Denim was in a bit of downward spiral for a while. After the recession it was due for a price correction anyway, plus there wasn’t a lot of newness and low-priced jeggings overran the category. But now retail statistic company NPD is reporting that women’s denim sales for the first three months of this year were up 20 percent, spurred by women buying more jeans at higher price points. The company attributes the uptick to new silhouettes, motivating women to open their wallets.

We wrote about the turbulence in the denim market in early March, highlighting the launch of Joe’s skinny “Micro Flare” jeans (above) as a sign that skinny jeans’ perch of dominance was being challenged by lots of new profiles. And in retail, new fashion is good in that it inspires people to spend. Not sure though if this means the demise of skinnys just yet, but definitely some sort of shift is occurring, though we think it’s a little too soon to say where the trend is going to land. Via WWD.

Wednesday smack in the middle of it all. A little perpective on holding to negativity by Cocknbullkid is very well needed. Enjoy!

Today Married to The Mob releases the second assortment of some of their greatest hits tees as well as new graphics and signature tongue in cheek slogans.  Hop over to Highsnob for more .

PARIS – BALMAIN has parted ways with Christophe Decarnin as its creative director for women’s ready-to-wear collections, the Parisian fashion house said on Wednesday.
In a statement, Balmain announced ‘the end of its collaboration’ with the French-born designer, whose absence from its fall-winter show in Paris last month prompted rumours that he was suffering from depression.Via BoF.

Cleverly shot with a fun vintage edge, the Candela Autumn/Winter 2011 collection is filled with lustworthy separates, dresses and let’s not forget the shoes! Enjoy a look on the flip.

Keeping a firm grasp on authenticity and design, Project Alabama launches their Spring 2011 collection with a new creative director Charlotte Greenough.  Fusing elements of contemporary fashion with handmade details the collection  and the  look book   present the lightness and ease that make summertime such a joy. View more on the next page.

 
One of our favorite runway shows from Spring 2011 was of course Sally Lapointe’s mise en scene of  out of this world fashion. Enjoy a look at the complete collection runway.

The Rodarte sisters have redefined what Americana might be with a trans-Pacific roadtrip from the Redwood Forests to the Ming Dynasty. After an incredible year of amazing reviews, Rodarte’s definitive spring summer 2011 collection is available for purchase if you’re lucky enough to acquire the handmade, museum quality pieces. The collection is a mixture of two strong concepts that soothe its audience with hourglass silhouettes fabricated in wood paneled silks, plaids or Ming ceramic prints. Signature loose gauge hand knit cardigans and lacetops remain a constant and favorite of the sisters and their growing list of admirers. All  available at Riccardi.

While I can’t seem to remember any male beauty pageants stateside,  Brazil’s male pageantry is alive and well,  where forty-five candidates  will compete for the title of  Mister Brasil Mundo . The pageant has the ambitious goal of  selecting  the most handsome man in Brazil(!) Via made in Brazil.

Urban Outfitters brought together singer Rye Rye and Pop Beauty for a nail polish pack, featuring three perfect colors for Spring 2011. This polish is special because it’s “nylon-infused,” and therefore doesn’t chip (believe that when I see it!). Those who purchase will also receive a promotional code for a free Rye Rye song download.