Folk-infused singer/songwriter Marissa Nadler has a knack for wearing only fancy dresses. On stage and in everyday life, feminine frocks rule her world. Despite being a New England native, and currently battling the cold weather in her hometown of Boston, Nadler has never taken to wearing jeans.

So, psychoPEDIA asked the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) grad who gave up a future in fine art to pursue her unexpected calling of singing and songwriting if she’d be interested in giving, gasp, a pair of jeans a go. Surprisingly, Nadler jumped at the chance. After a long debate of what brand to give the denim-virgin (and, fingers crossed, future convert), we chose Diesel -- the sought-after Italian label that packs a fair amount of femme-friendly punch. Not only does Diesel have a distinct reputation with regard to style, in recent years the brand has been cultivating its affiliation with underground music. Specifically, via its collective of "independent minded organizations and professional musicians" Diesel's U Music organization has helped develop unsigned talent, and promoted of creativity in music.

Between performing sophisticated gigs in promotion of Songs III: Bird on the Water, the LP Nadler released earlier this year, and running around Beantown, Nadler took the time to try out Diesel’s Ronhar, a basic bootcut with stretch. In her own words:

Have you ever worn a pair of jeans while performing on stage?
I’ve never, ever, ever, ever performed in pants or jeans. Never in my entire life! It’s really funny though, because I actually did need a pair of jeans. I’m not the kind of girl that has tons of jeans like most girls seem to have right now. I don’t really have the kind of figure for jeans; dresses seem to suit me better.

How did the Diesel jeans we sent fit and feel?
I was really shocked that they fit me so well – like a glove! I didn’t expect them to fit at all, just because I’ve had such bad luck with pants - that’s why I wear dresses all the time. The jeans are really really soft and fit very well actually. They’re more high-waisted, which is good because I have an hourglass figure, so they’re not super-low rise. High-waisted jeans on girls with my kind of figure, I think, is more flattering. They also flare out at the bottom which I really like as well.

Can you describe the actual denim?
It’s more of a lighter color. They’re not super-dark. They have a little washed-out quality in the thighs and knees. It’s a soft denim - it feels like it was “aged” on purpose. There’s more of a distressed and vintage quality to them. I know that they’re new, but they feel like a more of a seventies cut.

Would you say the vibe of your dresses is in the same vein as these jeans?
I think you did a great job in selecting these jeans for me! I tend to definitely steer backwards to a more retro-vintage feel. All of my dresses are this gypsy style.

Is there a female artist from back then or now, whose style is influential to you?
I honestly can’t think of any present artists, but in terms of direct style, I would say I have a weak spot for Stevie Nicks during her heyday. I like all the old glammed-up, chanteuse musicians.

Are you familiar with U Music? What do you think of the fact that a fashion company is behind it?
I'm not familiar with U Music, although I think it's great that a fashion company would be interested in helping to promote unsigned talent.

U Music was founded in the UK six years ago. What are your thoughts on the UK music scene having garnered so much attention over the last few years?
The UK's music scene is definitely a strong influence on music tasted in general, because it seems willing to embrace new talent, whether or not there is a major label behind an artist. From my own experience, I know that I had my strongest audience in the UK when my career started, and have had very supportive fans in the UK from the beginning. The US seems to have become interested, but only much later. I can only hope that lots of cities and countries take the path of listening to music as it is and making up its own minds.

Back to the jeans, have you had a chance yet to wear them out on town yet and get reactions?
It’s strange that men check out women more in jeans than dresses. This has been my experience! It’s more approachable I suppose. The jeans have been very good for that, I have noticed, making me wonder if dressing down is the new black. Maybe I should wear jeans more often…

Would you ever perform in them?
I think, maybe! I just have to find the right shirt to go with them. The thing about wearing jeans is that you feel a little tougher; it gives you more of masculine edge, yet these particular jeans have a very feminine quality to them. I think it’s because of the cut of the back pockets. I’m definitely going to start wearing jeans more on an everyday basis since receiving these jeans, that’s for sure.

~Jessica McMenamin