Were Jeans Really Illegal in the Soviet Union? The Surprising History of Denim Smuggling Under the Iron Curtain

The unique history of the Soviet Union has been told before, but many people don’t realize the ways the Cold War impacted the fashion world — and how the fashion world impacted the Cold War. Usually when we look at images of life behind the Iron Curtain, we see a fashion sense that emphasizes uniformity. … Read more

Just How Denim Jackets Became So Popular

There is perhaps no article of clothing more evocative of the American aesthetic than the denim jacket. Cool, rebellious, rugged, and chic, this timeless garment is as stylish today as it was when it first popped on the scene in the early 20th century. As ubiquitous as blue jeans and leather boots, it’s easy to … Read more