Hope your weekend has been a relaxing one. Helsinki was soaked in sunshine and we made the best of it by having a little photoshoot in celebration of the Spring season. More of that later but this edition is about my Copper Label project.

I dug up my previous project for the purpose of the photoshoot yesterday and I can tell the jeans felt very nice, very nice indeed. I have been wearing the copper label for “so long” I totally forgot how great the Vintage Label jeans felt like. Even after nearly year of wear and tear. Not that I have anything against my current project, the jeans are lighter, softer and very different from Vintage Label but hey the current project is about Copper Label. I’m getting really anxious the closer we get to summer. One season behind us, the second one is on its way and two more to go following this splendid Spring.

Below a picture of the Vintage Label 0901 jeans taken in natural light. For those not familiar with my previous project, these jeans were worn every day for nearly a year and soaked after 4 months of wear following which they were washed once a month. I hid the jeans away since the Copenhagen Fashion Week and now that I dug them out, I really like what I see. I think few more months of wear and the jeans would have been (if possible) even better.

The funny thing is, after 14 weeks of wear and one wash after 3 months of wear the jeans have pretty much same look and color as the previous project after nearly a year of wear. Of course the above project had a lot more wear in it, but after six more months I do think this project could end up with even better results.

The backside of the Vintage Label project does show some signs of wear, but no major tear. That’s fine with me, goes to show the jeans can take plenty of wear without major damage.

I’m sure that at the end of the year, these jeans show as much wear on the back side as on the front. There are lines all over the seat and back of the legs, without forgetting the snowlines on the cuff regions. One thing that I am really curious to see is if the signature stitiching on the right back pocket will withstand the wear or will it tear?

I will leave you with a sneak picture of the NDH SS 2010 look. With that, take care of you and yours and we’ll be back with more updates and writing shortly. Cheers!

First off, today was the first day in almost two years that I called in sick. I stayed at home and took it easy the whole day. I won’t skip my blog post though. The day went by watching Hong Kong TVB drama series and resting. And it paid off. I feel a lot better already. Naturally there were some work related things I handled via my mobile office but mostly just resting.

Yesterday’s post was simply awesome but now we’re back to the thing we know best. Denim projects. We’ve been posting denim project updates for almost a year already and just this week we threw another set of jeans into our very own denim debate, Remy’s Going to Battle (ex Going to War) Label Momotaro Jeans. Three months in the jeans look great, definitely not torn but worn yet fresh.

Today we take this thing to yet another level introducing another two sets of Momotaro Jeans projects. The jeans belong to our friend Tim from Germany. Shout out to Tim. It’s very interesting discussing denim with folks that share similar interests. It’s a small world and Tim’s Momotaro denim projects have been exactly the same as mine and even in the same order. Both of the jeans have been worn consequently for three months on daily basis.

First off some pics of the Vintage Label 0901 Jeans.

There are definitely similarities with my own 0901 project but the lifestyles of the wearer are apparent with this project as well. For instance the wallet fade on the right back pocket, and left front pocket as well as the whiskers on the front of the jeans.

The jeans still have their dark hue and like new.

On to the next set of pics. These are from the Copper Label G003-MB jeans also worn for three months. One thing that differentiates these Copper Label jeans from mine is the fact that these don’t just have wear but a little bit of tear as well. The stitching on the corner of the back pocket had come loose as you can see.

This is a first one for me although I have seen some very worn and torn Momotaro Jeans with some torn stitching usually on the bottom of the back pocket.

The jeans have been worn for about same time as my current project, but they look totally different. I mean just have a look.

The Copper Label jeans look fresh in every sense of the word. Just like with the Vintage Label jeans there is some creasing on the front as well as on the back of the knees. But as you can see the jeans look totally different.

That’s the beauty of premium denim. When the jeans are truly made by hand without compromise, every pair is different. The natural indigo dye, the tailor made cutting and sewing not to mention rivets and buttoning. Although the jeans might look the same there are differences as the products are indeed man made. The individual nature of the jeans truly comes through with the wear. I’m sure that the extreme winter this year has made a mark on my jeans and one really needs to go through those two meter snow walls to get the same look. Still, no matter where these jeans are worn and for how long they all have one thing in common, the high quality and craftmanship. Well made jeans are like a work of art. If you doubt my word, all you have to do is get a pair and you will see it for yourself.

