Blog

The origins and ongoing conversations related to TikTok stars Alexis Androulakis and Dr. Christina Basias Androulakis, and their new brand, Leaked Labs.

DENIM and PATCHES sourced this post originally published on this site

The Gap × Victoria Beckham collaboration is one of the biggest high–low fashion moments of 2026. It’s a multi-season partnership kicking off with a 38-piece Spring capsule, which dropped today, April 24, 2026.

The capsule blends Gap’s all-American basics with Beckham’s tailored, minimalist luxury aesthetic.

Gap and Victoria Beckham partnership debutes with a Spring collection that sees Gap classics reimagined through Victoria’s unique design lens.

Built on the foundations of a modern wardrobe, this capsule refines staple pieces with balanced proportions, sharp structure and thoughtful details . Designed to inspire confidence while bringing a sense of sophisticated ease to Gap’s iconic essentials. 

“To me, Gap is an all-American icon. A brand that has always created timeless pieces for everybody’s wardrobe, with a sharp attention to detail,” said Victoria Beckham.

“Bringing my design perspective to those everyday essentials and working with a team that shares that same commitment to craftsmanship and execution has made this collaboration incredibly special.” 

The 38-piece collection is anchored in Gap and Victoria Beckham’s shared focus on refined wardrobe building blocks . Denim, khaki, tees, button-up, and fleeces grounded in simplicity, versatility, and precision. The assortment moves from utilitarian-inspired pieces in khaki and green to an iconic heavyweight fleece logo set.

Denim leads, featuring the Arc Jean, alongside classic straight and capri silhouettes designed to pair with matching denim jackets and shirting. 

Additional pieces include a crisp white button-up, structured outerwear, including a trench and bomber, and classic crewneck organic cotton tees. Elevated fabrications and refined construction run throughout, with Victoria Beckham’s VB signature in red stitching appearing as a subtle design detail. The collection is available in adult sizing XXS–XX on the Gap website and select Gap stores globally.

The post Gap x Victoria Beckham Collaboration first appeared on Denimology.

DENIM and PATCHES sourced this post originally published on this site

KATO’s Monster Slub and What Else Is Happening

“Slubby” is one of those words that gets thrown around a lot when people talk about denim—but it’s not always clear what it actually means in practice.

So this week, I took a closer look, starting with a fabric that pushes it further than most. There’s also an update on the first Weirloom shirt—plus a few other things.

A Closer Look at KATO’s Monster Slub Selvedge

Before I tried heavyweight slubby selvedge, I thought it would be like wearing sandpaper. But after I wore a pair—made from a denim that’s quite similar to KATO’S Monster Slub—for a full year, and it turned out to be the opposite.

At 17 oz. and with extreme texture, this Monster Slub selvedge sounds like a lot to handle. But I think of it almost like seersucker. There’s less fabric actually touching your skin, which gives it a kind of airiness you wouldn’t expect from something this heavy.

In a new article, I break down what this kind of denim actually is, how it behaves, and what you can expect if you’re thinking about trying it.

If you’re curious, you can also explore KATO’s Monster Slub pieces here.

Help Me Decide the Next Weirloom Shirt

The first batch of the Weirloom shirt is sold out and soon moving into production. If you managed to get one—thank you. If not, you can still secure your size as a back-order or sign up to be notified when it’s restocked.

This was never meant to be a one-off. I’m planning to do another batch—but also to expand from here. Different colours in the same fabric, lighter flannels, maybe checks, chambray, denim… there are a lot of directions this could go.

The question is: what should come first?

I’ve put together a short survey to get your input. It’ll take a minute, and it’ll directly shape what I work on next. You can also just reply to this email if you prefer.

Things Worth Your Attention This Week

Cultizm is running a mid-season sale with 25% off selected items. If you’ve had your eye on something, this is a good time to check whether it’s included. Use code MID25. Have a look here.

SOSO Brothers are doing a campaign on their 20 oz. Double Black Ghost line-up this weekend. Get 15% off with the code GDB15. Available in their jeans, shirt, and jacket. See all here.

