grooveholmes

I don't think it looks too bad. If that's what it looks like at it's worst, I wouldn't sweat it.

Yeah, I don't mind it-- if it appeals to someone else, more power to 'em. I just don't buy those items. However, these jeans have some "artificial" whiskering ("hand-sanded" oooooooo), but overall, it's not as bad as it could be. Still, I'm quite pleased with $50 pair of 501s made from Cone denim.

zeen, that's a great looking jacket! very nice pick up. just out of curiosity, where was it made? i'm still waiting for my '47s... as an aside, i received my billy reid x levi's denim shirt today. since it's not lvc, for anyone interested i posted some pics of my favorite details in the BR FW 2010 thread.

Pics added.

Got my Billy Reid x Levis denim shirt today. Some of the details I love:

I am not sure how large the LVC line is, but I wouldn't mind seeing it more along the lines of RRL, though with online presence. A tad less accessible, and a little more elitist. I don't mind the vintage-inspired aesthetic, I just like it in small doses.

Totally agree with mtchfrnk and rnr. Chubby, I can't see myself wearing much of any MF either, but, I really love looking at the stuff. I mean, "normal" (whatever that means) aesthetics aside, when you look at the fabric, material, and the overall construction- it's hard to knock it. It is consistently a well-curated collection of wearable art. CL's work may seem anachronistic, but you could say that about a lot of brands these days!

If, however, these jeans strike you as obviously unique, and you like something unique, then buy them. It's as simple as that.

This is sound advice.

I picked up a pair of the Levi's for J.Crew 501s in the indigo ridge wash. Online, they're marked down to $80. In store, they were 50% off, so I decided to splurge. I was checking out the standard STF 501s at Sears just for shits and giggles when I stumbled onto the these on sale at J.Crew. For $10 more, I'd rather have a pair of 501s with Cone Mill denim. The fabric is nice (label states "over 13oz.") and the wash (though some may hate) is interesting-- I have a feeling that with more wear, these will yield some nice hues. The patch is leather, not cardboard, though a little on the flimsy side. The hardware is definitely better than what's available on standard 501s. All in all, I think the overall value is better than what I've seen in the past. The only catch is a) they are not selvedge, and while they are Cone denim, they are made in Mexico. Other than that, I'm happy with the purchase while I wait for my LVC '47s to arrive in the mail.

Bonus: a wallet I've been working on. It's waxed cotton in natural-- I've been breaking it in with my ROYs, RT Work Trousers, and Levis so I can have the indigo transfer. I like how it's coming along.

If it were medium I'd be all over this.

Yeah, I ordered the shirt as well. It's a very nice collection, though everything seems to be made in the US "of imported fabric".

Hey all-- friendly sale alert in case anyone is interested. I just ordered a pair of LVC '47 STF from Lark in Vancouver. They've got some of the '67 505s on sale as well. The shipping module on their website has been funky for awhile but i just spoke with Veronika over the phone and we straightened it out. I'd call to order or just to speak with her-- super cool and friendly, as well as a denim enthusiast herself. She educated me with a brief history of Levi's zippers... what a babe.

I definitely would e-mail or call Sarah and Victor if you want to swing by their shop-- they're super cool. As I've stated elsewhere in this thread they might even have a few previous season's items marked down if you're looking for a deal (can't guarantee it, but regardless, I think the jeans are worth the investment). i wish they'd move to downtown Durham (lot of cool things going on down there), but I guess that would defeat the purpose of the brand's namesake.

Damn I've lived in Raleigh for the past 14 years and I haven't heard about them till now. Heading back to Raleigh from school this coming weekend or the week after so I'll definitely be checking these out soon.

Like many nerds on here I own both types of jeans. It just boils down to preference. I don't think one necessarily trumps another-- they're just... different. You can wear a pair of each and over a few months, you might find more dramatic fades on the Japanese denim, but is that "better"? It's pretty subjective. You're also dealing with dyeing processes, and desired fading/whiskering, so some jeans are good for that as well. Some jeans are intentionally slubby/chattery. And then there's weight, or construction. I just enjoy quality, and for that I don't try to get caught up in the "which is better" debate. It's like two art historians with masters degrees in different periods debating the merits and virtues of their respective fields of study.