One more pic for the road. This one with both the Vintage and Copper Label Momotaro Jeans side by side.

That’s all for the day, but I have much more in store for you. Just a little hint before tomorrow’s update. Yuki Hoashi. Oh almost forgot. If you have not checked the new trailer for the Iron Man 2, now’s your chance. Another thing to add to the awesome list.

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…

I’m continuing on something remy kicked off some time back. Our new weekly edition for the new year “Stuff to wear…” This week I’ introducing to you something special, a duffel bag. But not just any duffel bag, a Finnish vintage duffel bag. Genuine leather travel gear from few decades back. The bag is indeed made in Finland few decades back (I think it was made in the 70′s)  but is still in what I would call prime condition.

The bag does not only look badass, it’s also very handy when traveling. Just the right size for traveling, in my opinion at least. It also has story to it. If you look at the side of the bag (below pic) you can see a hand print on it. This hand print actually belongs to a Mexican taxi driver, who had apparently just finished mechanic work or something because as soon as he had thrown the bag to the trunk of the car the hand print was stuck there and that was 30 years ago. Ain’t that something.

Well obviously these are stories I heard from the bag’s previous owner (my parents), since back then I was nothing but an idea. But somehow I really find this story amusing to say the least. I adopted the bag a year ago and since then it has traveled with me to here and there, still toughing it out and not complaining. Like a good bag should. A nice vintage bag goes well with other vintage gear like jeans, shirts and shoes. As you can see below, heh.

The pic was taken last summer (ah the summer), and although it’s just something like 6 months back it feels as if it was ages ago. My Vintage Label Momotaro Jeans which are actually stored inside the bag at the moment were a true travel companion to my bag last year and thus I feel that since I am more or less wearing the Copper Label Momotaro Jeans on daily basis, I should keep the jeans I love in a bag I appreciate almost as much as my jeans. Also it saves me a minute when packing for a trip, should I feel a need to pack an extra pair of jeans along to the journey. Next stop for the bag is Copenhagen, Denmark where we’re heading in two week’s time. But more on that later.

That’s all for this edition of Stuff to wear… Stay tuned for more and have a prosperous week ahead everyone. One love y’all, I’m out… Peace.

The end of the week went by swiftly and my blog updates are pretty much been on draft level for the past few days. However this is bound to change now as I feel I must write a nice little summary on my Vintage 0901 project. As mentioned the project came into an end as you guys voted for the change. The newest project is Copper Label G003-MB and that project is well under way. But still I will share another set of pictures of these wonderful Vintage Label jeans before putting the focus on the new project.

So without further due I let’s take a look back at the journey and finally check out some detailed pics of the jeans at their current state.

In the beginning the jeans were rigid, almost black indigo masterpiece. There is nothing better than a fresh pair of heavy oz Japanese denim jeans. I mean who doesn’t love a pair of new jeans?

I think one of the greatest moments in the project was the first soaking. Instead of the basic bucket I gave the jeans a soaking in the fresh waters of a Finnish lake. It’s not the Seto Sea but hey, it’s different. A proper hang drying on a tree branch just to top if off.

The summer was great time. It was warm, and the jeans started to show little wear and tear. Well not so much tear but definitely wear. The fit had improved a great deal following the soaking and the jeans had become like my second skin.

The jeans had been soaked and washed several times when I decided to do a comparison between the jeans in their original form and the current state. Well the difference was very visible.

Vintage 0901 meets beach and sand…

The jeans were worn non-stop just like my RMC belt bought a bit over a year ago and when the jeans only started to show some wear my belt cut its contract with the belt loop. But I do have to say that the belt is still going strong, even sans the loop.

Every summer has to come to an end but the the sunlight fortunately lasted until late Autumn and below few sunny Autumn pictures of the jeans.

