Maurice Malone

If you know denim...

African American denim designer and fashion brands owner Maurice Malone speaking to students in denim class at Parson School of Design
Denim Talk banner showing Maurice Malone with sewing machine and laptop teaching how to make jeans live.
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Live

Denim Talk: Real Denim Knowledge, Every Sunday at 5 PM

Maurice Malone, MakingABrand.co, and Williamsburg Garment Company now present Denim Talk every Sunday at 5 PM.

After the first session, one thing is clear—there’s real interest in learning denim the right way. Not shortcuts, not recycled information, but practical knowledge that comes from actually doing the work.

Every Sunday at 5 PM, I’m on a mission to help rebuild the American-made denim industry, one designer at a time. It starts with reliable education.

Denim Talk is a weekly online meetup, hosted by Marc Esannason of MakingABrand.co, where anyone, from anywhere in the world, can join the conversation. You can ask me anything—jeans construction, design, manufacturing, building a brand, or whatever you’re trying to figure out. If it’s part of the denim business, we’ll get into it.

I’ve been working in this industry since 1984, and most of what I learned came from asking questions, making mistakes, and figuring things out the hard way. The goal now is to pass that knowledge on so others can move faster, avoid common pitfalls, and build something real.

That mission doesn’t stop at conversation.

Through Williamsburg Garment Company, we’ve already started helping new designers take the next step by producing samples and handling small production runs of denim jeans with low minimums. That’s something that’s been missing for a long time—real manufacturing support for small brands trying to get started.

Before jumping into production, I strongly suggest booking time to talk through your plans. We’ve already seen new designers make avoidable mistakes—issues with patterns, construction details, and production readiness that can cost time and money. A quick conversation upfront can save you from going down the wrong path.

It’s also important to clarify—Denim Talk is not the same as Denim Workshop.

Denim Talk is an online meetup focused on discussion, questions, and guidance.

Denim Workshop is a separate, hands-on program where I teach people how to actually make jeans in a real studio environment.

(Links to Denim Workshop will be added here.)

The first Denim Talk session is already available on the MakingABrand YouTube channel and is included below, so you can watch how the conversation works and the types of questions being asked.

Beyond that, I’m starting to build out a resource section here on DenimBMC.com. I’ll be sharing vetted sources for fabrics, labels, trims, machines, and services—companies I’ve worked with or reviewed that can realistically support small brands. The idea is simple: make it easier for designers to find the right partners without wasting time or money.

If you’re serious about denim—or even just trying to understand it better—join me on Sunday.

Denim Talk. Every Sunday at 5 PM.

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A bottle of Peroni Nastro Azzurro next to a glass mug of poured beer with a foamy head on a kitchen counter, with a stove and espresso maker in the background.

Peroni Nastro Azzurro Reviewed

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Peroni Nastro Azzurro is a perfectly serviceable Italian pale lager that knows exactly what it is—and doesn’t try to be anything more. It pours a clear, pale gold with a modest white head and drinks light and easy from the first sip. The aroma is subtle and grain-forward, with faint floral and herbal notes that stay clean and restrained.

On the palate, Peroni is crisp and straightforward, but it has more bite than most U.S. mass-market lagers. There’s a soft malt base up front, followed by a noticeable yet controlled bitterness that carries through the finish. Unlike many American macro beers that come across watered down or vaguely soapy, Peroni stays clean and dry, with a bitterness that actually tastes intentional rather than muted or diluted.

That makes it a dependable dinner beer—easy to drink, but not bland. The finish is quick and refreshing, and while it won’t excite anyone chasing complexity, it also doesn’t disappear on the tongue. It holds its shape better than most mainstream lagers and pairs well with food without getting in the way.

Peroni isn’t here to impress craft beer purists, and that’s fine. It’s designed to be consistent, refreshing, and approachable. In that role, it succeeds. If you’re choosing between Peroni and the usual American mass-market options, Peroni comes off as cleaner, more structured, and simply better made.

It’s not special—but it’s solid, reliable, and easy to enjoy, especially when you want a light lager that still finishes with some character.

