A quick roundup of the latest news from leading denim brands.
Paige
Paige launched its first-ever handbag collection produced in house.
The brand enters the category with the Kensi, a softly structure scooped shoulder bag, available in small and large sizes.
“We’ve always been known for creating pieces that feel elevated yet effortless, and I believe our handbags should embody that same spirit,” said Paige Adams-Geller, the creative director and co-founder of Paige. “For our debut handbag collection, I was drawn to a sense of bohemian ease, designing a slouchy silhouette paired with gold hardware finishes.”
The handbags are made in Los Angeles using premium Italian suede and smooth genuine nappa leather for the linings. Each bag is finished with an antique brass Cuban link chain strap also made in L.A. and a custom Paige logo zipper pull.
The Kensi Small is available in black, birch and chocolate and retails for $698. The Kensi Large retails for $798 and debuts in tobacco. The collection is available exclusively on Paige.com and at Paige stores in the U.S.
Looking ahead, Adams-Geller said she’s excited to evolve the handbag collections by introducing new colors, textures, materials, and silhouettes, while staying true to the “effortless sophistication” that defines the brand.
The handbag launch is another milestone for Paige as it expands beyond ready-to-wear and premium denim. The collection also complements the brand’s footwear and belt assortments.
“I’ve always had a deep love for handbags, and as our leather goods business continued to grow across outerwear, denim, footwear, and belts, it felt like a natural progression for us to expand into handbags and further buildout our lifestyle offerings. It was a category that felt both authentic to my own passion and true to the direction of the brand,” Adams-Geller said.
Wrangler
Wrangler is joining other Western brands in the capital of Texas.
The Kontoor Brands-owned heritage denim brand will be one of the first tenants to move into the redevelopment of 1612 South Congress in Austin, Texas.
This week real estate investment and development firm Quannah Partners and Fortum Ventures announced that the first phase of the redevelopment has been fully leased. Other tenants include Alberta Boot Company and its sister Western apparel brand Cody & Sioux and Astrid & Miyu.
The 1,625-square-foot store will be Wrangler’s flagship U.S. store. The brand currently operates stores at Fort Worth Stockyards in Fort Worth, Texas and in its hometown, Greensboro, N.C.
1612 South Congress is one of Austin’s most iconic retail corridors. A second phase is expected to begin construction in early 2027 and will add just under 4,000 square feet of additional retail space, creating opportunities for one or two additional retailers.
“We’re excited to welcome four exceptional retailers to 1612 South Congress,” said Doug Wiley, Quannah Partners CEO. “Each of these brands has a strong identity and an authentic story, and together they reflect the quality, craftsmanship and originality that define South Congress. We believe they’ll be a meaningful addition to one of Austin’s most vibrant retail destinations, and we’re proud to continue investing in the long-term success of this iconic corridor.”
Pacsun
Pacsun reinforces its position as a one-stop-shop for back-to-school denim with a new campaign called “Denim Starts Here.”
The campaign showcases Pacsun’s widest denim assortment yet and reflects the many ways Gen Z and Gen Alpha express their personal style. The campaign was shot location at a college campus and features a cast of real friends alongside talent.
“Everything we hear from Gen Z and Gen Alpha reinforces that style is deeply personal,” said Richard Cox, Pacsun’s chief merchandising officer. “They aren’t dressing for one trend or aesthetic. They’re expressing who they are. Back-to-school is one of the year’s biggest style moments because it’s a fresh start and an opportunity to make that first impression. ‘Denim Starts Here’ celebrates that individuality with authentic moments, real friendships, and our broadest denim assortment yet, so every customer can find the fit that feels like them.”
The women’s Ultimate Low Rise Collection—which include the Kaia Baggy, Sammy Straight, Ronnie Baggy Barrel and Alana Flare—are styled alongside customer favorites like the Casey Low Rise Baggy and Zoe Low Rise Girlfriend.
The men’s assortment offers a range of relaxed, oversize, and directional fits like the Dylan Baggy, Blake Extreme Baggy, Logan Relaxed Straight, Mason Baggy Barrel, Bennett Baggy Flare and Ryder Ultra Baggy.
