Styles and aesthetics of fashion

Soman — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 11:07:29 +0000

Modens stilarter og æstetikker

Fashion styles and aesthetics are related concepts, but they do not refer to the same thing.

A fashion style should be understood as an individual’s consistent way of dressing and expressing their identity through clothing. It is the entirety of the individual’s wardrobe that defines their personal fashion style.

A fashion aesthetic should be understood as a visual theme that is expressed through clothing. These themes are often inspired by subcultures or historical periods.

Streetwear

Streetwear emerged in the 1990s and draws inspiration from skate and hip-hop culture. The focus is on trendy, comfortable, and casual clothing suited for being active in the streets. Graphic tops, logos, baggy pants, and sneakers are central to streetwear. It was popularized by brands such as Supreme and Stüssy, as well as designer Virgil Abloh, who combined streetwear with luxury.

Street Style

Street style describes the fashion that originates from everyday people in the streets. In other words, it is the fashion of the culture rather than the fashion of the industry. There is a strong focus on individualism and creating a personal expression through clothing. It is about being comfortable and confident in what you wear while showcasing your personal creativity. Street style also reflects the local culture and differs from city to city.

Sporty

Sportswear is clothing originating from the world of sports. It is practical and comfortable, often made from stretchy and soft materials in vibrant colors. It consists of full tracksuits and sports gear, or components from the sports wardrobe combined with other clothing styles to indicate an “on-the-go” lifestyle.

Gorpcore

Gorpcore is functional outdoor clothing used as fashion. GORP comes from the hiker and camper snack “Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts.” It features practical materials such as fleece, nylon, and Gore-Tex, along with a color palette inspired by the earthy tones of nature. Think Arc’teryx, The North Face, Patagonia, and Salomon. Typical garments include technical backpacks and pants, down jackets and vests, and hiking shoes.

Casual

Casual wear is simple and relaxed clothing suited for everyday use. It is spontaneous, informal, and prioritizes comfort over style, with a focus on appearing presentable yet down-to-earth.

Classic

Classic wear is defined by timeless, essential clothing. It is simple yet well-fitted attire that can be easily mixed and matched. There is less focus on decorative details and more emphasis on quality. It is, in truth, “the basics.”

Chic

The chic style exudes elegance and confidence, consisting of simple yet luxurious clothing of high quality. Soft and comfortable materials such as silk and cashmere are used. The clothing is often form-fitting to highlight the wearer’s figure. It should appear as though minimal effort has been put into the look while radiating maximum sophistication.

Old money

Old Money is inspired by the upper-class environment and inherited wealth. It values quality over quantity, with a focus on a sophisticated appearance. The clothing is made from exclusive fabrics such as silk, cashmere, and wool, in muted colors like beige, navy, white, and black. Typical garments include blazers, polos, loafers, pleated skirts, and tweed jackets.

Artsy

The artsy style is an unconventional way of dressing that centers on creativity and expressing one’s character through clothing. Flamboyant colors and shapes, a mix of materials, and personal styling create what is called “wearable art.” There is genuine artistic freedom, and it is all about having fun.

Bohemian/boho chic

Bohemian, or boho chic, is a style that emphasizes being relaxed, free, and soulful. It features loose-fitting clothing in light, airy, and typically natural materials that allow freedom of movement. Floral and paisley patterns are combined with fabrics that flow with the wind. Bohemian style draws on nature’s colors, patterns, and motifs to appeal to the nature lover.

Country

Country style is inspired by American rural life and Western culture, often with many cowboy references. It is durable clothing originally intended for hard work on the farm. Typical garments include cowboy boots, hats, denim jeans and jackets, leather belts with large buckles, and plaid shirts.

Hippie

Hippie style is inspired by the counterculture of the 1960s and 70s, with a focus on freedom, creativity, and youthfulness. Essential components include psychedelic colors, tie-dye, paisley patterns, and flowers. Typical garments include flared jeans, headbands, round glasses, leather sandals, and fringe jackets.

Romantic

Romantic describes a feminine and dreamy style. It embraces a soft and graceful appearance, with light and sheer materials. Pastel colors, florals, flowing shapes, and an emphasis on the feminine figure and elegance are central to the style.

Kawaii

Kawaii means “cute” in Japanese and is inspired by cartoons. The focus is on youthfulness, playfulness, and exaggerated, sweet, and childlike details. It features pastel colors such as purple, pink, and blue, along with illustrations of animals, cartoon characters, and hearts. Typical garments include pleated skirts, platform shoes, over-the-knee socks, bows, plush bags, and hair clips.

