Knoxville, TN (April 25, 2013) – Designer, Marcus Hall, has made quite an impact in the world of denim since the launch of his label, Marc Nelson. Now, the local designer’s brand is set to make its mark in the fashion industry by not only changing the way that men wear and look in denim, but women too. Marc Nelson will unveil its first Women’s Collection and the 2013 Spring/Summer Men’s Collection Friday, May 3^rd during a block party to celebrate the big reveal and to kick off Knoxville Fashion Week’s High Fashion Runway.  For this monumental event, the City of Knoxville will be closing the streets around Marc Nelson’s warehouse in the Old City located at 206 Randolph Street Knoxville, TN 37917 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

 “Before coming to market with a collection for women, I wanted to make sure that the line delivered a product that expressed the craftsmanship of the denim and the individuality of the woman wearing,” said Marcus Hall, Designer and Founder of Marc Nelson.  “I wanted the collection to ooze confidence so much so that when a woman wears the Marc Nelson brand she exudes sex appeal.”  Hall further stated that, “After extensive research, fabric testing and hours of fitting women of all shapes, ages 15 to 50, I feel we have created a timeless design that women will love.”                                           

Marc Nelson’s authentic denim design combines an edgy take on the classics with quality fabrics to deliver an unrivaled fit. The tasteful signature pocket detail, hand distressing, custom washes and hardware offer an ageless denim that was designed to withstand fashion’s ever changing trends and to endure the test of time.

Marc Nelson’s signature style has set the stage for the 2013 denim collection to become a staple item in closets for both men and women. In addition to denim jeans, shorts and skirts, the collections offer tanks and simple, seductive tees made from breathable fabrics in intoxicating colors inspired by local Cherokee-American Indians.

With a strong and growing distribution presence, the company is hitting its stride with hometown and retail outlets all over the U.S.  The men’s line has already gained a celebrity following and is quickly establishing a reputation for fit and quality comparable to some of the most well-known denim designers. Marc Nelson is bringing pride back to the American fashion industry and staying true to its roots by honoring the working man with its 100% American-made pieces.

Come make history with us and celebrate as we mark the day that local designer, Marc Hall, establishes himself as a premier and emerging designer in both men’s and women’s apparel.  The event is free, open to the public and filled with local stores, visual artists and musical performances from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.  For those who cannot make the event, you can still experience the exciting reveal by watching the event live, go to http://www.ustream.tv/channel/marc-nelson-denim.  

About Marc Nelson 

Established in 2011, Marc Nelson is a craft denim maker rooted in the American South.  Based out of Knoxville, Tennessee, the label prides itself on offering high quality apparel and accessories made in America by Americans. The men’s and women’s collections can be found in boutiques and specialty retailers across the U.S. as well as the company’s online store.  Designer and Founder, Marcus Hall started the company after a pilgrimage through L.A.’s denim mecca taught him about denim design and production and honed his understanding of fabrics and fit.  The Marc Nelson name pays tribute to Marcus’ grandfather, L.C. Nelson, whose natural flair for fashion influenced Marcus from an early age, and conveys the brand’s design logic — Southern comfort with a little bit of L.A. influence. For more information, please visit www.marcnelsondenim.com.  

Project Runaway on February 9^th was an event that provided its attendees with not only a taste of high-quality fashion, but also delicious food and a fun-filled night of entertainment. The Foundry furnished an elegant atmosphere for this event that benefited Child & Family Tennessee’s Runaway Shelter. This event truly had something for everyone to enjoy.

Marc Nelson Denim was pleased to be part of such a worthy cause. In one room of the Foundry, guests had the opportunity to shop from local boutiques. Marc Nelson Denim had a display showcasing graphic tees, belts and jeans along with racks of high-quality men’s and women’s t-shirts. Along with Marc Nelson Denim, other boutiques such as Lucky Staar Jewelry, Kristi, and Southern Grace also had boutiques set up for shoppers to enjoy.

 Another main highlight of the evening was the fashion show where ten designers presented ensembles created from two thrift store items that were taken apart and re-sewn. Marcus Hall, founder of Marc Nelson Denim, was one of five judges who evaluated the creations based on creativity, craftsmanship and overall look of the design. While there were many creative designs, the winner was Nathan Higdon with his Victorian and Russian inspired outfit. 

The 10 designers with their thrift store finds

Founder/CEO of Marc Nelson Denim – Marcus Hall 

The top 3 designs at Project Runaway, with the winner Nathan Higdon, pictured in the middle.

