What do a jet-setting billionaire in France and a labourer in China have in common? A pair of jeans, perhaps. This is one item of clothing that transcends numerous boundaries: geography, culture, economy, climate and more. Everybody owns one, branded or otherwise. What is it about the jeans that make it universally appealing?
Meet Kevin Carrigan, Creative Director, CK, the man who just might have the answers because jeans are his forte. He worked with Nicole Farhi in France and Max Mara in Italy before making a cut to the top with CK, his association with it spanning 10 years and counting.
In this exclusive email interview, Kevin Carrigan talks about his association with the brand, trends and just jeans... Jeans are timeless and will always be an expression of individuality, he feels. This season, CK has focused on creating jeans incorporating a new, high density Lycra specifically designed to enhance the body contours.
“Calvin Klein Jeans Body is a revolutionary new jeans with a body defining fit. It is uniquely designed to provide a more contoured shape and engineered for an enhanced profile. This also signals a return to the basics. Over the past few years, denim has been so heavily distressed, cut, washed, and styled... this offering is really about classic, comfortable, great-fitting jeans,” explains Carrigan.
In the campaign, he elaborates, “the most important element was to convey the message of the new Calvin Klein Jeans' Body, and to present imagery that is strong, powerful, and sexy and that really lets the product speak for itself.”
Trends and inspirations
“I always start with a mood and an emotion which could be a word, or a pure thought. Then I go out and find inspirational material that will help me to convey the essence of each category to my team. I'm lucky that I work with a great group of talented people who constantly research these ideas globally.”
Ask him about the trend in jeans and he replies, “I believe that jeans will always be current and in vogue. It's about evolving the washes, the fits, and the marketing side so that they stay relevant with the youth of today. When we created Calvin Klein Jeans Body, we set out to address the needs of our consumers and design the perfect jean.”
Carrigan's favourite look is a skinny, sexy, form-fitting jeans, paired with a perfectly cut white button down shirt, for a strong, yet refined statement.
But be careful to avoid committing a fashion felony by not updating your jeans each season. “I really feel that there are different jeans for each occasion and you can really never own enough pairs.”
Quick takes
Best dressed celeb: Jake Gyllenhaal
Best dressed Indian celeb: Freida Pinto
Celeb with the wackiest sense of style: Beth Ditto
One celeb you would love to give a makeover to: Lindsay Lohan
Your favourite Calvin Klein fragrance: ck Free
Colour to be spotted in this season: Black
Product in the pipeline: Calvin Klein Underwear “X”
