Browsing Tag

kohzo jeans

Rogan Jeans + soulful minimalism

‘Rogan Jeans + soulful minimalismRogan Gregory, the designer behind Rogan, as well as Loomstate and Edun, defines his new collection as “soulful minimalism.”

“It’s minimalism in the true sense of the word – stark and super simple,” he said in his New York showroom on Wednesday, Nov. 5, during a presentation of his Spring 2009 collection.

“Letting the shape speak for itself, letting the fabric speak for itself,” he said, as he defined his theory of “reductive design.” He’s also experimenting with the combination of two contradictory fabrics, figuring out how to make them work together in a minimal way, such as a heavier peacoat wool combined with a ribbed knit. “If you can pull it off, then its something that people really haven’t seen before,” he said.

“We don’t have the luxury from an economic or ecological standpoint to design whatever we feel like designing,” said Gregory. “We can’t just go out and get something exotic, what’s the point? We have to do something new.”

Eco-Fashion

Eco FashionWith the growing trend in eco-fashion comes much misleading marketing. The truth is there are a great many brands with true ecologicial credentials like NOHARM, Sugar Cane, Loomstate, Kohzo to name a few but there are also a great many other brands who are simply looking to make a buck off the latest trend. Venessa Lau shares some insightful thoughts:
 
When it comes to the green movement, Miguel Adrover knows exactly where he stands. And please don’t use the word trend. “It’s all about marketing now,” he said of the eco-craze blanketing the industry. “We need to distinguish between trend and real life.” At a Tuesday presentation of his debut collection for the Germany-based Hess Natur, Adrover noted that the company, for which he’s now creative director, has both “an ecological approach as well as a sociological one.” And indeed, the business uses many organic materials and belongs to the Grameen Foundation, an organization that’s a proponent of microcredit as a means of fighting poverty.

Evisu Jeans + Puma Evisu = Go Green

Evisu Jeans + Puma Evisu = Go Green There’s Green and there’s GREEN denim. Most of us think of Sugar Cane, Loomstate, Edun or a list of other Eco-friendly denim offerings when we think of GREEN jeans. Evisu, however, have opted to take it literally and offer a pair of green-hued jeans. To quote the guys: “In addition to ring spun denim with which Evisu has built a solid foundation to their denim assortment in Spring/Summers past, Evisu are now adding an exciting new colour to their offering. For this Spring/Summer, they launch a green shade that will literally make all your friends green with envy. The Evisu designers found the inspiration for this hue when looking through piles of vintage Japanese indigo, as well as kimonos and workwear, all fell in love with it.”

Loomstate Jeans + Stella McCartney Shoes = Barneys

Stella McCartney Shoes + Loomstate Jeans = Barneys Barney’s, the famous American fashion retailer, chooses a green course for the coming season. Barneys are reputedly starting with Loomstate and Stella McCartney with a view to expanding their eco-friendly product base. Despite their shift Barneys are at pains to mention they will in no way be compromising their high-fashion credentials as they move to the greener grass. “Customers have to have great fashion and great style,” said Gilhart, who has been beating the green drum at Barneys. “They’re not going to give that up. No way.” Looks like Barneys are set to lead the way – hats off to Barneys!

Y3 Jeans + Yohji Yamamoto Clothes = Noir Denim!

Y3 Jeans + Yohji Yamamoto Clothes = Noir Denim!In 1981 Yohji Yamamoto presented his first Yohji Yamamoto collection in Paris and in 1984 he presented his first Yohji Yamamoto pour Homme collection . Yohji Yamamoto designed a collection for women based on men’s garments, cut in uncluttered shapes, washed fabrics and dark colors.These clothes expressed a functional elegance that Yohji Yamamoto would reaffirm, a few years later with Y’s for men. Fabric is always the starting point of Yohji’s design, and he is occasionally referred to as the Massimo Osti of the Far East because of the ingenuity and sublime practicality of his designs.

Yohji Yamamoto clothes destructured and ample In the begining, evolved through time into something more structured , fitted to the body in a spirit of couture -with- a- twist. The Yohji Yamamoto + Noir collection is based on classic and timeless pieces of theYohji Yamamoto line. Each season half of the collection changes, while the other half stays the same. Yohji Yamamoto +Noir is almost entirely black with a punctuation of bright colors.

Today the fashion-conscious buyer has the privilege of buying Yohji Yamamoto denimwear. Yohji jeans rival the very best denim and compare with RMC, Sugar Cane, Evisu and Kohzo.

Levi’s Eco, Environmentally friendly Levi jeans

Levi's Eco, Environmentally friendly jeansLevi’s is set to launch a new line of environmentally friendly denim this November. “Levi’s Eco” will be made from 100% organic cotton and all external packaging will be made from organic fabric or recycled paper and printed with soy-based ink. The new line will be accesorized with a few subtle hints toward the ‘green’ image including an embroidered lower case “e” and naturally colored “Levi’s” tab.

