All eyes on denim skirts

Much has been written about the history of denim and jeans, but almost always with the iconic 5-pocket jeans as the obvious starting point. Guilty as charged: we ourselves recently wrote a blog post about flared jeans. But there’s more stylish denim on the streets: the denim skirt is also back in the spotlight. We know you know—you weren’t born yesterday ;-). Time to shed some light on the evolution of the world’s coolest flirt skirt. Buckle up for fun facts and awesome pics.

UPCYCLING TO THE MAX

Originating around 1960 as a “quick fix”—where worn-out jeans were reused frugally instead of being thrown away—the first denim skirt was way ahead of its time. The creative types of that era—free-spirited hippies and flower children brimming with love for one another and the world—ripped open the inner seams of jeans and haphazardly added pieces of fabric to create a new garment: the maxi denim skirt. Often personalized with beads, rhinestones, and embroidery, some of these vintage survivors can still be admired in museums today.

Born as anti-fashion, evolved into high fashion: the maxi denim skirt rolls along leisurely through the 1970s. Beloved by style icons like Jane Birkin and Farrah Fawcett, a good 50 years later they, in turn, have become a source of inspiration for our current generation.

PATCHWORK DENIM

Patchwork comes from the word “patch,” a piece of “donor” fabric that is sewn onto or into another piece of fabric to replace or cover a hole or tear. Creative fashionistas took the technique to the next level and sewed new garments from cut-out pieces of jeans, preferably in different colours and washes. Skirts were a favourite, but dresses, vests, and jackets also got a makeover.

MINI ME

It’s actually quite remarkable that the maxi version of the denim skirt saw the light of day just a little earlier than the mini denim skirt, especially when you consider that all of this took place in the late ’60s and early ’70s. But once it was here, it was here to stay. And it’s still here. From counterculture to mainstream, from London to Paris and LA, from cute to tacky, the denim mini skirt has stormed its way through every decade.

DENIM BUTTON-THROUGH DRESS

The button-through skirt is a perfect example of how the denim skirt can adapt to any style. It’s a bit frilly, though the ’80s still managed to give it an edgy twist.

DENIM PENCIL SKIRT

Another gem in the casual-meets-classy category: the denim pencil skirt. Timeless and chic—it looks great with a simple basic top and/or a tailored blazer, or for a fresh French twist, pair it with Breton stripes and peep-toe sandals. Look & learn: the crème de la crème of the silver screen, the fashion world, and pop culture are setting the example.

And… a trip down memory lane? Super fun, right, to take a moment to look back at the evolution of the denim skirt? Now, of course, you are wondering what a denim skirt à la PLEIN PUBLIQUE would look like. Well??? For the moment, we have to disappoint you. But never say ‘never’: who knows, autumn might lean towards that midi denim skirt after all… If that is the case, we will naturally be there in the very front row.

Chrs,

team PLEIN PUBLIQUE