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- April 26 - Momotaro Fade
April 26 - Momotaro Fade
David Shuck
April 26, 2024
/ New Releases /
From Kapital photographer Eric Kvatek:
Kapital’s Kountry shoot is for the higher end, typically distressed denim line. As such, it is typically somewhat off the wall. Past Kountry shoots involved pornographic biker imagery, a Free Tibet theme that immediately prompted death threats and even worse and conversely a fairly boring attempt at an all denim baseball game that was shut down by the police.
For Kountry 2024, Kiro requested vintage motocross which pleased me greatly as I actually remember and love motocross from the 70s and 80s. One of the first bikes I road was a Suzuki DS 185. I immediately began collecting vintage motocross props and scoured southern California for vintage looking dirt bike tracks.
Kiro’s designs focused on padded denim motocross gear, racing inspired jackets, and checkered winner’s flag themed garments. The shoot was a blend of motocross tomfoolery and general 1970’s red neck hijinks inspired by memories from my youth. The gang of friends and friends of friends I assembled rose to the occasion and did not disappoint.
Just before the shoot, Kiro learned that his father had cancer. So unbeknownst to the crew, Kiro and I were dedicating this photo shoot and video to his father. To say that we put our hearts and souls into it is stating it mildly.
Toshikiyo Hirata
Kiro’s father, Toshikiyo Hirata, the founder of Kapital was a fairly stoic man. Despite being a pioneer of Japanese denim, he was not interested in accolades. What he really loved was the factory and at the end of the day, hanging out with the workers. I was fortunate to know him for twenty years. Despite a language barrier, we bonded over a shared love of beer, sushi, and vintage denim.
He will be greatly missed.
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Pieces of the Kountry Collection are currently available at Blue in Green. You can see more from Eric’s behind the scenes on his Instagram.
/ New Releases /
Made from 13.5 oz Suvin cotton selvedge black and blue denim respectively (designed in Canada and crafted in Japan), you’re in for textural titillation. Known as the ‘white gold’ of denim, the luxurious feel has put its name on the map, though the durability of the fabric keeps it there.
Featuring a design that blends old school with new, the relaxed taper fit compliments 6-count-em-6 pockets with the highlight surely being the zippered security pocket out back. Again, these are not gramps 5-pocket 501s. Fitted with adjustable snap waist fastening like its the early 1900s, whether you want a tighter fit or a looser one, the power is in your hands.
Available for $318 from HAVEN.
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Be an Ivy King with Drake’s’ Multi-Stripe BD Oxford Shirt
Ivy style may be predominantly clean and refined, but crazy striped shirts like this Drake’s Multi-Stripe BD Oxford Shirt definitely made the odd appearance at campus parties. This piece from the British Ivy powerhouse serves as a reminder that Ivy can be far from predictable.
Featuring a classic button-down collar and a tailored fit, this Ivy staple is cut longer for easier tucking. Pair it with some chinos or jeans and some brown suede loafers to run errands in style, or dress it up with some high-waisted trousers and a sports jacket for a more refined ensemble.
Available for $345 from Independence Chicago.
/ Fade Friday /
Momotaro 0305 – 2G 18oz (19 Months, 3 Washes)
19 months and 3 washes. That’s all the time Ilham in Indonesia needs to transport a pair of Momotaro 18 oz jeans 10 years into the distant future. Wearing them on campus every day, this faithful fader got to work on these Momos immediately and has not looked back since.
Featuring some heavily forged whiskering and honeycombs throughout, the creasing makes it seem like these jeans were caught in a lightning storm – shock and all. More like shock and awe! Built around dramatic contrast, what we have here is the perfect balance between indigo evolution and natural yellowing, giving the jeans an old-school cowboy energy.
With Momotaro’s painted ‘battle stripes’ hanging on for dear life and the leather patch healthily patinated, these jeans check all the boxes leaving not much else to strive for. I guess that means they can retire, or better still be hung in a Momotaro store as a way to exhibit how well the brand’s denim fades.
/ Weekly Rundown /
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