Big Star USA Denim Preview

After Bollare sent over a pair of Big Star USA’s jeans- The Toyland, skinny jeans in dark wash, I was eager to wear them to the brand’s preview event at the West Coast Bollare office. I must tell you that after wearing the pair, I added them to my list of denim brands that I adore. They are comfy and offer just the right amount of stretch without overdoing it. The Big Star USA brand was founded in 1974 in Europe and prides itself on producing affordable, quality denim and knitwear and still being trend driven yet timeless. They also use Ozone Technology- a process that significantly reduces the use of chemicals. Their contemporary knitwear line launched two years ago and has been harmonized with the denim line collections each season. “The idea is to offer easy basics that complement the denim line. Each season we introduce a new group of knits made up of vintage inspired graphics and classic bodies. Knits are fairly new, but they will grow and evolve with every new collection we add,” the menswear denim designer-Ron explains.

We were introduced to the Spring (and some Fall) 2012 collections. I admired all the colors and neon that are in still on-trend. Neon shorts available in lime, orange and pink? YES PLEASE! Colored denim and corduroy, animal prints, florals are what’s in store this season and I can’t wait! We saw all variations of denim, ranging from raw to super vintage. According to Sandy- the knitwear designer, “In the current 2012 Spring collection, you can see influence from old Aztec prints and inspiration from desert road trips. The whole collection is fun, easy, loose fitting tees and dresses that have a burst of color along with nautical inspired stripes. Each piece is unique in its styling as well as each wash technique and original graphics.” We also checked out the men’s line. “The Big Star USA spring line for men stays true to its heritage, work wear and military themes. It offers styles ranging from raw selvage jeans, vintage inspired denim washes to classic work chinos,” Ron explained.

I really enjoyed meeting the designers, as well as the creative director- Evelyn, on preview day. The denim and knitwear were hung neatly on a couple racks. Keeping up with the ‘vintage Americana’ theme, old school candies and sodas were set up on a large glass table where the DIY was also to be held. Mikki- the womens denim designer, was looking marvelous in her Big Star USA floral denim (a new addition to the collection and a ‘must-have’ on my list). She also accessorized her look with an very vintage looking floral fanny pack from Urban Outfitters. Sandy oversaw the DIY- cat ear headbands decked out with recycled denim scraps, studs and spikes and lace. I made mine with some leftover floral denim and lace. My ears included a cute bow in between the ears. I really enjoyed crafting and talking to these truly unique designers in a laidback atmosphere.

Big Star USA ranges from $45 to $68 for knits and bottoms range from $98 to $136. Check out the Big Star USA website for more information on previous and current collections.

Thank you Bollare ladies and Big Star USA for an amazing day!