Photography Credits: Photography by Bonnie Holland: http://www.bonniehollandstudio.com Models: Marlene Martinez Devin McGovern Daniel George Amelia Thomas Fabrice Guyont Zion the dog Christian Twillegar Jason Sneed Jack Kousonsavath Justine Kousonsa… — Photography Credits:
Photography by Bonnie Holland: http://www.bonniehollandstudio.com
Models:
Marlene Martinez
Devin McGovern
Daniel George
Amelia Thomas
Fabrice Guyont
Zion the dog
Christian Twillegar
Jason Sneed
Jack Kousonsavath
Justine Kousonsavath
Rob Leines
Stevie De Felice
Cas Barber
Melanie Patri
Dave Patri
Fashion Stylist:
Leilani Lacson
Hair & Make-up:
Joanna Klein & Elvin Torres

Slow Fashion Is Immediate Gratification

Highlighting Designer: Crawford Denim & Vintage Co.

Photography by Bonnie Holland

1. Name: Susie Shaughnessy

2. Title: Owner + Designer

3. Location of Business: Manhattan Beach, CA

4. When was Crawford Denim and Vintage Co. launched?

I started Crawford Denim and Vintage Co. five years ago.

Credits Left To Right: Amelia Thomas in Vintage Denim Shirt & Boyfriend Slim Jeans; Jason Sneed in Vintage Coveralls & Arrows Tee all by Denim Crawford & Vintage Co. and photography by Bonnie Holland

5. Please tell us the philosophy of Crawford Denim and Vintage Co.

Crawford Denim was started to carry on the traditions and heritage of sewing denim in California. I wanted to create styles that reflected my favorite Americana vintage pieces, but with modern fits. The vintage collection pairs with the newly manufactured styles, allowing folks to wear the items that directly influence the designs.

6. We love that your made in the USA! How did you make that happen? Why is that important to you?

Having worked alongside many great denim developers and sewers over the years, I wanted to return to creating product in California, where it originated. I left my corporate position to return to designing and manufacturing product locally, in support of other small and USA made businesses. Only 3% of apparel is manufactured in America now, declining from 50% in the 1990’s.

After the economic recessions, I felt it was necessary to find ways to make the apparel industry more sustainable. Manufacturing locally directly supports the communities’ economies: sewers, washhouses, screen printers, fabric and trim suppliers plus small boutiques. Working locally greatly reduces the need for gas from overseas shipping.

Fabrice Guyont in Vintage Japanese Indigo Boro + Hands Meets Sky Jewelry + Seaweed Gravel Hat all by Denim Crawford & Vintage Co. and photography by Bonnie Holland

7. We love that you have a vintage collection and therefore use recycled fabrics. Please tell us about that.

I amassed a large vintage collection over the years, wearing a mix of new and old everyday. Combining the new and vintage styles seemed natural to me when starting the brand. The high quality of the vintage fabrics used in the new designs carries that heritage through the modern silhouettes.

8. Where do you get your recycled fabrics?

I source all the materials from US mills and Southern California fabric houses, which resell vintage, excess or unused deadstock fabrics. Rather than the fabrics going to landfills, we are able to purchase the yardages and create product in small batches and limited runs.

Credits Left to Right: Amelia Thomas in Fair Season's Crop Top + Boyscout Bells; Daniel George in Charcoal Henley + Patched Denim Jeans, Amelia Thomas in Vintage Denim Shirt + Boyfriend Slim Jeans and Daniel Georg in Jacquard Plaid Western + Straight Selvage Jeans all by Denim Crawford & Vintage Co. and photography by Bonnie Holland

9. Why did you decide to focus on Denim only?

I started my career at Levi’s and loved designing product that was originally built specifically for the working man and became an icon of American culture. I had a long career designing for many US denim brands.

10. Please tell us a little bit about your current collection for Spring/ Summer 2018.

The Women’s denim line has been the focus for 2018, designing several high waist denim silhouettes. The Hi Rise Straight is a slim leg in raw 100% cotton denim. Even being unwashed denim, it is surprisingly soft and easy to break in. Men have been wearing their jeans this way and now women are finally embracing this idea too. Another style is the Boyscout Bell, a patch pocket wide leg flare that was designed directly from a 1970’s jean from the vintage collection.

11. What celebrities wear your brand?

Musicians: Cam + her band http://www.camcountry.com/

Rob Leines https://www.robleines.com/

Comedian: Steve Trevino http://stevetrevino.com/

12. Where is your merchandise sold, online only or in stores? If so, please list.

Crawford Denim is sold both online and small boutiques:

Seaweed and Gravel in San Diego, CA

Mom and Pop Shoppe in Fayetteville, AR

The Hangout in Long Beach, CA

Asch Building in Catskill, NY

Plus we sell our vintage collection at the Long Beach Antique Market monthly.