Brave Star just restocked a wide range of its core denims, from the lightweight 12.5 oz. selvedge up to the 21.5 oz. double-black Mayhem. They also have a couple of interesting pre-orders open, including the 13 oz. Brownstone and the 14 oz. Sky Slub. Find your favourite here.

Gustin has a new run of its Featherweight Broken Twill, and the headline here is the price: it’s only $79! That’s basically Uniqlo territory, and we’re talking raw selvedge jeans, made in the USA here. This isn’t some generic fabric either; it’s a broken twill in a summer weight that’ll be easy to wear in warm weather. Order yours here.

And finally, a quick reminder that the Bleu de Chauffe giveaway ends on Monday (April 27). The prize is worth more than $900 and includes three bags, a sweatshirt, and a T-shirt. Learn more and find out how to enter the giveaway here.

From the Archive: KATO’s Mammoth Selvedge

Speaking of KATO, the brand is best known for their 4-way stretch selvedge—denim that stretches not just in one direction, but in both. It’s an unusual approach, especially in heavier fabrics, where most people expect rigidity.

In this review from the archive, Bryan takes a closer look at their 17.5 oz. Mammoth Selvedge. He started out sceptical, but once he actually wore them, that quickly changed. The denim still has the weight and presence you’d expect—just without the usual resistance.

If you’re curious how that works in practice, this is worth revisiting.

The post Slubby Denim: What It’s Like Once You Actually Wear It appeared first on Denimhunters.

DENIM and PATCHES sourced this post originally published on this site

This is a sponsored blog post, one of our paid services. We maintain full editorial independence. Read more here.

Why Slubby Heavyweight Denim Like This Is Easier to Wear Than You Might Think

When you first get into raw denim, you probably start with something like a classic 14 oz. redline selvedge. From there, you might go heavier or start looking for something with more texture—something like HIROSHI KATO’s Monster Slub.

Before I wore my first pair of slubby jeans, I expected them to be rough and uncomfortable. Turned out to be the opposite. Slubby denim drapes differently, and as it softens, it becomes surprisingly comfortable—almost like sweatpants.

The real difference is how it looks. Those vertical streaks—known as tate-ochi—give it a much more distinct, uneven appearance, which isn’t for everyone. But if that is what you’re after, I’ll show you why KATO’s Monster Slub is worth a closer look.

What This ‘Monster Slub’ Denim Actually Is

Unlike what KATO is best known for, this isn’t a 4-way stretch denim. It’s a 17 oz. Japanese selvedge made from 100% cotton, rinsed or washed, which takes the edge off the initial stiffness. It’s still a substantial fabric, make no mistake. 

It’s woven from ring-spun yarn, which naturally creates slight irregularities—known as slubs—that show up as subtle texture in the fabric.

What sets KATO’s Monster Slub apart is how far this is pushed. Alongside those natural irregularities, there’s deliberate variation in yarn count in the warp. Some yarns are thicker, others finer, and that contrast creates the uneven surface.

That unevenness defines how the denim looks and evolves. You see the texture immediately. As the indigo wears off, the more exposed parts of the yarn fade faster than the less exposed areas, which results in lots of depth and variation with wear and wash.

What the Monster Slub Denim Wears Like

I’ve worn a similar heavy, super slubby denim for a full year during the Indigo Invitational. It behaves quite differently from standard selvedge—and you notice that straight away.

From the start, it doesn’t feel stiff in the way you might expect. The fabric moves a bit more and drapes differently, despite the weight. The texture is obvious, but it doesn’t make it harder to wear—if anything, it becomes easier.

Fading follows the same pattern. Creases are softer and less defined, and it’s less about sharp contrast and more about how the surface develops over time.

You don’t get clean, high-contrast lines—instead, the character comes from the texture and how it evolves with wear.

The Monster Slub Line-Up

KATO’s Monster Slub takes the texture and character you find in vintage denim and pushes it further. The result is a fabric that’s deliberately more uneven and visually distinctive.

