“Denim Revolution” was what came out of designer Andrew Kahofer’s mouth when asked about the vision for his new street-wear denim brand, Black Dukes Denim. After working in the industry for fifteen years and collaborating with various established designers, Kahofer decided it was time to venture out on his own, claiming that “we only die once [so] we have to do it well”.
The Black Dukes Denim brand holds an essence of dirty underbelly rock and roll, while still maintaining great fits and fabrics. Kahofer cites the four F’s which makes his label different to overseas denim imports: fit, fashion, fabric and finish.
Staying true to the cool kids with the street vibe, the launch was held in the Gershwin Room of The Esplanade Hotel in St Kilda. No cupcakes or cocktails adorned with mini-umbrellas were to be seen at this launch; the drinks of choice were hard spirits and the walls were decorated with the label’s jeans hung as art-work, showing off a collection full of skinny-styles, metallic prints, bold colours and textures.
The vibe of the launch was positive, a little bit luxe and a lot of grunge. The indie-cool crowd consisted of PR fashionistas and up-and-coming musicians representing the new denim label.
Australian DJ (and friend to the designer) Tim Rogers played a set and the launch attracted big names such as Melbourne model Silvana Lovin and X-Factor judge Natalie Bassingthwaighte.
Natalie Bassingthwaighte shared her love for the brand and her plans to wear the jeans on X Factor Australia saying, “I love the brand—it’s edgy, it’s now, it’s rock and roll”. Natalie continued to say that she loved that “the jeans are affordable and it is always great to support an up-and-coming Australian label. I love that I can wear them with a tee during the day but also dress them up with a great heel at night. I even asked the stylist if I could wear them on the show—I am going to!”
Black Dukes Denim jeans never retail for more than $99 for both the men and women ranges, making this new street-wear label affordable without compromising on quality. When quizzed on what sort of person will wear Black Dukes Denim, Kahofer assured me that “they are clothes for the kids on the block, the ones standing up and living fashion every day. It’s in their DNA.”
The Spring/Summer 2012/13 collection will be hitting stores this summer.
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