JEANS: A SOCIAL REVOLUTION

Ashley LettIntro To Fashion Studies

Table of Contents

Introduction

History of Denim

History of Barney's

History of Nordstrom

History of Macy's

Printed Skinny Jeans Comparison

Overall Experience at each Retailer

Intro

Fashion is a form of expression that is defined by the era, political views, tradition, and art of its

time and because of its ability to take many forms, fashion has transcended from the notion of all

things old remain so—or is simply out of style. In other words, with fashion anything can be re-

created, shaped, or molded so that the old is re-fashioned to fit our new social standards and life styles.

There is practically no other fabric that has shaped American culture more than Denim as it symbolizes

a social revolution that has created Jeans as a staple in American and world fashion.

History of Denim

The history of Denim begins the 16th Century in Italy with a fabric known as corduroy.

Corduroy, a rigid, somewhat course fabric helped pave the way for this amazing fabric we call denim,

which was called de Naimes. However, this fabric was not made popular until the 19th Century when it

was introduced in America.

In 1872, Jacob Davis came up with the idea to reinforce clothing with rivets but because he did

not have enough money for a patent he asked Levi Strauss to partner with him by giving him the

money for the patent.

Blue jeans were mostly worn by miners and cowboys. The jeans represented a feeling of

liberation and freedom—so-to-speak—because they were very comfortable and they lasted longer than

most pants during that time—thus the reason for its popularity. And in 1935 Levi's for women were

introduced. Today, approx. 641,000 pairs of jeans are sold daily making jeans one of the most popular

fashion statements in the world. Nowadays, Jeans represent many fashions trends, including the

printed skinny leg jeans which are sold at many retailers throughout the country.

Barney's

Barney's, now a high end department, started as a small discount store that sold high-end suits

by Barney Pressman who pawned his wife's engagement ring for $500 to open the store in 1923.

According to experts, Barney's was stocked with 40 brand named suits which he received from

discount stores, public actions, show room samples, and over stocks.

Barney Pressman was said to have believed himself to be the first retailer to advertise on radio

and television spots. He would also have women in barrels who would give out matches with the

department store's name and address. What was most interesting was him chartering a boat to take

2000 of his customers from Manhattan to Coney Island. Additionally, he would offer free alterations

and free parking to attract his market.

During the 1970s Fred Pressman—Barney Pressman's son—transformed Barney's from a

discount store to a high-end department store and by 1973 the store was stocking more than 50,000

suits. They become the first department store to sell the entire Giorgio Armani line and are widely

accredited for introducing Armani to the American market. In 1976, women's clothing was added to its

list of product offerings.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom was founded by John Nordstrom, a Swedish immigrant who struck gold during the

gold rush in Alaska. In 1901, John Nordstrom and Carl Wallin open a shoe store called Nordstrom and

Wallin and the rest is history! Since then Nordstrom has advanced at a steady but somewhat

accelerated rate.

By 1960, Nordstrom had become the largest shoe store in the country and in 1963 Nordstrom

ventures into women's clothing. In 1966, men's and children's wear were added. 1970s. In 1973, the

first Nordstrom Rack opened in Seattle as a clearance outlet for the full-line stores. In 2011 the

company opened an independent treasure and bond boutique and donates all of their profit—100%--to

charity. In 2012Nordstrom became the only major retailer to sell a renowned British fashion brands

Topshop and Topman.

Macy's

Macy's was founded by Rowland Hussey an entrepreneur who owned and operated a number of

dry goods retail stores of which all failed; Macy's was originally called R. H. Macy & Co. The Macy’s

logo fashions a star which symbolizes a tattoo which he received as a teenager. Macy family held

ownership until 1895 when the company was acquired by Isidor Straus and his brother Nathan Straus

who at one point held a contract with Macy's to sell home goods and in 1902Macy’s moves to

Herald Square in New York City.

In 1918- R.H. Macy & Co. was generating $36 million in annual sales. In1922 Macy’s began to

open regional stores. By 1924 Macy’s Herald Square location becomes the largest store in the world

and in 1924 Macy's immigrant workers organized the parade now known as Macy’s Thanksgiving Day

Parade. Today, according to Macys.com, Macy’s became the world’s largest premier department store

company, operating over 400 department stores and more than 157 specialty stores in 37 states.

Printed Jeans Comparison

Printed jeans are the latest trend and because of its contemporary flare, they can be dressed up

or down. Printed jeans can be found at most retailers and range in price from $25 to $500.

Over All Experience

Barney's

There was not a lot of traffic in Barney's and everything was very neat. I was greeted when I

came into the store and I could tell that the service was very customer focused. The sales associates

made sure to ask you if you needed help and assist you in any way they could. The clothes were on

hangers and they had many visual displays of today's trendy items. Everything in the store is very

expensive—you can find all the high-end designers their. Their size range is very limited and was not

able to fit anything, however, I could the store was very clean and neat and judging by the price range I

believe I can confidently conclude that the fitting rooms were up to par.

Nordstrom

It took a few minutes for a sales associate to greet me, which is pretty standard almost every

time I go in Nordstrom—which is unfortunate. However, I must point out that they have one of the

best return policies ever. They do have some displays of folded items, however almost everything is

hanging. I believe I saw jeans folded, however more expensive jeans were hanging. The store is

usually pretty neat and when there is a lot of traffic you will see associates putting items in their place

almost as soon as its removed. The price range is moderate to very expensive as they do carry many

upscale brands, products, and designers clothes. My overall experience was good.

Macy's

I generally always have a pretty good experience at Macy's but I was not greeted right away—

which often happens. I love the displays that you see on each floor which serve as a representation of

what products or clothing that are available on that particular floor. Jeans were folded but were

presented nicely and like Nordstrom, sales associates were on the move to make sure everything was

tidy and in its place. The fitting room were pretty nice, however, I did find some left over garments in

the fitting area. My experience was pretty good.