fall collection is a play off of the dichotomy of these two worlds—a street-smart city girl on a mountain getaway. Take something sleek and minimal—like the city— and pair it with something intricate and charming for a completely unique combination that’s fun, sexy and ultimately effortless to wear,” said John Williams, director of marketing and public relations, Level 99. (Click through slideshow to see designer credits.)

Photo Gallery

Updated Boyfriend

The “boyfriend” continues forward but with new variations. “The slim boyfriend is really tak- ing off right now,” said Lovers + Friends Denim Designer Jordan Nodarse. “[It’s] a more modern- ized boyfriend fit with a cool girl feel.” Look for boyfriend styles with wide roll-ups and distressed washes as well as patch and repair. (Click through slideshow to see designer credits.)