"Ankle boots, T-shirt, and a leather jacket."

REFINERY 29 dedicated the month of April to denim and the people who wear it best.  

Here's our (stone cold fox) designer Nicole's feature! 

Name: 

Nicole Tondre


Occupation:
"I'm the founder & designer of Courtshop. We are a downtown NYC-based denim brand specializing in high-waisted fits, with a flagship store on Mulberry Street."


What were your first pair of jeans?
"Guess Jeans with ankle zippers and denim bows. I begged my mom to buy them for me in seventh grade. I wore them every day."


What are you wearing?
First Look: "Courtshop Hi Waist Flares in Vintage wash, hand-dyed vintage T-shirt from Scout LA, Pamela Love Heishi necklace, Pamela Love Arrowhead ring, vintage ankle boots."
Second Look: "Courtshop Hi Waist Skinny jeans in Ecru, vintage mens V-neck T-shirt, Edwardian lace vest from an estate sale in rural Louisiana, Calvin Klein python platform heels." 
I love these high-waist flares from our spring collection. They are made from a rigid denim so they hold everything in nicely and break in beautifully. They get better every time you wear them." 

How many pairs of jeans do you own?
"In my personal closet, about 20 pairs. In my design archives, probably about 80 pairs at the moment." 


Do you have a preferred philosophy when it comes to jeans: Sexy and skinny, or loose and comfy? 
"Sexy and skinny with a loose fitting top."


Used or new?
"New. With the exception of Levis 501s." 


What's your signature wash...or does it matter?
"I love denim in all washes." 

What's your favorite way to wear your jeans and with what?
"Ankle boots, T-shirt, and a leather jacket."


If your jeans had a name or theme song, what would it be? Or do they?
"'Forever in Blue Jeans' by Neil Diamond ;)."


Favorite example of celebrity-jean wearing (i.e., Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA album cover). 
"Early 70s Jane Birkin in her perfectly worn in high-waisted jeans with a wide leather belt."


What do you love most about your favorite denim pieces? 
"You can dress them up or down. They always feel cool, comfortable, and sexy."


Photographed by Kava Gorna. Casting by Megan Delaney