Q & A With Jill Smith, Editor Of The New York Based Blog DenimHunt.com

When did you start DenimHunt.com and why?

DenimHunt started as a concept back in early 2007. DenimHunt aspires to be an all inclusive one-stop site for those merely interested in denim all the way up to vintage collectors. We're anything and everything denim from the trade side such as CEO changes and business plans to the latest offering for consumers in stores and online.   

How do you keep track of what the trends are in the denim industry? Do you look to celebrities or people on the streets?

The great thing about the denim industry is that it's as accessible to the mom in the Midwest as it is to a model on the runway in Paris. Concerning trends, I pay close attention to those on the street and look to peers such as the Satorialist and Face Hunter to see what's going on in other parts of the world. Of course, celebrities are a huge influence as to what style makes a hit in the marketplace as does the inclusion of denim on the runway.

It seems as if the denim industry is really thriving? Why now?

First is the change in "casual workplace."  Jeans are no longer only for the blue collar, working man. Casual workplace used to mean sloppy polo sheets and khakis; but now professionals understand you can be casual, but chic. They're choosing to pair dark trouser jeans with the same oxford shirt that would normally be seen under a suit.   The second reason is the luxury boom. Look on the streets and it's nothing to see a dozen Louis Vuitton purses and middle school girls carrying Coach. The same way people started to look to luxury in leather goods, they looked to apparel and the denim industry responded. There's now hand stitched jeans from Japan made on vintage looms that carry a price tag as high as a designer dress. However, denim is more accessible than a designer dress.

How is denim different today, then say the years of Gloria Vanderbilt and when Guess came out?

The difference between denim now and denim in the 70s and 80s is quality and individuality. Denim is now handled with the same care as the most luxurious fabrics in the world. Also, it's no longer a one-size fits all industry. There's extreme attention paid to flattering one's body. Low-rise doesn't work for everyone and in that case there's the high-waist jean. It's more about denim flattering your body than trying to conform to one set trend a season.   

Which are your favorite pair of jeans?

It's so hard to pick a favorite pair! I've been fortunate to learn a lot about many brands and just knowing the history is enough to make a pair my favorite. At the moment I can't take off my 192 Doves jeans in raw denim. They're from the NYC design team of Rubin Chapelle in the meatpacking district. I also love classics from Levi's. They're such an American icon, it's hard not to love them. Plus, there's something very sexy about the 501. It looks as great on guys as it does on their girlfriends. It's kind of like a white men's dress shirt. For men, G-star Raw has been showing some great styles that are approachable, but still luxurious as has Iron Army. I actually find the men's industry more interesting than the women's in most cases as the men's side seems to concentrate more on the collectible side of things, offering unique washes and colorways without the distraction of being "sexy." 

How do designers get away with the price that jeans are being sold for?

I think designers for the most part are justified for the price of their jeans. There's so much work that goes into selecting the proper dying, finishing, and then in many cases this is all done by hand. They also spend more time fitting the jeans on various models to assure that fit will remain consistent throughout the size range and style.

What do you forecast as some of the upcoming trends for denim? I noticed that you had Level 99 as the jean to watch, any others?

One of my favorite trends has been the lack of trend. It's now become easy for everyone of age and size to find a great pair of jeans that make them look like a thousand bucks. I love the movement away from the embellished signature pockets and over distressed denim to a very clean, sophisticated silhouette. Moving forward look for embellishment to come in the form of unique colors and washes. There are even movements in developing unique weaves so there is a pattern such as herringbone or stripes woven into the fabric rather than dyed or printed.   I'd definitely keep an eye on Grey Ant as they were the high-waist pioneers and are now designing a larger variety of styles. And of course, 192 Doves.

You can keep track of the denim trends and tribulations by logging on at www.DenimHunt.com