The AGOLDE Standard
18th October, 2025
There’s not an editor, stylist or fashion expert out there who doesn’t immediately recommend AGOLDE as their go-to for impeccable denim. A brand synonymous with LA and what it represents – effortlessly cool, beauty in abundance, forever iconic. At the design helm sit’s Karen Phelps, tasked with overseeing the brand’s aesthetic since late 2016 in her role as creative director. A quick poll in the office revealed hers is one of the wardrobe’s we’d most like to delve into – this is a woman who has made timeless denim with a cool-girl attitude her calling card. And as autumn gets into full swing and Fashion Month concludes, now is the moment to finally master our capsule wardrobe… and it all starts with AGOLDE. Want to know more, read on.
Fabric of Society: Hi Karen, thanks for taking time out to speak with us. Let's start with AGOLDE's reputation and cult-like status. What is it about the brand and designs that resonates so well and sets them apart from other brands?
Karen Phelps: “It really starts with intention. At AGOLDE, we don’t just design denim — we create a product from start to finish. Whether it’s regenerative cotton, corn-based stretch fibers, or low-impact dyes, every element is chosen with purpose and the future in mind.
We’re constantly balancing material innovation with thoughtful, modern silhouettes. What sets us apart is the precision of our silhouettes: modern, refined, and endlessly wearable. Our fabrics are equally considered — soft, with a lived-in quality, but always maintaining structure. You really get a sense of instant gratification when you put on a pair of AGOLDE jeans.”
FoS: What’s the denim shape or style you suggest most often and why?
Karen Phelps: “The Harper – it’s our answer to a clean, straight leg with just the right amount of structure. What makes it special is the fabrication — it’s built from next-gen materials that offer support without relying on synthetics, so it feels soft and natural from the first wear. It has a quiet ease to it — modern, polished, and endlessly versatile. The new fashion style from AGOLDE is the VANA FOLD style. It makes a bold impression with its signature fold-over waistband. Designed with a mid rise and intentionally oversized, relaxed fit, this style is crafted from rigid regenerative cotton for a soft yet structured feel. Pair it with a second-skin tank or an undone button-down for effortless impact.”
FoS: Do you have any denim style rules and if so, what are they?
Karen Phelps: “I like proportion and balance in a look. I think you can be creative, and I especially love layered pieces, and pairing slouchy, oversized pieces with something more tailored or precise.”
FoS: Can you talk to us more about your AW25 collection? How have you ensured a fresh approach to what is a timeless category?
Karen Phelps: “For Fall 2025, we’re exploring proportion play in a major way – exaggerated lengths, strong lines, and a sense of deliberate ease. Whether it’s a high-volume wide leg or a sharply tapered barrel that feels tonal and polished, these pieces are meant to shift how you carry yourself. It’s not minimal, but it’s not maximal either – it’s controlled energy. Our Fall 2025 collection is grounded in tone-on-tone dressing, clean denim washes, and a monochromatic palette that lets silhouette do the talking.”
FoS: As you have grown in the middle east, what excites you about how women in the region dress and how they approach denim?
Karen Phelps: “There’s a strong sense of individuality and refinement in how women in the Middle East dress. Denim isn’t just a basic, it’s becoming a key expression of their personal style. We’re noticing a willingness to embrace new shapes, new materials, and increased interest in knowing that what they’re wearing is made in an eco-conscious way.”
FoS: What’s the one myth or dressing rule about wearing denim that you’d like to make disappear?
Karen Phelps: “That denim has to be rigid to be authentic! Comfort doesn’t cancel out style or quality. Great denim balances fit and ease. Our Harper is the perfect example of this.”
