Denim and Alexa Chung. It’s sort of like a match made in fashion heaven. So it came at no surprise to hear the news that the perennial It girl and designer had once again teamed up with jean-forward brand Madewell. It’s been 14 years since the two last collaborated, and although the fashion world is in a very different place—Chung’s style and penchant for good jeans, has stood the test of time—it’s a long overdue homecoming.
If you peruse any of Chung’s recent social media posts, whether that be a seaside escape to Cornwall or a dreamy vacation in Greece, there’s often a component of denim in the mix of her Pinterest-worthy outfits. Whereas in yesteryears her daily uniform might have consisted of cutoff, denim shorts and a peter pan-collared jumper, today, Chung’s style is less indie sleaze and more refined, with vintage mixed in throughout. Clean-cut jeans and a button-down shirt feel more fitting for her looks du jour, and the new Madewell collection reflects this elevated ease clearly.
Taking inspiration from the 1970s, her mental mood board included vintage shots of Serge Gainsbourg, Harrison Ford, Diana Ross, Lauren Hutton, and Jane Birkin in the ’80s, as well as films such as Kramer vs. Kramer and Midnight Cowboy, and the book Rebel Youth by Karlheinz Weinberger. “There’s a subtle nod to the rebellious spirit of the ’70s that inspired me, particularly in the way these icons carried themselves,” she says. However, a good deal of the design process happened during the vintage garment research, where she “unearthed some incredible textures, shapes, and silhouettes that eventually materialized into the pieces of this collection.”
The result is a 14-piece capsule launching today, September 4, (the first of two parts), where you’ll find classics such as western-style shirting, bootcut jeans, a workwear pant (and yes, even overalls) that nod to the ‘70s, Americana feel she wanted to harness throughout—as well as channeling the urban cowgirl trend that we see continuing into fall— alongside suede separates, long-line, flare dresses and maxiskirts that have more of a grown-up, sophisticated feel.
“These pieces easily fit into my wardrobe because they’re incredibly personal,” Chung tells Vogue. “I’m very specific about how denim fits and the washes.” A mid-wash blue with the slightest green undertone won in the end as the core colorway, while high-rise, bootcut jeans, are the key silhouette to try, inspired by a pair of Chung’s own vintage favorite. “I put a lot of thought into making the bum/seat of the jeans as flattering as possible because, honestly, I’m lazy and don’t want to work out, but still want my bottom to look like I’m committed to Pilates.” The trick for her, is the right pocket placement and making sure the denim is rigid.