Philadelphia - July 24, 2007

Under a Big Top

Stephenson Denim

Trying on new, potentially unflattering styles is like walking a tightrope. Braving the massive spectrum of colors and washes invites accusations of freakishness. Then? The whole here today, gone tomorrow thing.

Following denim trends is like joining the circus.

The Stephenson Denimfinery may break the cycle. New York-based designer Amy Stephenson isn’t a slave to fashion. Rather, she designs based on what she’d like to see: flattering cuts made from Japanese narrow loom and Italian premium denims.

As a former designer for Christian Francis Roth and JR Morrissey, she focuses on careful construction to make pants that can stand up to anything but still have that perfect-pair-of-jeans fit. They might be the last pair you ever buy.

Nah. We’re just clowning around about that.

Available at Vagabond, 37 North Third Street (267-671-0737 or vagabondboutique.com). To see styles, go to stephensonstudio.com.