“Naked Jeans” Are a Thing Now But We’re Not Sure The World Is Ready For Them
By Niamh ODonoghue
26th Oct 2017
26th Oct 2017
When it comes to denim, we’re firm believers in the adage that if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. The internet did a backflip when an entirely new style of jean was introduced at Tokyo fashion week today, and we’re not convinced the world is ready for it. Introducing: the “thong” jean – or as we’re calling it, the naked jean. The jeans – which are are the brainchild of Meiko Ban of the lesser-known brand Thibaut consists of, essentially, the shell of a pair of mom-style jeans.
Fashion has become obsessed with creating purposefully non-functional clothing. Take, for example, Chanel’s PVC thigh-high boots, bags, hats, gloves and jackets from its SS18 collection. And we can’t forget Balenciaga’s grotesque Croc flatforms which were a complete curveball from its usual on-trend approach to high-end footwear.
Platform Crocs by Balenciaga. Photo credit: Forbes.com. PVC at the Chanel SS18 catwalk. Photo credit: nowfashion.com
Then again, maybe this is the evolution of “naked” dressing, with more designers embracing detailing like cutaways, tears, and exposed flesh. Despite this shock factor, however, this isn’t the first time that ass-less jeans have donned the runway. As Vogue reports, it was Jonathan Anderson who made a case for clear jeans at Loewe ’16 and Alexander McQueen’s “crack-exposing “bumsters” at AW16. Arguably, these pieces are more contemporary fashion art as opposed to seasonal must-haves, which is why we commend and respect designers who continue to push boundaries. That said, we like our denim with full coverage!
It’s true that one way to add interest and personality to your look is by reimagining traditional shapes and cuts, but we’re not sure the world is quite ready for barely-there denim (let alone chunky crocs and see-through Chanel). If you are looking to extend your denim repertoire, try one of our five alternative denim choices this season.
These high-rise jeans with fringe, €49.95 at Zara.com
Everybody should own a pair of black skinny jeans – they’re a wardrobe essential and form the foundations for loads of outfit options. The fringing on these skinny basics by Zara add drama and fun to an otherwise ordinary denim choice. Team yours with a felt fedora for the perfect Western-inspired look this season.
These mom-style jeans with pearl details, €99 at Uterque.com
The mom jean isn’t showing signs of leaving us yet. As seen on the AW17 catwalks of Dries Van Noten and Dior, the nineties style is being given a modern upgrade with the addition of smart colour panelling, embellishments and appliques. We love the delicate pearl beading on these mom-style Uterque jeans, which contrast perfectly with the deep blue denim.
These cropped flairs in indigo blue wash jeans, €178.61 at Na-kd.com
Not everyone is comfortable with voluminous shapes and directional styles, and this is where cropped kick flares come into play. Fitted from the waist to the calf before gently kicking out, they offer a great shape for pear-shaped women who want to balance out the proportions of their bottom half. Indigo is a great colour choice for this time of year, and it’s a great way to throw autumnal reds and orange tones into the mix too.
These stirrup-style skinnies by Magda Butrym, €370.73 at brownsfashion.com
Do you remember your first pair of stirrups? I was delighted to see the stirrup style making a triumphant return to the catwalks this year after appearing at Balenciaga, Marni and Versace shows. They’re remarkably easy and comfortable to wear too: style yours with a statement heel or boot and let the stirrup do the talking.
The corduroy jean, €69 at stories.com
As seen on the catwalks of Paul & Joe and Marc Jacobs, the corduroy jean will be huge for AW17 and indeed right through to 2018. What could be better than wearing a jean that’s as soft as velvet? These comfy-chic trousers feature a midnight blue hue in a ribbed corduroy fabric, detailed with elegant front zips at the leg endings.
Still not sure what shape and style are best suited to you? Take our denim personality test here.
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