Select stores that share EDWIN's craftsmanship Whole View of EDWIN Vol.04
Edouin" is a manufacturer based in a factory in the Tohoku region of Japan. Some select store labels have been attracted to this high-level production system that embodies Japan quality, and have been cooperating with the company. These are "Ships JetBlue" and "Urban Research Doors. Why did these two labels on the cutting edge of fashion choose "edoin" as their partner? Let's find out why.
The visit to the factory further increased his attachment to jeans.
This year, for the first time, "SHIPS JET BLUE" worked with the "EDOIN" brand to create jeans as a special-order item. We spoke with buyer Shuichi Muramatsu, who was in charge of planning, about the background of this project.
How did you come to make special order jeans with "Edwin"?
Muromatsu (era 1333-1573, or 1333-1573, or 1336-1573)Ships JetBlue has been in existence for nearly 10 years, but this year we have largely renewed the concept as an entry-level brand that offers a selection of standard items. At that time, we decided to offer a lineup of five-pocket jeans, which can be considered the "ultimate standard," and asked Edouin to make a special order.
Why did you choose "EDUIN" as your special-order supplier?
Muromatsu (era 1333-1573, or 1333-1573, or 1336-1573)As an entry-level brand, we wanted to keep prices low, but at the same time, we wanted to create items with proper added value. In this respect, Edouin is not only reliable in terms of quality, but also has a long history as a jeans manufacturer and the reliability of being made in Japan. I thought that with EDUIN, we would be able to create something compelling and good.
What was the process of manufacturing?
Muromatsu (era 1333-1573, or 1333-1573, or 1336-1573)I decided on an ounce of denim fabric and selected a silhouette close to my ideal from the vast archives of "EDOIN. Then, I adjusted the length and other details. The staff at Edouin are jeans professionals, so they immediately understood our image and made suggestions that hit the nail on the head. The work went very smoothly.
He also visited a factory in Tohoku.
Muromatsu (era 1333-1573, or 1333-1573, or 1336-1573)I knew that Edouin made jeans in Japan, but I did not know the detailed production background. Even though I am a buyer, I do not often get to visit factories. I wanted to take this opportunity to see how jeans are made, so I visited a sewing factory and a washing factory in Akita.
How did you feel when you actually saw it?
Muromatsu (era 1333-1573, or 1333-1573, or 1336-1573)A roll of denim fabric is cut, sewn, and washed to make a pair of jeans. I was able to see the entire process. I was impressed by the speed and precision of the sewing process and the scale of the washing factory. It is no small feat to keep a factory like this running for decades. I was impressed once again by the greatness of "EDUIN. At the same time, I became more attached to the jeans after learning about the production background.
What is the focus of this special order jeans?
Muromatsu (era 1333-1573, or 1333-1573, or 1336-1573)Needless to say, the most important point is that the denim is made in Japan by "Edouin. In addition, the original fabric made in Kaihara is used, so it is truly "all made in Japan". As for the design, I think we were able to achieve the "ultimate standard" that we were aiming for. The stitching on the back pockets has been eliminated, and no unnecessary embellishments have been added. The silhouette is also finished in an exquisite slim tapered shape that is not affected by fashion trends, regardless of who wears it. The color faded model is also reduced to a plain expression without shading as much as possible. On the inside pockets, in addition to the double name of "Edwin" and "Ships JetBlue," the names of the factories that handled the fabric, sewing, and washing are printed. It's a subtle detail.
Are you satisfied with the workmanship?
Muromatsu (era 1333-1573, or 1333-1573, or 1336-1573)Yes, I think so. I have also talked with the staff at Edwin about how good the product is. I have also heard that customers who have tried on the items have reacted, "It's just fine. That is exactly what we were aiming for, so we are happy to hear that.
Will you continue to work with Edwin in the future?
Muromatsu (era 1333-1573, or 1333-1573, or 1336-1573)The slim tapered 5-pocket jeans will continue to be a standard item in the future. Next spring, the same model will be available in a black Katsuragi version. I hope that our efforts with [Edwin] will not be a one-time thing, but something that will continue for a long time. Having toured the factory, we also want to make sure that the end-user is well informed about the excellent production background of [EDOIN]. We would be happy if our special-order jeans can be used as an opportunity to let young people know what kind of brand EDUIN is.
