Continually expanding their empire, the Kardashians launch a denim line at Sears with each style named  the ‘Kim,” “Kourtney” and “Khloe.” Interstingly enough while we received the release of the collection today the denim now available at retail is already marked down  here.  More pictures courtesy of Fingerprint on the flip.

To celebrate EVISU turning 20, they are celebrating with their “Make the Rules” art project. One of the artists invited to creatively interpret the theme of “Make the Rules” is world-renowned graffiti and contemporary artist INSA.

This custom made denim playsuit is crafted from authentic Evisu selvedge Japanese denim, hand bleach printed with INSA’s signature ‘Graffiti Fetish’ pattern. Double stitching, double layer denim construction, steel buttons and whale boning give this delicate feminine form the strength, toughness and durability of any serious piece of workwear.

The custom made mannequin for this piece although unseen is still a beautifully designed hand forged and welded rigid steel framework that is mounted on steel rods sunk deep into a thick oak heart base. All this built to the rather unbelievable measurements 36 – 24 – 45, those of rap star Nicki Minaj

Manish Arora and French denim brand  Notify have collaborated on a capsule denim collection, bringing with it lots of  fashion joy via the theme of ultra-glam adorned denim (remember Tom Ford’s Gucci denim circa the ’90s?). Illustrating Manish Arora’s  continual skill for using color and texture to amaze and seduce,  the collection will launch Spring 2012 at Colette, L’eclaireur and Manish Arora  online. More styles on the flip via Manish Arora and Denim Hunt.

After teasing with a couple of overly-short videos Armani comes with the full video, featuring Rihanni wriggling into the brand’s lingerie and denim. Worth a watch because it’s beautifully shot by Steven Klein, as well because of her own extensive music video background Rihanna has mastered the art of the sly glance not to mention the sexy swish. This all plays against Rihanna’s song “Skin,” which couldn’t be more perfect.

Current Elliott has been a longtime favorite with their consistent knack for presenting classic denim pieces that can be worn timelessly. Case in point a bombshell denim  pencil skirt , a look that can never be wrong or out. Now available at Net-a-porter.

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.

It’s been tough to gaze upon the men’s offerings from the Levi’s and Pendleton collaboration and not feel a little gender envy. Both companies are pretty awesome and the two together are like hot fudge and vanilla ice cream, basically a fantastic match, each bringing out the best in the other. But it turns out the ladies are not going to be left out of the fun, after all! Refinery offers up a sneak peek of two women’s items, including a cape and a denim jacket with a removeable vest. Is there more to come?? Hope so! More images after the flip.

Here is a closer look at some of the items featured in the Levi’s X Gaultier collabo, including overalls, harem pants and high-waisted straight legs. More on the flip.

There have been a few sneak peeks of the U.S. premium denim brand Current Elliot collaboration with Italian-lux brand Marni and the May issue of Vogue offers up one more, which is featured here. Definitely the screen print (or is it embrodery?) provides an interesting update on the worn-in boyfriend look on which Current Elliot made its name. The collection will retail between $180 and $500 and will be available at Marni stores, plus Barney’s, Neiman’s and Saks this June, according to Stylecaster.

We posted a couple of looks from Rich & Skinny’s fall line a couple weeks back, highlighting the brand’s evolution from shredded looks to cargo pockets, and now you get a look at the entire fall lookbook. The line features lots of pockets and not just as a side seam detail, but also positioned on the front of the pants, as they are with the shorts featured here.

See many more looks after the jump.