In 2017, everything changed when I slipped into my first pair of vintage denim—a 90s Levi’s 501 from MisterSister in Portland, Oregon. For years, I’d told myself that vintage denim wasn’t for my body type, convinced it could never flatter me the way I’d seen on others. But something in me that day said to try again, and the moment I fastened that button, I knew: I’d found the perfect fit.

From that moment until 2023, my wardrobe revolved around vintage denim. The more I wore it, the more I became obsessed—not just with the fit, but with helping other women who, like me, thought vintage denim wasn’t made for their bodies. When I started Paloma, I became relentless, scouring racks and flea markets, snapping up Levi’s, Wranglers, and Lees like they were treasure, and they were. Stacks of denim started to pile up—each pair a new discovery, each one telling its own story.

As I learned the nuances of cuts and washes, one style stood above the rest (at least for me and my body) —the 70s Levi 517. With its slight boot cut, narrow hip, and ultra-high waist, it became my go-to, and it still is. There’s something timeless and effortlessly chic about the way it hugs your body in all the right places. It’s the kind of jean you reach for week after week.

Today, I’m more selective when sourcing denim. My collection is vast, yet when a truly special pair crosses my path, I can’t resist. This shoot, set at Ralph’s Ranch in the soft glow of early morning, is my love letter to denim. From cut-offs to button-ups, denim is, in my view, a closet essential for every woman. Whether vintage or new, the right pair of jeans can make you feel like a million bucks—and every closet needs that.