Glamour

Hollywood is best used to describe the glamour style. It is all about making an impression. The focus is on being sexy, eye-catching, and dramatic. The glamour style exudes luxury, with sophisticated silhouettes and embellishments designed to reflect the light. Fur, pearls, and powder all contribute to creating an opulent appearance.

Edgy

The edgy style is about being different. It can be provocative, featuring political statements or expressions of a unique personality. It often combines denim, leather, and shiny metals to create a raw and rebellious look. Dark tones, gloomy motifs, and worn-out fabrics are essential elements of the edgy style.

Goth

Goth is inspired by dark, gothic art and architecture. It is predominantly black and dramatic. Cosmetic expression plays a major role, with black or dark lipsticks and eyeliners, along with pale skin. Typical garments include combat boots, fishnet stockings, corsets, black dresses, and skirts.

Grunge

The grunge style draws inspiration from the 1980s and 90s focus on individuality and rebellion against capitalism. Flannels, jeans, messy hairstyles, and vintage clothing are characteristic of this style. An authentic look is prioritized over a polished and glamorous one. The style was especially popularized by Nirvana’s lead singer, Kurt Cobain.

Y2k

Y2K, or Year 2000, is inspired by the 1990s and early 2000s excitement for the new millennium. Futurism is mixed with retro, playing with metallic textures, plastic, shiny materials, and colors ranging from pastels to neon. Y2K was especially popularized by Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. Typical garments include baby tees, miniskirts, colorful tracksuits, low-rise pants, and oversized tinted sunglasses.

Punk

The punk style is intended to provoke the status quo, featuring raw, vulgar, harsh, and sexual elements. It is the most visible physical expression of rebellion. Mohawks, tattoos, piercings, and spikes often appear in punk style, along with clothing such as leather jackets, ripped jeans, and graphic T-shirts. Vivienne Westwood is credited for popularizing and bringing punk style to the catwalk.

Cyberpunk

Cyberpunk is inspired by a futuristic, dystopian world. It is a high-tech environment with skyscrapers, neon lights, and holograms — and fashion must keep up. Materials such as leather, nylon, PVC, and metals are used to create a high-tech appearance. The line between human and machine should be blurred. Typical garments include futuristic sunglasses, techwear, combat boots, and neon elements.

The post Styles and aesthetics of fashion appeared first on .

CK one

Soman — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:06:49 +0000

CK One

In 1994, Calvin Klein released the iconic fragrance CK One. An aromatic and fresh citrus scent, encapsulated in a minimalist frosted glass bottle with a screw cap.

What was special about CK One was its marketing: black-and-white ads featuring androgynous models of all genders, including Kate Moss and Jenny Shimizu. They wore the same clothes, and they wore the same scent: CK One. The fragrance was marketed as a unisex product with the tagline: “A fragrance for a man or a woman.”

It was the first unisex fragrance to achieve massive popularity and is now considered mainstream. It was groundbreaking and paved the way for a more androgynous fashion. CK One became a symbol of youthful freedom and community.

The Scent

Perfumers Alberto Morillas and Harry Fremont collaborated to create the balanced fragrance. It is neither overly fruity nor dominated by masculine woody notes. Instead, it carries a harmonious blend of floral and musky aromas.

Top notes: lemon, pineapple, mandarin, bergamot, cardamom, and papaya

Heart notes: jasmine, violet, rose, nutmeg, lily of the valley, and orris root

Base notes: musk, cedarwood, sandalwood, oakmoss, and amber

Cash Cow

The fragrance is still sold after 30 years and remains one of the most popular perfumes in history. At the time of its launch, 20 bottles of CK One were sold every minute. It has served as a true cash cow for Calvin Klein, generating many millions of dollars every year since its release.

The post CK one appeared first on .

Fashion shows

Soman — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 11:41:45 +0000

Fashion shows

A fashion show is an event where a fashion house presents its new collection to the public, including buyers, influencers, and celebrities, to generate sales and publicity. At each show, the fashion house’s designer showcases their vision for the upcoming season’s style and trends. Models typically wear the clothes to give the audience an impression of comfort and proportions.

Formal Fashion Show

This is the most conventional type of fashion show, often also called a fashion parade. Models walk individually or in pairs down the catwalk, similar to a street parade. A show can last anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes.