I will say that when i brought a pair of PRPS Barracuda raw jeans to Victor, he definitely appreciated the quality and feel of the Zimbabwean denim. I wouldn't read into it any more than to say-- I think the people who really know denim can be content with the relative subjectivity when you're dealing with quality fabrics and still appreciate other companies' approach.

I like my Raleighs because the black seed cotton feels ridiculous-- I don't have another pair like it. But, they have not faded much even with a soak and a wash over the past 8 months. Personally, I'd like to have seen more "aging" but that's just the way it is. My favorite pair of jeans are my PRPS Ramblers, because i love the cut, feel and fades over the past two years-- very interesting. And I also love my ROYs, but I could never say one is better than the other, even though one is undoubtedly handmade by one man (aka one badass motherf*cker).

Oh, I've answered your question about soaking these. I had to soak them about 2 months in because I'd been wearing them almost every day and they got pretty smelly. I didn't notice any smokiness then, just regular jean stank. I've got some R&B cone mills and don't notice anything unusual-smelling.

Groove - you did not notice a smoke smell?

Sorry for the delayed response, Noodle-- I was out of town for Labor Day. I haven't noticed a smoky smell, but I'm not going to doubt your word, either. I've been to visit the RD workshop a few times and I think I would have noticed the distinct smell you describe, though. However, I'd be interested in whatever results you find!

Interesting... I never noticed it with mine. What model are they? Are yours made with the black seed pima cotton?

I have a confession to make: I shop at (though not often) J.Crew since moving from South Florida. Mainly because there is literally nothing else interesting (except Raleigh Denim) going on in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area. However, this has actually allowed me the opportunity to appreciate some of their items. That said, their jeans are not very special at all. Not impressed.

I don't think J.Crew is disingenuous with their ad campaign per se. The quality certainly is not there, so I do think there's a bit of dishonesty there, but the idea of wearing them in doesn't contradict the goal of selling or pairing it with a pre-distressed item. But that's just my interpretation of the vibe I get, only because even great, small brands like Chimala, Mr. Olive, and KMW do the mix and match of distressed/faded with raw, crisp items without contradicting themselves. I also don't think a vast majority of J.Crew items are pre-distressed. Though if I'd have to shoot for a percentage, I'd say 35-40. They sell a lot of shoes, shirts and pants that aren't pre-worn in or distressed. The "vintage" label seems to be used liberally. In some cases it's used in appreciation of "classic" or "older" looks and fits, not necessarily distressed. If anything J.Crew is trying to provide something for everybody, while showing their support for some of the smaller, independent companies we like/love.

Someone else described J.Crew as Appleby's. That's pretty close, though I'd put GAP in that position and describe J.Crew as the Cheesecake Factory of retail. Same genre, but better menu items. But same genre, for sure.

For goodness sakes, whatever you do, raise your head out of the dreary commonplace where you are rooted today.

It's ironic that Levi's really was a brand rooted in the "dreary commonplace" for over a century. So it's maintained its connection with the masses, but forsaken (in more recent years) a devotion to a quality jean for those masses.

The Ramblers are a slim fit and the Barracudas are more of a straight fit. I have no clue where to find the black raws with the purple selvage. Good luck!

I'd email or call Todd at Unionmade. I'd bought several Farm Tactics items (PayPal'd) from him before the website was up. He's really easy to work with and I'm sure would be more than happy to help you out with purchasing the ducks.

^^Too small for me.

Would any of you San Franciscoans, (San Franciscoites?) be interested in picking up a pair of the brown raw at Unionmade and shipping them to Utah if I paypal'd you the cash?

Anyone have any more specific fit measurements as far as rise/thigh/leg opening? Can't find that info anywhere on the web.

I agree... I want to like these, but I'm not quite feelin' em. Maybe with some more pics I'll be swayed.

A very-Kubrick-esque-2001-like vibe going on in this scene. Creepy and cool at the same time. Nicely done.

riff, gotta spread more love before i can rep. otherwise... those ducks are ILL.

lookin' good, dude. the indigo on PRPS jeans is phenomenal-- lots of great shades going on. yeah, holdin' out for that first wash is difficult, cuz those jeans can get damn stanky. good choice of mild detergent, too.

todd barket of unionmade giving it up for the tender denim jacket in the latest GQ. Nice!