A spokeswoman Levi’s Eco said: “When you wear them, you can honestly say that you are making a small contribution to a better world.” You Nguyen, Levi’s senior vice president added: “There is clearly a trend towards organic and environmentally responsible products. With Levi’s eco jeans, we are reaching out to fashion-conscious consumers interested in high-quality products that demand less from the environment.”

The dye does not use any chemicals but instead is made from a process involving natural indigo, potato starch, mimosa flower and Marseille soap. But it could also prove to be a profitable winner at a time when older jeans brands are seen as less trendy by today’s youngsters who associate them with their middle aged dads. Levi Strauss revenues around the world fell by one per cent in the second quarter of this year compared to the same period a year ago. Levi’s brand president Robert Hanson said: “As the inventor of jeans it is critical for us to continue to innovate with our products and within the category itself in order to drive positive change. Given our history as a leader in responsible manufacturing and business practices, this initiative is about quality and responsibility never going out of style. With Levi’s Eco, consumers who seek to minimize their personal impact on the environment can choose jeans that demand less from the environment without forfeiting the style or quality they’ve come to expect from the Levi’s brand.” Levi’s is hot on the heels of a growing demand of organic fashion, including Edun, Sugar Cane and Loomstate.

The jeans will be available in November 2006 exclusively at Levi’s U.S. stores with additional products to be introduced in spring 2007. The fall U.S. introduction is part of a global launch of products made with 100% organic cotton. In Europe, the Levi’s brand will offer certified organic denim versions of its most popular styles — the Levi’s(R) 506 Standard Fit Jean for guys and the Levi’s(R) 570 Straight Fit Jean for girls.

Mavi Jeans to Edun Jeans – Green is the New Black

Mavi Jeans to Edun Jeans - Green is the New BlackA growing number of top brands have added eco-subdivisions to their corporate structure. Leading brands like Edun – Mavi – Serfontaine – Loomstate – Levis – Armani – American Apparel – Nike – Camper and, of course, the pioneering Katherine Hamnett, have all taken the laudable step of introducing an element of compassion into their fashion.

The main thrust of this revolution is anything from fair-trade to environmentalism, from global-concern to disarmament. Fashion designers are beginning to realise their influence on the world’s youth can be used in a positive way for the betterment of humankind and the wider environment. Let us all hope this is not a passing fashion fade but a deeply entrenched re-evaluation of the onus on influential fashion brands to put as much emphasis on global and moral responsibility as on financial desire.

Love and respect goes to Edun – Mavi – Serfontaine – Loomstate – Levis – Armani – American Apparel – Nike – Camper and, above all, Katherine Hamnett!

Rogan Jeans + Rogan Clothing = One to Watch in 2007!

Rogan Jeans + Rogan Clothing = One to Watch in 2007!The Rogan volcano is starting to rumble. People are talking about the low-profile brand and an air of excitement and expectation is starting to build. Many top fashionistas will tell us that Rogan Jeans are currently some of the best available in the world and the whole Rogan Clothing line is “poetry in cut and cloth”!

To quote Rogan: “Using advanced construction and wash-processing techniques on time honored raw materials, Rogan creates clothing that combines elements of the past with the finishing technology of the future.”

Keep your eyes on the horizon the Rogan volcano is about to erupt!

Forgo Fashion for Lent – Sacred Fashion for 40 days

Forgo Fashion for Lent - Sacred Fashion for 40 daysAnother Lenten season is almost upon us and Christians around the world, mainly from the Orthodox denomination/s, are packing their coffee, mars bars and other minor indulgences away for another 40 plus days. The sacrifice, if you can call it a sacrifice, does rather pale into insignificance compared with Christ’s 40 days in the desert — that’s desert and not dessert.

Perhaps Lent has some meaningful lessons for the fashion world too? What if some of the major Fashion Brands gave up exploiting third world labour for 40 days and insisted on fair wages for works during this 6 week amnesty? What if the guilty Fashion Houses (we all know who they are) reflected on the barbarity of the fur trade for 40 days – perhaps their suppressed spirit of compassion would see the light of day? What if the fashion trade gave up production methods that harm the environment and during the 40 days held collective workshops seeking environmentally-friendly alternatives? …And us, the consumer, what if we gave up a piece of designer clothing in our wardrobe and donated it to charity and agreed to buy only ethically and environmentally conducive clothing during Lent. What if? What if? What if?

It’s not all doom, gloom and cynicism — the fashion world can take heart from a growing number of ethically and environmentally responsible brands: KOhZO, Loomstate, Edun, Coexist and Stella McCartney amongst others.

Even icons of consumerism and their devotees should turn to the sacred for at least 40 days each year.

