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These Faders Have Distinguished Themselves in Y4, and Now They’re Reaping Their Rewards
It’s been a wild year of fading in Year 4 of the Indigo Invitational. We announced the winners of each of the conferences here, but we’re not done yet.
There are tons of exceptional faders who have distinguished themselves this year and deserve to be rewarded for their efforts.
With a larger prize pool than ever before, we are able to recognize more than 20 faders with special spot prizes. Before we dive in, we have a few thank yous. First, we want to thank the partnering brands that made the competition possible.
It’s thanks to these brands that we are able to keep the competition free for all participants, and they free up our hands so we can search high and low for prize sponsors from all over the world who can make sure our competitors go home with something worthy of their efforts.
We also need to thank some of our showcase winners. Starting with Ella Dawn Jenkins, winners began donating part of their showcases back into our prize pool, allowing us to reach deeper and deeper into our field. Following Ella’s lead, Jørn-Bjørn Fuller-Gee, Kyle Knight, Harry Kasim, Charles Stockstrom, and Cade all donated a portion of their prizes.
James Casburn amazed us by donating his entire showcase back to the prize pool. We’ve never seen this kind of infectious generosity before, and it shows just how strong the community spirit that animates this competition really is.
If you’ve been recognized with a spot prize, be sure to thank the brands that make this possible and your fellow winners who have been so open-handed with their hard-earned rewards. Now, it’s time to get to the spot prize winners.
Ry T Spear Memorial – Immaculate Vibes Award
Kohei Yoshino – Big John Rare 008 (15.5 oz.)
We lost a bedrock member of our community this year. Ry T Spear was a true pillar of the scene, with a simple, laid-back style and immaculate vibes. We’ve named this very special award in his honour, and we’re happy to award it to Kohei, who, like Ry, shows us all how rugged gear can and should be worn.
We’ve awarded him one of the best prizes in our prize pool (a donation from James Casburn). He’ll be getting a virgin wool sweater of his choice and a beanie from our good friends at Heimat Textil. We’re excited to see how he styles them and makes them his own.
See Heimat’s sweater selection here.
The People’s Champ – RoW
Aaron Kikola – Iron Heart 888S-21ib (21oz)
Aaron was the runaway fan favourite in the RoW conference, but the judges looked in different directions this year. We stand by our judges’ verdict, but we can’t let the year close without doffing our caps to these incredible fades–some of the most remarkable stacks and combs we’ve ever seen in the competition.
We gave Aaron his choice of a handful of prizes, and he took a pair of Nudies. “Love me some Nudies!” he said. We’re happy to give him exactly what he wants.
Follow Aaron’s lead into a great pair of Nudies here.
People’s Champ – Re(Pair)
Satoru Honda – Samurai 710XX19oz (19 oz.)
As with Aaron’s Iron Hearts, the judges and the community didn’t agree on these Samurais. They cruised to an easy victory in the voting round, but didn’t manage to make it into the winner’s circle.
We’re proud to announce that Satoru is going home with a pair of great prizes for his exceptional work on these heavyweights (just look at those pockets!).
First up is a pair of Zero Plus jeans from Samurai. Based on what he did to this pair, we’re hoping he’ll bring these crisp new Sammies back for another run at the podium.
We’re adding a very special silver and leather necklace from our good friends at By Boaz. A beautiful piece of jewellery for a beautiful result. Congrats, Satoru.
Check out Samurai jeans here and By Boaz’s accessories here.
Founder’s Favourite – RoW
Patrick Lane – Oni 902 Kiwami (16 oz.)
Bryan was struck by these unfussy and hard-won fades when he was sorting through the entries this year. They cruised into the Top 50, but couldn’t quite make it into the Top 20.
We’re very happy to be able to give this pair the recognition our founder thinks they deserve.
Patrick will be getting a $100 GC from longtime supporters of the competition Self Edge. He can turn it into some great basics or perhaps an accessory, but we hope we’ll use it as a downpayment on a pair as brilliant as this one for when he comes back to challenge for a Top 20 slot in Y5.
Check out Self Edge’s impressive selection here.
Founder’s Favourite – SEA
Jusram Akhmat – OldBlue Heavyweight Beasts (23 oz.)
Bryan faded a pair of these in Y3 of the Invitational, so he knows just how special these fades are. Jusram has managed to cut sharp lines into the backs of his pair—not an easy feat considering the weight of this denim.
Beautiful fades presented tastefully. Top marks from the founder.
