G-STAR is reactivating its recognizable ARC denim model, which is characterized by its distinctive curved silhouette. This collection is presented in a bolder design, featuring new denim types and the involvement of Belgian DJ Charlotte de Witt in the advertising campaign.
ARC is a model of curved jeans that the Dutch brand first introduced in 2007. This time, it returns with an enhanced leg curve, looser and oversized options, as well as a new selection of denim shades and finishes.
Charlotte de Witt is featured in the 'Own the Arc' campaign, marking the beginning of her multi-year collaboration with G-STAR and her debut campaign as the brand's Global Ambassador. This campaign is also accompanied by the relaunch of the G-STAR Women line.
De Witt is known for her work as a DJ and producer, as well as as the founder of the KNTXT platform dedicated to music, events, and culture. She has performed at major festivals such as Tomorrowland, Coachella, Movement Detroit, and Ultra Miami, and released her debut album under her own name in 2025.
For the 'Own the Arc' campaign, she is depicted in a series of black and white photos taken by Marie Wynants. The campaign draws a connection between the ARC shape and the Triumphal Arch, showing how De Witt moves from the base of the monument to the summit.
Although De Witt gives the relaunch a new look, the ARC model itself is part of G-STAR's history for almost two decades.
What is ARC?
The ARC model does not look like standard jeans. This is because the seams wrap around the leg instead of running straight down, giving the jeans a curved shape from the waist to the hem.
Over the decades, G-STAR has experimented with how jeans follow the contours of the body. It all started with the Elwood model in 1996, designed by Pierre Maurice, who envisioned that jeans should work with the body during movement.
When ARC appeared 11 years later, this concept became even more evident. The curved seams gave the leg a curvature that became one of the defining features of the style. Nearly 20 years later, this curvature remains a key element.
Introducing the new ARC
For the 2026 season, G-STAR has made the signature ARC curve more pronounced, offering larger shapes, looser fits, and more defined cuffs.
The women's collection features the 3D ARC Slim, which is narrower through the leg but offers more room around the waist and hips. The 3D ARC Loose is also available in a low-rise, relaxed cut with a high cuff that emphasizes the curved silhouette.
The men's line includes the 3D ARC Tapered, which has a relaxed fit in the waist and hips before tapering to the ankle. The 3D ARC Loose offers an even roomier cut and greater volume throughout the leg.
The various styles allow consumers to choose how they want to wear ARC depending on how much they want to emphasize its distinctive shape.
Three types of denim finishes
In 2026, ARC is released in various denim finishes, each lending the jeans a slightly different appearance. Raw Vintage X3D features a deep indigo with a greenish undertone and a pronounced distressed effect. NEO RAW retains the look of raw denim but has been washed; it is available in rigid, stretch, and super-stretch versions. Passado has a biodegradable coating created using algae, which gives the denim a deeper blue color and a stronger contrast.
Why the revival now?
Currently, the denim industry is not dictated by a single form; the fashion incorporates skinny, straight, wide, and loose jeans. This allows a design like ARC to exist on its own terms. It does not need to fit into one of the current trends, as its uniqueness is determined by its manufacturing method.
This is why the return is not just about recreating the 2007 jeans. The shape remains recognizable, but the fit and denim types have been updated for 2026. Although ARC has changed since its first appearance in 2007, the core idea remains unchanged: to use denim in an unexpected context. With Charlotte de Witt leading the new chapter, G-STAR gives this shape a new context while preserving the curve that started it all.
Nearly two decades later, ARC has returned, and it seems G-STAR continues to stay ahead of trends. ARC is available worldwide in selected retail stores and on the g-star.com website.