The LR02 NTL is the natural or kinari version of the original LR02 in dark indigo dye, an iteration that we have intended to create at the inception of this model. Given the popularity of the LR02, this gave us even more impetus to introduce a complimentary natural denim version in Zimbabwe cotton.
The early ’50s XX type jean is one of the most difficult jean constructions to reproduce, due to a high number of manual operations, highly specific variety and colours of threads, and trims true to the period that are increasingly difficult to source. With our mission to remain uncompromisingly faithful to the XX type in its original form, the production process was met with countless challenges. Where manufacturing processes and construction components were not able to be sourced from those existing in the market, we developed these especially for us, working closely with our partners in Japan, resulting in an extended development period of 2 years from initial inception to delivery.
The LR02 is inspired by the 1950s XX type construction. It is an original fit with high waist and straight leg, and a characteristic rounded form at the hip that gives the LR02 an unstructured and effortless personality. Only 100% cotton thread is used to assemble these jeans, staying true to the original XX type. Due to being more fragile than polyester thread, the thickness of the threads had to be considered carefully for different areas of the jeans, addressing the varying amount of expected wear and tear. Also as a result of the varying thickness of the thread, the forces that these exert on the different parts of the jean during wear and wash ultimately produce the ageing and defects, and the true characteristics of the original XX type. In order to work with 100% cotton thread, the challenge in manufacturing required both special machines that would not break the thread during sewing, and skilled hands capable of calibrating each respective special operation.
Many of the meticulously observed details are subtle and even hidden, but will be instinctually felt and discovered by wearing, like the hidden rivets in the back pockets, the thickness of the bottom chain stitch on the waistband, along with the extra large belt loops, the selvedge pocketing fabric, and the leather patch which, wash after wash ages to be deeper in colour and transforms in texture. The final subtle detail is our specially developed steel rivets and buttons, rough and irregular in their surface texture and lettering design, keeping faithful to the original XX. Copper electroplating is the only modern compromise, in order to guard the hardware from oxidation.
Like the LR02 Indigo, every choice in the development of the special LR02 NTL fabric was to achieve a sense of organic irregularity. However, it is interesting to note that a natural denim 1950s XX has never existed, and this model is our way of reimagining the XX as it has never been seen in vintage archives. We chose Zimbabwe cotton for its rigidity and natural roughness. Woven slowly on old mechanical shuttle looms via our proprietary weaving formula, our fabric is exceptionally textured and three dimensional to both look and touch. We selected mechanical shuttle looms to weave the LR02 NTL fabric because of their capacity to weave at low tension, giving the finished fabric an aerated quality. Wash after wash, the jeans become softer, and the colour will grow lighter, resulting in an ageing that is subtler than for its indigo counterpart, but equally satisfying.
360,00 €
28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36
60 cm, 61 cm, 62 cm, 63 cm, 64 cm, 65 cm, 66 cm, 67 cm, 68 cm, 69 cm, 70 cm, 71 cm, 72 cm, 73 cm, 74 cm, 75 cm, 76 cm, 77 cm, 78 cm, 79 cm, 80 cm, 81 cm, 82 cm, 83 cm, 84 cm, 85 cm, 86 cm, 87 cm, 88 cm, 89 cm, 90 cm, 91 cm, 92 cm, 93 cm, 94 cm, 95 cm, 96 cm, 97 cm, 98 cm, 99 cm
Superstitch MFG.
13 rue racine, 75006 Paris FRANCE
Superstitch MFG.
13 rue racine, 75006 Paris FRANCE