Typically, besides wearing the fashion house’s clothing, models undergo hair and makeup styling to enhance the designer’s vision for the look. Additionally, surrounding elements can be tailored to create the desired atmosphere for the show. These include choreography, sound and music, lighting, set design, performances, and acting. These artistic choices can elevate the show from a simple presentation to a spectacular experience. Each of these enhancements comes with a cost, which is why some fashion shows are sponsored externally. This outside funding allows the fashion house to make the show more extravagant while giving sponsors exposure.

A fashion house may also choose to organise a Charity Fashion Show. These events not only showcase clothing but also highlight humanitarian causes and underprivileged communities. The show helps raise funds for various social issues, and often a percentage of the fashion house’s revenue is donated to the cause.

Informal Fashion Show

In this type of show, clothing is presented under more modest conditions and is typically less exclusive than the formal fashion show variant. This could take place in a retail store, the fashion house’s atelier, on a street, or another public setting. Models walk among customers and the audience, interacting with them, creating a more intimate experience and atmosphere. The clothing shown is usually aimed at a broader audience. Customers can often purchase the items immediately, rather than waiting six months, as is the case with a formal fashion show.

An example of an informal fashion show is what’s called a Trunk Show. The name comes from the fact that the clothing is transported in trunks to different retail stores. Here, the designer personally presents their collection and takes orders. Models may be present but are not essential for a trunk show. This type of show often provides access to exclusive and lesser-known brands. The designer’s trunk show typically lasts from one day to a few weeks in each store.

The post Fashion shows appeared first on .

Fast fashion

Soman — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 11:28:48 +0000

fast fashion

Fast fashion is a term used in the fashion industry where rapid production and low prices are key factors. Fast fashion companies manufacture massive quantities of clothing at record speed. These companies replicate fashion week and streetwear trends, and follow micro-trends that emerge on social media. Typically, the garments are of low quality, made from cheap synthetic fabrics like polyester, and not intended for long-term use. However, their competitive pricing makes fast fashion a threat to both traditional fashion houses and the climate.

Conventional fashion houses usually produce clothing for two seasons: Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter. Companies such as H&M and Zara can release new collections within a matter of weeks. Some fast fashion brands produce up to 52 seasons per year.

The term ultrafast fashion refers to companies like Shein, which can produce new clothing collections within just a few days. Shein maintains a catalogue of 600,000 different garments at any given time. Initially, the garments are produced in small batches of 50–150 pieces per day. The batch size is then adjusted based on the demand for that specific design.

The consequences of fast fashion

This way of conducting business contributes to several ethical issues. Reports show that between 2000 and 2014, global clothing production doubled, and garments purchased per capita increased by 60%. This happened in line with the rising popularity of fast fashion companies and the acceleration of trend cycles. Micro-trends are a catalyst for fast fashion’s development. These trends last only a few weeks, after which a new micro-trend emerges. Companies respond quickly to these and can produce trend-driven garments in no time.

The clothing holds little emotional value for consumers, as it is cheap and quickly goes out of fashion. As a result, much of the clothing is discarded after just a few uses. When clothes are thrown away, they often end up in landfills. These garments, which contain chemicals, dyes, and synthetic fabrics, do not biodegrade like organic waste. Instead, they release toxins into the air, soil, and groundwater.

The production of the clothing is also a dirty and unethical process. Polyester and other synthetic textiles commonly found in fast fashion items are derived from fossil fuels. These textiles release microplastics during both production and washing, which end up in our water systems. Over a third of the microplastics found in the oceans come from synthetic textiles. The entire fashion industry is responsible for 10% of annual global CO₂ emissions. While fast fashion companies cannot be blamed entirely, they are far from innocent.

Health-related effects

The toxins and pollution don’t just end up in nature — they also affect garment workers and consumers. It has been proven that synthetic textile products from fast fashion companies can be harmful to the skin and health when worn. Garment workers and people living in nearby towns around the factories are exposed to these toxins on a daily basis.

Furthermore, garment workers in the Global South are underpaid for hard labour under harsh conditions. The majority of these workers are women. During 10–14-hour workdays, they are subjected to physical and psychological abuse. Safety regulations in factories are neglected, and injuries or threats to workers’ safety are often ignored. Despite these conditions, workers still struggle to feed themselves and their families — yet they comply, as they have no better alternative.

The post Fast fashion appeared first on .

