It’s been three months since I got my hands on a pair of Momotaro’s Going to Battle Labels and it’s only fair that you’ll be updated on my wear project. First, let’s take a look at what they looked like brand new:

Nice, crisp and dark indigo with the back pocket’s white lines clear and shiny.

This is what they look like after three months of repeated torture, drunken snow angels (kinda like the normal angels, but with their halos left in the locker room), stacking, cuffing, stretching and whatnots. No being dragged behind a moving car, but I suppose that’s got to be left for the summer when there’s more friction from the sand and concrete.

A few lines here and there, some extra wear on the cuffs and a few faded whiskers on the front, the white lines fading a bit, but that’s about it. It’s annoying really. No matter how bad I treat these jeans, they refuse to begin to show some wear. It’s like they’ve got a mind of their own and they’ve decided to piss me off. Hardly. Here at NDH there is no giving up, no backing down. I will break them if it’s the last thing I do.

Then again, all this compliments Momotaro on creating denim that lasts through everything. If my possible future kid somewhere does not wear these when I pass away, I will personally haunt his ass for eternity out of pure spite for his disrespect towards art – which these jeans are.

After three months there is one person in particular I wish to recommend these jeans to. John Connor, you’ve found your attire. Now go and win that battle!

Hi Y’all,

Super Sunday behind us and I’ve had a rather nice weekend. For those wondering where have we been as there has been only few posts lately, yours truly has been multitasking for the past few weeks on another level. In addition to this, I decided just to take an evening or two off, haha.

But what would a week be without a little checkup on the ongoing denim project.

I can see that others have taken up a challenge of denim project blogging as well. You can take a look at denim debate. They have a pair of Momotaro Jeans there as well. Well back to this wear and tear project. The winter has cooled down (or warmed up) since my last post and last few days have actually been pretty beautiful weather-wise that is.

This week I wanted to post a little comparison to my previous project being that we’ve hit the two month milestone. Starting off with the frontal shot. There are still plenty of miles ahead before the current project matches up with the previous one, but hey we’re getting there much faster than I initially expected.

Momotaro Jeans – Copper Label project:

Momotaro Jeans – Vintage Label project

The light does not do the Copper Label project justice. In natural sunlight the faded blue in contrast with the natural deep blue color of the Momotaro Jeans is really beautiful. I mean the jeans could stay at their current state and they would be awesome, but I am putting them through a lot more wear in attempt to get that ultimate fade, heh. Still plenty of wear ahead.

The stacking on the back of the knees is definitely going to top the previous project, that I know already.

A little closeup of the tags, just for the fun of it.

I decided to call this edition whiskers, because the jeans are really creasing nicely. These creases will most likely stay there throughout the project and will fade to give the jeans a hopefully symmetric set of whiskers. But don’t get me wrong an unsymmetrical set of whiskers couuld be rather nice as well. You can see my iPhone has made its mark as well. Lately I have not kept my wallet in my front pocket and this thus there has not been much wallet fade on the front. But also the left side of my jeans has gotten nice set of whiskers as well. Just a tip, to get a symmetric set of whiskers, don’t keep your wallet in the front pocket.

And then, the ass whiskers.

There were some seat whiskers in the last project but these jeans have defo more. Not that it’s a bad thing. What to do? I sit on my ass most of the day. I wonder if the type of chair affects the type of creasing the seat experiences? I would think so.

Lastly a little cuff comparison.

Those snow lines really fit the winter. I think that once all that snow melts I wither get a pair of rubber boots or the roping will get really obvious even before washing the jeans. Will keep you posted as the project and the spring progress.

That’s all for the day. I will try to chill for few more hours before another week full of crunching. Thus, no matter where you are; have a great and dynamic week ahead. I’m out, peace…

Hi Y’all,

As the title says, a little greetings from the Momotaro Jeans brand as well as Nordic Denim House to everyone for their support this far and especially during the Copenhagen Fashion Week.

