NEW YORK, Aug 26, 2002/ FWD/ --- "There are no prints but the pieces are not simple -- it is an extremely sophisticated process," designer Custo Dalmau told FWD about his new but vintage denim line for Custo Barcelona.

"The line is being made in one of the oldest denim factories in Argentina," he added.

"They used to produce for denim labels like Levi's so they are equipped to handle the complicated production."

It was Custo's original cheeky, kitschy prints that drew the likes of Penelope Cruz, Tobey Maguire, Gwen Stefani, Cindy Crawford, Calista Flockhart and Lisa Kudrow, but the last couple of seasons have seen the Spanish designer moving towards a more sophisticated tailoring and fabric.

The vintage denim line will hit stores at the end of the year, but for those who cannot wait to slide into Custo cut jeans, a basic denim line concentrating on jeans, jackets and some skirts whose design "is only about the fit and wash" are available now.

The entire Custo collection is becoming increasingly available at select department stores; also, Custo recently opened stores in Chicago and Mexico, and at the end of the year plans to open on New York's Greene Street.

"I am in the final stages of contracts for New York -- a couple of months' work and we are opening," he says firmly.

But don't think Custo's bright, cheery prints are a thing of the past; he was recently asked by Chrysler to design the exterior and interior of a Chrysler PT Cruiser.

"It was shown at the Pon Te De Moda event in Madrid and should be in production next year. It was colorful and bold inside and out," he says of the car.

"They gave me one, which is great, but it was just a plain one and I prefer things with a little life and color."

Custo Barcelona Spring 2003

Custo Barcelona Spring 2003

Custo Barcelona Spring 2003