Madewell Partners With Denim Expert Benjamin Talley Smith

Why It Matters

The partnership signals Madewell’s push into premium, sustainably‑crafted denim, catering to consumers seeking both style and ethical production. It also positions the brand to capture higher‑margin sales in a competitive apparel market.

Key Takeaways

• Madewell launches seven‑piece denim capsule with Benjamin Talley Smith
• Collection features Putney jean, Fairview jacket, Allerton jacket, Coolidge jean
• Uses 100% conventional or Regenagri cotton, handcrafted in LA
• Prices $88‑$398, sold online and select stores
• Highlights artisanal craftsmanship, longevity, and sustainable denim trends

Pulse Analysis

Madewell’s latest collaboration underscores a broader industry shift toward limited‑edition, high‑touch collections that differentiate brands in an oversaturated denim market. By aligning with a specialist like Benjamin Talley Smith, the retailer taps into niche expertise, reinforcing its reputation for quality while generating buzz that extends beyond traditional retail channels. Such partnerships also allow fast‑fashion players to command premium pricing without alienating core customers who value the brand’s classic aesthetic.

Benjamin Talley Smith brings a portfolio that spans luxury houses and mass‑market retailers, giving him a unique perspective on balancing craftsmanship with scalability. His use of Regenagri cotton—a regenerative agricultural fiber—reflects growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible materials. Hand‑sewing details on a vintage shuttle loom and a multi‑step production process, where over twenty artisans touch each garment, elevate the perceived value and support the narrative of durability and timeless design.

For investors and industry watchers, the collection’s $88‑$398 price band illustrates Madewell’s strategic move up the value chain, targeting shoppers willing to pay for provenance and sustainability. The limited‑edition format creates urgency, driving both online traffic and footfall to select stores. If the capsule meets sales expectations, it could pave the way for more collaborations that blend artisanal techniques with mainstream distribution, reinforcing Madewell’s position as a bridge between accessible fashion and premium denim craftsmanship.

Madewell Partners With Denim Expert Benjamin Talley Smith

By Angela Velasquez · February 20, 2026 11:39 am

Madewell tapped Benjamin Talley Smith, the founder of Talley Creative, the Los Angeles‑based design agency that has developed denim lines for Helmut Lang, Everlane, Khaite, Walmart and more, for a special collection.

Created with Madewell’s hallmark attention to fit and longevity, the limited‑edition women’s capsule showcases Talley Smith’s expert artisanal craftsmanship.

The seven‑piece collection includes the Putney jean, a straight‑leg mid‑rise ’90s silhouette with double‑needle western stitching along the outseam and gold‑tone hardware. The Fairview barn jacket also features gold hardware.

The Allerton denim jacket, a vintage workwear‑inspired style with a suede collar, coordinates with the Coolidge, a low‑rise wide‑leg jean with leather button tabs on the side.

The denim garments were handcrafted in Los Angeles and use either 100 percent conventional cotton or 100 percent Regenagri cotton. Washes span ecru to dark indigo. Pieces are finished with a custom label sewn on a vintage shuttle loom.

“Over 20 people touch these jeans—from me to the pattern maker, fit model, tech designer, sewing team and washing team. In the end, they become your favorite pair—which is exactly what I hope they’ll be,” Talley Smith said in a statement.

The collection also features cropped T‑shirts with a boxy fit and a “borrowed‑from‑the‑boys” sweatshirt.

The Benjamin Talley Smith × Madewell collection is available now on Madewell’s website and in select stores. The collection retails for $88 – $398.