When future fashion historians look back to the first decade of the 21st century, they may note that stylish men and women of the time were lucky enough to find themselves in the golden age of denim. Designer jeans, of course, go back to the 1970s at the least, but in the last few years, they’ve hit new heights, as manufacturers introduce new fits, rises, and washes in an effort to please even the most discerning consumer.
Amid this massive commoditization, the vintage-inspired denim fashions of Chip & Pepper have emerged as a stylish secret among in-the-know celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Beyonce, and Colin Farrell. Now the twin brothers bring their singular design eye to men’s sportswear as they launch a full collection for spring 2007. They’ll also offer a sneak preview of their women’s line for fall 2007.
Identical twins Chip and Pepper Foster launched their premium vintage line in 2003, but their history in the fashion industry goes back the 1980s, when they built a Canadian fashion empire. Though the venture ended badly, they didn’t lose their flair for fashion or entrepreneurship.
Between the Canadian fiasco and the success of Chip & Pepper, they hosted a Saturday morning cartoon show on NBC, as well as E! Entertainment’s The Look for Less. They also opened an L.A. boutique called Golf Punk. It was with the boutique that they saw the demand for vintage denim; thus, their denim line was born.
The business’s family ties branch out beyond the twins. Chip & Pepper’s best-selling jeans include the Pamela, named after their mother, and Nik, Chip’s wife. They also look to the beach and other elements of nature to drive their vision. In the upcoming men’s collection, they idealize a laid-back surfer who always looks good without even trying. Chip & Pepper’s relaxed but never sloppy board shorts, woven tops and bottoms, and vintage-look t-shirts are perfect for this glorious beach bum. And the clothing’s emphasis on nature-inspired colors and prints carries through the whole collection.
Remaining on the beach theme, Chip & Pepper haven’t forgotten their female fans either. But for her, they add a touch of sophistication while remaining eternally youthful and sexy. Their ideal woman is not bound to cityscapes or beach fronts. Instead, she moves between them with ease and never seems out of place in either. With her in mind, Chip & Pepper have created a women’s sportswear line that includes caftans, tailored dresses, tunics, and flowing tops that echo the freedom of the sea but with a touch of polish and flair.
Along with the men and women’s sportswear lines, Chip & Pepper will also introduce a kid’s collection in 2007. The younger set (or their parents) will be able to choose from denim, sportswear, and Chip & Pepper University pieces ranging from infant sizes to kids 14.
Next to the little black dress, a long, lean pair of jeans that hugs you in all the right places and feels like a second skin may be the most desirable, as well as the most versatile, item in your wardrobe. Chip & Pepper has you covered there, with boot-cut, skinny, and classic styles, but come 2007, they’ll adorn you in different ways with their expanded sportswear collection, with even more developments planned. Keep an eye on these two; these twins aren’t about to rest on their laurels soon.
