Levi’s® Elevates Denim to an Art Form with Superior Craftsmanship and Time-Honoured Techniques in the 2023 Fall/Winter Made in Japan Collection
When denim-manufacturing made its way to Japan during the WWII-era of rationing machinery, Japanese craftspeople began producing garments by operating old shuttle looms by hand. As Americana and rock and roll rose in popularity throughout the 1950s, the Japanese continued building on the American style of denim-manufacturing and applying their traditions of intricate craftsmanship and constant refinement of techniques over time. Today, Japanese denim is one of the most coveted fabrics in the world. The Levi’s® 2023 Fall/Winter Made in Japan Collection shows how their time-honoured techniques can be applied to beloved silhouettes to elevate denim to a modern art form.
The Levi’s® 2023 Fall/Winter Made in Japan (MIJ) collection offers beloved silhouettes in a range of washes, synonymous with Japanese craftsmanship. The collection is made with premium selvedge denim sourced from the renowned Hiroshima-based Kaihara Denim Mill, which is known for its impeccable attention to detail and unrelenting dedication to tradition. They proudly continue manufacturing denim using rare, vintage shuttle looms. By harnessing traditional techniques and expert precision, these seasoned artisans have painstakingly transformed cotton into works of wearable art.
Taking a closer look at the expansive collection reveals unique textures, depth and character. Women’s bottoms include the MIJ Column, the MIJ HR Boyfriend, and the MIJ Barrel, each medium and worn-in. Men’s Bottoms include a dark and rigid MIJ 1980s 501® jeans and the medium, worn-in MIJ 511™ jeans. The MIJ Classic Type II jacket for women and the MIJ Classic Type III jacket are clean, moody, and artfully crafted tops that can be styled with an array of fits. Three pieces in the collection – the MIJ Barrel jeans for women, the MIJ 1980s 501 jeans for men, and MIJ Classic Type III jacket for men – are offered with a unique arrow patchwork textile, in various shades of denim. Each garment includes collection-exclusive details like the Made in Japan backpatch, inner label inspired by the Hinomaru (the flag of Japan), and a hidden surprise on the indigo tab.
“Through highly refined techniques and extraordinary attention to detail, Japan has earned the reputation as one of the most advanced denim makers on the planet,” said Paul O’Neill, Design Director at Levi Strauss & Co. “For our 2023 Fall/Winter Made in Japan collection, we are excited to continue our partnership with the world-renowned Kaihara Denim Mills. Using their highly coveted denim on a wide range of classic silhouettes, we have created a beautiful collection of simple as well as intricate washes including our eye-catching arrow design”
To highlight the lovingly crafted details and versatility of the garments, the brand captured campaign images of the collection on the streets of Tokyo. From day to night and from indoor to outdoor environments, a primarily Asian portrays the essence of each garment’s fit and silhouette with confidence.
The 2023 Fall/Winter Made in Japan collection launches worldwide on 4th August and will be available for purchase on Levi.com, the Levi’s® App, and in select Levi’s® Stores.
