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Denim : the iconic fabric that moves through decades
Denim is without a doubt THE fabric trending right now.
Timeless, durable, and ultra-versatile, it reinvents itself season after season, in both ready-to-wear and high-end fashion.
This fabric we consider so current actually has a rich and surprising history that spans generations and continents.
Its strength and ability to evolve over time make it a favorite textile among both workers and fashion designers.
A Little History...
The word denim comes from the French expression “serge de Nîmes”, literally meaning the twill fabric from the city of Nîmes in southern France.
In the 17th century, artisans in Nîmes were trying to reproduce another popular fabric (called jeane or bleu de Gênes from Italy), but they accidentally created an even sturdier twill cloth. This fabric was named serge de Nîmes — and over time, the name evolved into denim.
Originally, this textile was not yet the 100% cotton denim we know today, but was sometimes made from a blend of wool and silk. Modern cotton denim later developed, particularly in England, before being adopted in the United States.
In the 1850s, a Bavarian immigrant named Levi Strauss settled in San Francisco during the Gold Rush.
Interesting, isn’t it? 😀
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