Style Advice From Oprah’s Go-To Jean Designer
BOYT: Cookie, thank you so much for taking the time to respond to our readers questions!
Cookie: My schedule is definitely packed since we founded CJ by Cookie Johnson, but my favorite part of this new venture is being able to speak with and to the women—the real women—that are our reason for creating this brand. It is well worth all the time, so I thank you for this opportunity.
BOYT: We love your denim line CJ by Cookie Johnson.What was your inspiration to create premium denim for every figure?
Cookie: I am inspired daily by my friends, family and fans of the CJ line. Firstly, I was always frustrated in the dressing room where, despite my almost daily workouts and a healthy diet, I was leaving not only empty handed, but also not feeling good about myself (again!). Thank goodness I had enough confidence to pull myself together and know that something wasn’t wrong with me. I knew that I was not alone in my battle to find a great pair of jeans that fit my curves. The problem was the denim industry. However, not all women realize that fact. I was determined to help change this and make a line that solved this problem and looked timeless and cool. I then found denim industry veteran Michael Glasser (founder of Seven for all Mankind, Citizens for Humanity, and Rich & Skinny). With his expertise in denim and my design and fit direction, it made my dream a reality.
BOYT: How are CJ by Cookie Johnson jeans different from other brands?
Cookie: Cj by Cookie Johnson is designed to fit, flatter and forgive. We pay close attention to the subtle curves of a woman’s body from the top of her waist to the bottom of her ankle—and we do it with style. I am proud that we offer real women contemporary styles in a more broad range of sizes (from 24-38). It is not enough that it’s just “not a Mom jean”; it needs to be more.
BOYT: What are the latest styles and trends in denim this season?
Cookie: Continuing our commitment to bringing women nothing but the best for their body, this spring and summer, Cj by Cookie Johnson is introducing another set of superior fabrics. Among the contemporary fabrics is the Ultra Luxe Stretch Denim that adds interest and a bit of romance to new styles like the Felicity Flare and the Serene Straight High Rise. We are also, showcasing flowing; Lightweight Tencel in the Honor wide-Leg drawstring trouser, and our new Supersoft Stretch Sateen brings a sleek, feminine sheen to the classic chino fabric.
I’m proud of the wide array of styles that make up our classic collection, but Cj by Cookie Johnson is expanding our designs, offering new collections that include sexy sateen skirts, chino crops, zip leggings, knee shorts and more.
BOYT: We love the Skinny jeans and especially the Joy leggings that your line features. Can anyone look flattering in such fitted styles? If so, can you offer any suggestions on the right length, wash, etc?
Cookie:
Keep your shape in mind.
· Pear shaped figures should look for a traditional skinny without too many details or pockets. Stay away from skinny cargos.
· Boy shaped figures can get away with more detail, colors and pockets. Skinny cargos may give the appearance of a shapelier silhouette.
Avoid large back pockets.
If you are hippier or have a bit more bottom to you, large back pockets can appear to increase the size of your backside. Ideally, back pockets should be strategically placed and fall no lower than the crease where you thigh and bottom meet.
Avoid muffin top.
Make sure the waist of your denim isn't too tight. This will not only be uncomfortable, but also draw attention to the wrong place.
Darker washes are more flattering and slimming.
Be sure your inseam isn't too long.
Skinny jeans should not be baggy at the ankle. Be sure the jean breaks at your ankle and is not loose. Helpful hint: Nordstrom will hem your jeans for free.
BOYT: We love your newest Felicity Flare denim in Optic White! Can anyone wear white jeans? What is the most universally flattering fit for white denim?
Cookie: Thank you, I love the Felicity Flare in Optic White too! Crisp, clean and white hot. Perfect for the spring and summer. It is a myth that woman of all shapes can’t wear white. At Cj by Cookie Johnson we know that wearing white is about fit, fabric and styling.
As for the most flattering shape for white denim, my partner, Michael Glasser would say it’s the flare. No matter a woman’s shape, Michael professes that the flare is the ideal style to showcase a woman’s assets while creating visual balance. Judging by the successful of the flare, women must agree!
BOYT: Many people are confused about the proper hemline of denim, especially when worn with heels. Where should jeans hit in both flats and heels?
Cookie: Hemming is an important step to assure that you get the best look from your denim. Being that this answer is as individual as each of the woman wearing Cj by Cookie Johnson, I would suggest asking a seamstress from the alternations department for assistance. Many department stores offer hemming as a complimentary service.
BOYT: Are jeans ever appropriate for the office? If so, what are the most office-appropriate styles and colors?
Cookie: In LA, jeans are the new work uniform! In the past five years, denim has become very office appropriate in many settings. Being that every office environment is different, women should select their styles carefully to combine that which is trendy and that which is suitable. Thankfully, at Cj by Cookie Johnson we’ve designed everything from the Honor Trouser to the Love Boyfriend.
BOYT: When washing, how can we prevent our denim from fading?
Cookie: It is vital to pay attention to the care instructions tag on each pair of pants you wash. Not all denim blends are created equal and may require special attention. That said, some safe rules of thumb are to wash you jeans inside-out in cool water. Rather than finish your jeans in a hot dryer, try hanging or air drying them.
BOYT: What are your denim dont’s?
Cookie:
· Don’t wear jeans that give you a muffin top.
· Don’t wear jeans that give are so low-waisted that you can see your “coin a lot,” or butt crack.
· Don’t create the carrot shape. If you have thin ankles and you want to show them off, you can buy a tapered jean. However, tapered denim accentuates the width of the hips.
· Don’t wear Mom jeans! This means the waist is too high, the back pockets are set too high on the rear and the thigh through the leg opening is too baggy. Jeans should follow the shape of your curves.
· Don’t force a trend. Instead, wear styles that are most appropriate for your shape and accessorize them in a flattering way. Sometimes it is the accessories, like the wrong shoes, that can make the jeans look less flattering.
And DO wear Cj by Cookie Johnson, of course!
BOYT: Who are a few of your favorite celebrity clients that are often seen in CJ by Cookie Johnson?
Cookie: I am so happy with the response from the Hollywood community and appreciate all of our celebrity fans. It is thrilling to see someone whose work I admire wearing a piece of my work. And the fact the Oprah loves them is not so bad! However, the #1 star clients of CJ by Cookie Johnson are the real women that I hear from at in-store personal appearances and on the street. They are the ones that I work tirelessly to please—and they are the ones that will determine the future and expansion of this brand.
It has been a true pleasure to answer these questions. Best of You Today readers can find the jeans online at www.Cjbycookiejohnson.comor at prestigious retailers Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor and boutiques nationwide. Also, for updates follow us on Facebook!
About Cookie Johnson
It’s no small irony that Cookie Johnson hails from “Rocket City” – a town at the foot of a mountain in Alabama known for Space Camp, the NASA Flight Center and scientists who test out big ideas. Her own big idea, Cj by Cookie Johnson (premium denim for women with curves) was tested this Spring at Nordstrom and caused such a stir – selling out -- that it has since expanded nationwide, debuting in Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales this Fall.
A businesswoman at heart, Johnson came out of “retirement” -- from being a busy, full-time mom -- to pursue this endeavor. “I wanted to let women know that no matter their shape, they can look good and enjoy premium denim,” she says. The ‘women’ she refers to are women who have typically avoided jeans because their curves didn’t fit well into the trendy, high-end denim, cut for waifish figures.