Self Edge x Dry Bones x Superfuture x Styleforum
News of new collaborations from Self Edge are always welcome in these parts and the latest is real peach. One the their most popular collaborations has been the Self Edge x Dry Bones x Superfuture (SEXDBXS09) jeans, I have a pair of these myself and can vouch for the fact that denim doesn't come much better than this. Now they have gone one better and added a fourth collaborator to the mix, the latest release is the Self Edge x Dry Bones x Superfuture x Styleforum (SEXDBXSXS12).
Those of you that are into your denim details will be interested to hear that they are made from rope-dyed 22oz unsanforized selvedge denim and feature heavy-weight hickory striped pocket bags, military grade green rear pocket linings, coin pocket selvedge, cotton poly-core stitch, hidden rivets and two leather patches (which were designed on behalf of the online denim forums - Superfuture and Styleforum). The jeans will be available in Self Edge stores in San Francisco, LA and New York and online from December 4th and will retail for $375. I would say that despite the volume of denim I have in my house I will probably still find it hard to resist these.
Self Edge x Flat Head x RingRing = SEXFHXRR10
For their tenth collaboration Self Edge had once again teamed up with Japanese brand Flathead to produce the SEXFHXRR10, a pair of slim-straight jeans made from 14.75oz left hand twill Japanese selvedge denim. Also part of the design team was a mysterious chap called Ring Ring who helped create some of the interesting details including slim belt loops with selvedge accents, sloped front pockets and curved back pockets. For denim freaks out there, Self Edge has plenty more info on what went into the production of these jeans. Numbers are strictly limited with only 140 having been produced, which explains the rather hefty price tag of $485. This is definitely one for the connoisseurs out there.
Matt Style - Edwin ED-47
I have to say, when these Edwin ED-47 jeans arrived on my doorstep I was pretty excited. There's so much rich heritage behind Edwin jeans and I simply love every aspect of their creative output. From the jeans themselves to the tinker tailor project they currently feature online. Their creativity is really inspiring.
I've tried on ED-47s before yet never a raw, unwashed pair and so the anticipation was high. I'm all about the slim straight fit wise (ideally with a slight taper), however the ED-47 classic wide straight leg is a very nice fit. The waist is proportional and is snug without excess baggage on the rise (9.5"). The thighs are surprisingly close because of them being a straight wide cut it means the leg opening (8") is wide with room around the calves.
One thing I do really like (besides the rainbow selvage, yes I know it's everyone's favourite talking point) is the weight. We're talking 13.7oz Japanese woven denim. This stuff isn't for the fragile man but for those early 20th century railroad workers who consumed gas fumes for breakfast and bathed in oil.
It feels like winter is pretty much here already in the North (of England) and I haven't had a chance to invest in some Winter footwear hence the trainers. Because of the wider leg-opening boots are definitely the preferred choice when considering what to match with ED 47s at this time of year.
Looking at the jeans as I write, I've counted 6 different types of stitching just to go the extra mile on contrast stitching. I also really admire how Edwin put a little oxidisation (it seems) on the top waist/fly button. It's things like those touches that show when a brand cares. Even the waistband's leather tab with the inked and branded EDWIN signature is just wonderful.
I also did the usual indigo comparison test even against other Edwin models such as the ED-71 and Edwin SEN and the ED-47 is definitely my favourite shade of indigo. I can't wait to see how these wear in despite the dilemma every denim enthusiast has with raw denim...having too much!
So I'm going to leave this review and dream up ways of potentially altering the fit, maybe make the a tad slimmer or taper them, we'll see.
Orlando Bloom For UNIQLO
Thank you UNIQLO for appointing Orlando Bloom as the global ambassador for your label. The Japanese brand chose Charlize Theron and Bloom to spread the message that the line is "Made For All" regardless of gender, nationality or occupation. The first ads have just popped up and as a fan of both these actors (and in the case of Theron, humanitarian) I hope UNIQLO keeps these two on longer than their year contract.
The Telegraph Tips Japanese Denim
The Telegraph has an interesting article on the rise of Japanese denim and tips the ever dependable Uniqlo (shown above) along with Naked & Famous, Studio D'Artisan, Prps, Levi's LVC and Edwin as the best buys.
Self Edge, Los Angeles. Open For Business
Self Edge, Los Angeles is now open for business and for those of us unlucky enough not to live in California here are some shots of what we are missing. They have avoided the vintage Americana vibe that many denim boutiques opt for and have instead gone for a much cleaner more classic look thereby allowing the denim itself to grab all the attention.