We would like to thank everyone for their interest in Momotaro Jeans, checking our updates on our Blog, Twitter and Facebook and for visiting our stand at the Terminal-2 during the Copenhagen Fashion Week. It’s always great to meet and talk with people who share our passion for vintage denim and Momotaro Jeans in particular.

Your feedback about the brand and its products inspire us to reach new heights in the denim scene. All you have to do is try a pair of Momotaro Jeans and you will see for yourself, in the exquisite details and the rich indigo blue that Momotaro Jeans are of superior quality. Your support helps us carry the brand to new regions, so that even more people can experience the essence of true vintage denim.

We look forward to continuing the dialogues started during Terminal-2 and should you have any questions regarding the brand and products, feel free to contact us at info@nordicdenimhouse.com for information.

Thank you and see you soon!

Regards,
Rampuya&Co. & Nordic Denim House

www.japanblue.co.jp/momotaro/
www.nordicdenimhouse.com
info@nordicdenimhouse.com

Hi Y’all,

Sunday snowy Sunday… and so on. It has indeed been a very snowy and cold weekend here in the jolly old Finland. It feels as if it was just yesterday but last week at this time yours truly was still in Denmark. Shout out to everyone we met there, CPH Vision/ Terminal-2 staff and of course Momotaro Jeans. We love you all. On that note, you can check interview conducted TribaSpace during the fair.

How important is Copenhagen for your business?

This edition of my Momotaro Jeans Copper Label project has a twist to it. But for that you need to read all the way until the end of the post. Or just scroll down if you feel like it.

Anyway, the jeans have been worn non-stop for a month now and all I can say is that I love my jeans. The wear is already starting to show already when it took months with the previous project. Detailed pictures will follow next month. But this week is all about fit pics.

The first pic already shows well started fading process on the jeans’ thighs. I have already developed a nice set of whiskers on the front of jeans as well. Plenty of more creasing is expected in the following months but this is a rather splendid start.

The side shows the color difference between the untouched and already (slightly) faded parts of the pants. The cuffs are getting plenty of “snow lines” as I will call them from now on. But it’s all good though, they add in to the uniqueness of the project. My iPhone has left a mark on my right pocket as well.

Most notable thing about the back of the jeans is the stacking. The creasing is leaving a nice set of lines to the back. The seat is not all too faded yet though there is some creasing and fading appearing on the seat as well. Still the front shows the fading and change in color much better than the back.

Lastly, the surprise I was telling you about. Along with our new T-shirts, we also got a little something else from the guys at KIKS TYO. A rare piece of wood that comes with a pretty picture and nice graphics.

Yes, the fresh KIKS TYO collaboration with China’s premier skateshop Fly that resulted in a limited edition skateboard deck featuring an imprinted pictorial of Yuko Ishida on one side and graphics of spilled milk and milk carton with Fly’s founder Jeff Han on the other side. Don’t forget that we already have a shirt to match the deck.

So I guess I get to say Got Milk? once more. Got Milk? Yes sir…

That’s all for now but check out our newest additions from erect81, QUOLOMO and KIKS TYO and stay tuned for more updates. I’m out but definitely staying indoors, coz it’s cold outside…

Hi Y’all,

Momotaro Jeans is getting its due attention in the online media and I was happy to see some of Nordic Denim House’s pics at the Sartorially Inclined.

The sneaker world never seizes to amaze me. The world is full of awesome kicks and in a perfect world I would have a pair of sneakers for every situation. The Spring and Summer are approaching faster by the minute and I personally can’t help but to check for new kicks every other day. I got my eyes on a certain pair of Nike Gucci RESNs but I might change my mind after seeing the below kicks. Big Nike High Kobe Bryant “Black Mamba”. The shoes are inspired by Kobe’s favorite movie Kill Bill. The black leather upper and yellow rubber soles with top having blood splatters and the silver swoosh representing Hattori Hanzo sword (I suppose). I also read that the insoles would have Black Mamba’s kill list on it, with a Kobe Bryant twist. Since Lakers beat Celtics for the championship last season, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are already crossed over, heh. I really like these kicks.

