In order to tell one’s fashion sense and the amount of money one shelled out for one’s jeans, it’s as easy as taking one look at the back pockets. These back pockets, which seem to have a secret language of their own, will tell all.
Who would have ever predicted jeans to be the new status symbol? Being made of twilled cotton fabric, it is hardly a luxury fabric. Denim cannot compare to harvest of thousands of silkworms’ secretions or the careful shearing of a Kashmir goat that it requires to make some sweaters, scarves or dresses. Furthermore, denim does not signify wealth. The average pair of jeans is around $25, and the typical American owns, on average, seven pairs.
Brand names will forever be a tribal marking of some sort, indicating the identity of the wearer. When it comes down to jeans, these signals have become increasingly coded, especially when it concerns designer jeans.
Jeans seem like the most casual form of clothing that we have, since they are seen on everyone from toddlers to electricians and everywhere from backyard barbecues to the office. However, those who are able to decode the language and meaning of the back pocket realize that jeans are anything but average. Recently, jeans have become the fashion world’s equivalent of a secret handshake. Only those who are in the know will be able to decipher the difference between Cavalli and Cavaricci.
This new jean epidemic began in 2000, when Seven for all Mankind denim appeared on the scene. These jeans have a long lean cut with a slight vintage wash, and their signature back-pocket design helps to give off a sexy, laid-back vibe-not to mention they also cost enough to make them seem special. It was not long before everyone from socialites to starving artists was convinced that $130 or more was an acceptable price to pay for a pair of jeans.
Gwyneth Paltrow was spotted in a pair of Blue Cult jeans in 2002, and demand for the cargo-pocket style she wore became so great that the company named the jeans “the Gwyneth.” The company now also carries “the Angelina,” “the Cameron” and “the Kate.”
Not only are people concerned with the celebrities who are wearing these famous jeans, but they are also looking for the perfect fit. Department stores began to hire “denim specialists” to help shoppers find jeans with perfect pocket placement. Blue Cult has also come out more recently with a style called “Butt Lifter.”
So all in all, what is the purpose of these expensive jeans? It becomes clear that they are basically allowing their wearer to turn a regular pair of jeans into yet another status symbol. While wearing these designer jeans, you are not only projecting a down-to-earth image, but you can be sure that everyone will know that you have dished out major cash for the latest and most expensive jeans.
These designer jeans have become the staple item to be worn anywhere day or night. And, in all, reality anyone who pays a good amount of money for his or her jeans makes sure that the price won’t go unnoticed. The symbol of the back pocket is similar to a Mercedes medallion or the monogram print on a Louis Vuitton bag; it sends signals of price as well as status.
Crystal McCollough is a sophomore CCPA major and can be reached at [email protected].
