Monochrome Monday: The Dark Wash Denim Edition

Dark wash denim holds a storied place in fashion history, evolving from humble origins to global dominance. While debate continues around its precise origins, denim traces back centuries to serge de Nîmes, a cotton twill created in southern France for durable workwear. Its quintessential dark indigo hue was born of a difficult natural dye extraction from the Indigofera Tinctoria plant.

Pioneered by American brands like Levi Strauss in the mid-1800s, denim jeans boomed in popularity through the 20th century. Capturing the rebellious spirit of the 1950s, dark denim embodied youth culture's rejection of conformity. Icons like Marlon Brando and James Dean cemented its status as the fabric of cool. Through the decades, fashion innovators like Calvin Klein pushed the boundaries of denim's versatility, mainstreaming its appeal beyond workwear into designer fashion.

Today, dark wash denim remains a wardrobe essential despite expanded fabric options. Though indigo extraction is now largely synthetic, its permanence keeps dark denim a timeless canvas for wear and weathering. This longevity has also spurred ‘eco’ innovations as demand grows for sustainably-produced denim.

This week celebrates denim's iconic dark shades through on-trend denim-on-denim looks . Pairings showcase denim's chameleonic versatility for every occasion, from relaxed off-duty styles to polished takes on elevated blues.

GmbH

The ‘White Noise’ Collection

Spearheaded by Serhat Işık and Benjamin A. Huseby, Berlin-based label GmbH’s ‘White Noise’ collection is an avant-garde representation of the American West, reimagining the classic denim look in a gender-bending silhouette.

Born in Exile

The FW22 Collection

A classic Canadian Tuxedo with the signature Libyan label’s flair, Born in Exile’s FW22 collection denim set elbow and knee cutouts, with sleeves embellished with ornate motifs.

Emergency Room Beirut

Absinthe Blues 2 Collection

A casual dark patchwork denim look, Lebanon’s Emergency Room Beirut took it back to basics in an entirely blue - both literally and figuratively - collection that hones in on the feeling of numbness.

Mrs Keepa

‘Life is a Game’ Collection

Mrs. Keepa's FW '23 collection draws inspiration from the unrestrained individualism of Generation Z. In a first for Mrs Keepa, the collection incorporates eco-friendly denim crafted from recycled materials.

Nudie Jeans

Asta Rinse Ruby Selvage

Whoever said denim on denim was a crime certainly was not aware of Nudie Jeans’ Ada Worker Jacket and Asta Workwear Pants. Paying homage to the origin of denim, Nudie Jeans’ set is as classic as classic gets.

Studio Maiia

The Jordyn Set

Sultry and playful, Egyptian denim label Studio Maiia’s Jordyn Set is giving major Margot Robbie cowboy barbie vibes.

Bare Denim

The ‘It’s Britney B*tch’ Jeans

A fusion of two-tone denim, artfully crafted with a vibrant patchwork design and a wide leg fit, Egyptian denim label Bare Denim’s ‘It’s Britney B*tch’ jeans channel the spirit of Y2K Britney Spears.

Andrea Wazen

The Jay Boots

Not quite denim but every bit the Indigo dream, Andrea Wazen’s Jay boots are the perfect sole-ful companion to any denim ensemble.

Ns By Noof

The Denim Collection

Crafted from recycled plastic, Bahraini label Ns by Noof’s entire denim collection champions sustainability in a timeless range of versatile bags.