Denim 'Round the World

Although denim has been a quintessential wardrobe staple for Angelenos for years, it’s still a growing trend internationally. Not everyone is on the same page when it comes to what makes for fashionable denim. What’s hot in Hollywood may not yet be cool in London and what’s passeacute; in New York may still be de rigueur in Mexico City. As a result, hitting the trends can be a challenge for denim makers with an international client base.

Here are some of the current denim trends around the world, according to Blue Cult’s international distributors.

Mexico: While the United States is moving away from embellishments to cleaner, leaner denim, Mexico still wants a little Latin flavor in its jeans. Embellishments, pocket details and funky washes rank high on the hot list.

Japan: In the past, Japanese consumers have clamored for fitted silhouettes and farout touches. “We see a lot of decorative jeans, which is very attractive to the consumer,” said Nao Sugikawa of Blue Cult Japan. “We’re getting a little tired of the normal silhouette.

For this coming Spring, it seems like the baggy style will be hot.”

Australia and New Zealand: Their beach culture is reminiscent of the Southern California lifestyle. Fitted jeans paired with a fabulous top and skinny heels are perfect for a night out.

United Kingdom: Still gunning for embroidery and flared shapes, the United Kingdom isn’t ready to get behind skinny shapes just yet. Jeans with more generous cuts and heavy embroidery and branding make the grade in England.

France: French consumers like variety. Straight, skinny and flared denim are perennial favorites.

South Africa: The premium denim concept is still quite new to South Africa, said Marc Herman, owner of Cape Town–based denim distributor Loft Fashion. Bootleg is the cut of choice and premium denim tends to be clean. “We’ll introduce the skinny jean a little later,” Herman said, noting that for now South African consumers are staying away from heavy embellishment.