Your Music: Christina Aguilera, Rod Stewart
Your Brand: 7 For all Mankind
The Story:
7 For all Mankind premium denim was launched by Peter Koral of Koral Industries in the United States in 2000. The denim brand quickly earned critical acclaim and an immediate following for its amazing fits, fabrics, and finishes in denim. 7 For all Mankind has since expanded its line to include a complete men’s collection, women’s shirts, skirts and outerwear using fabrics such as corduroy, velvet, twill, and satin as well as a children’s denim collection
The style this season is one of feminine sophistication meets casual chic. 7 For all Mankind’s classic fits: Bootcut, Dojo, A-Pocket, and Straight Leg come in a myriad of easy going washes, weights and fabrics:
Light Weight Mercer is an update on the deep saturated favorite from fall, but with a light weight feel that assures you spring has arrived.
Norway is a spring time update of fall’s staple gray denim. This medium weight denim is cast with a light gray tint brushed over a medium blue wash.
Upping the cool factor is 7 for All Mankind’s New Amsterdam wash, which is a bright French blue with a vintage twist.
Upon entering the warmer months of spring, 7 For all Mankind introduces Daytona. This is the lightest weight stretch denim that 7 For all Mankind has ever produced. The malleability of the stretch fabric in combination with the muted green tinted blue denim pushes the collection forward into the upcoming season.
As the spring begins to fade into summer, the Barbados wash enters the picture. This 8 ounce denim is tissue thin and perfect for when the temperature rises. Because of the light-weight nature of the fabric, Barbados allows for easy movement while keeping cool. The faded blue denim looks as though it has spent many summers in the sun, giving it both a well-worn feel texture and appeal.
7 For all Mankind’s Women’s Spring 2007 Collection evokes feelings of fresh beginnings and a throwback to a more simple era, while updating classic styles with a sexy and sophisticated edge. Ultra light weight denim, soft twills, fluid cotton shirts and dresses are united together in fresh silhouettes. Spring 2007 caters to women who are looking to stay cool while bringing back the polished elegance of a wide legged trouser paired with a ruffled blouse, coquettish shorts enhanced with eyelet and tunic dresses that look tailored yet comfortable. With the carefully constructed fits and washes blending seamlessly with the fluidity of the collection’s innovative shirts and dresses, 7 For all Mankind is bringing back the classics in a major way.
What we think:
BeansTalk captured upon the theme of “bringing back the classics” when we previewed 7 For all Mankind’s spring denim line. The design team at 7 For all Mankind has brought back and reinterpreted classic Hollywood glamour looks of the 1940’s in a special collection for their spring line. Specifically, we saw wide-legged denim jumpsuits, flirty tux shorts, soft ruffley sweetheart collars – all looks you would be expecting Greta Garbo or Veronica Lake to be wearing. We felt that the pieces were reminiscent of classic Hollywood without being costume-y. They were modern, comfortable-looking and wearable.
If you are new to the line, we are big fans of their boot-cut and A-Pocket silhouettes. These jeans are really great for every-day, and are really figure flattering. They evoke that classic California casual attitude, and are effortlessly sexy. Here in LA, it is still in the upper 80’s in November so we appreciate the versatility of the Nakita wash. It’s a distressed jean with a faded blue wash that has whiskering to give the affect of being broken in and worn already. They are light weight and feel like they know you like a good friend the minute you put them on. They usually retail for around $170.00.
BeansTalk’s word to the wise about shredded hems often found on “distressed” jeans: They look super great if they came from the factory that way. Do not try to accomplish this effect yourself by letting your jeans drag all over the ground - major fashion faux paus. Leave it to the experts.
BeansTalk recommends that if you try 7 For all Mankind if you program your ipod with what we call “Music Fundamentals.” (emphasis on fun) Many music artists go back to their roots of inspiration, or a least take nostalgia trip, after they have enjoyed commercial success for a while.
Recently, Christina Aguilera, recorded a double album, notably titled “Back to Basics.” In this album Christina belts out songs with the jazzy blues, swing, and soul sounds of the 1920’s 30’s and 40’s, but mixes in contemporary pop R&B style so we know we can still relate. Part of what makes this album fun is seeing Christina dressed up in sexy 40’s inspired costumes for her videos, such as “Ain’t No Other Man”, or on Good Morning America appearances singing the classic “Candyman.”
We also think that 7 For all Mankind wearers will enjoy Rod Stewart’s latest: Still the Same…Great Rock Classics of our Time. Yep, the title is referring to the famous Bob Seger song. Other great classic tunes from the Eagles, Credence Clearwater Revival, Bonnie Tyler, and John Waite are revisted as well – all with Stewart’s trademark gravely and passionate delivery. This isn’t the first time ol’ Rod has “brought back the classics.” Wasn’t his “Thanks for the Memory” album on everybody’s Christmas list in 2005?
Anyway, besides the fact that we love listening to music fundamentals, and they usually are soundtracks for our dinner parties, we think that the designers at 7 are listening to them at work, and possibly rubbing their jeans over Rod Stewart’s sandpapery voice to distress their jeans.
Look for 7 For All Mankind at Nordstrom, or at www.7ForAllMankind.com.
