fashion

Meet the Denim Designer: Hannah

As part of our Created by Us series, we're here with another behind-the-scenes peak at how our iconic designs come to life. Consider this your backstage pass to see where and how all the magic happens (clue: it's at RI HQ and it's all thanks to our incredible in-house design team).

You’ve met two of our wonderful denim buyers (icymi, read our interviews with Jessica and Isaac), and now we’re proud to introduce you to our denim designer, Hannah. An expert in all things denim, we sat down with Hannah to learn all about this season’s must have style: embellished denim. Diving into where she got her inspiration from, which pair is her favourite and her top tips for looking after your embellished styles, here's your chance to hear from an RI denim specialist.

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Embellished denim is big news for this season. What was the initial inspiration for this style? Mood, cultural references, runways, anything!

I’ve taken inspiration from lots of different places but especially from key pieces from the ‘90s and ‘00s. Like those old, beaded hem tops we used to wear! There’s also been quite a shift towards pieces being intricate, adorned and hand-crafted. Everyone’s really looking into what makes a piece feel really “wow” and elevating with embellishments is one way to do that.

There are a few kinds of embellishments (chandelier to studs); would you be able to explain the difference between them?

Chandelier embellishments are chandelier by name: they’re hanging off the garment, so they’re not completely fixed all over. They’re a fun option for party jeans because they’ve got that extra interest. On the other hand, we have studding and heat-seal which is where the embellishment is applied to the garment with heat. It’s raised in the sense of being gem but it’s not hanging off the jean; it’s fully stuck on.

Why did you gravitate towards these styles of embellishments in particular?

For two reasons: firstly, the fully heat-sealed garments are great for everyday pieces like jeans because they can be washed easily, but they still going give off a fun disco-ball effect. Secondly, the chandelier is perfect for achieving that extra level of elevation. It's a focal point, it draws the attention in and it’s ideal for party season!

Do you have any tips when it comes to how to care for these jeans?

The heat-seal jeans can be washed at 30 degrees but for the other embellished ones (like the chandelier), they are machine handwash at 30 degrees on a gentle cycle. I’d recommend washing them inside-out to prolong the life. In terms of storing them, I’d also store the chandelier ones inside-out or with something in between so that you’re not getting your lovely knitwear caught on them or have your gems being pulled off.

Is there a particular shape/fit of jeans that works best with embellishments? If so, why?

I feel like anything that’s a rigid denim that doesn’t have a lot of stretch in it works really well for heat-seal and embellishments. Sometimes when you’ve got too much stretch in the denim, it can cause the gems to come off. Heat-seal works okay for stuff that’s stretchy, but I think for chandelier and for that “wow” effect, you want that really cool, straight leg jean that really shows off what you’re wearing and doesn’t affect the embellishment.

How do you make sure your jeans will make everyone look and feel amazing?

It’s the whole fit process. For us, to make the person look and feel good is all about focusing on the feel, the comfort and the fit of the jeans. When it comes to fitting the jeans, we make sure to check that our fit model is comfortable in the jeans, that she can sit down and bend over. Jeans are for every day and everywhere, from the office to going out. They need to be comfortable; you need to be able to sit, to move, to go on the tube, to drive, to pick up your kids – everything. Because of this, we really focus on the fit and comfort of each pair of jeans. Once we have that, any wash, colour, detail or embellishment is like the icing on the cake.

Where do you envisage these jeans being worn? Are they more for going out or everyday?

I think for both. I love the idea that someone could just chuck on some ballet flats and a white shirt and wear heat-seal embellished jeans around the office, but that she could also chuck on a heel and wear them in the evening. They’re perfect or that high-low dressing and can be worn from day to bar. I see the heavy chandelier styles as more of a night-out style; perfect for Christmas parties or invites that require something a little bit more “wow”. These jeans are fun but still comfortable; not taking you out of your comfort zone but giving you something a bit edgier and fun to wear.

Which pair is your favourite, and why?

My favourite pair is the Blue Embroidered Relaxed Straight Jeans. I just love them because they’ve got that extra level of detail with all the embroidery, adornment and crystal studs down the side. All you’d need is a plain t-shirt and a pair of heels because the jeans speak for themselves.

How will you be styling them from day to night?

I think the jeans do the talking so I’d be styling them in the daytime with a crisp white shirt or t-shirt and in the evening, I’d move into more of a tank top, a blazer and a heel. Keeping it very simple and classic.