Is the men’s skinny denim market over — and oversaturated — or is it a refreshing opportunity for a dude to unapologetically flaunt his best assets?

Perhaps it’s a bit of each, which is why it was interesting to receive a pair of anti-skinny minis (aka: DDL-Raw Canvas), courtesy of Denim Design Lab, and see how they fared with skinny-jean devotee, Lincoln Mayne. An Australian designer and creative director based in the LES, Lincoln tried the wide-legged pants on for size. He also tested the accompanying DDL DIY Mechanic Kit – enabling the wearer to get crafty and personal with his own pair of jeans (skinny or otherwise). With his extensive background in art, design, and all-things denim, Lincoln was the ideal candidate to road-test both: 

Hey there, Lincoln. So what’s the word on these DDLs?
The jeans are loose-fitting farm-style pants. Definitely not my style.  Even though I know skinny is played out (and I’m sure I’m at risk of testicular cancer) I’m not ready for loose-fitting pants yet. These are, nonetheless, a very good fit. They don’t really have any outstanding detail, which is fine, and they’re made from cone denim, which is great. 

We figured we’d give you the kit too since you’re a pro:
A pro?  Sure, why not.  Don’t know that I am, but I am studied in sculpture; which is where I learned the fundamentals of art and design. And I’m self-taught. I think all good artists are self-taught, or at least self-abused! 

Looks like this kit gave you some tools to “abuse” the DDL jeans. Tell us more about the kit and the DIY process.
I have to say this kit works. In the booklet they had different ideas going on but I went with a tapestry style with lots of stitching, patches and printing. They still look too new and need a good beat-down, but that comes with time. 

It also came with a set of blow-up legs to put inside your jeans as you work, which were both humorous and functional.  I punctured them pretty quickly by mistake but with a little help from Elmer (the glue) I was back up and running. Also to my surprise there was a dremel. Who doesn’t love a dremel?! 

Um, what’s a dremel?
A rotary power tool; any artist/designer will know what to do with it. 

But would the non-designer plebian be able to use it right?
Sure, there are good instructions. 

What are you designing/working on right now, ostensibly with a dremel?
[Laughs] I’m currently working on several design projects for Bumble and Bumble, Botanical Tapestries for an upcoming solo show, and numerous fashion projects. 

Where can we buy your “fashion projects?”
Japan, Hong Kong, Australia. And I sell to a list of private clients in New York. 

So we need get on the list to get the goods?
Yes.

Noted. What are you into/inspired by right now?
Currently I’m into all things decorative. I’m constantly amazed at how little thought goes into most objects. And as far as artists go, Walton Ford and Paul McCarthy always inspire me too.

Are you inspired by, or at least pleased with, your finished creation?
The finished product would be good for photo shoots, bands etc. But as far as distressed denim is concerned, the look is best achieved when the owner has actually worn them and naturally patched them themselves. True distressing requires a personal history that can’t be recreated or reproduced.

Speaking of personal…awhile back you told us your New Year’s resolution. How's that going?
Oh, I’ve failed them all!  Let’s see… new, New Year’s resolution -- don’t make resolutions you can’t keep? 

~Carrie Rosten
Author of Chloe Leiberman (Sometimes Wong)

Get Yours:

For your own DIY denim courtesy of DDL, check out denimdesignlab.com

For more from Lincoln Mayne: lincolnmayne.com

1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, images by Seth Wolfson