Picture courtesy of highsnobiety.com

Another set of shoes I am seriously thinking of copping for the summer are the Converse Chuck Taylor Sweatshirt sneakers. With sweatshirt fleece top and the basic Allstar essentials this shoes has an edge to it and it would go very well with a very special pair of Momotaro Jeans coming up this summer (wink, wink).

Picture courtesy of Freshnessmag.com

Next up, something for the ladies. I know Valentine’s day has passed already but if you’re still without a gift and would like to make up for that and if your girl happens to be a sneaker freak, you might want to consider getting her the Nike Women’s Air Force One Premium Valentine’s day kicks. The colorway is true to the theme of the day and the shoes come in a nice box.

Picture courtesy of Kix-Files.com

And if you really want make your girl happy you can surprise her with a pair of Jimmy Choo sneakers (once they’re available in May). Yes, the time has come that Jimmy Choo does not only mean slippers and heels but the ladies can wear their favorite shoe brand and still represent their inner sneaker freak. With five high top and three low top models mixing materials like patent leather, suede and slim soles these kicks look like a winner. Good to see the brand bringing out something fresh. I mean this is something, I got worried after the H&M collaboration. Wonder if Jimmy himself is still behind the design?

Picture courtesy of Freshnessmag.com

Nevertheless the initial pics look good so you might as well get ready for the release in May. Oh yeah, the price range is from $465 to $595 depending on the style of the shoe. Not too bad, what else would you expect from Jimmy Choo.

That’s all for the new Lunar Year’s first kicks edition. We’re finally getting back on track after the Copenhagen trip. Life’s good so cherish it. Take it easy everyone and those interested of becoming and official stockist of the Momotaro Jeans brand you can check some initial info here and drop an email to info(a)nordicdenimhouse.com for more details. Peace, I’m out.

Hi Y’all,

Good evening! The wonderful Copenhagen Fashion Week has come to an end. Or it did, yesterday. For us at least. My apologies for not being able to post the update in real time, but the day was just to say busy. We’re back in the snowy old Finland all safe and sound. The flight was pleasant and everything went well if you don’t count few obstacles on the way from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport back to our crib. But I rather focus on the pleasant things like the last day of Terminal-2 and the fifth week of my Copper Label project. Some fit pics from Copenhagen, a reference point as well as status pics.

As always the day started with a walk to the CPH-Vision venue at Øksnehallen. The week went by so fast. Time flies when you’re having fun, damn right.

The shuttle bus driver was the same guy as on previous mornings and he still spoke only Danish with me, heh.

Off to the Terminal-2. You know it’s funny how I never had difficulties hitting the fair venue even in the early morning after next to no sleep. I’m gonna miss the venue. See you next time, or next year…

There was plenty of speculation whether there would be any people at the venue on Sunday. Well, I’m pretty sure Sunday was as buzzing as the other days. Most of the visiting folks were indeed part of the general public with most of the buyers already back to their respective homes. Still, plenty of action for a Sunday.

At this point a shout out to our neighbors from New Balance.

So a general fit picture of my current Momotaro Project. The jeans are developing rather nice whiskers on the front. Some fading on the front around the pocket areas but the jeans are still as fresh as they were a week ago.

Still, there’s a long way to this…

It’s not just about the fashion and business but also about great people you meet.

Next up, some pics of the project. I’m really amazed of how nicely the jeans fade. It’s been a month and I see fades that I only saw months later with my last project. I do have to say that the Vintage label jeans are dyed with darker indigo. But still… Damn, I’m pretty sure this is going to be an awesome project (it already is). So for those who are in doubt of whether sanforized denim fades as nicely as raw denim? Yes they do, denim fades as long as you wear it.

The cuffs and back of the knees are fading nicely as well. At this pace the jeans will have a nice collection of details by the time I give them their first soaking.

