Madewell Drops Workwear-Inspired Collection Made With Kaihara Denim
Madewell released this week a women’s capsule collection made with Kaihara Denim. The four styles feature artfully faded washes and other heritage details by the famed Japanese mill’s 130-year history.
Madewell said the partnership with Kaihara “echoes the real love of denim craft and deep commitment to tradition and heritage.”
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Based in Fukuyama City, Japan, Kaihara Denim reports that one out of every two pairs of jeans seen on the streets in any city in Japan is made with its denim fabrics. On a global scale, the mill supplies fabrics to high-end brands as well as labels with niche denim head audiences like Nudie Jeans, Edwin and Levi’s Made in Japan.
Roomy fits and modernized spins on classic workwear are common themes in Madewell’s collection. Washes are also important as Kaihara’s process results in more dimensional looking denim that wears into a high-low effect over time, the brand stated.
The collection offers oversize carpenter overalls, a “super relaxed” update to one of Madewell’s best sellers. The overalls have workwear details like knee patches, cuffable hems, a hammer loop and slanted front pockets. A pair of ’90s-inspired super wide-leg jeans fit high on the waist and easy through the hips. The jeans are available in Kenshire and Sanborn, two mid-tone indigo washes.
A cotton chambray shirt is finished with contrasting topstitching and authentic mother of pearl buttons down the front. Madewell also updated the chore jacket with a collarless design and sporty raglan sleeves. It has three patch pockets on the front.
“Each denim piece was carefully crafted by skilled artisans, ensuring exceptional quality that stands the test of time in both form and fit,” Madewell stated.
Madewell has worked with Kaihara numerous times though the brand hasn’t collaborated on a collection like this before, according to Mary Pierson, Madewell SVP of denim design. “Those of us in denim design have had a long love affair with Kaihara. We’re drawn to their attention to heritage and quality, evident in every step from yarn spinning, to dying, weaving and fabric construction. They have such a strong sense of heritage but are also very relevant to modern fashion, which resonates deeply with us at Madewell,” she said.
Madewell’s customers are increasingly informed about mills. “We make efforts to educate them about who our partners are, highlighting the quality ingrained in our denim. We are so fortunate to work with some of the most premium denim mills in the world, and our customers recognize and value that quality,” Pierson said.
The collection is available now on the brand’s website and in select stores. Retail prices are $92-$228.
The styles complement Madewell’s recently launched spring collection that spans bootcut jeans, denim jumpsuits, overalls and dresses.