It’s available in some of KATO’s core styles:

The Hammer (Jeans)

A medium-rise, straight fit with a slight taper. This one comes in a rinse, so you’re starting pretty close to raw. The rinse takes the edge off the break-in, and let’s you fade it.

These are the jeans to get if you want to see how this fabric develops from stratch. You get the texture from the start, and the fades will be your own.

Get it here.

The Barrel (Jeans)

A classic straight fit in a pre-washed version. It’s not “brand new raw”—you’re getting something that’s been pushed towards a worn-in look, with the texture already showing.

It gives you a sense of where this denim is headed. You won’t get the full break-in process, but you do get the character straight away.

Available here.

The Anvil (Jacket)

A hybrid between a shirt and a jacket, cut using a 3D pattern that adds shape through the body. That gives it more structure and a closer fit.

With the Anvil, you can bring the Monster Slub into your wardrobe without it being the main piece. Just layer it over a T-shirt or a shirt.

Buy one here.

The post HIROSHI KATO’s Monster Slub Isn’t What You Expect appeared first on Denimhunters.

DENIM and PATCHES sourced this post originally published on this site

More than ever this year, luxury fashion brands are going heavy into denim. And one of them is Chanel.

Considered one of the most classic and established haute couture houses, Chanel now has some interesting denim looks in its Pre-Fall 2026 collection.

And, of course, we love the fact that denim is becoming high fashion, not just casual!

For Pre-Fall 2026, designer, Matthieu Blazy, staged the collection in a New York subway–inspired setting, blending everyday denim with classic Chanel luxury. Pearls, chain bags, tweed layering, and relaxed silhouettes. The result: quiet luxury rather than flashy runway denim.

Chanel is signaling a shift away from exaggerated denim (barrel, ultra-wide, cargo) toward understated luxury denim and wearable silhouettes.

You can shop for the current Chanel collection on the brand’s website. And if you are into vintage clothing, you can find some really great pre-owned Chanel pieces at FARFETCH.

The post Chanel Pre-Fall 2026 – Denim Included! first appeared on Denimology.

DENIM and PATCHES sourced this post originally published on this site

This is a sponsored blog post, one of our paid services. We maintain full editorial independence. Read more here.

Your Chance to Win $900+ of Bags and Clothing

In the early days of Denimhunters, I helped out a bag brand on the wholesale side. I learned what actually makes a good bag—not just how it looks, but how it’s built and how it holds up over time.

Bleu de Chauffe is a brand I’ve followed for years. I don’t own any of their bags, but people I trust do, and speak highly of them.

What Bleu de Chauffe Does Differently

Bleu de Chauffe (pronounced “bleu de shof”, if you were wondering) is built around a simple idea: keep design and production close together.

All their bags are made in-house in Aveyron in the South of France, with a focus on local materials and long-term partnerships. You see it in the details—heavier fabrics, vegetable-tanned leather, and construction that’s meant to hold up with regular use.

The reference point is vintage work bags, but the focus is practical—how the bags are used, how they wear in, and how they fit into everyday life.

Meline Tote Bag

This is the core of the setup—the bag you’ll probably end up using most days.

It’s made from 590 g/m² coated cotton canvas from British Millerain, which gives it structure and weather resistance without feeling stiff. The vegetable-tanned leather details reinforce the areas that take the most wear.

Two front pockets keep smaller essentials within reach, and the size hits a practical middle ground—roomy enough for daily use, but not oversized. Add a laptop sleeve with the SNAP system, and it easily doubles as a simple work bag.

Léon Messenger Bag

Compared to totes, the Léon is the more contained option—better when you’re carrying a laptop and want things to stay where you put them.

It’s made from 475 g/m² (14 oz.) organic cotton canvas from British Millerain with vegetable-tanned leather reinforcement, giving it durability without adding too much bulk. The flap closure, finished with Bleu de Chauffe’s guilloché lock, keeps everything in place without overcomplicating access.

With room for a 13-inch laptop, two external pockets, and a removable zip pocket inside, it’s a cleaner way to carry the same daily essentials.