The night of fashion also included a runway show from Marc Nelson Denim, Southern Grace, Kristi, Bliss and Jenna Colina. Marc Nelson Denim modeled their men’s and women’s t-shirts, men’s jeans, and the up and coming new line of women’s jeans. Throughout the evening, the guests enjoyed the local talent of the Guy Marshall band who also sported some Marc Nelson Denim jeans. 

 Marc Nelson Denim at Project Runaway 

Guy Marshall Wearing MND 

While Project Runaway provided fun and entertainment for all the guests, it was even more enjoyable knowing that it was for such a worthy cause.

An important term to be acquainted with when shopping for high-quality denim is “selvedge.” Of course you can look no further than Marc Nelson Denim to have this high quality feature in a pair of denim.

Selvedge refers to the finished edge of the denim and is woven on a shuttle loom, most commonly in white yarn. While weaving, a shuttle carries what is referred to as the “weft” or white yarn through the “warp” or indigo yarn and across the loom. This process results in a tight, finished edge. 

Shuttle looms were very important in the beginning stages of denim production and all denim were woven on this type of loom at first. In comparison to the wide fabric width of 60 inches from modern looms, shuttle looms result in a narrower fabric width of roughly half of the modern looms, anywhere between 28 to 31 inches. Shuttle loom weaving is more rare today as air jet looms took their place in the 1980s due to the wide width fabrics used by Levi Strauss and Company. As a result, selvage denim is more expensive to produce.

Why is selvedge an important feature to look for when purchasing high quality denim? By using the shuttle loom, the cross thread goes back over itself when weaving. The purpose of this edge is so the denim does not unravel once it is taken off of the loom. In contrast, non-selvedge denim can fray, leading to lower quality denim. For comparison, a non-selvedge versus a selvedge edge is shown below: 

Non-Selvedge Edge

Selvedge Edge

When shopping for your next pair of high-quality, selvage denim, look no further than Marc Nelson Denim. Wear your MND jeans cuffed to show you have the selvedge edge up over other denim on the market! 

Image Source:  http://searchingforstyle.com/2010/11/fashion-101-lessons-in-denim/

One of the trademarks that makes Marc Nelson Denim so unique is founder and CEO Marcus Hall’s desire to intertwine love of fashion and design with a heart that desires to give back to the community. On February 9^th at the Foundry, Marc Nelson Denim will do just that when serving as a sponsor and judge for a fashion show that benefits Child & Family Tennessee’s Runaway Shelter called “Project Runaway.”

Child & Family Tennessee is a non-profit volunteer organization, which was founded in 1929 with the purpose of caring for Tennessee families through prevention, treatment and advocacy. The Runaway Shelter provides help for youth who are contemplating or have already run away from their home and families. This organization offers safe shelter and counseling for runaway youth, runaway prevention, and crisis intervention.

“Project Runaway” will not only raise money for the Runaway Shelter but it will also be a great event for local fashion designers to showcase their talent! The premise of the fashion show is that each designer who participates meets with Child & Family Tennessee staff members at a local thrift store to find two items that the designer will take apart, re-sew, and make an original piece.

These creations will be modeled at the fashion show on February 9^th and Marcus Hall will be serving as a judge. In addition, there will also be local boutiques showing and setting up to sell. Marc Nelson Denim is very excited to be participating in such a worthy cause! 

Are you ready to see how these local talents worked their magic to create new fashions?! Be sure to mark your calendars for February 9^th at 7 p.m. at the Foundry.

Tickets are $25 and student tickets with a student ID will be $10. Don’t miss this night of fashion, music and entertainment!!!

For more information, contact Donna Morris at Donna.Morris@child-family.org. 

As I have mentioned before, an essential item that needs to be in everyone’s wardrobe is a t-shirt-even for you guys out there! However, not just any t-shirt will suffice. It needs to be comfortable, durable, fit well, yet also stylish and trendy all at the same time. That’s a high order for one article of clothing but leave it to Marc Nelson Denim to create a high-quality American-made product that fits all of those requirements! 

Marc Nelson Denim has many options available for men’s t-shirts including graphic t-shirts, crew neck and v-neck t-shirts in a variety of colors. Every guy can use one of these shirts in his wardrobe, as they are super versatile and easy to dress up or down. Wear your MND t-shirt layered under a blazer or go casual and pair yours with your favorite pair of MND jeans. Here are some of my favorite MND men’s t-shirts and some suggestions for ways to style them….

The Graphic T-Shirt:

Crew Neck T-Shirt

(oil-stained for character; no 2 are exactly alike!):

V-Neck T-Shirt:

(also oil-stained!) 

This is the PERFECT gift for any guy in your life  (trust me, I’ve ordered a few to give the special guys in my life). Use promo code BP20 to receive 20% off an order  :-)