Next-Gen Denim: Good American’s Kristin Vander Ark
Modern denim will be carried on and developed by the new crop of talent in the industry—those innovating and embracing sustainability and change.
Carved in Blue is dedicated to capturing their voices and missions.
In the continuation of our series highlighting the fresh, new minds in denim, Carved in Blue caught up with Good American’s Kristin Vander Ark to find out why the next generation of denimheads will be more resourceful, what the new consumer wants, and the new fixtures in denim will be.
Carved in Blue: What does the next generation bring to denim that maybe previous generations haven’t?
Kristin: Tough question! I respect all the generations of the denim world. I think the next generation brings to denim a bit more resourcefulness. We have more urgency to fix issues of stainability and process in fashion that would otherwise affect our children and future generations. We have more resources and innovation in technology that are constantly coming to the table.
Carved in Blue: What should be the approach today for those designing and making denim?
Kristin: I believe that the consumer is going to want something that is meaningful and will need to be made for longevity. We should be considering where it’s made, who is making it and why we are making it. Designing jeans that will last a lifetime rather than a trendy season.
Carved in Blue: In your opinion, what is the denim industry in desperate need of?
Kristin: I think that we are in need of a sense of community in our industry. I think we are desperate for transparency, not only with our consumers but also with our factories and in fact the whole supply chain.
Carved in Blue: What’s one thing in the old world of denim that we’d do best to leave in the past?
Kristin: Potassium Permanganate and all harsh chemicals in general. The worst is when you can smell the chemicals. There are other ways of getting that look without chemical process.
Carved in Blue: Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
Kristin: I hope to be living in Holland on a boat house with my family. My partner is an organic produce buyer, so we always talk about moving there as the Dutch are extremely innovative in both farming and denim. Plus, I always dream about going back to my motherland and have my son be able to run around wild and free.
Carved in Blue: What’s your first denim memory?
Kristin: In middle school I used to go to the thrift stores and buy old Levi’s and cut them up and make purses. Perhaps that’s when my love for denim started?
Carved in Blue: What do you love most about denim?
Kristin: First of all, blue is my all-time favorite color! It gives me all the feels. I love being outdoors. I grew up on the beach, so I was always surrounded by the baby blue sky and the royal blue ocean. I love that weight of it, I love its durability and I love that it has so many applications.
Carved in Blue: Where do you turn for denim inspiration? What helps you keep your perspective fresh?
Kristin: I love vintage and thrifting. I find most of my inspiration from the past. I try to keep my perspective fresh by keeping up on innovative fiber developments.
Carved in Blue: What does Carved in Blue mean to you?
Kristin: Carved in Blue means longevity and a garment that is thoughtfully made.