How New Zealand’s fashion creators are styling Calvin Klein Baggy Denim Jeans

A great pair of denim jeans—perhaps the most integral piece to any successful capsule wardrobe. But as you and I have come to learn, not all denim jeans are created equal. There's a certain flair—a finesse of sorts—to mastering denim that feels structured, not stiff; relaxed, not scruffy; and, perhaps most importantly, possesses that immediate lived-in feel from first wear. Call it a second skin. For Calvin Klein, it didn't just study the rulebook of denim—it forged the very blueprint, paving the way for denim excellence from its very first logo-flecked, leather-patched pair to now.

That very handbook continues to shape its denim silhouettes today, following a retro resurgence led by enduring ‘90s style icons, whose signature looks remain pivotal pins on Pinterest boards decades later. From higher-rise, straight-leg styles, to slouchy, baggier cuts, Calvin Klein has lent into the effortlessly cool ‘90s vibe, reviving signature ‘90s fits, ready for a new legion of tastemakers to make their mark in their Calvins today.

Enter four of Aotearoa's very own style shapers: Brooklyn Ellis, Josh Young, Maya Silwood, and Tima Savea. The group of creators was invited to the Calvin Klein Wellington store for an intimate styling session with me—Remix's fashion editor—where they were able to play dress-up with Baggy and other key seasonal denim styles. While each of the four has a unique sense of style, all were united by a shared embodiment of Calvin Klein's ethos: an ease in self-expression, and an inherent confidence that comes with looking and feeling good.

Baggy denim was undoubtedly the star of the styling session. Relaxed in design and fit, the loose, low-rise style offers a laid-back edge, evoking an enviable cool and confident persona for all who wear it.

For Tima, a busy working mum of three and content creator, her go-to style calls for a touch of practicality while still maintaining an empowered, feminine energy. She immediately gravitated towards the Low-Rise Baggy jeans in the Vintage Oceania wash—a classic, lighter blue denim shade.

Swapping moto boots for a black jandal heel, I initially styled Tima in a cinched-waist denim jacket of the same wash to showcase a double-denim look, perfect for drinks with the girls post-bedtime. Just as easily, with the baggy jeans as her base, a crisp white button-down shirt and oversized blazer draped over the shoulders felt work-appropriate, while an off-the-shoulder fuzzy sweater created the perfect date-night look. And just like that—three effortless looks from one versatile pair of jeans!

Hamilton-based Brooklyn has quickly become one of New Zealand's favourite fashion creators, thanks to her innate ability to style elevated everyday pieces with her signature feminine yet edgy flair. Earlier that day, I had already mentally bookmarked an image of Calvin Klein campaign star Dakota Johnson wearing a simple jeans-and-cardigan combination, ready to replicate with Brooklyn.

With the Low Rise Baggy Jean in the darker 'Cararsie' wash as our base, I added a white singlet with the CK logo peeking beneath a semi-buttoned black cardigan, finishing with an intentional tuck at the hem to let a pointed leather boot peek through. It's such a simple yet impactful outfit formula—one that encapsulates the ease and elevation synonymous with the brand. Like Tima's looks, it opens the door to limitless self-expression. Experiment with colour, layering, and heel height to instantly transform the outfit and occasion.

For the next look, knowing Brooklyn's affinity for barrel-leg jeans, I styled her in the Relaxed Barrel Jeans in the Evening Black wash. We then headed into the menswear section, where I had spotted the '90s Denim Overshirt in a similar wash. With the shirt tucked into the jeans, leather slides on her feet, an overnight bag in her arm, and shades on, our head-to-toe monochrome look was complete—perfect for on-the-go errands and spontaneous plans.

Josh Young is no stranger to elevated street style, often spotted in cropped silhouettes, experimenting with layers, and ultimately embracing a "baggier is better" mentality. For this session, I wanted to draw him out of his comfort zone and channel the preppiness of '90s Prince William, whose off-duty uniform typically centred around a button-up shirt, sweater, and relaxed denim jeans.

Jeans first—the '90s Tapered Jeans captured the put-together yet relaxed aesthetic I was after. Paired with a crisp white button-down, we had our base locked in. In keeping with Josh's signatures, we borrowed the women's Ribbed Chunky Relaxed Turtleneck Jumper to create a cropped finish on his 6'2" frame. With a deft tuck to reveal the shirt cuff, and his leather loafers kept on, his preppy, Prince William-inspired look was complete.

A quick scroll through Maya's feed reveals that simple yet chic looks are her bread and butter. She prioritises well-made garments that flatter, and more often than not, a low-rise, loose jean forms the backbone of her model off-duty style.

For her first outfit, I styled Maya in a darker wash of the Baggy Jean. I wanted to keep her look unfussy while introducing a new styling cue to add shape and interest to her day-to-day outfits. Starting with a grey merino knit, I tied a chocolate brown version around her waist to mirror the deep brown hue of her ballet flats. She could easily swap in a button-down or drape a jumper over her shoulders—the opportunities for colour experimentation are endless.

Maya is often busy attending events or catching up with friends post-work, so for her second look, I paired the '90s Straight Leg Jean in a deeper wash with an oversized grey blazer, intentionally styled with nothing underneath—perfect for letting CK lingerie peek through. Finished with a chic pair of jandal heels, this look effortlessly ticks the box for smart-casual occasions.

A special thank you to the team at Calvin Klein Wellington for assisting with the styling session. Meanwhile, Charley and Dave from L’affare were on hand to make delicious coffees featuring the brand new Chocca blend, and the team even got to sit down for brunch beforehand at the College Street Caffe spot! Almighty rounded off the day with its signature sparkling waters.

You can shop the looks from the day online, or at Calvin Klein Wellington Central and Queenstown stores.

Here are some more snaps from a denim-clad day at Calvin Klein Wellington, courtesy of Sambath Ouch: