The Art of Denim: Customisation Challenge

When the UK designer & luxury fashion outlet, McArthurGlen, challenged me to a denim customisation, as part of their national denim campaign The Art of Denim  – I was needless to say, very excited. I love denim in all shape or form (bar dungarees) – it’s a big part of my every day wardrobe – and hey, I’ll grab any chance to be creative!

The Art of Denim promotion started on the 5th October and will run until the 20th October, across all of the six McArthurGlen shopping outlets (Ashford, Bridgend, Cheshire Oaks, East Midlands, Swindon and York) – where there will be discounts, offers, denim alterations and monogramming service at the specific denim hubs within the centres.

The Challenge? 

To customize two pieces of denim, making them unique in my own way – and styling them up for Autumn… 

To start it all off, I was sent my lovely denim wrapped up inside a wooden box, filled with a customisation kit – including a sewing kit, fabric glue, studs, and more. Now, as you know – my style is by no means groundbreaking. I dress after what suits me and my personal taste (seldom dictated by the latest trend). So, when it came to the customisation – I knew I probably wouldn’t do anything too crazy; a mixture of clean, classic and edgy (interpreted in my own way).

#1 AllSaints Boyfriend Jeans

Trend: Denim Patches

I’ve seen a lot of denim patchwork jeans this season – and although I’m sadly not adventurous enough to invest in the very on-trend plaid/floral Junya Watanabe versions – I’ve been wanting a more regular pair with simple denim patches. Just enough edge to add to my relatively clean style.

With these jeans, I wanted the dark/light denim combination with a couple of patches. I dug out an old pair of dark denim jeans, a pair of good scissors, light blue thread, and the two pieces of patches.  I placed them on each side, not symmetrical, and not the same size/shape (intentionally, of course), and started off with hand stitching along the sides. This was by no means meant to look perfect; I was after a rugged, laid-back look.

I’ve styled the jeans with a snakeskin silk top, fitted leather jacket and simple flats; this combination with the edgy leather and feminine top, balances out the rough patchwork jeans. Worn with ballerinas for a chic weekend look – they will look equally as nice with some elegant strappy heels for a night out! Perfect, job complete. 

Jeans: AllSaints/ Jacket: Y.A.S / Top: Vintage (similar here) / Shoes: Repetto / Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

#2 7 for all Mankind Denim Flares 

Trend: Monogram

Monogramming, personalising, initials… You name it – I LOVE it. You might recall all my initial jewellery I’ve invested in over the past year, so why not transfer that to denim? Giving it that personal stamp and personalisation, is so easy and looks super cute!

The result, through carefully stitching in an aqua blue thread, is clean and simple. And the jeans? Well, they’re pretty much the perfect material and fit.

I’ve styled it together with an all-black ensemble; a chic leather & wool waistcoat, leather boots and dark sunnies – adding a bright pop colour with red lippies and bag.

Jeans: 7 for all Mankind / Jumper: Selected Femme / Waistcoat: Y.A.S (similar here) / Boots: Acne / Sunglasses: Ray-Ban / Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim 

Customisation challenge completed!

Check out more details of McArthurGlen The Art of Denim campaign here. McArthurGlen offers 60% on all their brands, which include brands such as Armani, Burberry, Fendi, Calvin Klein, Bottega Veneta, D&G, Joseph, Maje, Reiss, The Kooples, Tod’s, Versace, and a lot more. Check out their full brand’s list here.

 UPDATE: I was the fortunate winner of the customization challenge – YAY!