The fashion seasons

Soman — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 11:13:02 +0000

The fashion seasons

SPring/summer

The Spring/Summer (S/S) collections are showcased at fashion week between June and September of the previous year. Menswear is often presented before womenswear. The clothing shown is delivered to stores between January and March of the following year. These collections feature garments for warmer weather, typically made from light and airy fabrics. S/S collections are often more colourful compared to Autumn/Winter (A/W).

Autumn/winter - Fall/winter

Autumn/Winter (A/W), also known as Fall/Winter (F/W), collections are presented at fashion week in January, February, and March, depending on whether it’s menswear or womenswear. The clothing showcased is delivered to stores between July and September of the same year. These collections are designed for colder weather, featuring thicker and warmer fabrics. A/W collections typically use darker colours and are usually priced higher than Spring/Summer (S/S) collections.

Pre-fall

Pre-fall collections serve as a transitional line between Spring/Summer (S/S) and Autumn/Winter (A/W). They are presented shortly before the A/W collections and arrive in stores around May. Pre-fall collections may be showcased with or without a fashion show. They often feature clothing that incorporates elements from both S/S and A/W, focusing on the shift between the two seasons.

Resort

Resort, Cruise, and Pre-spring collections are considered vacation collections. These collections are showcased in May, with the clothing delivered to stores in November. They are not part of the official fashion week programs. Therefore, the fashion houses themselves organize shows to present these collections.

Historically, these collections were created to outfit the upper class when traveling to warmer destinations as temperatures dropped in their local areas at the end of the year. However, with air travel becoming more accessible, these collections now reach a broader audience.

The post The fashion seasons appeared first on .

The collections of fashion

Soman — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 10:55:36 +0000

The collections of fashion

Regarding fashion collections, the primary distinction is between menswear and womenswear. Traditionally, these have been separate and showcased at different fashion weeks. However, over time, more co-ed collections have emerged. Co-ed collections include both menswear and womenswear and can also feature gender-neutral, or unisex, clothing.

Ready-To-Wear

Ready-To-Wear, Off-The-Rack, or Prêt-à-porter (the French term) refers, as the name suggests, to clothing that is ready to wear as soon as it’s produced. This is because it’s made in standard sizes (e.g., XXS to XXL) based on a sewing pattern, allowing for larger quantities to be produced in a shorter time. However, there remains a strong focus on quality, aesthetics, and uniqueness. It can be described as a more practical and accessible form of couture. For this reason, Ready-To-Wear differs from mass-produced fast fashion companies.

Ready-To-Wear shows feature practical clothing suited for everyday wear, targeting a mainstream audience. It is high fashion with lower production costs, and therefore sold at a more affordable price in contrast to couture.

Couture

Couture is French for “sewing” or “dressmaking.” It refers to clothing that is custom-made, tailored, and refined down to the smallest detail. It is handcrafted and created based on the exact measurements of the person who will wear it. A couture garment is usually unique, existing in only one single piece. Creating this one piece requires countless hours of labour and can break the bank. For this reason, it is intended for a far smaller audience than Ready-To-Wear.

For the mainstream audience, couture can seem like an abstract or even ridiculous concept. Much of what is shown on the catwalk is impractical and unconventional, yet at the same time magnificent. It represents the highest level of craftsmanship. The clothing is not suitable for everyday wear, nor is that the point. Couture showcases the artist’s signature style, sources of inspiration, and philosophy in an exaggerated and artistic manner. It illustrates the designer’s creativity and pushes the boundaries of fashion.

Haute Couture

Haute couture takes extravagance to the next level. The French word haute means “high,” so the term can be understood as dressmaking of the highest standards and quality. Haute couture fashion houses must follow strict rules to earn this prestigious status.

Primarily, they are regulated by the French government through the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode. This organisation organises Paris Fashion Week and decides which houses may call themselves Haute Couture. The term itself is protected under French law. The requirements include:

The fashion house’s atelier must be located in Paris.
Employ at least 15 full-time staff.
Produce at least 50 original designs per collection, including both day and evening looks.
Handcrafted using traditional couture techniques.
Offer customers made-to-order designs with multiple fittings.
Present collections twice a year at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week.

Capsule Collection

A capsule collection is a compact range of versatile clothing pieces designed to mix and match effortlessly. These collections typically include 10–50 garments in neutral colours, centred around a selected colour palette and theme. They allow for creating numerous different outfits and can be either season-specific or timeless, incorporating elements from multiple seasons.

