In his hometown of Fairmount, Indiana. 2011
Without James Dean, perhaps we may not be all wearing
denim today. A sweeping statement admittedly, but the
impact this young actor had on the material is undeniable.
Ian used a bleach and stencil to create the background
Play: James Dean in Denim in his hometown, Fairmount
After appearing in the iconic ‘Rebel Without a Cause’ in the
now classic white t-shirt and jeans combo, teens flocked to
copy his style, and this work-wear essential soon became
a staple for every wardrobe, and a powerful symbol of
youthful rebellion. These teens inevitably grew up and had
kids of their own, but their style was passed down, gradually
becoming ingrained in modern fashion.
When researching denim’s history, these stories stood out, leading Ian to pay tribute to them by working with the James Dean Gallery in the actor’s hometown of Fairmount, Indiana. Dean’s denim portrait hung outside in the main town centre for the many thousands of visitors who come to pay homage to the movie icon to see.
The large piece was based on a Roy Schatt photograph, with
many images created in the background, including a picture
of Dean walking right where the picture hangs now, by the
town’s Citizens Exchange Bank. These details were bleached
in, with stitching completing the other areas.
Working in the Studio