Then came the winter and the elements like freezing weather as well as snow. The jeans are awesome for winter wear as the heavy oz denim fares really well at even freezing temperatures like -20 Degrees Celsius. They don’t mind the snow either, heh.

And now here we are… Taking a look at the jeans as they are right now. I have to say I do not switch to the new project with a light heart. The jeans are getting the more you wear them and they keep evolving. It seems that every week brings in new features. But the people have voted and I will take on another challenge for the year 2010.

So without any longer explanations, below a set of pics at their current state.

Below a pic of the tear in this wear & tear project. Not much considerign the beating the jeans were put through and somehow this little rip fits the jeans very nicely. Gives them a bit more “edge”, as if the jeans were not edgy enough already.

Thus these jeans will go to the same shelf with my previous projects just waiting to get back into wearing. I have to say this will definitely be the last you hear and see of these jeans but the focus will probably be on the Copper Label for a while. That’s all for this edition of Vintage 0901. We’ve got a great week ahead, the year has started well and I guess it will continue the same way.

It’s been long time coming and my new denim Project has officially begun. For the starters I thought of just sharing some detailed pics of the jeans in their current fresh form. I have worn the jeans for few days already and I have to tell you, they’re great. I mean the Vitnage Label Momotaro Jeans are just rugged heavy duty Vintage jeans, but the Copper Label is something else. They’re also the heavy oz selvedge denim Momotaro is known for, but they’re softer than Vintage Label. The softness is partially due to the cotton blend used in the jeans. The fabric is mixture of organic cotton used in other Momotaro jeans, but also features fine cotton used in dress shirts. This gives the denim a very soft feel. The inside (back) of the jeans has a natural indigo dyed fabric, which I suppose adds to the softness, and looks nice.

The inside pockets are also indigo dyed and feature a Japan Blue patch. You can also notice that the Copper Label features the same pink selvedge as the Vintage Label.

Unlike the Vintage Label Momotaro Jeans, the Copper Label comes sanforized. Washed in the essence of Seto Sea water the jeans. They say that “the blue color of the denim is kept more natural by using special cotton with long fibers that lets the jeans wear in unique and personal ways.” Indeed the jeans have a very peculiar blue to them. The color is lighter than in the Vintage Label but very deep. I would imagine they will fade really nicely. Below a pic showing the color of my Vintage 0901 (washed, worn and torn) and the fresh Copper Label denim. Also note the stitching on the right back pocket of the jeans. Something new as the Vintage Label had plain back pockets.

The timing is perfect for the start of the denim project. Winter is at its finest and the jeans have already met with snow, heh. Normally I would give the jeans a hot soaking before starting to wear them in, but this time I skipped this part as the jeans are indeed pre-washed and the fit is pretty much perfect. Thus they have only been “soaked” in snow, heh.

The buttons have an old school look to them and fit very nicely to the rugged but stylish look of the Copper Label.

I will save the fit pics to the next edition but the particular journey has now officially begun. Later this week I will post the summary of the 0901 Journey. That’s all for now. Be safe y’all, I’m out…

As I hinted on my post yesterday, I am looking into starting my next denim project shortly and decided that it would be best to let you, our readers decide what type of project I’m going to undertake. I did do some preliminary ranking based on the type of jeans and the available size. But in the end you have the choice over what jeans I will put through wear and tear next year. On the right you can see the poll, so don’t hesitate to cast your vote.

Winter is an excellent time to start the project and the freezing cold weather has already got me plenty of ideas of what type of endurance test I could put the jeans through.

So without further due, below are the alternatives:

Momotaro Jeans – 0905SP – Going To War Label

The lines are already classic and this best seller from Japan is undoubtedly something I want to put to test. The Going to War Label (Or Going to Battle Label) is dyed only with darkest type of natural indigo. The jeans are sanforized 15.7oz rigid denim with good fit and after wearing them for a short time, they will soon feel like a second skin. I know folks who have taken up this particular project and I’m very keen to experience the jeans myself as well.