Melo 48H Tote Bag

If the Meline or the Léon is your daily bag, the Melo is what you reach for when you need space—for travel, work, or just a packed day.

It’s made from a heavyweight 580 g/m² canvas that gives it structure and durability, paired with wide cotton straps and vegetable-tanned leather where it matters. Two front pockets keep essentials within reach, while the main compartment takes everything else without fuss.

Simple, functional, and big enough to replace both your daily bag and your weekend one.

Raw 50 Sweatshirt

This is the kind of sweatshirt that ends up in constant rotation—easy to throw on, comfortable, and built to hold up.

The fabric is thick but soft, made from 99% organic cotton with a bit of stretch. It keeps its shape over time and hits that useful middle ground—warm enough on its own, but easy to layer under a jacket.

Wide ribbing adds durability where it matters, and the visible stitching gives it a bit of character without overdoing it.

Heavyweight Champion T-Shirt

Not every good T-shirt needs to lean on loopwheel or heritage references. This one focuses on getting the fundamentals right.

It’s made from heavyweight organic cotton with an interlock knit, giving it a dense, smooth feel that keeps its shape over time. Soft, but not flimsy, and easy to wear on its own or under a shirt or jacket.

Like the rest of the range, it’s made in France from fabric to final assembly, with a focus on getting the basics right.

This Entire Set Could Be Yours

Bleu de Chauffe is giving away three bags—a Meline Tote for daily use, a Léon Messenger when you want something more structured, and a 48H Tote when you need the space—as well as a heavyweight T-shirt and sweatshirt.

To enter, submit your email on this page before April 27, 2026. You’ll be signed up to all partner newsletters and can unsubscribe at any time. The winner will be contacted by email and has 24 hours to confirm details.

When you enter, you’ll be subscribed to the Denimhunters newsletter, as well as the newsletters from Heddels, Valet Mag, InsideHook, Stridewise, The Bengal Stripe, and Fabricateurialist. You can unsubscribe at any time after the giveaway ends. Full contest rules and details are available on the entry page.

The post GIVEAWAY: Win 5 Key Pieces from Bleu de Chauffe appeared first on Denimhunters.

DENIM and PATCHES sourced this post originally published on this site

Diesel just announced that they have some hot new brand ambassadors! HANA (CHIKA, NAOKO, JISOO, YURI, MOMOKA, KOHARU, MAHINA), a seven-member girl group from Japan, has been appointed as Diesel Japan’s Brand Ambassadors. 

This is a first for the brand: an entire group takes on the ambassadorial role, highlighting Diesel’s commitment to collective energy and a new, dynamic approach to representation.

With their outstanding vocal ability, distinctive personalities, and a strong commitment to self-expression beyond conventional norms, HANA embodies the core values of Diesel – individuality, freedom, and self-expression.

Backed by a wide and passionate audience, especially among Gen Z, HANA are true fashion enthusiasts and genuine fans of Diesel. The brand first connected with the group during the release of their July 2025 single, “Blue Jeans,” providing full wardrobe styling for jacket visuals, the music video, and promotional activities. This collaboration sparked significant buzz and showcased a natural alignment between HANA’s creative vision and Diesel’s iconic products.

What began as a supportive partnership has now grown into a powerful and authentic synergy, highlighting the shared values, style, and energy that make HANA and Diesel a perfect match.

“Diesel has been a brand we’ve admired since we were young. We love how its designs can accompany us on days when we want to feel strong, as well as days when we just want to be ourselves. As HANA, who values staying true to what we love, we hope to share the unique appeal of Diesel with many people.” — HANA

 In the newly released ambassador visuals, HANA showcases iconic looks styled entirely in Diesel’s signature DNA — denim. From jeans and jackets to tops, underwear with denim-inspired details, and the new icon bag, “D-LINE,” the group effortlessly combines a wide range of denim pieces, capturing the versatility and bold spirit that define Diesel’s denim.

