Finding the perfect denim statement piece is practically an art form. From discovering which article of clothing best suits your style to honing in on wash, hardware detailing, and (most importantly) fit, there are so many ways to make a denim look completely your own. For no brand is that truer than AG Jeans, whose creative denim details set them apart from the pack. We spoke with model-turned-embroidery artist Sheena Liam about how she makes her AG denim all her own.
“Style and comfort are important to me,” Liam says, “but beyond that, in my artwork, my girls are often wearing denim. I love embroidering denim for all the extra tiny details: rivets, stitches, and rips that add dimension and shape to my otherwise minimalistic work.”
Though Liam modeled full time after graduating, she found herself filling downtime by sneaking into figure drawing classes at The University of London. “I enjoyed it immensely and started drawing a lot,” she says, “but no one really noticed my drawings until I started embroidering them.” Whether she embellished a woman’s profile slipping into a jean jacket or pulling up her hair, it was Liam’s life-like, one-of-a-kind embroidered spin on these profiles that made them stand out.
Liam’s style can be anything from feathers and sequins to lower-key, more laid-back looks. When spending a day at home in the studio for example, denim and loose-fitting clothes are her go-to. “This Rhett jean and sweater look is very chilled out,” says Liam. “Comfort always comes first, and that doesn’t have to mean an old tee and sweatpants.”
When she’s meeting up with friends or running errands, Liam seeks a slightly dressier look. “White denim elevates the look in a casual-cool way,” she says. “Plus, having my work on it is a conversation starter everywhere I go.”
Liam’s inspiration comes from all places — browsing the internet or poring over photographs, books, and short films. While she points out that her generation takes a ton of heat for its social media infatuation, it’s another one of her favorite sources for sparking creativity. “You need to look out for the beauty and inspiration in everything,” she says.