A capsule collection is a sustainable alternative to conventional collections because it consists of fewer, often high-quality pieces that work well in multiple contexts. For this reason, consumers have less need to buy more clothing.

The post The collections of fashion appeared first on .

Slow fashion

Soman — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 10:46:33 +0000

Slow fashion

Slow fashion is a response to fast fashion. It involves high-quality products produced in smaller quantities. It is clothing manufacturing that respects people, animals, and the environment—using organic textiles and made by workers with good labour rights.

In other words, slow fashion is a sustainable approach to fashion expressed in many ways. It includes recycled and upcycled products, compact capsule collections made up of a few garments, and clothing created by local artisans. The challenge with slow fashion products is that they tend to be more expensive than fast fashion items, which can deter some consumers.

Mentality of the consumer

It is not just an approach for producers but also a mindset for consumers. It means buying fewer items that are meant to be used for many years. It involves purchasing products from second-hand shops. Shopping with care, purpose, and the pursuit of items that can hold emotional value is the essence of a slow fashion mindset.

The post Slow fashion appeared first on .

Fashion week

Soman — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 10:09:44 +0000

fashion week

Fashion Week is a week-long event where the biggest players in the industry and emerging talents organize runway shows for the upcoming season. Fashion Weeks are held in many cities worldwide, including Copenhagen, but the “Big 4”: Milan, New York, Paris, and London are by far the most popular and influential.

A fashion house typically creates at least two collections/seasons per year. These are distinguished as Spring/Summer (S/S) and Autumn/Winter (A/W). These are the core seasons for the fashion industry and are referred to as the main collections. These collections are the ones presented on the catwalk during Fashion Week. Additionally, many fashion houses also produce collections under the names Pre-fall and Resort/Cruise.

The season in question is presented six months before it officially hits the stores. This means that while the S/S collection is available in stores, the A/W collection is being shown on the runway—and vice versa. This timeline gives retailers ample opportunity to bring the collections to stores while creating demand among consumers.

The big 4

New York Fashion Week (NYFW) features shows and presentations from brands such as Thom Browne, Michael Kors, and Coach. The clothing is typically commercial with a focus on trends and streetwear.

London Fashion Week (LFW) includes shows and presentations from Burberry and Central Saint Martins. The showcases at LFW are often experimental and boundary-breaking, with an emphasis on creative and artistic expression.

Milan Fashion Week (MFW) hosts shows and presentations from brands like Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Giorgio Armani. Here, the sexy, Italian elegance is on display. It’s luxury and glamour with a focus on craftsmanship.

Paris Fashion Week (PFW) features shows and presentations from brands such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent. This is the most exclusive and prestigious fashion week. It sets the tone for global fashion and places a strong emphasis on Haute Couture.

Haute Couture Week

Haute Couture has an official event separate from the traditional Fashion Weeks. This event is held twice a year in Paris. The Spring/Summer collection is presented in January, and the Autumn/Winter collection is presented in July. The selection of fashion houses invited is regulated each season by the organisation Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode. If a fashion house is invited four times in a row, it becomes eligible to become a member of the organisation.

Bridal Fashion Week:

Wedding attire is a category of its own, which is why Bridal Fashion Week is also held separately from the traditional Fashion Weeks. Twice a year, the latest trends in bridal fashion are showcased. This includes clothing for the bride, bridesmaids, flower girls, as well as suits and tuxedos for men.

The most notable events are New York Bridal Fashion Week and Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week. These events are typically invitation-only, with the majority of attendees being retailers and media professionals.

The post Fashion week appeared first on .

Selvedge denim

Soman — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 09:37:17 +0000

Selvedge denim

Selvedge (European) or selvage (American) is the prestigious variant of denim. Selvedge is made from 100% cotton and is generally considered to be high-quality denim. It has a more distinctive texture compared to non-selvedge denim. The name derives from the fact that selvedge fabric has finished edges along the sides of the fabric, which prevent fraying, whereas non-selvedge denim has cut edges that are prone to fraying.

The differences are due to the fact that selvedge and non-selvedge denim are produced on different types of looms.

Shuttle-loom

Selvedge is produced on a vintage shuttle loom. This type of loom uses a single weft thread throughout the entire fabric. As the weft travels in one direction and reaches the edge, it loops around the outermost warp thread and weaves back in the opposite direction. This looping is repeated throughout the process, resulting in a tightly woven, self-finished edge on both sides of the fabric.

