The denim jacket has had an ubiquitous presence in fashion and pop culture for decades. Originating in the late 18th century, the wardrobe staple has been famously worn by American actors (and style icons) James Dean, Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, Joe
The denim jacket has had an ubiquitous presence in fashion and pop culture for decades. Originating in the late 18th century, the wardrobe staple has been famously worn by American actors (and style icons) James Dean, Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, Joe Dallesandro, River Phoenix and Clint Eastwood. Durable and strong, the denim jacket was initially intended for the workplace as a protective piece of clothing, however since Levi Strauss established the internationally renowned denim clothing brand Levi’s and started producing jeans and jackets in the late 20s, they have become a firm fashion fixture for both work and leisure. Often a source of customisation founding member of Hell’s Angels Sonny Barger adorns his denim jackets with patches and rips off the sleeves and numerous punks cover theirs in patches, badges and safety pins.
This week on AnOther Loves prop stylist Fred Butler, known for her own unique clothing customisation, is the AnOther Lover of the week with her YSL Denim Jacket. Covered in silver and gold Yves Saint Laurent logo badges this denim jacket is a cross between streetwear and high fashion. With the increasing presence of denim on the S/S11 catwalk – see Dries Van Noten’s dip-dyed styles and Mulberry’s occasion wear – the YSL Denim Jacket comes as a timely Most Loved product of the week.
Here we speak to Butler about her hate of wearing jeans, who her denim style icons are and whether double denim is acceptable.
Why did you choose to Love this YSL Denim Jacket?
I like bizarre collections - this one is quite something!
Where did you find it?
My assistant Emily found it on a blog belonging to Kyle Pak – an 18-year-old YSL enthusiast from LA who collects the vintage pins. He has a website selling vintage sunglasses which is well worth a trawl.
Where would you wear it and what would you wear it with?
I would wear it on a denim day. I would probably wear it to a meeting with Loren Platt and Teo Connor who run the W Project because I know they would really appreciate it.
Are you a denim fan – if so what is your favourite piece of denim that you own?
I hate jeans. It’s the curse of modern streetstyle. However, I have one exception: the ultimate denim line is by ThreeASFOUR who converted their genius tailoring into an accessible range by producing it in indigo twill. My favourite piece is the E.T Cone Dress which is a one piece pattern that zips in a circular seam all the way round the body like a helta skelta. It’s a sexy and quirky cut but easy to wear in a casual context because of the denim fabrication.
Who is your denim style icon?
Two extremes: 70s high waisted bell bottoms as worn by Milla Jovovich in Dazed & Confused. Or 60s tight, tight, shrunk to fit in the bath, as worn by by Jimmy in Quadrophenia.
What are you views on double denim – fashion genius or fashion faux?
The more the better. FACT. Especially on men.
What to you makes YSL such a desirable fashion brand?
The subtle surreal slant.
What other YSL products are you currently coveting?
The 70s sequin harlequin jacket which featured in the Diaghilev exhibition at the V&A.
What’s on your wishlist for this season?
Some YSL Touche Éclat to conceal my over worked, sleep deprived face.
What was the last thing you bought?
A delicious iced coffee served in a jam jar.
Text by Lucia Davies