Edun Jeans by Bonio

Loomstate JeansU2 frontman Bono (Bonio), wife Ali Hewson and designer Rogan launch a new ethical clothing line Edun. Edun apparent stands for Nude backwards? Their mission is to build a brand that produces desirable and wearable clothing and provides employment in the developing world.

Of course it’s very easy to be cynical of their motives. Is their mission truly philanthropic or is is merely henious self-promotion; U2 are not the band they used to be and some might suspect this represents a desperate attempt to gain the spotlight. Whatever their motives are, they’re certainly entering a growing market. Ethical consumerism is growing at an exponential rate and this is reflected by the growth of a number of brands including: KOhZO, People’s Liberation, Loomstate amongst others. I suspect the answer is to give Bono and the bunch the benefit of the doubt and let time provide the definitive answer? Goodluck EDUN!

 EDUN HISTORY:

The story of Edun begins in Spring 2005. It’s a tale populated by the liked of poet Rainer Maria Rilke, the denizens of the Art Nouveau movement and the lush green forests of the Irish countryside. Edun is the brainchild of U2’s Bono, Ali Hewson, and designer Rogan. It was here that Edun was born as an alternative approach to creating beautiful clothes in a respectful manner. The model is a marriage of social activism and aesthetic innovation. Edun’s goal is to build a business while creating sustainable employment in developing areas of the world, such as South America and Africa. In order to achieve the brand’s design and social goals, the team sought out factories that represent the “gold standard” in skill and labor practices. These long-term relationships provide the foundation by which to build the brand and grow the communities in which Edun works. Edun is committed to the lives of the people who help to make the brand’s vision a reality. Inscribed in every pair of Edun’s jeans is the statement “We carry the story of the people who make our clothes around with us.” Edun wants to keep that story positive by refuting the notion that marginalization and the “Race to the bottom” are the necessary costs of doing business. The beauty of the line’s aesthetics mirror the beauty of its business model, and from that comes a new chapter of an ongoing story – on that Edun hopes others will embrace and follow.

KOhZO PHILOSOPHY

Kohzo Jeans

modern life is about variety. let’s face it. there has never been a time in history when we have had more options and opportunities everyday. people who choose KOhZO not only know this – they celebrate it. the men and women who wear KOhZO DENIM are passionate about life. you select clothes that allow you to embrace all that you love to do, from walking through the woods to strolling in the city, from being leaders in the office to relaxing in the home, from stretching, dancing, and playing to sitting still, silent and elegant. Your interests and needs are complex – you choose only the clothes that can keep up. we also live in a time of connectedness. never before have we been so aware of how our actions affect the lives of others. not to mention the environment. and that’s another reason why people choose KOhZO.

KOhZO DENIM – ALL NATURAL
all of KOhZO’s fabrics are 100% natural. unlike most of today’s jeans that are made of cotton with synthetic and sulfur dyes, KOhZO uses exclusive, rare, and totally pure ingredients. these include washi, a traditional japanese paper, as well as hibiscus, bamboo, pineapple, cannabis, and much more. KOhZO dyes consist of pure indigo, vegetable, natural mud, fruit, and charcoal. and KOhZO fabrics are semi-hand woven on traditional shuttle looms. so you won’t find the artificial treatments and unnatural finishes that exist on most of today’s jeans. this is how we keep our promise to you: beauty and comfort, never at the expense of the environment.

WHAT IS KOhZO?
native to japan, kohzo is a paper mulberry tree. its inner barks are primarily used to make washi, traditional japanese paper. because of its smooth texture and unique strength, kohzo has been used for centuries to produce many japanese fabrics.

KOhZO DENIM. MORE THAN CLOTHING – A LIFESTYLE.
think of cowboys deep in meditation. imagine a buddhist temple in the wild west. in this way, the KOhZO label combines western and eastern tradition. we want you to feel at home in a fabric that combines the luxury and care of a japanese kimono with the functionality of classic blue jeans.

KOhZO JEANS – INDUSTRIAL ART.
to ensure the comfort and durability of every pair of jeans, we use only natural fiber blends. our products meet the highest quality standards and are 100% environmentally safe.

How do you choose your denim?
these days, the choices can be overwhelming. from brands to styles to cuts to washes, there is more denim than ever before. but how many of these brands are actually unique?
KOhZO denim is truly exceptional.
KOhZO knows that you want your denim to be exciting and fresh, while at the same time preserving what makes denims great-comfort, durability and sexy, casual style. so while they are thrilled to introduce new styles and brand new cuts and washes, they are also proud of their commitment to the long legacy of comfortable denim.
for S/S 2006, they are bringing in exciting new materials for our denim.
KOhZO continues its utilization of all natural products in an ongoing effort to care for the environment. their existing lines will also see new cuts, washes and the employment of new fabrics. be prepared for KOhZO’s totally original look created by coating with natural ingredients, flashing, injecting and wrapping.
KOhZO is also delighted to announce their first collection of men’s and women’s jackets, shirts and tee shirts.