THE DENIM, a new collaborative series by G-STAR Raw, is creating a space for guest designers to reimagine jeans. Kicking off the series is the independent label Ottolinger, known for its avant-garde approach to fashion. The Berlin-based duo behind the brand, Christa Bösch and Cosima Gadient, have used the classic G-STAR Elwood – renowned as the first 3D-designed denim, launched in 1996 – as inspiration, and gave it with a modern twist.
“This initiative is all about providing guest designers the opportunity to explore their creativity and push boundaries in denim,” says G-STAR’s chief brand officer, Gwenda van Vliet. She adds that the inspiration from the Elwood shows that the design remains relevant, adding that Ottolinger’s captures “the innovative spirit we aim to foster”.
Their exclusive designs, The Denim 001 and The Denim 001 Zip, creatively reimagine the Elwood’s signature features, such as knee pads and distinctive stitching, resulting in super slim fit jeans with a contemporary flair. “For us, design is very much a mode of storytelling,” says Cosima, highlighting the importance of tailoring classic fits for a woman’s body to build on G-STAR’s rich history.
Key features of The Denim 001 include a low waist, striking gold hardware, and side zips at the bottom, while The Denim 001 Zip showcases full-length side zips with sleek silver hardware. Ottolinger’s reputation for challenging conventional fashion is reflected in their use of experimental techniques, such as burning, tearing, and innovative fabric treatments, which have cultivated a raw, distressed aesthetic now synonymous with the brand.
The campaign prominently features local lifestyle icon Sarah Langa, who models The Denim 001 and The Denim 001 Zip, demonstrating the seamless adaptations made to this classic G-STAR design.