The obvious, hidden rivets and the spots between the stitches have gotten much lighter since last week. One of the special features of Momotaro Jeans is the special way the middle of the belt loops as well as the “pocket borders” are sewn folding the fabric inside to create an embossing that will fade really nicely.

That’s all for now. I have nothing more to say tonight, as said, it’s the people that make the difference. Thanks for a great fair guys! Stay tuned for more. Although the Copenhagen Fashion Week is over, we’re just getting started. Peace, I’m out…

Hi Y’all,

The pace picked up again today. I felt as if there were more people today in comparison to yesterday. Not that there is anything to complain about yesterday but today was definitely packed with more action. Not just the normal trade show action but more great people, new acquaintances and even better, great discussions among friends.

Terminal-2 was buzzing as if it was the last day of the fair but to be frank to many trade show regulars this might have actually felt like a final day as the fairs like this often last for only 3 days instead of 4 days of Terminal-2/ CPH-Vision. Actually I should say that it has lasted for 4 days already and there is one more to go. Awesome…

All of the brands present at the fair(s) have been documented into something called the “black book”. A fitting title for such a information package. There is a nice little page of Momotaro Jeans as well, with the basic contact information. Nothing special, just the essentials. But the book looks good.

Theme of the day was interviews. There were few with yours truly as well as Katsu from the Momotaro Jeans’ camp interviewed for online/offline magazines. Hope the articles pass the filters and find their way to the readers worldwide. In addition to this there were more magazine reps and bloggers taking pictures of Momotaro Jeans.

Due to the well functioning WiFi connection today, I was able to post stuff on Facebook and Twitter more than on the previous days. For those who missed the tweets, some selected pics for your enjoyment.

Copper Label Momotaro Jeans worn for one year!

Our set of worn Momotaro Jeans. It’s always great to see people’s expression when they hear that the jeans have actually been worn for a year already.

Vintage Label Momotaro Jeans, Raw vs. Jeans worn for a year.

The day was completed with a reunion dinner together with our NDH and the Momotaro Jeans crew. Awesome dinner, great conversation, and good times. It’s feeling like Chinese New Year already. With this I leave you. One more day to go. We’re embracing the energy and the fashion appreciating atmosphere of the Terminal-2. Way to go Copenhagen Fashion Week.

Happy Chinese New Year Everyone! Gong Hei Fatt Choi! Gong Xi Fatt Cai!

Hi Y’all,

We’re still alive and well here in Copenhagen. Day two is pretty much done for and now sitting back checking what’s going on in the email scene while posting this little update from the Copenhagen Fashion Week. Another great day, full of fresh faces and new acquaintances. Shout out to the guys from TribaSpace, thanks for dropping by.

The ladies from our crew spent the early afternoon at the CPH-Vision side of the Fashion Week while I was posted on the K-04 at the Terminal-2. After a full day of buzz at the fair, the general opinion about the Vision was… well, subtle. I can imagine that as the Terminal-2 is getting more organized with plenty of fresh entrants and exhibitioners showing what they got, all full of energy with eyes wide open. Still it’s good to see this side of the fair as well. (Although I did not see it personally, just talked to a number of folks who went there)

The CPH-Vision is more focused on the ladies essentials such as shoes and bags mainly rotating around a number of well known brands presenting themselves on the fair. There are naturally new entrants and designers representing themselves as well. I was however slightly concerned about the reports regarding lack of energy at the Vision. What I also heard was that the action is moving more towards the Terminal-2 and after watching the scene for the first two days I’m somehow not surprised.

Still I do have to admit the number of people was significantly lower on the second day. Wonder where everybody went to? One obvious element is the numerous show room events distributors and brand representatives are holding during the Copenhagen Fashion week. The buyers and scouts will have to split their few day presence in Copenhagen to suit both the trade show as well as the showroom events. That’s my theory at least.

