by Marta Indeka/ GPS Radar

Sometimes loved, sometimes despised, the total denim look – aka the Canadian tuxedo – has been out of the fashion spotlight for over a decade and is often associated with cowboys and a 2000s aesthetic. That all changed with the spring / summer 2018 collections. We can now say without a doubt: this blast from the past is back in full force on the runway and on the streets.

Putting together a double denim outfit is a perilous art, and can easily turn into a memorable fashion faux pas when not mastered. As was the case with the iconic matching total denim ensembles worn by Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake at the 2001 American Music Awards. However, as Timberlake would say, “what goes around comes around” and so has the score when it comes total denim, born again from its acid wash ashes and hotter than ever.

This season underlined how playful and versatile a total denim outfit can be, from dark wash with contrasting white stitching and ultra feminine corset at Mugler and the vibrant color washed combos at Stella McCartney to the layered grey denim pieces cut in a  loose boyish shape at Givenchy. Indeed, as the trend has returned, it comes with new rules, or rather an absence of rules and adapts easily to a diverse array of styles. Total denim is a fashion chameleon, allowing denim aficionados transform the look by mixing cuts, shades and washes, but also using embellishments like studs, pearls and perforations to elevate the outfit.

The brand Colovos introduced us to the utilitarian total denim look with XXL pockets and a clean, minimalistic cut in dark wash denim, whereas at Tom Ford an oversized jacket meets bralette and boyfriend jeans, creating a bold mix between masculine and feminine pieces. Chanel, on the other hand, created a romantic yet modern look, composed of matching light wash destroyed denim jacket and an A line skirt, with PVC details adding a touch of modernity to this nonchalant look. The Off-White take on double denim is a sleek reinterpretation of the classic, western inspired look: monochrome, bleached denim matching jacket and jeans, topped with white santiags cowboy boots. The silhouette is refined yet street smart. A fresh, less is more, reinterpretation of the cowboy look.

Although the head to toe denim trend has known some darker days, the hype surrounding this style is definitively back.  So if you are looking for an effortless statement look, dust off your denim and give the 2.0 Canadian tux a try.

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