Modern denim gets a touch of Victoriana

Oct 25 2007 by Laura Davis, Liverpool Daily Post

Style City: light blue suit from Wrangler's new Blue Bella collection

WHETHER leggings are an absolute must-have or a fashion nightmare, whether handbags are the size of a small child or could fit inside your purse, whether dresses are voluminous or clinging to every curve – denim will always live on.

The ultimate season transcender, it’s the fabric with most universal appeal – worn by builders and supermodels alike.

Now Wrangler, the Rodeo riders’ favourite, has turned its attentions to high fashion with its new Blue Bella Story collection, available at Liverpool’s Drome boutique.

A spin-off from its female focused collection, which was launched in spring, inspiration is taken from the idea of exploring your great-grandmother’s attic, the creaking door reluctantly opening to reveal forgotten treasures.

Love-worn Victoriana fabrics are reminiscent of tired old dusty, sepia-toned photographs – timeless rarities from a vibrant bygone era, stored away for safe-keeping then unearthed with excitement.

Yet, despite its olde worlde feel, this is fashion for the modern woman, who has to balance her inner femininity with a need for resilience.

Wrangler is working closely with the Parisian magazine Purple and a group of artists to create this new look. Each one is creating illustrations, which will be applied to a limited number of items throughout the collection, breathing new life into the cult classic feel of the brand.

Renowned Japanese graphic artist Aya Takano has been involved in the first chapter for Blue Bella Story, with designs reminiscent of Manga.

Her work features on cashmere blend T-shirts in cream with delicate prints in soft lemons, rose, mint, and powder blue.

The collection as a whole includes sophisticated denim techniques, luxurious cashmere blend T-shirt fabrics, silk shirts and cotton linen tees that appear gracefully aged and loved to death.

Silhouettes range from voluminous and Victorian shapes to a combination of tough styling and feminine softness.

The colour palettes explore aged, faded and dusty sepia browns, warming oatmeals, muted vintage teals and comfortable dusty greys.

Embroidery has an organic hand- written feel. Back leather patches, leather details on buttons and rivets reveal the tougher side of Wrangler’s heritage while remaining true to the femininity of the Blue Bella image.

Prices range from £90-£160 for denim and jeans, and £40-£120 for tops.

lauradavis@dailypost.co.uk