What is “deconstructed” and “reconstructed” Denim?

What the heck is “reconstructed denim,” you may ask? 

You aren’t the only one asking. I received two questions on my blog about this exciting Fall Trend. 

MICHELLE,

I’ve been hearing about reconstructed denim. what is that?

Thanks,

Sye

Me too michele – what is reconstructed denim vs deconstructed. I love my jeans so I am excited to jump in on this trend!

Holly

Thanks, Sye and Holly for asking. 

We’ve all heard the term “deconstructed”  before. It’s been a fashion term for many years.This is where garments aren’t quite finished the way we are used to seeing them. Hems are left undone looking like the garment didn’t make it to the last person in the sewing line. Seaming details have a raw edge – something we usually see on the inside of a garment, but this raw edge is placed on the outside as a “design detail.” Sometimes edges are fringed. 

This season designers are taking the construction of a garment and “deconstructing” it in new ways. Instead of not completing the sewing construction of a garment, designers are finishing the garment they way we are used to seeing it and then “deconstructing” it. Think of hems that are completed, then made to look worn, and then purposefully let down with a seam ripper exposing their underside. 

But what does it mean to “reconstruct” a garment? Well…exactly how it sounds. Imagine a garment that has been cut up in odd ways and then sewn back together to create a new way of seaming (and seeing!) things. I’m focusing on denim for this write, but you’ll see this “reconstruction” of a garment in all sorts of styles and fabrics throughout this season. Look for interesting lacing, stitching or piecing clothes back together in many inventive ways.

Here’s the details to look for in the new “deconstructed” and “reconstructed” looks in denim: 

1. 1. Bursting at the Seams: Well maybe not ‘bursting” but seams might begin and end in places you wouldn’t expect. STYLE TIP: Seam placement can do wonders for your Body-Type. Conversely it can also do the opposite. Don’t get so lost in the love of the detail to not notice what it’s doing to your Body-Type. 
2. Hem and Raw: Look for unfinished details such as fringed hems, or hems let down exposing worn out fold lines or varying shades of color – AKA: the “shadow hem.” Look for the new “Hi-Lo” hem. STYLE TIP: With frayed and fringed hems it’s easy to look sloppy and grungy. Get the polished look by pairing your jeans with ladylike heels and a pretty blouse.
3. Patchwork Girl: Large patches where you might not expect them will be sewn together to create what we usually see as one piece is now a patchwork of pieces. However, note the patchwork is not an allover pattern reminiscent of the 70’s. This is a modern patchwork mindfully placed. STYLE TIP: If you want to resurrect your vintage patchwork denim, make sure to modernize it so you look hip not dated. 
4. Two Tone Twist: Can’t decide whether to wear a light, medium or dark wash? Buy a piece that incorporates two washes (Or more!) combined in the same jean and your problems are solved! STYLE TIP: I suggesting opting for an item that has either a light wash mixed with a medium wash or a medium wash mixed with a dark wash. The subtle change in your jeans will keep you on trend (If this trend suits you), so that mixing other pieces with your denim into an outfit is easier.

Are you excited? I can tell you I am! Denim fits so wonderfully into our lifestyles. No matter what your Personality we all have our “denim days.” Now you have a few more choices to be tempted by this season. But as always, don’t go overboard for trend’s sake. Before you buy it go through your checklist making sure the item fits your Body-Type, Personality, LifeStyle-Requirements, and first and foremost that you absolutely love it and you want to wear it right out of the store. If that’s how you feel, it’s most likely a winner and deserves a spot in that hot real estate of yours: “The closet!”

Now, it’s your turn. I’d love to hear from you.  Your insights and inspiration are appreciated so please share your stories in the comments below.

If you have a question also post it in the comment section below.  I check it daily. Since the topic is always about fashion or style no question that you ask will be “off Topic.” 

That means as far as I’m concerned, when you ask a question that is the topic. Everyone else who’s reading it can follow up on my answer. There will be no questions that you ask that will be too far off topic because your question will be the current topic. So…ask away!

Oh…and your email address is not “required” even though it says so. 🙂 Don’t even ask.

Blog me.

Love,

~Michelle