With this ambassador appointment, Diesel aims to strengthen its brand presence not only in Japan but globally, partnering with HANA to inspire and shape a new cultural narrative for the next generation.

You can check out what’s new from Diesel here.

The post Diesel Announces New Brand Ambassadors first appeared on Denimology.

DENIM and PATCHES sourced this post originally published on this site

An A–Z Overview and How to Choose Between the Many Japanese Denim Brands

Have you also noticed @amekajihead popping up in newsletters this week?

He was in Blazer on Monday—and then again in Brock McGoff’s weekly newsletter on Wednesday. I sent both to him as soon as I saw them, and from his replies, it sounds like I broke the good news to him on both occasions.

It’s been a busy week on my end too. I spent a day in Amsterdam on Wednesday at Kingpins, where I caught up with a lot of familiar faces from the denim scene. I also closed a couple of new sponsor deals for the site.

But the main story for this issue is something I’ve been working on for a long time: a new guide to Japanese denim brands that turned out to be much bigger than I expected.

The Definitive Guide to Japanese Denim Brands

A couple of months ago, I mapped out a series of new buying guides focused exclusively on jeans—along with updates to some existing ones.

After publishing my guide to the best raw denim brands, the A–Z of Japanese denim brands was next on the list. It’s also one I wish had existed when I first got into raw denim—and one I’ve been wanting to build for years.

Japanese denim is everywhere now. It’s easier to buy than ever. But at the same time, it’s also harder to navigate because there are so many brands and different styles.

It began as a simple idea—an A–Z list of brands—but quickly turned into something much bigger. The more I worked on it, the more obvious it became that the list alone wasn’t enough. You need context. You need a way to group brands and understand what they’re known for and how they compare.

At some point, I also had to make a call. I could keep refining it for another couple of weeks—or I could publish it as it is. I decided it was good enough to publish. I’m already really proud of it, but it’s not static. It will be a living resource, and there are things I already know I want to add—like clearer guidance on which jeans to look for from each brand.

If you’ve ever tried to get an overview of Japanese denim brands—or just wanted a clearer starting point—this guide should help.

If you feel like something is missing when you read through the guide, you can contact me here to share your feedback.

The First Weirloom Shirt Is Here

Last Friday, after about six months of working on it, I finally launched the first shirt from my own brand.

For years, I’ve worn heavyweight flannels (my wardrobe is full of Iron Heart UHFs). They’re some of my most worn pieces. But I’ve always wanted one that wasn’t a check pattern—which is why I was also so excited about that Brund collab UHF from 2024.

This is my take on the heavyweight flannel I’ve wanted for years. It has the softness and warmth of flannel, but it’s indigo-dyed, so it’ll fade and develop character like denim.

It’s cut to fit as a shirt, but you can also wear it as an overshirt. With the warming weather right now, I’m wearing mine more like a jacket, but I know it’ll be my go-to “indoor” shirt when it gets colder again.

Just like when I launched the first Weirloom jeans, this is a pre-order. That means I produce what’s ordered. This ‘First Edition’ is a super limited run, and once they’re all gone, that’s it. Will I make more shirts? Hell yes, that’s the plan! But this is where it starts.

From the Archive: The Origins of Japanese Denim

Inspired by what Wouter is doing in his Long John newsletter—which I encourage you to subscribe to—I also wanted to start bringing more from the archive into DH Weekly.

So for this issue, I’ve uncovered two articles that are worth revisiting if you want to go a level deeper after the Japanese denim brands A-Z.

They were both published on Denimhunters in 2017, shortly after Blue Blooded came out. Around that time, I started adapting parts of the book—and building on the research behind it—to create series of articles here on the site, including some on the denim history.

One is my own piece on how Japan helped shape what we now call heritage fashion—where the focus on quality, detail, and fabric really comes from. The other is a profile of the Osaka Five, the group of brands that played a key role in building the Japanese denim scene.

The post The Guide to Japanese Denim Brands You’ve Been Missing appeared first on Denimhunters.

DENIM and PATCHES sourced this post originally published on this site