The workhorse fabric. American Cowboy. Call it what you will but denim will forever attribute to that style that never wanes. Its versatility and insouciance has proved its everlasting appeal through the ages and seasons—evidently seen as a consistent sighting on the runways. Whilst it’s mostly chalked up to a wardrobe staple, upon closer look and one can observe plenty of micro trends emerging from the understated denim. Barrel leg, Canadian Tuxedo (commonly referred to double-denim), acid-washed are just a handful of iterations out there. In recent fashion fodder, sensational moments were also birthed in the name of denim—see Matthieu Blazy’s viral Bottega Veneta look for spring 2023 that involved a pair of jeans made entirely from leather, that Acne Studios campaign that saw Charli XCX sauntering out in the label’s paint-splattered trompe-l’oeil jeans as well as the indigo fever that sheathed the models walking at Versace, Tory Burch and Victoria Beckham. One day, it’s an inconspicuous material and the very next, it could be front and centre of the headlines. Needless to say, when it comes to denim labels, there’s never a lack of shopping options out there.
From designer to high-street, one can easily have their pick of the lot. The same goes for the varying styles and cuts of denim that you can opt for—the classic bootleg, low-slung for a street swerve or perhaps a boho touch with the of-the-season patchwork. As much as the sky is the limit, we’ve narrowed things down for you. Save from the typical designer suspects and mass producers, Vogue Singapore presents a shortlist of the cult-favourite denim labels to know now.
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Mimchik
While it’s only been four years since Mimchik came onto the scene, the LA brand has already racked up a sizable celebrity clientele—from SZA to Addison Rae. Its customer is described as the “conscious hot girl”, with offerings that run the gamut from denim motorcycle jackets to quirky iterations of denim skirts. Veering away from the ordinary, Mimchik’s pieces are also made to last—timeless and enduring through the ages and turning of trends.
2 / 7
Rûadh
New kid on the block and environmentally conscious as they come, denim label Rûadh launched earlier this year with just 11 pieces. Produced in small-batches with ethically sourced materials, you’ll find a curated assortment of styles like cropped, trouser-inspired, barrel-esque silhouettes and more.
3 / 7
R.Shemiste
Denimheads in South Korea would be all too familiar with R.Shemiste, a label that first debuted at Tokyo Fashion Week back in 2013 before being a constant fixture on the Seoul Fashion Week calendar. Having a penchant for high-quality Japanese selvedge denim, most of the pieces at R.Shemiste each hold its unique edge. Whether it be zig-zag stitches or mixed materials, there’s nothing ordinary about R.Shemiste’s denim offerings.
4 / 7
Agolde
A fan-favourite through and through. The sartorially-inclined will know the name Agolde, a premium denim label from Los Angeles. Established for its plethora of denim cuts and styles—alongside chic basics from bodysuits to T-shirts to match—here’s where anyone can find that denim uniform tailored for you.
5 / 7
Jeanerica
Its name mashes jean and America, this Swedish label marries Scandi minimalism and retro Americana into their denim line. Made in Italy of 98 percent organic cotton and a touch of Lycra, the brand is founded on the idea of pouring love and attention into a product that is universally worn, via its fabric, wash and cut.
6 / 7
Still Here
Known as the best-kept secret of fashion editors in the Big Apple, Still Here carries the essence of worn vintage onto its newly-made jeans. This oft-coveted je ne sais quoi comes from its no-stretch 100 percent cotton, which cultivates a slouchy silhouette after multiple wears.
7 / 7
E.L.V Denim
Made entirely from upcycled materials (that would otherwise end up in a landfill), E.L.V Denim champions sustainability through its make—by way of its sourcing, production and even down to only using non-stretch denim so that their pieces can last a lifetime. As a result of its responsible efforts, ELV’s jeans are often made out of contrasting panels, in turn forming its own signature look.