Style Sample With SHIPS JET BLUE
A corduroy parka with a boa is paired with this surf-inspired coordinate. A cut-and-sewn underwear alone will also look good. The basic silhouette and color of these jeans allows you to choose what to wear with them, and the faded finish is not too assertive, so you can wear them for a long time without being influenced by the latest fads.
A simple, no-frills design and a tapered silhouette that pursues beauty.
EDWIN × SHIPS JET BLUE 5POCKET DENIM PANTS ¥7,400＋TAX
Ships JetBlue" specially ordered these 5-pocket jeans from "Edouin". They are made of 13.5-ounce stretch denim manufactured by Kaihara, and are completely produced in Japan, from cutting to sewing, washing, and finishing. The slim tapered silhouette is comfortable and can be worn neatly regardless of height or body shape by setting the length to the correct size. The double name "Made in Japan" and "Ships JetBlue" on the back of the waist and the stamp on the inside front pocket are also noteworthy.
Shigeki Nishikawa, Senior Chief, Merchandise Group, Urban Research Doors
The brand is supported by passionate manufacturing.
For the past three years, Urban Research Doors has been using 's domestic factory to make private brand products. Why did you decide to ask [Edouin] to produce your own products? We asked Shigeki Nishikawa, Senior Chief of the DOORS Product Group, how it came about.
Why did you ask "Edouin" to produce jeans as a private brand rather than a special order?
west side of a riverUrban Research Doors" offers a lineup of many basic items. We have made many items for our private brand, but it was quite a difficult challenge to make high quality jeans. It is difficult to find a factory that can produce jeans that can be called real jeans, not only in terms of fabric, but also in terms of sewing, processing, and detailing. However, as an original item for "Urban Research Doors," we wanted to somehow create a lineup of authentic jeans. That is why we approached Edouin for advice.
Did you know what the production background of [Edwin] was like?
west side of a riverAlthough we did not visit the factory in person, we knew from our research that they have several bases in Tohoku, and that they have an integrated production process from cutting, sewing to washing, and that they have excellent technology cultivated through their own production. We thought it would be perfect to have "Urban Research Doors" make jeans for us.
How did you go about planning the project?
west side of a riverWe told them our image and asked them to suggest fabrics based on that image. We then prepared the pattern and worked out the details such as rivets and buttons. The atmosphere of a pair of jeans can change drastically depending on how they are sewn and processed. It is not enough to sew neatly, but a little roughness can be more tasteful. The staff at Edwin are well versed in expressing these nuances, and I was impressed.
I understand that the first lineup included blue and black jeans, as well as khaki and white stretch pants and women's items.
west side of a riverWe wanted to offer more variations of basic, high quality pants besides 5-pocket jeans. They all exceeded our expectations. In fact, they sold well. We started the project with Edwin as a trial, but the results were so good that we decided to continue the project in the future. So, last year, as the second phase, we made pants made of twill material in addition to denim fabric.
The new items, scheduled for release next February, are more unique than previous items.
west side of a riverI wanted to add a bit of edge to the basic design to make it more "Urban Research Doors" style. I used Italian brand jeans that were popular around the 1980s as a motif. I thought that the exquisite fussiness of those jeans would be cool in today's world. The waist is tucked in, the gusset is thicker, and the crotch is deeper to give a sense of volume, while tapering to the hem for a sleek finish. When you actually try them on, they are loose and comfortable, and they also give a sense of fluidity. I am satisfied with the result.
What are your impressions through your work with Eduwin so far?
west side of a riverAfter all, I think it is great that they are made in Japan and achieve high quality and cost performance. Also, when I talk to the staff at [Edouin], I can feel their passion for jeans. I feel that our work is supported by people who are passionate about manufacturing.
Style Sample With URBAN RESEARCH DOORS
The loose silhouette of the pants is paired with a tight top as a general rule, but we dared to match them with a voluminous military outerwear, creating an 80's look by wearing both the top and bottom loose. When you actually try them on, the exquisite looseness of the silhouette and the bite of the outseam stand out.
One-tuck jeans in a loose-fitting silhouette with an 80's feel.
URBAN RESEARCH DOORS 5POCKET DENIM PANTS ¥10,000＋TAX ＊The photo is a sample and specifications may differ slightly from the actual product.
These original jeans for Urban Research Doors, manufactured at the Tohoku factory of , are inspired by the jeans made by Italian brands in the 1980s, and are characterized by the tucked waist, deep crotch, and diagonally placed pockets. The top button and rivets with the logo of "Edwin" are used to subtly assert the production background.