The shuttle loom can tolerate thick threads and slubs, which give the fabric a distinctive texture. However, this type of loom also requires a lot of maintenance. A shuttle loom can weave 100–200 weft picks per minute and produces a fabric that is 70–80 cm wide. Selvedge can be identified on the inside of trouser legs by the seams’ edges, which are either white or white with coloured stripes.

Projectile-loom

Non-selvedge is produced on a projectile loom. This type of loom uses a new weft thread for each pick, resulting in imperfect edges. The emphasis here is more on speed and volume.

A projectile loom can weave 700–1000 weft picks per minute and produces fabric that is 140–160 cm wide. This means the projectile loom has a higher production capacity than the shuttle loom and requires less maintenance; consequently, non-selvedge denim has lower production costs than selvedge denim. For this reason, the majority of denim is produced on projectile looms and is therefore non-selvedge denim.

Raw Denim

Raw denim is untreated denim. Textile products are often pre-washed before being sold, but raw denim skips this process and is sold in its “raw” form. As a result, the fabric is stiff at first but softens over time. The colour will gradually fade where the fabric creases and folds, creating a pattern uniquely shaped by the wearer’s body. Raw denim is rarely washed to encourage this fading effect.

The post Selvedge denim appeared first on .

The history of denim

Soman — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 09:20:11 +0000

The history of denim

European rising

In the 17th and 18th centuries, in the French city of Nîmes, the textile “Serge de Nîmes” was developed in an unsuccessful attempt to replicate another fabric. It was a durable twill textile made of wool and silk. Cotton was later introduced as a more affordable alternative. The name denim is derived from “de Nîmes”, meaning “from Nîmes.”

Around the same time, a similar textile existed in the Italian city of Genoa (now Genova). “Les bleu de Gênes”, meaning “the blue from Genoa”, was a sturdy fabric made from cotton and wool, dyed with indigo imported from India. The word jean is derived from “Gênes.”

Although the exact origins are still debated, there is a general consensus that denim originated in Europe. This strong fabric was especially used by sailors — for both clothing and sails — and for that reason, it quickly spread to many countries, including America.

American optimization

During the California Gold Rush in the 1850s, German-born Levi Strauss opened a store in San Francisco, where denim imported from Europe was part of the inventory. Tailor Jacob Davis was a regular customer, purchasing denim for making durable textile items. A gold mining company approached Davis with a request for hard-wearing trousers suitable for intense physical labour.

Davis decided to construct trousers from denim and reinforced the seams with copper rivets. However, he needed a patent for his invention and turned to Strauss, who saw the potential in the idea. In 1873, Strauss and Davis formed a partnership and began producing Levi Strauss & Co.’s most iconic and groundbreaking product: the Levi’s 501 jeans.

Miners, railroad workers, and cowboys wore these durable and affordable trousers — hence the name “cowboy pants.” After World War II, jeans were adopted by rebellious youth. As the range of styles expanded, jeans became mainstream, no longer representing just hard work or rebellion, but also casual comfort. In 1976, denim trousers were shown on the catwalk for the first time by Calvin Klein, marking the debut of designer denim on the global fashion stage.

Japanese perfection

When American soldiers left Japan after World War II, they left behind many of their belongings — including jeans. Denim quickly became a highly sought-after item among Japanese youth, and it entered a brand-new market.

Thousands of used Levi’s 501s were imported from the U.S. each month, but demand still far outpaced supply. In 1963, Canton Jeans produced the first Japanese denim trousers using American denim from Canton Mills in New York — a true Japanese replica of the Levi’s 501.

In the late 1960s, American manufacturers replaced the shuttle loom with the projectile loom to increase output. However, this came at the expense of textile quality. As a result, Japan’s desire to produce its own high-quality denim grew stronger. After eight attempts, the Kurabo company successfully created the first Japanese selvedge denim in 1972, named KD-8 or Kurabo Denim 8. It was traditionally woven on shuttle looms and dyed with authentic indigo in Kojima, Okayama.

Of the shuttle looms still operating today, the majority are found in Kojima — making it the primary production hub for selvedge denim, and a global mecca for premium denim craftsmanship.

The Japanese concept of takumi describes the nation’s approach to craftsmanship: pride in traditional techniques and cultural heritage, and a commitment to perfection. This philosophy rejects mass production in favour of preserving the true soul of denim. It’s an approach that has turned denim-making into an art form and elevated Japanese denim to the very top of the global stage.

The post The history of denim appeared first on .