SS 24 denim decoding: a heightened opulence The 22 November 2022 - Spring-Summer 24 - Denim Première Vision

Aged effects enrich the surfaces of sturdy looking denims. Pocket and buttonhole overstitchings appear darker, while wash-outs evoke dusty tones, as if sprinkled with thick red earth. Products are betting on authenticity, with indigo, red and brown color schemes, or buttery nuances. To further the aged look, select areas of the garment are sprayed, to fade the original color and create more worn-looking spots. Clothing is inspired by the functionality of workwear. Cargo pants with big bellows pockets and shirts with rustic details play on contrasting weights and materials.

Timeless blue and grey shades grow so close together they practically merge. Blacks are infused with light and embellished with irregularities, especially near seams.

Also noteworthy: technological advances now make it possible to achieve more sustainable shades of grey, with washes that consume less water and electricity.

This season, color steps firmly into denim collections, as evidenced by the search for new shades inspired by raw minerals. This is the result of various techniques, sometimes alternated on the same product. Bottoming, topping and overdyeing all make it possible to vary the shades of indigo from purplish to greenish, illustrating visual transformations linked to oxidation, for example. These summery shades can be found on cropped blousons with authentic cuts or extra loose jeans.

A first direction highlights worn effects. Here again, the specific recipes of each denim maker combine with a range of different techniques to achieve an extravagant result. Lasers, cut-outs, washes and finishes are employed to achieve worn, relaxed or even distorted results. Fancy yarns in multiple colors are worked in a variety of stitches for creatively patched shirts.

Here, we pay tribute to the passing of time and the history of the garment. With their worn and repaired effects, rustic fabrics are transformed into something decorative. Sometimes pieces of reclaimed fabric are layered together and combined with laser decorations to create a variety of patterns.

Big figurative floral motifs and abstract, convoluted lines overlap and clash with each other in highly elaborate product versions. Overstitched bustiers with a super-feminine corset vibe and carrot jeans boast lacing details and cinched waists for a generously curved silhouette. They’re embellished with all-over flocking and can be worn as coordinates, for a flaunted head-to-toe look!

Tear effects are exaggerated, with visible and ragged yarns. Washes are purposely darkened in an overdyed vein. Stones, rhinestones and beads are heaped together in various accessories – especially buttons and jacrons – adding to the dramatic feel.

Fantasy is pushed to its utmost expression, with clothing surfaces embellished with imperfections and irregularities. Contrasts are played to the hilt with surface effects and intense shades like pink and violet, which are layered together to cover the garment. Finally, coating and spray paints join forces to create deep gold effects designed to add a scintillating sparkle.