Words by Lydia Wilcox

Eds. Mistral Zerbi

Dear Denim,

Since you were created in 17th century Nîmes, France, the world has never been the same. From jackets to overalls, from bootcut to distressed, Denim, you have remained a staple in wardrobes across the world. Your most popular form is, without doubt, the blue jean. You were introduced to the world in this form by Levi Strauss, a German immigrant to the US, in the 19th century as workwear for miners, cowboys, and laborers in the American West. Your beautiful blue hue made you popular amongst laborers as it hides the inevitable stains accrued from a day's work. Unsurprisingly, your practicality made you a global sensation. As stated in a Byrdie article by Marlene Montanez, you made your entrance into mainstream culture after making your debut on the silver screen in Western films. In the 1950s you went through your rebellious phase, became a symbol of the counterculture, making friends with iconic bad boys like James Dean and Marlon Brando. By the 1970s you were given the praise you deserved by Calvin Klein and introduced to the world of high fashion.

Many would consider denim on denim a fashion faux pas, citing Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake’s infamous 2001 American Music Awards red carpet look as evidence, but I disagree. To those who say that double denim can’t be chic, I would point them in the direction of Sydney Sweeney’s raw denim on denim combo which included a buttoned-up denim jacket with cut-out shoulders and a pair of jean shorts. Anyone who cannot see that the more denim the better, are jealous of you. You, denim, are the perfect fabric. Durable and adaptable, you can be dressed up or dressed down. Opting for a dressier denim look? Simply choose a black wash. Baggy or loose, skinny or slim, ripped or regular Some think that you, denim, should be limited to pants form, but I believe that your versatility is your most admirable quality. I think jean bags should be as universal as jeans themselves. Take for instance Diesel’s iconic denim shoulder bag, Coach’s quilted denim shoulder bag, or my personal favorite, a denim bag that resembles an actual pair of jeans, pockets, buttons and all. Denim hats have always been my go-to summer accessory. Denim bucket hats and baseball caps in a variety of shades and washes are a must when shielding yourself from the sun with style. Alas, critics will dismiss denim accessories as tacky, let them!

Speaking of summer, there is not a single season during which you can not be worn. In the summer you give us the option of overalls, skirts, and of course, shorts. Look no further than the poster for Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie’s hit reality TV series The Simple Life for inspiration. Come fall we’re graced with your presence in the form of bootcut jeans and denim jackets a la Lorelai Gilmore from Gilmore Girls. Come winter one can add a denim trench coat to their wardrobe, pairing an elegant outerwear piece that can add a bit of edge to an outfit.

Denim, you are a timeless and iconic fabric that will never go out of style. Your comfortability, versatility, and durability has made you a staple in wardrobes across the globe. You are ever evolving and changing with the trends but still remain uniquely and recognizable yourself. We take you for granted, assume that you’ll always be there because we cannot even fathom of a world without your existence. However, that is precisely why this letter is addressed to you, to show our unwavering appreciation for the changes you’ve made to the world.

Thank you for existing.

A Love Letter to Denim