It's All In The Jeans

Skinny, flared, peg-leg, boot-cut. Indigo wash, acid wash, light wash. And that barely scratches the surface of what’s available in the denim market these days – it’s hard enough trying to decide whether you want soy or no-fat milk in your extra-hot latte, let along picking a pair out of your closet to go with your new Sunner top.

Aritzia Base -- the company’s new concept store -- opened last Friday, with a Moroccan theme (think carved dark wood entrance doors, white walls with mirrored cut-outs, colorful glass lamp jars, gold stools, lush plants and concave mirror surfaces on the front counter) beckoning passersby to come right on in. The labels found here are for the more modern and forward Aritzia customer, a girl who knows her fashion, worships her NYLON Magazine subscription and European fashion glossies and thinks indie girls like Chloe Sevigny, Selma Blair and Lou Doillon are the bee’s knees.

Lining the back left wall of the boutique is the new denim bar, currently the baby of Aritizia’s super-sleek denim buyer Tara Zanardi. Each jean section is marked by its cut with a black and gold ribbon, a lot like the ones you used to get at elementary school track and field day. Zanardi loves her denim and took the time to dish with Haute Hippie about what cuts, washes and styles are hot for Fall 2007.

The high-waisted silhouette, which, on the contrary, is a flattering fit for all, is back with a vengeance – Zanardi looks as fabulous in hers as Milla Jovovich did in Dazed & Confused – and rises range anywhere from a modest 8 inches to an under-the-chest height of 15 inches. “I think the rises are going to continue to rise,” says Zanardi. “And I think it’s going to be more of an exaggerated shape.” Washes are still clean and dark, though the colors are looking more “Brady Bunch” turquoise and less indigo. Colored jeans are huge, huge, huge this season: reds, bright blues, whites, mauves and dusty yellows. Those who were teenagers in the 80s might – or might not! – be pleased to find out that acid wash is making a comeback, too, though more so in varying degrees of black and grey, rather than light blue and white. Def Leppard would be so proud. If you’ve got a closet full of skinnies, there’s no need to fret – Zanardi thinks the shape is going to stick around, for awhile especially among the forward indie set.

Apparently the Netherlands is where it’s at these days when talking denim, with Australia closing in at a close second. Aritizia Base carries uber-cool jean labels Superfine, 18th Amendment, Grey Ant, Cassett, Notify and Hudson, with Seven Jeans’ “Ginger” style being a big seller. Facing the denim bar are racks and racks of hip clothing from Graham & Spencer, Wilfred, Milly New York, Lover, Central Park West and Development – all in all, it’s utterly addictive style catnip.

“I think that jeans are such an acceptable way to dress – casual or dressy – these days that I just don’t see it going away,” Zanardi says with a smile. “I would love to stay in it for as long as I can.”

So do we, Miz Zanardi, so do we.









I'm Lovin' it: Yeeeeeeee haaaaw! New York Fashion Week, sponsored by Mercedes Benz, is in the house and currently in full swing all around the Big Apple. This should prove to be an interesting Spring/Summer 2008 showing, since many of the major shows (ie. Marc Jacobs) won't be presenting at the actual tents this season. Thought I might get a chance to fly myself to NYC for a long weekend over the 6th to 9th, but looks like the closest I'll be getting is through the Daily Mini mags by buddy Oli promised to pick up for me 'round the shows. In fact, I better remind him to do so...







I'm Over it: Britney Spears' new songs getting leaked online (check out Perez Hilton for a few "choice" tracks) 'cause they're pretty bad. Horrible, unphotogenic photos from a shenanigan-filled Friday night making it as my friend's Facebook profile pic and into her Facebook album (Aims, you know that's you, girl!). A rather uneventful episode of The Hills last night at Pendrell. Annoying Earl's dudes at The Modern on Sunday night. Reems, my best friend from LA, leaving town yesterday after a fun, fun, fun visit here in Vancity.







Track of the Day: That little electronic ditty from Wes Anderson's flick The Life Aquatic. You know that scene with Bill Murray in that metallic blue wetsuit, slightly swiveling his hips?? Hiiiiilarious! Great movie.









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