Hipster jeans: Best in Show

By Brad Jamieson

hey dress the brightest stars of the MTV generation, from Madonna and Mary J Blige to Usher and Justin Timberlake, in flamboyant signature styles that come to be known as molto sexy. But it’s men's fashion that has hit a new low - and it's really, really low.

The latest Dolce & Gabbana ad has caused a stir, featuring jeans that give new meaning to low-slung. The ad for the fall men's line featuring extremely low-riding jeans - nicknamed "pubic pants" by the press - is an attention grabber. The term is just, as the smug name might finally bring an end to the pelvis-pinching jeans. The low-rise trend has been a fashion for about five years -- longer than the fashion industry expected it to last.

Now, designers have focused in on guys’ jeans. D&G’s ad made its debut in the September issue of Esquire magazine and has drawn mixed reactions. Meanwhile, H&M is launching a new range of jeans offering men and women over 100 different styles every season. The label, &denim, will be available in selected H&M stores nationwide this fall.

Hipster jeans: Best in Show

Diesel ::
The buying public has an intense, love-hate relationship with Diesel. But Diesel’s “Rolan” is a low-rise (but not public hair low), slim-fit, straight-leg in dark blue 2% elastic denim with light fading. Great rough look, with basics that have been redefined to focus on three key areas: Jeans, work-wear and surplus military. The jeans have a distinctive Diesel look, inspired by the iconic image of Steve McQueen in the American classic, “The Great Escape,” the Jeans collection includes authentic, simple designs promoting a vintage feel.

Paul Smith ::
Paul Smith’s “Red Ear” collection is an exclusive collection of denimwear. The Red Ear collection is translated with a Japanese approach to detail, with embroidery, contrast stitching and using high quality Japanese denims, with a pre-owned feel with Japanese moleskin work wear jackets and heavily washed authentic bomber jackets all incorporating hand stitching. Paul Smith’s 'Red Ear' is a light, washed blue denim button fly jean. Five pockets with the 'Red Ear' logo on back pocket.
$290.00

J. Lindeberg ::
J. Lindeberg’s jeans, which, like the rest of the collection, constantly winks at its own hipness, never commits to anything other than a style. After helping the Italian jeans label Diesel launch its international collection, Swedish designer Johan Lindeberg now heads this designer jean line. The J. Lindeberg collection fuses hot rock-and-roll looks with traditional preppy chic. Lindeberg also has a secondary line, JLOC, which stands for J. Lindeberg On Course and consists of fashionable looks for the golf course.

Energie ::
Energie, Europe's premiere denim line for men, is setting styles, known for the use of the finest Italian cotton, looms and washes houses, result in a finely-made jean. With fashion-forward European style, perfect fits, and fresh unique washes, Energie jeans is a necessary have for all guys with style.
$190.00

Chip & Pepper ::
The buzz surrounding their ability to cover famous butts - Natasha Lyonne, Juliette Lewis, Bono, etc - is monstrous. The distressed, medium wash jean from Chip & Pepper’ Tuck Jeans in XXX Wash features frayed hems and pockets and a slight boot cut and heavily washed authentic bomber jackets all incorporating hand stitching. Chip & Pepper jeans are known for their exceptional quality and style that is reflected in their price point.
250.00

Da' mage Basic 5 Pocket Low Rise Boot in Rekko
These are not just nice, expensive jeans, they’re phantasmagorical. The French aesthetic calls for a sophisticated mix of clean lines, clean wash with a bit of punch, and just the right amount je ne sais quois. Jean Paul Da'Mage’s jeans brings it all to you (well, Jessica Canseco and Eva Longoria anyway) wrapped in a premium denim package. The washes give an authentic, ‘owned’ feel.
260.00

Von Dutch Men's Slidder Jeans
The one jean you need to have. Tough luck finding it in the Von Dutch flagship store on The OC or anywhere else for that matter. If you only buy one jean this year, this one has to be it. 9" Rise, 100% cotton, 2 slit pockets in the front and two flap pockets in the back, low slung, with a slight flare below the knee. The Von Dutch collection is translated with a signature approach to detail, with embroidery, contrast stitching and using the best, high premium denim.
$165.00

Paper Denim & Cloth ::
If Paper Denim & Cloth is the easygoing charmer, the “Low 5 Boot in Light Resin” is the storybook prince, clearly the best of the lot – and not just because Jude Law is often photographed in them. Paper Denim & Cloth’s signature jean gives you even more of a reason to love them. They've got more of those trusty fits, but in nicely done washes that are sure to fast become parts of your staple wardrobe. Wash - Light Resin
$255.00 - B.J.