GUESS and FIDM's new Design Challenge Partnership

New York, NY – March 11, 2010 – GUESS, the lifestyle brand famous for its trendsetting styles and unforgettable campaigns, and FIDM / Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, are thrilled to announce the GUESS Design Challenge launching during the Annual FIDM Debut Fashion Show to benefit the FIDM Scholarship Foundation.

Every year, ten top students are selected for an advanced third year fashion design program, to present their first-ever fashion collections, each consisting of ten to twelve looks. An audience, of over 10,000 people, sees the FIDM Debut Show. This annual event is being held at the Barker Hangar, in Santa Monica, California in March, 2010. The partnership between GUESS and FIDM adds an exciting real world experience to each designer’s education. In addition, to creating their individual collections, each of the Advanced Fashion Design students will also design and present one GUESS look to the executives at GUESS, Inc. As in true GUESS form, the look will be denim focused, using washes previously chosen by the GUESS? Inc. design team and FIDM designers, ranging from clean to medium and vintage washes.

Mary Stephens, FIDM Director of Fashion Design relates: “This wonderful design challenge typifies the commitment of GUESS?, Inc. to create opportunities for young people. Our organizations, GUESS? Inc. and FIDM, have deep roots of parallel growth, both having been founded in Los Angeles. We enjoy a vibrant relationship that supports young people and changes lives. We’re so fortunate to call them our friends…they have fostered scholarships and jobs for countless FIDM students.” 

One lucky winner’s design will be selected by Maurice Marciano, Chairman of the Board and Co-Founder of GUESS, Inc. The winning student will be offered the position of Design Assistant with the GUESS?, Inc. design department, as well as the opportunity to be involved in each step of the production process of their winning design, which will be incorporated into an upcoming season. 

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising for the annual Debut Fashion Show and are excited to expand on our long standing relationship with the college,” said Maurice Marciano, Chairman of the Board and Co-Founder of GUESS, Inc. “One of our strengths at GUESS is keeping our brand relevant to the ever-evolving consumer and in order to do so, we must find young and innovative talent, such as the highly gifted students we are partnering with at FIDM.  

So, my fabulous up-and-coming designers, this is something exciting! Denim is a hard thing to just jump into, but GUESS has been doing it for quite some time... I look forward to seeing the outcome!

Love,
JP

Guest Blog: Is there Size Discrimination in Premium Denim?

Kristy is a friend of mine whom I've been pestering to write here on the site since it started because she has a refreshing honesty and knows what she's talking about. Here's the back story on this post: Kristy fell for a pair of jeans and when I contacted the person I knew at the brand, they said that they didn't make anything above a 30. She was livid, I was livid (and pretty embarrassed, to be honest), and she decided it was time that people heard her story. - Love, JP  

I am a size 12. This size is, reportedly, common in America.  Yet just this week, when I fell in love with a super fabulous pair of skinny jeans in an unusual shade of violet, I discovered that the brand doesn't make their clothing for people my size.  The message is "We don't want you in our clothes if you're above a size 10."

Why is that? Shouldn't these companies be competing for our business, instead of dictating the terms by which they allow us to give them our money?

For some retailers, such as Old Navy or Ann Taylor, is the message "We'll take your money but we don't want you in our store if you're above a size 12 or 14"? These companies offer plus size clothing for sale only online, and do not carry these sizes in their brick and mortar locations. While part of this is likely due to the fact that less popular sizes aren't sold as often, meaning that shipping and distributing these items in stores reduces the profitability of the business, the inability to find such sizes in stores doesn't increase consumer confidences for those who are outside of the chosen size range.

Often times stores that do carry my size, such as Anthropologie, only carry one of each item in sizes 10 or above. When I asked the sales clerk, she told me that size 10 and above "sell out immediately." I don't doubt this as sales racks often hold few if any items in larger sizes.

Not every brand can make every item in every size. I understand that. Profitability isn't what I'm arguing against - I'm opposed to the designers out there who don't offer above a certain size because "it doesn't fit with our look." You mean to tell me the 3-4" difference between one size and the next is going to completely ruin your entire brand aesthetic?

Is this conclusive evidence that companies are actively discriminating against larger sizes? No. But in a world where discrimination based on body size is often times considered acceptable, it's hard to understand the reasoning behind this sort of behavior from retailers.

