Amalie and Cecilie Moosgaard know what works. The Danish sisters behind Lie Studio have built their brand on the idea that getting dressed should be simple, not stressful. Their latest collaboration with upper hights, the cult Japanese denim label, proves they practice what they preach. Cover image: courtesy of upper hights
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IN CONVERSATION WITH CECILIE AND AMALIE MOOSGAARD
“We’re both massive denim lovers, and we’re almost always wearing denim jeans, so it felt very natural to collaborate with upper hights,” says the duo. “And then I think it’s no secret that Japanese denim is some of the absolute best, so we were only thrilled to be a part of this.” The partnership makes perfect sense when you consider what both brands stand for. Upper hights has spent years perfecting the art of elevated basics, while Lie Studio has made minimalism feel modern and accessible. Together, they’ve created two styles that speak to women who want quality without the fuss.
Japanese denim is a popular fashion staple. “Made in Japan” means more than origin. It stands for quality, integrity, and trust. Each pair of jeans is made with skilled makers in Japan’s historic textile regions. They are durable and good-looking, in one.The mills in Okayama and Hiroshima have perfected their techniques for decades, treating denim production like an art form. The Moosgaard sisters’ experience with this tradition opened their eyes to the process behind their favorite wardrobe staple.
“The wisdom and knowledge!” they exclaim when asked about the most surprising aspect of the collaboration. “We knew the process of creating denim was a craft, but understanding how washes and that vintage look are made was incredibly interesting.” The sisters appreciate that Japanese denim goes beyond just fabric quality. “The history, we would say, of Japanese denim is almost legendary,” they explain—this reverence for tradition aligned perfectly with their Scandinavian approach to design.
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
“In this collaboration, we combined the best of both worlds,” they say. “Scandinavian design is known for its minimalism, simplicity, and functionality, while Japanese culture brings exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a real sense of balance. We love the result.” The collection features two distinct silhouettes. There’s a slimmer straight-leg style for when you want polish and a vintage-inspired cut that pairs perfectly with a white tee. Both styles reflect the sisters’ philosophy that good design should make life easier, not harder.
“Anything that speaks to classic, minimalistic, and simple dressing is right up our alley,” they say. “We love anything that makes getting dressed easier, and a good pair of denim jeans is just that for us.” This practical approach extends to how they envision women wearing the pieces. “These jeans are jeans that we would always feel comfortable in, and something we would wear every day, whether with a blazer or a sweater.”
The collaboration taught them something valuable about the denim industry. Working closely with upper hights revealed the complexity behind what appears simple. “Partnering with upper hights has taught us a lot about denim and especially the incredible craftsmanship of Japanese denim,” they reflect. “So much work goes into the perfect pair of jeans. Upper hights have mastered denim, and we are always eager to hear about the production of denim.”
Check out the collab collection here.
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