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.

 

 

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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.

 

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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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