We ourselves attended one of these events tonight. Thanks again for the wine guys, good meeting! Instead of taking the easy way there (taxi that is), we decided to explore the public transportation of Copenhagen. Needless to say we had to take few extra steps we did find the Queen’s castle and took some nice pictures of the city view.

I did not have too much time to browse the fair today or take any pictures for that matter but I did have plenty of great denim talk with the guys from Momotaro Jeans as well as the people visiting our stand. More of this tomorrow. Be easy everyone and respect your denim!

Hi Y’all,

The first official day of Terminal-2 kick-started today at 9 AM. I can’t really boast and bash that everything started wit ha bang, because it does not work like that. It always takes time for people to get their asses on the venue and start walking around. So first half of the day the exhibitors are usually mingling with other exhibitors. But when it all starts it does start with a bang.

The difference between today and last night is amazing though. I could not believe my eyes when I got to the venue this morning. We had done our work well (in true artisan spirit) and our booth was ready when some of the exhibitors only started thinking what they’re going to do with the fair, heh. So it was easy to just go there and get everything started.

For those not able to be present at the spot, you can see the welcoming Momotaro Jeans stand below.

Yes, the Samurai Suit is authentic. I can tell you that it has been rather popular with people, the suit has become somewhat of a celebrity at least if a celebrity status is based on the number of pictures taken.

Well the suit did provide us some good laughs as well.

The day started with Terminal-2 Press Show where Momotaro Jeans was presented as well. So few pics, with Momotaro Jeans included below.  We also took a video of the show so once I get a chance I will post that up.

Not too sure about the flowers in the pocket of the dude but hey, what are runways for?

This year the organizers have produced an official “newspaper” for the event in which Momotaro Jeans was actually present as well. Good look.

Behind the lovely lady reading the particular paper you can see a sneak peek of the new Europe Label launched during the SS10. All I can say is that the stuff is awesome (as you would expect). So you may also expect to hear more from the line.

Needless to say the Copenhagen Fashion week is just getting started and we’re eating, drinking and breathing fashion. Meeting a lot of great people and networking. We’re definitely high on the denim supply and if you want to share that high, come and meet us at the Terminal-2, stand K-04. More will follow tomorrow. Stay tuned and thanks for all y’all support! Copenhagen over and out…

Copenhagen…

It’s been long time coming, but we’re finally here. We’re all alive and well here.

First off, we’re ready to kick-start the Terminal-2 fair together with Momotaro Jeans first thing tomorrow. The afternoon and evening flew by so fast I could barely keep up. But it’s all good and we’re satisfied with today’s work. As much as I would love to post all the nitty gritty pics from today, I will hold on to that for now. But will post as little preview on our Copenhagen takeover.

The days started off real early, the regular way at the airport.

The flight was pretty good, I mean no bumps on “the road” and well it was only 1,5 hours so nothing much to say about it. Last flight I took was from Malaysia to Finland and well that was a whole different story, 13 hours longer story. Copenhagen, Copenhagen… The first thing you realize when you step out of the plane to the airport is how important the fashion week is. Plenty of buyers and fashion label representatives not to forget the fact that the fashion week really is everywhere here.

It’s not just the ads posted everywhere, but the stores have their sales and different spots are making the best out of the event, holding events of their own directly or indirectly related to the fashion week. Oh and furry fur hats are the in thing for the ladies here. Mark my words, plenty of fluffy hats spotted all over the town. Should have brought my fur hat along, haha. As if I would need to fit in.

Anyway, we got checked into our hotel, which is pretty nice. Managed to take a few steps around the shopping district and met up with the guys from Japan. Next step, Terminal-2.

Here I will draw a line and save what’s going on at the show for tomorrow. Next thing I know, it’s dark as it was this morning when we woke up but the city had lighted up. Looking pretty good.

Right now I need to catch some shuteye. Busy day ahead. But have no fear, we’ll keep you posted. Again, if you’re in the region, do drop by best way to contact us is of course at Terminal-2/ K-04 and through info(a)nordicdenimhouse.  Copenhagen out…