A remake that gives STRUM jeans a new look.
This project, which has been available for pre-order since January 31, is based on the standard model "TIGHT JOE" and remakes them one by one by hand.
Taking the designer Kuwabara's image of the finished product as a starting point, STRUM staff member TOSHIYA will hand-work the design into the jeans.
Where to alter and where to leave out?
What should be left out and what should be modified?
It is an important role to realize the designer's image.
We interview TOSHIYA, who is in charge of the remake work, to learn more about the process.
What is TOSHIYA particularly conscious of when he is putting the designer's image into the actual jeans?
The concept of "clothes that evoke sounds and images" and a sense of balance.
At first, I was thinking of a more mature image and not adding so many crashes and repairs, but the designer Kuwabara told me I should do more, so I did a lot of processing. LOL!
I see, so you initially envisioned the image to be quite mature.
As a result, I am impressed that the designer's words made the image "more done" at once. Laughs.
What did you pay special attention to in this remake jeans?
I was very conscious of whether or not they are realistic like STRUM. I was very conscious of whether it was realistic or not, just like STRUM.
For example, if you put crash on only a part of the jeans, it would look like it was done on purpose.
Therefore, we lightly shaved the entire surface, or added a little more processing to make it look less new.
As for the fabrics we used, there were fabrics that we thought, "If it were us, we'd use checks and leopard! So we added leather and repaired all the crushed parts.
We consulted with Kuwabara, the designer, on each step of the process, so we were able to create a shape that is uniquely ours.
You can feel the detailed work that went into shaving and adding a little bit of processing to match the overall tone of the piece.
Are there any moments when you are conscious of the "STRUM style" in your work?
As I mentioned above, I always had the "STRUM style" in mind.
I am very careful in each step of the process, even if it is something that could be done roughly if it were my own work.
STRUM is very careful with each and every product.
What do you feel the "response" when you see the finished remake jeans?
This is probably a bit geeky, but I think it's the weft left on the crushed parts and the processing to give them a vintage look... I don't know if you can notice it or not, but I was so excited that I said to myself, "It turned out so good! I was so excited. LOL!
You are a craftsman... I imagined TOSHIYA grinning all by himself. LOL.
What do you hope customers who pick up these jeans will feel?
It comes down to one thing. When customers try them on, they will genuinely think, "They look cool! They look great! That would make me the happiest.
I would love to see them wear it with a leather jacket to make it look perfect.
It's the best for the creator, isn't it?
What do you feel makes remakes different from ready-to-wear products?
I think the good thing about remakes is that you can "add on" to something that is already made.
The charm of remakes is that they leave imperfections in the finished product.
The jeans in this case are tight indigo denim with a rock 'n' roll feel, but with a grunge taste added by crashing and repairing.
The original look of the jeans has a different face, but the most appealing thing about the jeans is that they are still somewhat imperfect.
I see. I can understand the feeling of "adding something extra" to a finished product.
Was TOSHIYA himself originally involved in remaking?
Yes, I did. I don't remember when I started, but I used to do it from time to time.
I got tired of wearing jeans as they were, and soon I tried crashing and hand-stitching repairs, painting, stenciling,
buying them at thrift stores and remaking them, and I have produced countless failed works. LOL
I still use the ones I like the best out of those.
That story alone is already persuasive. LOL.
I think it is because I have made so many failed products that I have the decisions and techniques I have today.
Lastly, please tell us about your thoughts on remakes, TOSHIYA.
No matter what, as one thing decays, a new thing is born from it.
Is this a concept? I have been attracted to this concept (I don't know how to explain it...) since I was a child, and I keep it in mind in my remakes.
I don't want to end up destroying something, but to add something new to it to make it exciting and fun again.
That is my own way of thinking about remaking.
I was very impressed by your words, "We don't end by destroying, but create the next thing from there.
I am looking forward to the completion of the work, which will be done while facing each piece one by one and adding my own hands to it!
What did you think?
We hope this interview has given you a glimpse into the process of remaking jeans at STRUM.
Each pair of remade jeans has a different look and feel.
Please check them out.