For those of you who are a size 10 or above, here's a list of denim brands you may be disappointed to find have limited size ranges:

Siwy - 31
Blue Notch - 30
Vintage1 - 30
Sass & Bide - 30
Ksubi - 31

Disappointed? So was I. While there's a handful of companies such as Not Your Daughter's Jeans that make good basic staples, I've been on the hunt for some statement and trendy pairs of denim that also fit and flatter for over a year now. Every time Jaime writes about a new brand I'm always there to ask her about the fit and size range.

And, to denim creators and designers, I would like to propose a challenge. There are women just like me all across this country who are willing to give you our money, and you're not taking it. My only question is... why?

Sample Sale Alert: Rue La La Final Sale, Part One

I'm probably not going to write about Part Two of Rue La La's Final Sale (though I'll probably send out a reminder tweet), but you should be ready for Part One!

I have no concrete knowledge of any brands that will be for sale, but whatever they are, they'll go crazy fast (and there's usually some denim in there, too). So, for those of you who don't have an account yet with Rue La La, feel free to use my invite link to get in.The rest of you? You know what to do.

More Sales:

- Rivet de Cru for Men and Women will be on TheSampleSale.com starting today. I have no experience whatsoever with this brand, so I can't really help you out sizing-wise (any readers who have tried this line, please comment and help us all out!), but the prices over at TSS have been pretty fab. Plus, if you don't have an account with them yet, sign up through my link and get a $10 credit, just for being you.

Happy Shopping!

Love,
JP

Miss Sixty up to 85% off at 6pm.com

It looks to me like this sale is live now (don't hit me if the prices drop in an hour... I'm sorry!), but 6pm.com is having a Miss Sixty sale. From what I can gather, there are shoes, clothes and, of course, jeans, all up to 85% off!

From my experience, most pairs of Miss Sixty denim run about a half size small (other than their boyfriend jeans) but their shoes and tops run True to Size. If you've had other experiences - or just feel like chiming in about the brand - hit up the comments section.

I will say this: Miss Sixty is not one of my favorite brands. I kind of jump back and forth on whether I find some of their clothes tacky and pretentious or trendy and fun. But I have some friends who swear by the line... so, go with your gut, because nobody knows your style better than you. I know that in my experience, the items are definitely great quality for the price (and the inseams are about a 31", so rejoice, shorties!), just not really my preferred style.

Check out what they've got at 6pm.com, and let me know if you get anything!

Love,
JP

PS: Thank you to all of you who sent me get well emails. You're all so amazingly sweet... I'm finally feeling better and no longer puking, so yay for that!

West Coast: Nudie Jeans Pop-Up Shop

I love C., but I'm willing to be someone's trophy girlfriend (so long as they're okay with me wearing jeans 95% of my waking hours) if they'll let me just hang out and go to amazing parties... like this one, hosted by Tobi.com

It's the first West Coast Nudie Pop-up shop and the event is this Wednesday, March 10th at Azalea from 6-9PM. It's going to be a fun time- denim, music, free PBR and vodka ... What more could you want? ;) Also, if you RSVP to rsvp@azaleasf.com you're automatically entered into a free denim giveaway. 

Make sure that you RSVP, otherwise there will be some trouble at the door (and you don't want to miss free PBR, kids). You could even go in these under $100 Nudies... if you overnight them, at least!

Love,

JP

ShopBop's End of Season Sale!

Prices are starting in the $50s for denim (there are some INSANE other sales available too... but I gravitate straight to the jeans), with brands like Unknown Factory, Current/Elliott, DL1961 and many, MANY more to choose from!

Head over to Shopbop now and grab them before it's too late! If you need any help selecting an item, let me know... I'll do my best!

Love,
JP

Readers: Share Your Opinion and Win!

I know I've said this before, but I really mean it - this site would not be what it is without all of you here! Since I'm not a mind reader (I'm working on it, I promise... but I think these things take time), I figured that I would go directly to the source of my inspiration: you!

So, here's where I need your help. I've chosen ten really easy questions (I wanted to add more, but I figured it would be better if I didn't scare you!) that will help shape the way that this site looks, feels and responds to you in the coming months. After all, we're only a few months away from our one year anniversary!

