Tags
"Japanese denim", classic denim design, denim, denim as fashion wear, denim fabrication, denim wear, John Bull Jenas, made in Japan, Oni Jeans, Samurai Jeans, selvedge denim, Visvim Jeans
From its humble beginnings as durable material for work-wear
to its evolution as high status fabrication for designer clothing
denim is lauded for its versatility:
for use in the creation of
an array of garments from head to toe (hats to shoes)
to a symbol of fashion democratisation, accessibility for all.
…
Then … workers’ wear
Denim overalls
working on the railroad
(image from yolastie.com)
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Now … worn by all
Denim democratization
hands up in the air for denim!
(image from urbandarling.com)
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With its appearance on the American clothing scene
in the mid-19th century
(thanks to the entrepreneur Levi Strauss
who established the first company to manufacture jeans
Levi Strauss & Co, San Francisco, California)
denim wear has been long associated with American fashion
until now.
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Iconic denim brand
Levi Strauss & Co
company label illustrating denim wear as work wear
(image from new.nd.edu)
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Creating singular denim wear has become a particular strength
of a few Japanese design labels
who have become expert in producing denim fabrication
of a vintage quality as inspired by classic Levi Strauss clothing.
The effect is achieved by adhering to traditional denim manufacturing:
producing a raw finish that softens over time as well as using
shuttle looms to produce “selvedge” denim-
tightly woven edges which prevent fraying.
The look is classic denim.
…
Selvedge “edge”
in orange stitching
(image from nudiejean.com)
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The characteristic features of denim wear produced in Japan
have revived much interest in the
aesthetics of traditional denim attire .
This fashion phenomenon has evolved over the past decade plus and
is sometimes refered to as “Japanese denim”
and by the term more industry-wide recognised-
selvage denim.
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The finished garments are wonderfully “old school” in look and feel.
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A few “Japanese denim” brands
made in Japan, influenced by the U. S.
Traditional look
Traditonal cut
Traditional fabrication
by Samauri Jeans, Japan
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by John Bull, Japan
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by Oni Jeans
no fuss, no frills denim jacket
(images by global.rakuten.com)
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by Blue Blue Japan
worker-wear inspired
patchwork jacket
(image from mrporter.com)
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Some “Japanese denim” labels, such as
Visvim by designer Hiroki Nakamura-
imprint a local stamp on vintage effect denim
creating singular pieces, which integrate
elements of Japanese dress aesthetics
into the finished design.
The resulting look is of intricate detail and silhouette.
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Some added extras
from Visvim
by designer Hiroki Nakamura
modelled by Hiroki Nakamura
Denim shawl of print and pattern
(image from wgsn.com)
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Blue padded jacket with tan lining
(image from stylesight)
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The price tag?
Not exactly a “democratizing” feature of this brand of denim wear.
However, the finished pieces are special garments warmly welcomed by
denim wear enthusiasts.
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