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With the recent explosion of designer denim in the past few years, it’s getting harder to separate the standout Citizens from the average Joe’s. But Del Forte Denim brings something unique to the table—sexy, well-tailored jeans that your environmental conscience won’t feel guilty about. Unhappy with her New York denim-design gig, Tierra Del Forte relocated to California and birthed Del Forte jeans in 2005.

Just two years later, DFD has been featured in various high-profile magazines including UK Glamour, Vogue, Nylon, and Women’s Wear Daily. The jeans are made in L.A. from 100% organic cotton, which is grown domestically without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Their website is hosted by a “carbon neutral” company (it produces zero carbon emissions) and even their office supplies include recycled paper and vegetable based printer inks. Ms. Del Forte has also founded The DFD Outreach Program, which, in alliance with The Sustainable Cotton Project (sustainablecotton.org), preaches the word of organic cotton to growers and consumers alike. And as if the do-good list wasn’t long enough, DFD also encourages customers to return their Goodwill-destined denim in exchange for a 10% discount on their next purchase. Project Rejeaneration, as it is cleverly named, brings the jeans back to the studio, where they are refashioned into the second generation of Del Fortes. Reduce, reuse, and recycle is no longer just an optimistic adage, it’s a luxury-denim-clad lifestyle that is quickly becoming the next “true religion.”

You can find Del Forte jeans in Portland at The Greenloop (8005 SE 13^th) and see them on Night Five of Portland Fashion Week, Tuesday October 23. Doors are at 6 and shows at (around) 8 PM.

–Rebecca Goldschmidt