If you're an email subscriber, you've already received this (because you're totally and absolutely awesome... I'll be sending more fun, exclusive things in the future - but won't spam you. Because I'm kickass, and so are you)... but for the rest of you, it's your turn!

Please be 100% honest in all of your responses, and while criticism is welcomed with open arms, please be constructive. If you love something, say it! If you hate something (or want to see less of it), say that too!


What's in it for you? One person who fills out the entire survey and leaves his/her email address will be entered to win a tote bag full of denim goodies like hem tape, books and so much more, valued at approx. $200! I've collected a bunch of fun little gifts and things from companies that I either don't use or don't use enough, and they're too fabulous to go to waste (and hey, who knows... maybe I'll throw in a pair of jeans, too!!!).

You have until March 31st to get your entry in. Have any questions? Leave a comment here or email me at DenimDebutante@gmail.com. Good luck!

Love,
JP

Disclaimer: I will never, EVER sell your email address. These numbers and statistics, as well as some select comments, may be used in upcoming Media Kits, and will also shape the new changes for the site. The only reason you will be contacted via email is if you win... or are already a newsletter subscriber (which you should be... sign up for emails in the upper right corner!). No name or statement will be used without your approval beforehand. If you have a question or concern, please email me.

Announcing the Mavi Jeans x Denim Debutante Winners!

I'm usually really, really good about getting posts up right away when it comes to winners, but my weekend has included sickness, stress and taxes... not really a conducive environment to writing (or even sitting at my computer for extended periods of time, for that matter). I'm home sick from work, wallowing in a special brand of ickyness, but I can cheer up, because I'm about to make two people's days!

Here are the winners of the Mark and Serena jeans from Mavi:

The Mark goes to Loafshine and the Serena to FaithJ! Congrats to both of you... I'll be emailing you shortly with all the information we need, and I'm so excited for you to get these babies! Hopefully we'll be seeing much more of Mavi on the site, so those of you who are big fans of the brand have something to look forward to!

Thank you SO much to everyone who entered this giveaway and all of our other giveaways as well. I'm so glad that you all have found value on this site... you keep me going, even when I've spent six hours with my head in the toilet!

Want to join the list of denim brands that have been reviewed on DenimDebutante.com, or interested in sponsoring a giveaway? Contact me for more details!

Love,
JP

Sample Sale Alert: Antik Denim on Beyond the Rack

Antik Denim for men and women will be available starting at 11am EST today on BeyondtheRack.com. Sizing is fairly true (those of you who own multiple pairs - add your two cents in the comments, please!), and the prices look like they'll be good. Let me know if you snag anything... and if you know of any Beyond the Rack coupon codes, leave them in the comments for all of us to share!

Also for sale today: Kasil on Hautelook. The prices on this sale are fabulous (even the highly coveted Benatar jeans are less than $50!!!), so they'll go fast. Head over ASAP! For sizing recommendations, please read my Kasil denim review.

Love,
JP

New Denim Brand: WTFJeans (Yes, that is their name.)

I caught an article about these babies on Mashable, and I thought I should share this with all the guys of the world.

These, my friends, are the WTF Jeans.

Here's what Mashable shared about them:

If you were ever frustrated by the lack of iPhone/iPod touch pocket on your jeans, here’s a treat for you: wtfJeans. This freshly launched indie jeans brand was just a blueprint three months ago, but things happen fast on the Internet, and now you can order them from the online shop, in boy/girl varieties.


What’s so special about these jeans? Well, they have an iPhone/iPod touch pocket with micro-fiber interior protection, as well as a hidden, high-security USB stick pocket. These should be a perfect fit for your gadgets, unlike the pockets usually found on, well, regular jeans. While we cannot comment on build quality, fit style and all those other things that make you love or hate a pair of jeans, the idea of jeans with custom pockets for our favorite gadgets warms our geeky hearts.


According to the site, the jeans are still in beta stage (whatever that means), and the first pairs are expected to ship on May 2, at the price of 59 euros (80 dollars).

I'm not sure I really need a pair (they are kind of hideous), but they're fun... and I have a couple friends who would probably love them!

Love,
JP