Category: street fashion

• Oni Jeans: Japan’s mystery denim.

  

  In the world of Japanese denim, there exists a legendary and enigmatic brand known as ONI Denim. It is shrouded in secrecy, boasting a meticulous craftsmanship that results in uniquely textured fabrics, making it a coveted treasure for denim enthusiasts worldwide. Founded by the denim master Masao Oishi, ONI Denim has become synonymous with rough and slubby denim, setting the standard for prestige and quality in the denim game.

  

  The journey of ONI Denim begins with Masao Oishi, a luminary in the world of Japanese denim. His passion for denim was sparked when he imported Levi’s from America in the late 1950s while working in his father’s company. Later, he played a vital role in the pioneering Japanese jeans brand, Canton Jeans, in the ’60s. This wealth of experience and knowledge about fits, fabrics, shuttle looms, and indigo dyeing eventually led him to found ONI Denim.

  The name “ONI” (Demon) is fittingly chosen, as their iconic “secret denim” has earned its reputation for being “slubby like the devil.” Crafted with low tension, irregular weave, and long staple yarns, ONI Denim produces some of Japan’s finest and most durable denim. Each pair of jeans tells a unique story, with its rough texture developing a captivating vertical fading over time. However, the mystery behind the brand is perpetuated by limited production and a refusal to seek media coverage.

  

  At the heart of ONI Denim’s allure lies its dedication to experimentation and innovation. Oishi-San’s decades-long experience with shuttle looms and indigo enables him to push the boundaries of denim manufacturing. With varying grammages, novel cuts, and diverse indigo dyeing techniques, ONI Denim’s creations are truly one-of-a-kind. This quest for uniqueness results in denim that stands out and captures the hearts of denim aficionados worldwide

  Creating ONI Denim is a labor-intensive process that demands exceptional skill and patience. The vintage shuttle loom, rumored to be the last of its kind capable of handling ONI’s fabrics, is used to weave these masterpieces. As a result, production is slow, limiting the availability of these coveted jeans. However, the wait is undoubtedly worth it, as each pair is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, built to endure and age beautifully with time.

  Despite its elusive nature, ONI Denim has managed to captivate the denim community worldwide. The limited number of retailers adds to the exclusivity of owning a pair of ONI jeans. Each wearer becomes a part of the legend, experiencing the distinctive fades and unique characteristics that only ONI Denim can offer.

  ONI Denim is the blood of Masao Oishi, poured into to his craft, the manifestation of denim when passion, tradition, and innovation come together. The brand’s mystique continues to enthrall denim enthusiasts, making ONI Denim an iconic label in the world of Japanese denim. With each pair crafted on a single vintage shuttle loom, ONI Denim preserves the essence of traditional craftsmanship while weaving a contemporary narrative of exclusivity and excellence. To own a pair of ONI jeans is to be part of a timeless legend, etched into the denim world’s fabric for years to come.

  August 5, 2023

  blue jeans, Japanese jeans, street fashion, style

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• Scout boot: the American minimalist’s dream boot

  

    The Scout boot by Thursday Boots; the two birds with one stone boot. The boot does double duty as both office/formal footwear and as an informal man-about-town boot. A minimalist’s prayer in manifestation; the boot is versatile and exceptionally well made. Quality is becoming a bit of a reputation for Thursday. They’ve set up production in Mexico, Portugal, Spain, and the United States of America; basically a little over half of the places of the world known for having great boot making. 

   The Scout, as is true for all of the currently offered Thursday men’s boots, is resoleable. Meaning that the Scout boot can last you years; unheard of at this price point. The boots are, at the time of writing, offered at the regular price of $160 USD. The Scout boot comes in five leather options, and two sole options. Leather midsoles that are actually leather, studded rubber outsoles that give durability and traction from slip, and antimicrobial insoles for foot care; everything about the boots points to long lasting utilitarian minimalism at a price the common man can afford. 

  The scout is intended to be a fusion of both American and British styles. Mixing British styling with Americana influences and the durability of the American leather cobbling tradition. Classic chukka poured in to a tradition of rugged elegance.

  Ultimately this is a boot for the man that wants a good versatile boot for almost every setting. For the man that doesn’t want to drop an arm and leg on good boots. For the man that wants to live well but also minimalistically. This might be the everyman’s dress boot in purest form. Highly recommend by us. 

  July 10, 2023

  Americana, Americana fashion, boots, footwear, men’s fashion, minimalism, street fashion, utilitarian fashion

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• Playful Street Fashion Props For Women

  

  In the world of fashion, self-expression knows no bounds. It is a realm where creativity intertwines with personal style, allowing individuals to make a statement through their choices, satirical or otherwise. As fashion continuously evolves, a new trend has emerged that adds an extra layer of playfulness and whimsy to women’s street fashion. Enter the realm of playful prop toys, where yo-yos, Kendama, blowing big bubbles with bubble gum, and homemade slingshots become both fashion accessories, and more —they become tools for self-expression and engagement.

  One of the key players in this movement is the yo-yo. With its timeless appeal, the yo-yo has made a vibrant comeback in the fashion world. Brands like Yomega and Duncan offer a range of yo-yos such as the Fireball, the Butterfly, and Freebird, igniting a sense of nostalgia while adding a playful twist to any ensemble. A flick of the wrist, and suddenly, a young woman’s street style is elevated as she effortlessly incorporates the rhythmic movements of the yo-yo into her everyday look.

