Denim

Being commonly used in the early 1800s as workwear, denim was first made in France and favored by those performing labor-intensive tasks (Sewport Support Team, n.d.). In 1873, Levi Strauss was asked to make a pair of jeans that would not fall apart (The History of Denim, 2019). In response, Levi added metal rivets at points of strain on trousers, marking the birth of the blue jean.

It wasn’t until the 1940s that jeans became fashionable. Icons such as Elvis Presley, James Dean, and Marlon Brando helped popularize denim, with their fans emulating their style. Elvis, in particular, inspired the iconic all-denim look. This transformation elevated jeans from a working-class garment to a universal wardrobe staple.

 

By the 1960s, jeans evolved into a medium for self-expression. For example, my Nani wore her handmade patchwork jeans to countless Grateful Dead and The Doors concerts, loving them for their comfort and originality.

 

In her time, women patched their pants for style, while men often patched theirs out of necessity. When I wear my Nani’s jeans today, it’s not just for practicality—it’s for the nostalgia and the unique, handcrafted charm of the patchwork.

In the early 2000s, denim transitioned into a high-end commodity. An example is Louis Vuitton’s Neo Speedy Denim bag, designed by Marc Jacobs in 2005 (Bagaholic, n.d.).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denim, once synonymous with the working class, is now a versatile and stylish fabric, used for everything from pants and jackets to accessories and home décor. Reflecting nostalgia, comfort, sleekness, and a casual ambiance, denim has transcended its utilitarian origins to become a symbol of fashion and creativity.

Today, denim is used in innovative ways, from bedsheets to planters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Offering a unique touch to everyday products, denim serves as a substitute for traditional fabrics like plaid, cotton, or suede, while maintaining its timeless appeal.

Remember when Levi’s introduced metal rivets to extend the lifespan of jeans? That innovation was over 150 years ago, yet Levi’s continues to thrive as a staple of modern wardrobes. Many pairs of jeans that are no longer worn eventually end up at thrift stores like Goodwill. I’ve embraced this cycle by repurposing old denim into handmade bags.

 

Using the pockets and tags from thrifted Levi’s jeans, I craft bags that embody authenticity and nostalgia. For instance, in one project, I combined grey denim and corduroy from two thrifted pairs of pants to create a bag with darker undertones, perfect for pairing with most outfits.

 

Denim’s journey from workwear to designer fashion illustrates its enduring relevance and adaptability. Whether evoking nostalgia through patchwork jeans or offering modern luxury with a designer bag, denim remains a canvas for creativity and self-expression. It’s a fabric with a past as rich as its future possibilities.