Style: Italian Pale Lager

ABV: 5.0 %

IBUs: N/A

Seasonal: Year-round

Brewer: Peroni Nastro Azzurro is an Italian lager brand founded in Rome and now owned globally by Asahi Group Holdings. In the U.S., the beer is brewed and distributed domestically under Molson Coors, aiming to deliver a fresh, clean, food-friendly lager inspired by its original Italian recipe.

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Photograph of a 16oz can of Leaf Pile Pie Ale, a pumpkin ale collaboration between Greenport Harbor Brewing Company and Root + Branch, featuring a clean white label with orange lettering and an illustrated pie graphic.

Leaf Pile Pie by Greenport Harbor Brewing Company Reviewed

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Leaf Pile Pie Ale is Greenport Harbor Brewing Company’s richer, pastry-inspired twist on their popular Leaf Pile Pumpkin Ale. While the brewery calls it “pastry-style,” it drinks far more balanced than the dessert-heavy reputation the phrase usually brings. The spice hits first—warm cinnamon and autumn spice notes—followed by a touch of graham cracker and vanilla that softens the edges without turning the beer syrupy or overly sweet. At 8.5% ABV, it stays surprisingly smooth, with no alcohol bite fighting its way through.

What makes Leaf Pile Pie interesting is the way it walks the line between classic pumpkin ale and the brewery’s attempt at a richer, fall-dessert version of their flagship seasonal. For me, it lands just north of middle-of-the-road: the flavors are clean, the profile is steady, and although I wouldn’t call it a true pastry beer, it’s still a pleasant, slightly elevated take on the original. If you want to know how this one stacks up against dozens of others this season, check where it ranks in our Fluid List of the Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked.

  • Style: Pumpkin Ale (Pastry-inspired variant)
  • ABV: 8.5%
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Seasonal: Fall (Limited Release)
  • Brewer: Brewed by Greenport Harbor Brewing Company in collaboration with Root + Branch Brewing. Based in Long Island, NY, Greenport Harbor is known for its balanced, approachable styles—especially its long-running fall favorite, Leaf Pile Pumpkin Ale. This “Leaf Pile Pie” variant is their richer, dessert-leaning interpretation, incorporating vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, and other autumnal ingredients while still keeping the overall profile cleaner and less sugary than typical pastry ales.

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A 16oz can of Allagash Dark Lager with Cherries, featuring a burgundy label with illustrated cherries and “Limited Release” branding, photographed on a clean white background.

Allagash Dark Lager with Cherries Review

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I picked up Allagash’s Dark Lager with Cherries, hoping for a stronger cherry flavor — and I kind of still do — but it works for what it is. The dark malt takes center stage with notes of roasted coffee and cocoa, while the cherry quietly softens the edges and keeps the beer from feeling too heavy.

It’s not sweet, but the fruit adds just enough roundness to make the roastiness more approachable. The finish leans dry and slightly bitter, giving it that crisp lager character that balances out the darker tones.

If you like dark beers, it’s definitely drinkable; if you don’t, it may not win you over. Still, for those who enjoy roasted malts with a subtle twist, it’s a satisfying and easy-drinking brew.

  • Style: Dark Lager
  • ABV: 5.1%
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Seasonal: Limited Release
  • Brewer: Allagash Brewing Company, located in Portland, Maine, is known for crafting Belgian-inspired beers with creativity and balance. They focus on quality ingredients, traditional techniques, and subtle innovation, producing beers that are approachable yet layered with depth and flavor.

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KCBC Vicious Crush Watermelon Lime Gose in a 16 ounce can, sour ale brewed in Brooklyn, New York by Kings County Brewers Collective.

KCBC Vicious Crush Watermelon Lime Gose Reviewed

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KCBC’s Vicious Crush Watermelon Lime Gose is one of the best watermelon beers I’ve had. It opens with a rush of sweet, tangy watermelon before easing into a smooth, salty linger that takes me back to childhood summers—watermelon with a sprinkle of salt. It’s a juxtaposition as intriguing as a Margarita, so don’t knock it until you try it.

