Sept

2010

of Valet.

School of

Denim

Few items of a man's wardrobe are as essential as a pair of jeans. This series offers up style tips and history lessons about America's greatest contribution to the world of fashion.

(Photo: Courtesy of Jeannette Montgomery Barron)

Great Moments in Denim History

Bill Blass

Iconic American fashion designer Bill Blass was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana and spent time in the US Army fighting during WWII before he started designing. Perhaps that's why he was best known for real, wearable clothes that celebrated American sportswear. He was also known for mixing patterns and styles, as evidenced by this look, photographed in his den in 1982, wearing jeans with an old school tennis sweater and L.L. Bean duck boots. Make note of the jean's length—stopping just at the top of his shoes—which keeps his off duty style from looking too sloppy. It's Americana at its best and proves that you're never too old (or young) for a pair of well-worn straight leg jeans. The golden retriever might be considered overkill if it wasn't so damned perfect.