Denim Blogger: John Arcella @TheDailyChore
Though denim is donned by all walks of people all over the world, creators tend to flock to the fabric, considering it yet another platform from which to create.
One among the many things blogger John Michael Arcella loves about denim is that it allows him creative freedom—it lets him create an identity all his own.
Blogging at self-named site, JohnArcella.com and on Instagram @TheDailyChore, the blue blood designer, creates art that’s not directly linked to denim in his professional life, but that doesn’t stop him from approaching denim and its creative process with a similar kind of passion in his personal life.
Carved in Blue caught up with John to get a sense of his denim style, find out what he loves most about the beloved blues and get a sense of what’s coming down the pike for men’s denim style.
Carved in Blue: Why did you start blogging?
John: I started blogging as an outlet to highlight menswear design and the functionality of the garments I own. Blogging allowed me to combine my passions for storytelling, photography and fashion (workwear/denim). I am a designer, as well as a consumer, and I appreciate the detail and functionality of my clothes. What’s unique about my fashion tribe is that we like to learn about the pieces we buy, we want to know why the 1933 501’s have a rivet below the fly and why the 1938’s don’t. Or why there are even rivets on jeans. Each garment tells a story and I like to share my stories. Blogging has opened up doors for me and has introduced me to some amazing people, including Carved in Blue.
Carved in Blue: What is your take on denim both in your personal life and in business?
John: I love denim. I remember having stone washed jeans as a kid I would fill my denim jacket up with ninja turtle buttons. I guess that’s what also makes denim so special is that it is a blank canvas and gives anyone an opportunity to get creative with it. I am most comfortable in jeans. Most people get home from work and change into sweats or shorts and I stay in my jeans until it’s time to shower and go to bed. I wake up on the weekends early, I throw my jeans on, make coffee and start creating. Growing up I was told that to get a good job I had to look and dress a certain way. That never sat well with me. Fast forward 20+ years and I am a designer whose biggest career perk is that I can dress however I want, and in most cases I am respected more for my fashion risks. My current boss has been a big influence and supporter of my denim love and we talk about denim every single day.
Carved in Blue: What was your first pair of jeans?
John: My first pair of jeans were Levi’s. But I remember having stone washed Bugle Boy jeans and Arizona Jeans as a kid. Then in highschool I had Tommy Jeans, Karl Kani, GUESS and Girbaud. I actually had two pair of fresh Girbaud jeans from high school locked away in my mother’s attic, they must have been at least 17 years old and I recently found out that she gave them away. My blue heart was broken.
Carved in Blue: What is your motto/style angle?
John: My motto is “Learn the rules and then break them” / “Fashion is something you do, style is something you have”
Recently I was reminiscing about how I dressed as a kid of the 90’s NYC, with the loud colors and the extra baggy jeans, and although I was trying to express myself I realized I was trying to be provocative. I wanted to get a reaction from people and I realize that nothing has changed and I am still the same, however, I do it differently now. My angle is workwear. It’s interesting to look to other categories for fashion influence. Some people get excited when they walk into a store like Barneys, but I can get the same feeling going to a Vintage shop or uniform supply shop. I love hickory stripe, but most people relate hickory stripe to locomotive conductors probably from old cartoons or classic movies. One of my favorite pieces I own is an Orange Tab Levis coverall, and most comments I get are “You look like Mario and Luigi, you look like you’re going to paint a house, are you a janitor?” But when I’m in the street or at fashion events I get so many compliments and people want to know more about it. I enjoy taking something I’m not supposed to be wearing and juxtaposing it with something else to make it acceptable.
Carved in Blue: What is missing from the denim market now?
John: I think it is an exciting time for denim, new technologies are being used to create some interesting styles. More eco-friendly brands are starting to pop up. Sustainability is an important word that everyone needs to get familiar with. Consumers probably need a little more help to understand why eco-friendly companies are important and why they should support them. I think if people knew more about the process behind how their denim was made they would have a greater appreciation and step away from fast fashion.
Carved in Blue: What’s your favorite denim brand right now?
John: Levi’s/Levi’s Vintage continues to be my favorite brand. Carhartt is a staple in my workwear arsenal. I recently discovered Kestin Hare in London and I can’t wait to go back. I recently bought a super comfy pair of LEE 101 denim in Paris.
Carved in Blue: Who do you look for denim inspiration?
John: Old photos of my dad. I look to old movies such as Serpico, Jaws, The Shawshank Redemption (mostly 70’s movies), and the original Twilight Zone shows are a great source for denim inspiration!
Carved in Blue: Where do you shop for your denim?
John: I enjoy finding things by chance while traveling. I found a Type 1 Levis trucker at a street market in Berlin for $20. Denim events such as Denim Days festival. My most recent pair of jeans were purchased at LEE in Paris.
Carved in Blue: What does “Carved in Blue” mean to you?
John: It means leaving a permanent mark in your denim story.