So the Blues Jean Bar held a private even for their VIP customers down at their San Jose/Santana Row location and I was invited. I jumped at the opportunity to be able to formally introduce my brand as well as to inform their consumer base about the joys of raw denim. I’m not a hard core “denim snob” or anything; to each his own. However, while I can definitely appreciate an authentically vintage looking pre-wash job, to me there’s nothing quite as pleasing as the feel of a fresh, crispy pair of rigid denim jeans. Specifically, I like how the rigidity helps define the legs. Additionally, the process of breaking in a pair of “raws” is quite satisfying. Anyway…I’ll cover this topic a bit more later. Back to the party…
The weather was warm and the night was pleasant. The DJ supplied a steady stream of upbeat contemporary cuts while people browsed, conversed and enjoyed snacks & fresh drinks. And, as mentioned above, I finally got the chance to provide information about my company to the Blues Jean Bar’s consumer base; an easy and pleasure-giving task. In addition, I also received invaluable feedback. For instance, I learned that Pulsar Slim-Tapered has emerged as the break out star of the season as it has outsold the other cuts. I’d expected Pulsar (regular straight leg) to lead the pack because it seems to be more of an all around “guys cut”. And while this may or may not be true, the figures don’t lie. Interesting…
The buyer/manager told me about a guy who’d visited the San Francisco store specifically in order to buy a pair of slim tapered Pulsars. He liked them so much that he later returned with his dad, who then bought himself a pair of regular straight leg Pulsars. I mean, this has got to be the greatest story ever!!! It had become my new favorite song, as I mentally replayed it over and over again during my drive home–music to my ears.
Whoever that guy was, if you’re reading this, I’d like to say THANKS, DUDE! Enjoy…
Another thing I looked forward to doing that night was meeting the company’s owner and founder, Lady Fuller. I’m always intrigued and inspired by other people’s start-up stories; especially other Bay Area locals. I’d read her story on line long before they began carrying my denim. So it was a pleasure to finally be able to look her in the eye, shake her hand and thank her for taking a chance on my obscure little brand. For me, the night was a mission accomplished.
By the way, they’re having another party in October at their San Francisco location. I’ll post the details when they become available to me. So if you’re near San Francisco that night, come visit! I’d love to meet you and share my plans for summer 2010. Trust me: if you like summer 09’, then you’ll love oneculture summer 2010! THAT, I wholeheartedly promise…
So…I’ve been wearing my first edition Pulsars (fall 08’) for the better part of 13 months and now the time has come for them to receive their first wash. They’ve endured warehouse work, camping, beach trips, car maintenance work, oil, sweating, sitting, standing, bending…you name it! I feel that the results are decent. Some denims “bleed” more than others and the Italian denim I used during my first season has faded rather nicely.
I’d begun putting loose change into my back pocket along with my wallet. The results: a hole! Sweet!! I did it deliberately in order to determine how much stress the denim could withstand.
I took a few “fit pics”. Keep in mind that I’m no fit model; I’m 6’2” and 230 lbs. The fit pics serve only to show what the possibilities are. The color change from pre to post wash was very slight. But, as you can tell from mine and Ian’s fit pics, the overall color change from new to now is rather drastic.
As I’ve mentioned before, for me, the possibility of breaking in a pair of “raws” is like receiving a hidden game along with your purchase—the “do it yourself” game. There’s something I find very rewarding about creating my own unique “wash” over time, with fades and tears that conform to my own body and lifestyle. On the other hand, most pre-wash jeans look unnatural and contrived, with rips, holes and fading in weird places, or just terrible looking fade work altogether (either far too much sanding and scraping or too little).
Some brands do have access to really good laundering facilities which are capable of achieving authentically well-worn looks. And I’m all for that! Again, I’m not hard core either way. I’d love to be able to offer pre-washed denim to those who prefer that style. But until I gain access to a really good laundering facility I’m not going to bother with it. There’s nothing worse than a bad pre-washed job! Anyway…
I’ll keep you all posted. Stay tuned!
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Cheers,
Mark
oneculture
For those who love jeans
Available @ The BLUES Jean Bar (they ship WORLD WIDE!):
NOTE: the jeans run 2X larger than your natural waist size. This was done more so for shrinkage purposes, as you will lose a size after the first washing. Keep this in mind if you opt to place an order by phone. And enjoy!
1827 Union St
San Francisco, CA
(415) 346-4280
377 Santana Row
San Jose, CA 95128
(408) 899-4012
1409 Montana Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 656-7898
2210 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-5326
