By Tanvi Munjal
Denim. It’s a fabric that’s practically woven into the history of fashion. From the rugged workwear of the Gold Rush era to the iconic blue jeans of the 20th century, denim has transcended trends and remained a wardrobe staple for generations. It is the timeless fabric, that continues to reign supreme! From the prestigious runways of New York to the edgy streets of Milan, denim strutted its stuff in a variety of exciting new avatars.
Relaxed and Loose Silhouettes Take Center Stage: Milan Fashion Week
One of the prominent denim trends that emerged across the fashion weeks was the focus on relaxed and loose silhouettes. Despite efforts to revive the low-rise skinny jeans by brands like Miu Miu, wide-leg jeans and drapey denim trousers stole the spotlight. Designers such as Alessandro Vigilante, Elisabetta Franchi, Zimmermann, and Dice Kayek embraced this laid-back vibe, offering a perfect blend of elevated yet casual styles.
The bottoms were often paired with menswear-inspired blazers, billowy tops, and oversized knits, creating a chic and effortless look that resonated with the modern fashion enthusiast. The emphasis on comfort and ease of movement was evident in the choice of silhouettes, catering to the growing demand for versatile and practical denim pieces.
Dark Washes and Raw Denim Make a Strong Statement: Paris Fashion Week
Another prevalent trend seen on the runways was the prevalence of dark washes and raw denim. Versace, inspired by wildness, experimented with raw denim in unexpected proportions, showcasing pieces like a maxi-length duster overcoat and a prim jacket with bracelet-length sleeves. Elie Saab incorporated dark denim into its upscale interpretation of Western and double denim, while Victoria Beckham elongated the rise of jeans and collars of denim jackets in dark wash coordinates.
Balenciaga and Vetements offered a fresh take on denim by turning jeans into unconventional tops and incorporating creative draping techniques. Coated and cracked denim made a striking appearance in Diesel’s collection, adding a touch of edginess to the classic fabric. Glenn Martens and Ambush played with textures and washes, infusing denim pieces with tactile effects and unique design details.
Innovative Designs and Textures Elevate Denim Styles: London Fashion Week
In London, designers like Masha Popova and Vaquera experimented with crocodile-inspired textures, tie-dye effects, and black acid wash, pushing the boundaries of traditional denim aesthetics. Chanel opted for a simple glossy coating on chore jackets and cuffed jeans, showcasing a modern and sophisticated take on classic denim pieces.
Head-to-Toe Denim Looks: Copenhagen Fashion Week
Skall Studio and Stine Goya showcased head-to-toe denim looks, styling denim jackets with maxi skirts and belted denim suits, respectively. Gestuz and Munthe embraced the double denim trend, pairing denim anoraks with cargo jeans and embellishing wide-leg jeans with metallic bead fringe. The Western trend found its way into Copenhagen with denim prairie skirts and Western-inspired details.
Cinq à Sept: A Cool Take on the ’70s: New York Fashion Week
Cinq à Sept delivered a refreshing nod to the 70s with their collection, focusing on structured, two-tone denim pieces. From blazers to belted work shirts and miniskirts to full skirts, this brand brought a retro vibe to the runway. The addition of traditional wheat stitching, paired with dark indigo and black washes, added a touch of contrast. Faux fur, metallic satin, and geometric crystal details elevated the garments to give off a glamorous ’70s feel.
Denim Reigns Supreme: Trends in Indian Retail and Street Fashion
The Denim Apparel market in India was valued at US $ 6.15 billion in FY2023 and is predicted to increase at a CAGR of 14% over the next three years, reaching US $ 9.15 billion by FY2026.
While high-fashion runways dictate global trends, India offers a unique twist on denim thanks to its vibrant street style and evolving retail landscape. Here’s a look at what’s hot in Indian denim:
Top 2024 Denim Trends
- Denim Jumpsuits
- Denim Dresses
- Denim on Denim
- Distressed Denim
- Denim Overalls
Fusion Flair: Indian fashion is all about embracing heritage and blending it with contemporary styles. Expect to see a lot of fusion denim in retail stores and on the streets. This could include traditional motifs embroidered on denim jackets, kurtas with denim panels, or sarees paired with denim shirts.
Comfort is King (and Queen): Mirroring global trends, comfort reigns supreme in India too. Baggy silhouettes, relaxed fits, and high-waisted jeans are popular choices for both men and women. This is particularly true for everyday wear and street style.
Distressed Details: Distressed denim has been a staple in India for a while, and it’s not going anywhere. Expect to see a variety of distressing techniques, from light fading to heavy rips and abrasions.
Local Love: There’s a growing appreciation for homegrown denim brands in India. These brands often cater to local tastes and preferences, offering a wider range of fits and styles compared to international brands. Look for brands that use Indian cotton and sustainable practices.
Denim for Every Occasion: Gone are the days when denim was just for casual wear. In India, denim is being dressed up for various occasions. Darker washes, tailored cuts, and embellished details are making denim a popular choice for workwear, evening wear, and even weddings!
Beyond the Retail Rack: India’s street style scene is a melting pot of influences. You’ll see people customizing their denim with patches, embroidery, and paint. This personalization reflects a desire for individuality and self-expression.