Bright, refreshing, and full of character, this gose works in any season, but it feels essential for summer drinking. Balanced and playful, it’s the kind of beer that keeps you coming back for another sip.

  • Style: Gose (Watermelon Lime Sour Ale)
  • ABV: 5.2%
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Seasonal: Summer (Limited Release)
  • Brewer: Kings County Brewers Collective (KCBC), based in Brooklyn, New York, is a standout in the city’s craft beer scene known for its bold, artistic can designs and inventive flavor combinations. Their beers often balance creativity with drinkability, and Vicious Crush Watermelon Lime Gose exemplifies that ethos—bright, tart, and refreshing with a touch of salt and fruit-driven flair.

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Denim show poster for Manhattan Vintage’s Denim Edition show on September 27, 2025, featuring a model in distressed denim and layered vintage clothing, highlighting the event focused on vintage denim and workwear.
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Denim Edition: A One-Day Denim Show You’ll Want on Your Radar

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Saturday, September 27, 2025
🕚 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
📍 59 Orchard Street, Lower East Side, NYC

If you’re a fan of vintage denim, creative customization, and the culture surrounding rugged American workwear, Denim Edition might be the best denim show you’ll attend this year. It’s a tightly curated, one-day-only event happening on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, hosted by the organizers of the Manhattan Vintage Show. But this isn’t your usual vintage fair—it’s all denim, all day.

Unlike broader vintage markets, Denim Edition is built specifically for people who love jeans. Whether you’re a hardcore collector, a vintage shopper hunting for that just-right fade, or someone who likes your denim with a bit of character and history, this show delivers. It brings together a small group of expert dealers, makers, and services focused solely on denim, workwear, and Americana.

One of the most exciting aspects of this show isn’t just what you can buy—it’s what you can do. All tickets include complimentary snacks, drinks, and access to free custom embroidery, live tailoring, and silkscreening. So if you pick up something great—or bring something with you—you’ll have real-time access to the people who can help you make it even better.

This kind of experience is rare, especially in New York, where fashion events often lean glossy and crowded. Denim Edition is the opposite: focused, hands-on, and built for people who care more about fabric weight and construction than hashtags and hype. It’s a place to get inspired, ask questions, and connect with people who know their stuff.

Purchase Tickets

Who’s Exhibiting

The lineup features a sharp mix of vintage denim dealers, custom denim makers, and creative studios. Here’s the full list of confirmed participants:

Each brings a different point of view—some specialize in archival Levi’s and military garments, while others focus on patchwork, reconstructed denim, or limited-run pieces with their own storytelling. It’s a rare chance to see that much denim depth in one place.

Dud Denim

Ecdysis

Jac’s Gold

Junk In The Truck Brooklyn

Krop Jeans

Local Clothing

Proprietors

Sea City Vintage

Sisters Vintage

Tea Street Vintage

The Gallery of Wearable Art

Trash Closet

Tranny + Mutation

Trust Luck Vintage

Wild Wild East Vintage

Williamsburg Garment Company

A Denim Show Built for the City

For locals, especially Manhattanites who never seem to make it across the river to Brooklyn, this is a no-excuses opportunity. If you’ve been meaning to get something tailored, altered, or customized by the folks who really know how to handle heavyweight denim, Williamsburg Garment Company will be there offering in-person consultations and $30 while-you-wait chainstitch hemming. And if you’re just visiting NYC for the weekend, it’s a great way to plug into the local denim scene in one afternoon.

The location—59 Orchard Street—is walkable from the F, J, and M trains, and surrounded by classic LES energy: coffee shops, art spaces, hidden storefronts, and enough food spots to keep you moving all day. It’s the kind of show where you come for the jeans but stick around for the people and the vibe.

How to Attend

Tickets for Denim Edition are available now via the Manhattan Vintage Instagram and Eventbrite. Attendance is limited to keep the event intimate, so it’s worth locking in a spot early.

Whether you’re hunting for deadstock gold, ready to have your jeans reworked on the spot, or just want to hang out with people who speak fluent selvedge, this is the denim show you’ve been waiting for.

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