I was published in Pump in March 2020, and it felt especially fitting—because denim was my favorite thing to wear then, and it still is today. Around that same time, I was modeling while also studying natural wellness, weaving what I was learning into my home and everyday lifestyle. Denim, to me, has always symbolized that perfect balance of beauty and practicality: effortless, strong, and timeless.

Denim’s story begins in the mid-1800s, when jeans were first invented for durability—made for miners and anyone who needed something sturdy and reliable. Over time, jeans evolved from pure workwear into an everyday staple worn by all genders, eventually becoming mainstream as trends began to shape how people expressed themselves.

In the early 1900s, denim gained serious momentum in Hollywood Western films and surged into fashion culture, helped along by iconic names like Marlon Brando and James Dean. Even then, denim still held onto its rugged Western feel and was most closely associated with men—until women helped rewrite the narrative. A turning point came in 1952, when Marilyn Monroe wore jeans in River of No Return, inspiring more women to embrace the look. The silhouettes shifted too: baggier fits, rolled cuffs, and then—like a signature moment—Brigitte Bardot popularized a more cropped, less boxy jean paired with a crisp white tee, a combination that still reads as iconic today.

Through the late 1900s, denim kept reinventing itself—fitted one moment, embellished the next, then flared, then bootcut—often echoed by music and cultural icons like Cher, Mick Jagger, and Jimi Hendrix. By the ’80s, denim’s energy became even more expressive, influenced by the rise of hip-hop culture and bolder personal style.

Then came a defining “wow” moment: in 1982, denim took on a new kind of sex appeal when Brooke Shields fronted Calvin Klein. After that, denim truly went everywhere—high-waisted, low-rise, faded, distressed, straight-leg, overalls, lace-up details, ombré washes, jumpsuits, dresses—constantly shifting, constantly inviting you to try something new.

And in 2020, I decided to do exactly that: take a risk and create a fresh look that nods to many of denim’s most memorable eras, while flipping the script on how it’s traditionally worn. I call it *Denimed*—a modern staple with attitude, versatility, and undeniable presence.