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)
…
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.
…
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

…
by John Bull, Japan

…
by Oni Jeans
no fuss, no frills denim jacket

(images by global.rakuten.com)
…
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.
…
Some added extras
from Visvim
by designer Hiroki Nakamura
modelled by Hiroki Nakamura

Denim shawl of print and pattern
(image from wgsn.com)
…

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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