575 Denim

Paradoxically, classic styles can sometimes be best executed with modern materials -- like a hot rod with an aluminum tube frame, or constructing a Medieval Times with reinforced concrete. Bringing the old and new together in your pants: 575 Denim.

Started by an expat Frenchmen, 575 aims to "redefine" the premium market by applying throwback production to stretch denim -- prized by women's brands for being more flexible and durable than rigid denim, because for some inexplicable reason women hate gaping, breezy holes in their crotch. Their Downtown LA workshop houses 200+ employees, hand- sewing, tacking, grinding, sanding, and chemically pressing Italian and Japanese fabrics -- an approach so old school, their health plan covers the bleeding of ill humours. The vintage-y results include classic 5-pocket jeans, plus edgier styles with leather-trims and back pockets detailed with everything from buckles to earrings (for when you'll stop at nothing for a stud-ly ass).

In the fall, 575 Denim will change its name to May 75, to more clearly associate the brand with the founder's birthday -- because for a 32-year-old, what's more throwback than announcing to strangers when they can come over for clowns and cake?