The Denim Fetish!!!

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

Blame it on the Jeans! 

Hello Denim Lovers!

“The Denim Mania” is ON!!! Indeed the love for it can never be moderate for any generation. As far as I can remember, I have been obsessed with Jeans, Dungarees, and denim skirts from childhood. Needless to say Denim is still on top of my list of favourites like for most of you. Anything well cut in this strong fabric always adds a cool edge. I remember when I was in college, I had collected about 65 pairs of Jeans mostly in boot cut from Wranglers, Pepe London and of course my favourite High Waisted – Drain Pipe style from Levi Strauss. Needless to explain I am a “Denim Addict”! What more could one have asked for, as having the best pair of Jeans was nothing less than adorning a Crown. My favourite flared denims added to the cool cowgirl vibe. I am still mad about them – they simply change my gait. The kind of Denim one chooses to wear talks a lot about one’s personality. Quarantine spent well with my parents, I dived into the collection of my favourite pairs and felt over the moon, for only a “Real Denim Lover” can understand the “pricelessness” of these “collectables”. 

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

Jeans were invented by Jacob W. Davis and Levi Strauss on May 20th, 1873. The word “Jeans” got named after the city of Geona in Italy, a place where the cotton corduroy was manufactured. Levi Strauss was a businessman from Germany and during the Gold Rush period in 1853, he moved to San francisco, trying to establish his family business by selling goods and cotton denim fabric was one of them.

Let me share with you that Levi Strauss was the first one to make denim out of Hemp. They made the first pair of Jeans with “Hemp Canvas”, blending it with certified organic cotton. This is something to be absolutely proud of!!!  Levi is a Global Leader and is also known as the “Face of Denim”.

Now that the world is trying to walk the path of awareness – “Sustainable Clothing” is surely a way forward for most brands now. From luxury to the high street one’s, all are choosing to go as green as possible. Of course there is a lot being made out of “recycled denim” and responsibly sourced cotton. The consumers are making conscious choices, compelling manufacturers to adapt ways to reduce the carbon print on the planet. 

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

Jacob W. Davis was a tailor and he made functional items like tents, horse blankets, wagon covers etc. On demand from one of his clients for a long lasting outfit for the mining workforce, Davis landed up buying the denim material from Levi Strauss. He designed the sturdy workwear for miners in the West. He added “copper rivets” at the places pants rip off easily, with pockets and a button fly. The design was unique and he wanted to patent the pants, so he wrote to Levi Strauss and joined hands with him as a partner and launched the magnificently known as – “JEANS”.

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

Jeans had now arrived as an “independent masterpiece”, evolving from the position of merely being a uniform for hard tasks. Denim being made from cotton was easy to breathe in and wash. It’s blue colour gave it an individual identity. In the 1920’s and 30’s, Jeans became popular western wear in the United States. Further modifications were made – Jeans now had the back pockets as well, making Levi Strauss the first designer to have his label on the outside. The Durability of the Fabric made it extremely popular among all. It became desirable and a no fuss dress code for everyone. Followed by that, was a glamours model featured in the Vogue magazine in the 1930’s, flaunting Denim on the cover, showcasing it’s relevance in the fashion Industry.

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

Elvis Presley was one of the first celebrities to popularize Jeans among others in the Pop culture absolutely adored them. The famous boys like James Dean and Marlon Brando made them exceedingly fashionable by filming in them. That was the real revolution time  – The Rebel, The Sexy, The Strong, The Fascinating, The Rugged – Denim defined it all!!!

The Hippie movement rocked the American culture in the 1960’s adorning the Denim Jackets and making Casual Blue torn Jean a representation of freedom.

Then came a phase of personalising Jeans, making them Hip with embellishments, patches and embroidery. And how can we not mention the Ripped Faded Flared Jeans that were a “Cult” in itself to begin with. Anyone seen wearing them was akin to being a “Revolutionary”. 

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

The “Denim Trend”so as to say, brought out a new attitude in Americans. The youngsters embraced the Blue Jeans making it the new cool. The Designer jeans took on the band wagon in the 80’s and the trend has never witnessed a pause since. Some of the most glamorous models in the past, got temperatures soaring in the high waisted drainpipes and white shirts. Brooke Shields, Cindy Crawford, Janice Dickinson, Jerry Hall among others sizzled in Denim making it most stylish for everyone. I won’t forget a video of Cindy Crawford working out on the beach, wearing the Denim Hot Pants with the sports bra. She simply looked like a GODDESS!! Needless to say, the Denim fad was lasting forever. It has continued to charm the world since it’s inception, evolving even today with the most beguiling designs.

The denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

Remember pop stars performing in the 2000’s with the Ultra Low Rise denims with Swrovskies all over them. I remember Britney Spears doing her fancy number in them. Denim has always been redefined from time to time.

The skinny jeans in the 2000’s came with a special stretch technology, that allowed women to flaunt their legs unapologetically. Styles like Mom jeans, Boyfriend, High Waisted Wide Straights, Culotte, High Waisted Vintage Boots Cuts, Skinnies, Baggy Paper bag, Slouchy etc. are back with a bang at present. It is not only confined to Jeans but denim jumpsuits, shorts, dresses, shirts, crop tops etc. all are tastefully available at many brands like Zara, H&M, D&G, True Religion, Diesel, Armani etc.

I fell in love with the Denim dress I am wearing. It is casual and chic. You see what I mean……..when one wears a well cut denim outfit or jeans – it doesn’t need any validation for it talks for itself. It’s an ambassador of your personality.

