Here is the second in an ongoing series of Designer Q & As, this time with esteemed Denimologist and owner of 1921 Jeans, Michael Silver.
1) Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still the most popular item of clothing.
MS) The socks and underwear manufacturers may argue that they are in fact the most popular item of clothing over the last 200 years. Where as denim has been extremely popular for the last 40 years and the last 20 years its growth has been phenomenal. I think the nature of the fabric itself (cotton) lends itself to comfort and it's a clothing item that all ages and walks of life can wear. It is one of those few products that people from all parts of the globe, all walks of life and socioeconomic status can wear and enjoy, and feel very much part of a "casual culture" by wearing.
2) Last time I counted there were over 50 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes 1921 Jeans stand out from the rest?
MS) I think there far more than 50!!! 1921 does not possess one single element that makes it unique, but does have a variety of aspects that when put in a jean make it unique as a total. I like to say that a great jean is a "sum of all parts" that being: great fit, great wash, interesting details, great fabrics that feel wonderful, and styling that is appropriate to the current trends.
3) It was reported recently that Victoria Beckham paid a visit to your offices. Can you comment on the rumours that you may be working with her soon.
MS) I really cannot comment on that, but perhaps everyone should stay tuned.
4) If you had to choose one of the following which would you say is more important - the way a pair of jeans look or how comfortable they feel.
MS) I cannot answer this question properly because I truly believe a jean that looks great and fits lousy is not better than one that fits and looks wrong if you do not either you are not a "premium denim line"
5) Are there any essential jeans that everyone should have in their wardrobe.
MS) Essentials are often what is happening at the moment such as Skinny jeans or super wide or dark. I think that everyone should have a jean they love and feel great in and that is their essential jean.
6) What are the first pair of jeans you remember?
MS) I grew up a child in the denim business; my family has made jeans since 1921!!I remember unwashed denim ,stiff as board (it stand up in a corner on its own !!) They hurt to wear for the first month and eventually formed to your body as long as you did not wash them then they would fit your younger sister!!!I always loved the original 501 and certain LEE jeans and had some really cool "Sisley jeans"(which now hang on my office wall).
7) What has been your favourite pair of jeans that you have owned?
MS) See above
8) What has been your favourite pair of jeans that you have produced?
MS) 16 years ago we developed a jean under our Silver brand called Frisco. It wasone of the first woman's flares ever sold, it had a contour waistband, lowerrise, button fly and was sandblasted in left hand denim. Eventually we soldover 3,000,000 of that single style and it put my kids through college!!!
9) How many pairs of jeans do you currently own and which are your favorites?
MS) Tough one. I only own about 5 pair. I tend to fall in love with our latest product and wear them until some new exciting fit, wash or fabric comes through. Currently my favorite is a super slim 1921 jean (15 inch bottom) out of red salvage Kaihara denim, rinsed, with a touch of resin, but still super soft denim.
10) Are you a "wash your jeans after each wear" person or a "wear your jeans for six months before you wash them" person?
MS) I am somewhere in-between I say wash once very 2 weeks, denim tends to return to its natural "milled" size after washing so I have to prepare myself for the tightness and hold my breath for a day or so after the wash.
11) Do you own jeans for different occasions (for instance I have work jeans, smart jeans, weekend jeans, holiday jeans, jeans for going to concerts in, jeans for gardening in) if so what have you got?
MS) I do not wear anything but jeans and outside of some white jeans for summer jeans, a jean shirt and jean jacket are a three piece suit for me! I really just put on a pair of jeans based on: If they are clean? Are they comfortable?
12) Which is your favourite jeans shop?
MS) RPM 45 in Tokyo, E Street Denim in Illinois (because I can see every jean line!) Arcuate in Tokyo (great Levi vintage store)
Over the Rainbow in Toronto (great service!!!)
The Jean Shop in NY (my friends Barry and Gene definitely understand the Denim "feel")
13) Who is your current favourite denim icon (male & female). I am thinking the person who has the most denim style?
MS) I really do not believe in icons for our business. Stars and celebrities are good at their trade and some understand fashion. I see some really cool guys and girls on the street in Harajuku. They are the icons. Celebrities are just wealthy people whose latest look is public. They are thousands on the street who are more important to me!
14) Which character (male & female) from a movie had the most denim style?
MS) No question James Dean and Steve McQueen
15) Which person living or dead would you most like to see in a pair of 1921 Jeans?
MS) James Dean
16) If denim jeans had not been invented, what would we all be wearing?
MS) Double knits and leisure suits!!!
17) And finally, any predictions for future trends in denim jeans?
MS) I predict there will continue to be way too many brands for far to few retailers and consumers ,but beyond that if I had a prediction that I thought might be accurate ,I would be doing this interview from my yacht in Monaco !!Seriously, no predictions, it's been much more fun over the last 30 years to wait, watch and learn!!
