Denim is perhaps the most versatile, if not the most worn piece of clothing in anyone’s wardrobe. The fabric in all its variants has long been regarded as a panacea in fashion, an all-rounder in a wearable form. Unsurprisingly, the fabric at the Denim fair Kingpins in Amsterdam sets the tone. Although every piece – a simple pair of blue jeans or a classic denim jacket – can make a statement through its simplicity, the visitors to the fair dressed in denim made it clear that sometimes more really is more.
While some attendees opted for intricate pieces that stood out from the sea of black and blue denim, certain styles and combinations were the clear favorites among denim-clad attendees at Kingpins.
An Update for the “Canadian Tuxedo”
The “Canadian tuxedo” – albeit controversial – has long been a staple of denim street style. Combining the fabric can be tricky, but it’s worth the risk. Rather than choosing matching tops and bottoms, Kingpins attendees took the idea of the “Canadian tuxedo” a little further and opted for denim one-pieces rather than separates.
Overalls have been spotted on both men and women, further underscoring the versatility of these garments. Styles ranged from skinny versions, cinched at the waist with a belt and embellished with pockets reminiscent of cargo pants, to loose-fitting pieces with a double-breasted closure. A classic, slightly faded, zip-up jumpsuit was unzipped just enough to reveal a white tee underneath, while various patches added a pop of colour.
Denim Maxis
Designers such as Blumarines’ Nicola Brognano and Glenn Martens, creative director of cult denim brand Diesel, have announced the return of the long denim skirt on the runways of their S/S2023 collections. Now the trend has conquered the streets – and the kingpins in Amsterdam.
While some maxi skirts were shorter at the front to show their wearer’s shoes, others reached the floor of the hall. Fit, too, varied from fitted maxi skirts—with or without slits for comfort and freedom of movement—to loose, relaxed shapes that fan out at the bottom.
Denim in the sign of the millennium
Fashion is returning to the early 2000s and denim trends are no exception. The aforementioned maxi skirts got a parachute update reminiscent of the early noughties. Additionally, low-waist pants have been updated with satin cut-out detailing and belts, while a fitted maxi skirt has been made Y2K-friendly with a corset bodice.
Denim accessories
Head-to-toe denim didn’t stop where the body left off. Instead, the fabric was also used for accessories and once again proved how versatile it really is.
Headgear came in a variety of styles and colors, from baseball caps to flat caps to peaked caps, with the common denominator being the fabric chosen, of course. While some opted for hats that matched the denim in their clothes, others opted for contrasts with different washes.
The visitors wore the fabrics not only on their heads, but also on their shoulders. Bags of all types, from large tote bags to small, delicate shoulder bags, were ubiquitous at Kingpins. Admittedly, some bags were giveaways from the exhibiting brands, but even these made a compelling case for occasionally swapping the leather bag for its denim counterpart.
A classic with a twist
Blue jeans and a white t-shirt have been touted so often in fashion that several songs have been written about the winning combination. The women of the Kingpins have also opted for the well-known combination and spiced it up in their own way: on the one hand with wide-leg pants and extremely high waist, on the other hand with a simple top with red details and pants that with Cowboy boots was combined. A white button-down was also used to break up a denim ensemble with a matching crop top, bringing a new, fashionable twist to the familiar style.
The experimental ones
Overall, the style worked this season compared to previous editions of the denim fair a little more reserved, but some visitors were still willing to experiment. Ornate washes and Renaissance sculptures brought to life in the fabric left you wanting more.
Others have opted for denim models that use “distressed” fabrics to bring an interesting pattern to their jeans. What looks like a painting at first glance turns out to be threads that literally hold the jeans together at the seams. Occasionally, the fabric was not removed but re-placed in large patches with frayed edges, altering the shape and feel of the jeans.
This translated post previously appeared on FashionUnited.com.