Denim will always be in Vogue - Rupika Chopra

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

One can simply choose to look classic or wild with the style of denim one chooses to wear. These High Waisted Boot Cut Jeans are my favourite as they hug me perfectly. You can always change your look with the footwear you choose – boots, heels or sneakers change the vibe. Somehow, denim makes styling easy. Choose your favourite shirt or a T -shirt / tank top and you are ready to roll. Being a Cowgirl at heart – I mostly lean towards the flared styles. Brands I love are Levis,  J brand, Wrangler, True Religion, Versace, For All Mankind, Acne Studio, Naked & Famous, Zara, Hollister,etc. 

It is indeed remarkable to see Denim being one of the few materials to have travelled far and wide across the world. and the fact remains that this iconic creation is here for eternity!!! The Denim Industry is estimated to produce $129.8 billion of sales by 2021. Quarantine has had many set backs on the apparel industry but the online sales have been booming. With in days, the new styles are out of stock, which is a vivid proof of Denim being a permanent Fetish!!!

Ladies and Gentleman! This iconic creation is here to RULE!

Need I say more…..Nah!!!  Let your Denim do the talking!!!

xoxo

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The Evergreen Slit Skirts!!!

The Evergreen Slit Skirts - Rupika Chopra

The Evergreen Slit Skirts - Rupika Chopra

A SLIT IN PLACE :

Summer is here and we are in a lockdown in the vicinity of our homes but nothing should stop us to enjoy the summer trends. Girls! this is the time to dive in your closet and get your favourite slit skirts and dresses out. They instantly remind me of the impeccably dressed air hostesses back in the day, walking with absolute grace in those well fitted skirts and stocking covered legs peeping through the slits. I remember as a child, I was so enamoured by their slick uniforms that I got a beautiful jacket and a skirt made for myself. The slit skirts gave every woman an opportunity to flaunt their curves.

The long A – line or body embracing pencil skirts are forever elegant, feminine and sultry.  From the time of my teens till the present moment, I have always thought a Slit on a dress or a skirt makes one look Hypnotic. Whether it is the Thigh High Slits or the conservative one’s, there is something alluring about them. Whether you are adorning a gown, a maxi dress or skirt a slit makes you truly walk like a sexy lady!

The Evergreen Slit Skirts - Rupika Chopra

The Evergreen Slit Skirt - Rupika Chopra

The first flash of legs was in the slit skirt Designed by Christian Dior in 1954 that took the world by a frenzy. Dior named this collection as the H – Line referring to Silhouettes he was creating with parallel lines. Slits have only grown popular since then. The pencil skirts became a rage with most of the Hollywood stars like Marylin Manroe, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly etc.  To me it represents sophistication and confidence in a woman.

By the end of 1960’s mini skirts took over and became the “Icon of the Cultural Revolution”. But Pencil skirts never really went out of fashion as they became a perfect attire to be worn to work with conservative slits. Whether it is a red carpet look or the casual do’s –  A slit simply has the power to add much sex appeal to any outfit.

The Evergreen Slit Skirts - Rupika Chopra

The Evergreen Slit Skirts - Rupika Chopra

Well going back to the history of a slit skirt, a slit was not added to give an extra cool glimpse of the leg but to add comfort for a woman to be able to stretch her legs while walking.

A slit on the sides of a skirt, back or in the front look absolutely flattering. It is obvious that in a work space one chooses pencil dresses or skirts sans the high slits. But when worn to parties or outside of the work space they make one sizzle in style.  Slits on a dress or skirts look extraordinary. I am obsessed with some for my fitted maxi dresses and my gorgeous A – line, satin long skirt that lets my femininity shine.

The New York Fashion Week displayed the most amazing creations for Spring 2020 by Marc Jacobs, Brandon Maxwell, Tommy Zendaya, Proenza Schouler, Prabal Gurung, Kate Spade, Carolina Herrera etc. Gigi Hadid, Hayley Ashton, Nikki Mcguire, Bella Hadid sizzled the ramp. 

The A- line skirt I am wearing in blue is quite an eye catching one with it’s colour combination and a slit on one side of the leg makes it distinctive. This combination with the a unique print top makes the outfit eclectic. It can be easily worn to a party, lunch or a dinner.

The Evergreen Slit Skirts - Rupika Chopra

The Evergreen Slit Skirts - Rupika Chopra

No matter what the print or the fabric is, a slit on a dress or a skirt surely makes one equivalent to saying, ” I dare to elegantly bare”.

The black skirt with a slit in the front is a classic piece. When paired with a white shirt, looks absolutely stunning and is perfect to be worn to a formal occasion. I love the clean cuts and one tone colours make an impact. Understated is always amazing. I am wearing mine with Boots and that makes my vibe fun and edgy. Accessories always perk an outfit. I love the check glasses I chose, they are very Italiano and spunky!

The Evergreen Slit Skirts - Rupika Chopra

The A- line pleated skirt I am wearing in blue is an eye catching one with it’s fun colour combination and a slit on one side adds a dash of oomph. This outfit can be easily worn to a party, lunch or a dinner. It is a vibrant attire adding to my cheerfulness. I have caramelised this look with my favourite tan brown shoes by Enzo DI Martino. The combination of the brown glasses, and earrings with a gold bracelet are perfect to seal the deal!!

So don’t let anything bring your spirits down and or hamper your style and use this time to become truly Invincible!!

Shine On!!

xoxo

The Evergreen Slit Skirt - Rupika Chopra