  Beyond being a stylish accessory, yo-yos possess an unexpected charm—they captivate attention. The relaxing motion of a spinning yo-yo can draw wandering eyes and create moments of wonder. As a woman gracefully maneuvers her yo-yo, she becomes a living work of art, engaging those around her and sparking conversations. The yo-yo becomes an extension of her personality—a symbol of her carefree spirit and willingness to embrace joy.

  Alongside the yo-yo, other playful props like Kendama, a Japanese ball and stick game, something that has been for some time combination toy and fashion accessory in Tokyo Street fashion. Even the nostalgic side of a bubble gum bubble can be an accessory. Bubble gum brings a delightful touch to street fashion. These simple yet captivating toys evoke a sense of playfulness that transcends age and societal norms. Something growing from the old roots of childhood; both nostalgia and style. Whether it’s skillfully landing a trick with a Kendama or blowing bubbles with a piece of bazooka bubble gum, some women are redefining street fashion by infusing it with interactive elements that bring joy and whimsy to their everyday lives.

  Additionally, there’s a certain charm in the back pocket homemade slingshots—a symbol of tomboy resourcefulness and creativity. Crafted with care, these slingshots reflect an individual’s ability to transform ordinary objects into something extraordinary. Tucked away discreetly, they offer a hint of adventure and intrigue, adding an unexpected element to a young woman’s ensemble. 

  

  The beauty of incorporating playful prop toys into street fashion lies in the empowerment they bring. They serve as reminders to never take oneself too seriously, to embrace the childlike wonder that exists within us all. By engaging with these props, young women create moments of connection and spark joy in themselves and those around them. It’s an invitation to break free from the constraints of convention and find delight in the simplest of pleasures.

  So, for the women who seek to add a touch of playfulness to their street fashion, remember that fashion isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about how you engage with it. Embrace the rhythmic dance of the yo-yo, master the tricks of Kendama, blow bubbles with glee, and let your back pocket slingshot remind you of your own resourcefulness. Let your playful prop toys be the catalysts for self-expression and create moments of unexpected delight in your fashion journey.

  In the world of playful prop fashion, there are no limits—just endless possibilities for women to embrace their inner child and elevate their street style to a whole new level of joyful self-expression.

  July 7, 2023

  Americana, Americana fashion, fashion, street fashion, women’s fashion

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• Amboseli Safari Jacket: The safari jacket that could have changed the game but didn’t, because the color was wrong.

  

  Last year The Territory Ahead released the Amboseli Safari Jacket. We can tell you first hand it was built to a really good quality, a hell of a quality. It blended utilitarianism and tradition in every aspect. It borrowed heavily from the American field jackets, which was its right as an American brand; ancestral learning that granted credibility. The jacket poured an American field into African safari and stirred it all together with amazing quality, only to leave it in an unappetizing color. Unfortunately that color wasn’t necessarily true on most screens, because of a weird quirk between screen settings and the actual color. Making the color of the jacket richer and better looking on screen.

  The jacket came in the worst and blandest of light khaki tans, much to the disappointment of a number of people such as myself who frequently have their devices set to “pop” colors. Many people expected it to be this deep earthy autumn golden bronze; the color of wet autumn wheat fields. A color any deeper that would be orange, and any lighter would be straw. There is the problem, it was lighter. It was all a lie, maybe a lie we told you ourselves, for setting our screens the way we did. The color didn’t match the images because of phone settings.

  I personally bought the jacket, the incredible quality, not bad fit. The belt was a little long I thought, but from the beginning I planned on replacing it, or cenching it back behind. It really offered what so many men needed, a jacket they could take into the city and out into the country. A pocket for everything, and not too many pockets; a balancing act in any safari or field jacket. The lining was comfortable, and I have no doubt very warm. I fully expected to be able to wear the jacket from September to November, and then again in late February to early April; a true two season jacket. They’re so few two season jackets nowadays. I just couldn’t shake that pale straw color, the company calls Dijon.

   To make matters worse, there was the matter of the button holds. Rather than traditional thread stitching, the company went for a type of ribbon for lack of a better word. This material held the buttons on, and I have zero doubt that it did so extremely well. It was absolutely that extra touch the jacket needed to show off its field readiness. The only problem was it was this orangish red which would have been fine had the color been true to expectations. I think they would have blended well together. They did it right, they built it exactly the way it needed to be, and nobody else has done that in an age it seems like. Except they got the color wrong. Now I know that in reality I am the one, along with others, who are at fault for assuming the wrong color. However, I don’t think that changes the fact that The Territory Ahead should have made it in a richer earthier color.

   They went to bat, they swung, they made contact, They knocked it out of the park; then took off the uniform, and went home without walking the bases. I really hope that someone from The Territory Ahead reads this, fixes this problem, because if they do; people will be talking about this safari jacket 20 years from now as 40 and 50-year-old men walk down the street still wearing them 20 years later.  I really hope The Territory Ahead does this again, but in a better color.

  July 3, 2023

  Americana fashion, Autumn fashion, coats, field jacket, jackets, men’s fashion, outerwear, Safari, Safari jacket, spring fashion., street fashion, territory ahead, utilitarian fashion

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