I always wonder how many more possible ways denim can reform to win us over every season. A core fabric on the catwalk trickling down to every retail store, over time surely we’ve been exposed to every potential colour, wash and embellishment on offer? From the most offensive acid wash to the coveted “boyfriend jean” we’ve seen it all—right?
The designer duo Marques Almeida is fighting back that theory. If you’re not familiar with them already and you give a shit about fashion, you’re in for a real treat. You may have seen style spottings without realising it: they’re responsible for that flawless camo denim dress serving as eye candy on streetstyle blogs all over—it’s a great introduction to an even greater label. Forget what you knew about denim, you only need to look at a few more of their designs to realise that they’re turning denim on its head.
Originally taking inspiration from the 90s, Marta Marques and Paulo Almeida were drawn to perfectly worn denim and oversized silhouettes. Once that trend had been well and truly wrung out, they quickly turned to the next in line—the tricky early millennial years. This is evident through their use of raw edges, dark denim, silk organza and strappy open backs. There’s a certain issue of Girlfriend I had in 2000 that comes flooding back to me. It’s with mixed emotions that I welcome the noughties back into my life, but I’ve eased into it like a warm bath with Marques Almeida.
These guys will be held accountable for the surge in frayed denim and the replicates you’ll be seeing around soon, if not already. They are to frayed denim what Stella McCartney and Celine are to tartan. Denim will always be the shining beacon in our evolving wardrobes, which is why Marques Almeida still has seasons to come yet.
Editors note: Our buddies at Pet Shop Girls recently announced that they’ve just become the first stockists of Marques Almeida in Australian. Congratulation to them for being approached by Marta herself!
Words by Lauren Savio.
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