I’ve scratched my head to find a suitable subject for the reboot of AY On Life…and really it should have been obvious. Denim has been an obsession for a number of years now, and I am truly addicted (although to be fair I’ve not bought a new pair of jeans for about a year now).
I guess the question should be “What is it about denim that excites you…they’re just a pair of jean!” In many ways this is true, but the joy of a good pair of denim is easy to sum up. Quality manufacture (something I really care about) and evolution. Evolution is really important, rather than buying something pre-washed and pre-stressed I like my jeans to evolve as I wear them. Take the rather lovely pair of Oni below that I wore for the last denim world championships.
Oni 527 – before the fade
Oni 527 – before the fade
Oni 527 – before the fade
At the start, the jeans were a uniform deep blue…just as you’d expect really. But they take a look at the weft threads – than sandy colour gave a great hint of the joy to come. Over two years of wear, and unknown washes, these jeans evolved and developed a character unique to this pair…and to me.
Oni 527 – after the fade
Oni 527 – after the fade
…and there is the joy for me. The colour changed dramatically, the weft really popped through, and the points where the jeans got the hardest wear began to fray (fortunately without the crotch blowing…a common problem if you don’t wash your jeans enough – don’t believe the folks who say you shouldn’t wash raw denim).
Which brings me to the present, and my jeans of choice – some Momotaro limited edition Going to Battle jeans (hence the stripes on the rear pocket). These are just beginning to fade…and I’m interested to see how they develop. If I’m honest, I’d have preferred a slightly tighter cut in the thigh…but this is part of the learning process. Perhaps I’ll go into cuts, brands and what’s next for me in a future post. For now though…WHOOO DENIM!
Momotaro 0205TN
Momotaro 0205TN
Oh yeah…the i in the post title is deliberate…but I’m not telling why.