iStyle: The denim’s in the detail of Lee Jeans' new collaboration

Although best known for its classic styles, Lee Jeans has mixed things up for a new collaboration. It’s worth a closer look, says Rebecca Gonsalves

Rebecca Gonsalves
Wednesday 07 August 2013 15:19 BST
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Denim is big business these days, with brands falling over themselves to turn the original workwear staple into something altogether more premium. So, with all the “cool” jeans flooding the market, it’s easy to think that a brand such as Lee, known for its classic styles rather than anything more avant garde, would be forsaken in favour of something a little less ordinary.

But Lee isn’t resting on its laurels – the 124-year-old brand, which was founded in Kansas, has teamed up with London boutique Other on a limited-edition collection of fashion-forward pieces.

The collection for men and women has been created by Other’s Matthew Murphy, who worked with signature Lee styles and images of vintage Japanese workwear. Ombre dye-jobs, patch-worked printed silk and chambray replicate clothing that “proudly shows its age by continuous patching, darning and washing”.

Fans of Lee will recognise classic silhouettes such as the “Western” shirt and “Scarlett” jeans, while those of a more esoteric bent will revel in fine details such as hand-embroidered polka dots, and patches of fabric on elbows and knees.

The limited-edition collection will be available exclusively at Other, a boutique founded in 2012 by retail veterans Matthew Murphy and Kirk Beattie – who close followers of all things fashion will recognise as the brains behind b Store. In the central London Kingly Street location, and online, Other/Lee will be in good company as the multi-brand boutique also carries clothing, accessories, homeware and books as well as having an in-store exhibition space.

Prices start at £25, available from 8 August, other-shop.com

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