Momotaro Jeans – G003-MB – Copper Label

They say that natural cotton makes superior denim. Inspired by old Japanese denim, in Copper Label jeans Momotaro uses an indigo dyeing technique that reproduces deep blue color for the cotton. The jeans are sanforized, washed with Marine essence same as Seto-Sea’s water, which is rich with minerals. The blue color is kept more natural by using special cotton with long fibers that lets the jeans wear in unique and personal ways. Another great alternative. I am anxious to see the difference between the aging of the Vintage Label and the Copper Label.

The Year Of… – Lil’ Brooklyn

The Year Of… is for the individual who seeks to mark their moment in time with the latest in specialty denim that mirrors the exuberance of success. Our hope is for each pair to be worn with sincere appreciation of the skill and effort involved. Lil’ Brooklyn as the design is most commonly known represents the brand’s Year of the Dog era and is probably one of the most known designs not to mention rare, especially today.

The Year Of… – Nippon Ribbon

Another classic design from The Year Of… Nippon Ribbon jeans are regular fit, non-washed, five pocket jeans from the Year Of The Rat collection. The jeans come with a black button fly and a black ribbon embroidery sewn across the back of the jeans. I have yet to see a worn pair of these type of jeans and I am sure it would definitely make a great project.

Last but not least…

The choice to continue the on-going Vintage 0901 Project.

This alternative needs no introduction. The project has been on-going for a good while and the jeans have pretty much seen every element from sand to snow and from Dr. Pepper to washing machine. The jeans still keep evolving and the more I wear them, the more attached I feel towards them. So not a bad alternative either.

Those are our contestants and I look forward to seeing what jeans you will pick for my next project. But do choose well, as these jeans will be worn non-stop until further notice. The voting will continue until Christmas Eve (24.12.2009), when I will drop a post on the selected style. The on-going Vintage 0901 project will continue until New Year’s Eve.

A big thanks to everyone in advance for participation and have a great weekend ahead.

We’ve all recovered from the Saturday’s party and as I hinted on my previous post, the winter indeed made a comeback. Great! Christmas without snow in Finland does not really feel like Christmas, or so they say. Nevertheless I’m really happy to see snow again. The thing is that along with the snow, came the freezing cold weather. This morning Helsinki woke up to -12 degrees Celsius. Cold… Well that’s not all that cold if you think about the fact that not that long ago we still had (and the North of Finland still has) -20 to -30 degree Celsius climates. Now that’s cold.

Well along with the winter my Momotaro Jeans 0901 project has come in contact with yet another element. I will most likely post more winter x momotaro editions later on but this shall be the first one. No detailed pics this time, but some fit pics that show quite nicely what’s going on with the jeans.

The project has not encountered such cold climates and the heavy oz Japanese denim fares really well in “extreme” climates. Since the denim is rather thick, they keep you warm and I think even though the temperature dropped few more degrees I would probably need another layer of shirts but jeans are definitely not the weakest link.

Hopefully the snow stays on the ground a bit longer than few months back, Finland might actually turn into a winter wonderland by Christmas. There are plenty of winter activities that could further enrich the project but we’ll have to wait for a bit more snow and a bit more solid winter phase before moving into that. But hey, actually getting some snow and cooler weather is a good start.

That’s all for this edition of Vintage 0901. We’ll be back with more to stuff shortly, but till then I’m off to enjoy the “cool breeze” out there. Be easy and remember the reflectors people, it’s really dark out there. Peace.

What’s good at your neck of the woods? Hope it’s all good. For me, today was a good day. An eye opening day of sorts, full of ups and downs of the everyday life, but mostly sudden spurs of inspiration and realization. I mean things happen just so out of sudden and sometimes you can just have a laugh at things as it feels as there’s a certain flow to how your life moves ahead with all the twists and turns.

I was supposed to write a much shorter update today with just a certain teaser pic, but alas my jeans had an intimate meeting with quarter of a bottle of Dr. Pepper (Yes, I do drink that stuff) during a movie describing how the world as we know it might come to an end. Lovely evening and you know what, my jeans didn’t even mind the soda. I could probably go on and wear my jeans with pride and nobody would know about the clumsy little incident, but being the person I am, to the washing machine they go.

