This very unique collaboration features hand-crafted artwork inspired by its 15.7oz. Sanforized OD+MJ Proprietary "Momozome" (もも染め) Selvedge denim.
One of those ideas that the yarn dyeing factory first rolled their eyes at, this is legitimately the first time the weft of a denim selvedge twill has been naturally dyed in the bark of a peach tree, to achieve the subtle hue of peach we achieved with the process. Celebrating the brand name and ethos of Momotaro, we were frankly surprised that this idea hadn't already come to life, given the 15+ year history of the brand. The 100% naturally occurring dye (no color pigment was added) could not be rope dyed due to hue penetration problems, thus the weft is entirely dyed by hand, in Kasezome (Skein dyed) fashion.
For the pocket bags, (shown in far right image / interior jacket pocket) the brands did a collaborative dive into Japanese history to celebrate a form of Shibori. Shibori is a non-mechanized resist-dyeing technique using indigo dye. Patterns, similar to modern western tie-dye, are achieved by binding the fabric and submerging it in an indigo dye bath. Okayama Denim and Momotaro collectively opted to use Momotaro's Peach branded jacquard pocket bags with an added twist of traditional Japanese dyeing techniques. Murazome (a type of Shibori dye) refers to the traditional tie-dyeing method. It reached peak popularity during the Edo period (17th to 19th Century), when the ruling class forbade the working class from wearing Silk garments, leading to this culture of intricately dyed cotton Shibori garments across Japan. The pocket bags this time around were dyed entirely by hand.
My hand drawn artwork can most prominently be seen in the Natural Cowhide leather patch is branded with custom freehand work, encompassing all elements of the "Momozome" project. Another element where Okayama Denim was able to highlight my artwork was the subtle Peach OD branding featured on the Blue "Going to Battle" painted stripes (shown above on the back right pocket on the jeans / below on the jacket’s left upper arm band).