Thus a few pictures of the lovely pair of jeans on their 30th week of wearing.

Funny enough this XXX -edition happens to be the thirtieth week of the on-going project. You see, I would not have even realized that would it not have been for that certain bottle of Dr. Pepper. Sometimes it just seems that so many things happen at once and you can see the path ahead of you and all you need to do is run, run as fast as you can and go for the path ahead of you. But then the next thing you know, you’re back to that empty space with no light, no path. But you need to keep those yes open.

Another thing open is the chain stitching at the hem of my jeans’ legs. The cuffs have gotten quite some beating lately and you can see the result. The cuffs are still holding off amazingly well. Just love the character this adds to my jeans, haha.

I wish I could take the pics in nice sunlight, but it is night here in Finland and where as you have no light during the day, you definitely don’t have any during the night.

So, to the washing machine the jeans will go. I do not expect drastic changes, but I do believe the fades will get a bit clearer as they do with every wash. There will probably be some shrinking, but that is so marginal I will not even notice it as once I get back to wearing them, they will get back to their old self in no time.

I love my jeans.

Another thing I love is what we have in store for the next year. I mean damn, it’s like they give you three cases of Legos and just ask you to build whatever you want to. That’s how it is right now. We’ve got those cases on the table and it’s just how we want to put those pieces together. All it takes is a little creativity. 2010, the year of the Tiger, it’s going to be wild one.

So to heat things up a bit to commemorate this XXX edition of my Momotaro project, we have a little sneak peek from our good friends in Tokyo. Shout out to KIKS TYO.

Be easy y’all, this is just a sneak peek. If you like this, you are gonna love what we got coming your way.

Now I have a meeting with the sandman. So until next time, appreciate the art of life and things around you and be easy, the weekend is almost here. I’m out like last season. Peace.

My 0901 jeans crossed the six month milestone some time back and they’re as if they’re getting better every day. I mean I have pretty much constantly worn the jeans for a good six months plus and although there’s always a temptation to get a fresh pair, start a new project and/ or mix up the outfit with different jeans for every day, it’s been pretty much hassle free six months, at least when it comes to the jeans, haha.

Well, enough of that, I posted a pic of the evident weather change at hand in Finland in yesterday’s KIKS TYO brand profile. But today’s looking mighty fine. I am still hearing that there’s snow here and there in Finland, but the weather is fresh (cold), sunny and rather nice at the moment. So decided to bring the jeans out into the wild. Well not that wild, but at least outside, heh. Thought that the sunlight might help show the current stage of the jeans even better than the flash and available light indoors.

The indigo blue fits well together with the seasonal green and yellow colors, heh. I have been rather observant about the changes in front of the jeans, but there’s a lot of color changes in the back as well. Naturally the back pockets and the hidden rivets show signs of wear, but the seat and the marks left by stacking of the jeans’ legs do look rather nice.

The cuffs have gone through a lot and remained pretty much the same. No real breakage although I haven’ been cuffing my jeans for a good while already. I remember from my high-school days, that the broken jeans’ cuffs were the first sign of wear, but haven’t encountered that yet. Needless to say I am impressed by the denim’s durability.

There are new crease lines around the pocket area that I had not noticed yet in the past. The front of the jeans shows most of the wear on the knees and thighs. The lower leg parts seldom get really any fading, except that encountered on the inseam rubbing and in the washing machine. The knees have not stretched much anymore. My last wash in cold water had very minimal effect on the jeans’ color or measurements. Might I say, the jeans are a perfect fit for me now. The good thing is that when starting a new denim project with a pair of Momotaros I have even better idea of the shrinking and stretching of the jeans, and of course the fading. Although these jeans are truly special and for sure one of a kind with the individual fading and such, I can’t wait for the possible denim projects in the future.

The below pic shows the color differences between the knee/thigh area and the lower leg.

That’s about it for this week. I will naturally keep the 0901s in wear and I’m actually excited about the prospect of winter, which gives me a perfect opportunity to introduce the jeans to snow and all that winter has to offer, heh.

Be easy everyone. I’m out, peace.