Jusram will be getting a pair of his choice from Nudie. We’re confident that, if he pushes his pair of Nudies as hard as he pushed the OldBlues, the results will be podium-worthy.
Check out some of the Nudie pairs available at Hinoya.
Cowgirl Blues
Valerie Schmutz – Wrangler MWZ Cowboy Cut (14 oz.)
One half of the range-riding fading powerhouse known collectively as the @selvage_cowboys, Valerie brought a truly classic pair into the ring this year, and she very nearly cracked the Top 20.
The sky-blue seat and the hand-stitched repairs on the seat, crotch, and the cuffs, really marked this pair as something worthy of special attention.
Valerie will be walking away in a pair of jeans from our good friends at Merica Lee. With their corseted waists, Merica Lee’s pairs will be home, home on the range. Excited to see Valerie return to the field next year with her winnings.
Check out Merica Lee’s pairs here.
Stacks of the Year
Bob Hamzik – Strike Gold 9904 (24.8 oz.)
Bob has absolutely magic legs. Year after year, he’s let heavy selvedge stack up on his boots producing some of the most remarkable thigh-height stacks we’ve ever seen.
Bob’s fades are a vibrant example of just how much difference it can make when you start with heavy selvedge and leave them uncured. The result is undeniably beautiful.
He’ll be getting an incredible piece of hardware for his efforts. This Double-Stuffed Natural Wickett & Craig belt from Nick’s Leather Goods is primed for patina, and we know he’ll bring the best out of it.
You’ll find Nick’s belts and other leather accessories here.
Silver Whiskers
Brent Baker – Iron Heart 888XHS (25 oz.)
Another intensely popular fader who wasn’t able to crack the Top 10, Brent Baker set some outstanding moustache-shaped whiskers into his Iron Hearts.
He placed second in the popular vote, and we’re happy to send him home with a token of our deep appreciation for his fades.
He’s getting a $100 GC from Self Edge. What he does with it is up to him, but we hope he’ll use the opportunity to find the perfect pair to return for another run at the podium next year.
You’ll find Self Edge’s selection of selvedge jeans here.
Black Denim Fader of the Year
Parinthorn Krasaetho – Self Edge x Imperial SEXI14 (15 oz.)
If you’re looking to raise the bar of difficulty for yourself, enter a pair of black denim in a fading contest. We always respect those who take on challenging fabrics. Even if they don’t make it into the winner’s circle, we know that this black selvedge took a titanic effort to get it this far.
It seemed only fitting that we give this rock-and-roll belt from Hollywood Trading Co to the fader who produced the best black denim fades this year. We hope it’s a love match.
You’ll find the full Hollywood Trading Co. collection here.
By a Whisker
Herman Rahman – Strike Gold 9904 (24.8 oz.)
The race for the last slot in the Top 10 in the SEA conference was exceptionally tight. It was tied, and the tiebreaker went to Wuttisak for his top marks from one of the judges.
Missing the top 10 by a whisker, Herman definitely deserves a token of our deep respect and appreciation.
NBDN supplied us with a total of eight prizes this year, including three pairs and five gift certificates. We gave one of the pairs to Herman, and we hope he’ll return in Y5 wearing his prize.
You’ll find NBDN’s selection of jeans here.
Future Hall of Famer
Henrik Lindberg – Naked & Famous Skinny Kid (12 oz.)
Three proud fathers brought their kids into this community this year, and, though it was a tough choice, we had to give it to young Henrik, who bested his father with these gorgeous fades.
Keep going, kid. You’re destined for greatness!
We’re giving Henrik a full denim kit from our friends at KATO. He’ll get a 14 oz. Blade Trucker Jacket and a pair of selvedge jeans of his choice. If he’s not quite big enough to fit their small sizes yet, we’re confident he’ll quickly grow into them.
You can see Kato’s selvedge jeans and jackets here.
Couples Who Fade Together…
Katherine and Tobias Hinchliffe – Kojima Genes 1000V (19 oz.) and Naked & Famous Elephant 11 (20oz)
Another heart-warming entry from a couple who compete, not just in this community, but with each other to produce the best fades. Brick layer Tobias gets the edge in this contest, but it’s a close finish.
This passion we all share is even better when shared with a partner. Tobias is living the dream!
As luck would have it, Hen’s Teeth Italy gave us a pair of tees to give away to one of our winners. They also gave us one of their bandanas. Katherine and Tobias can play rock-paper-scissors to decide who gets that one.
You can check out Hen’s Teeth’s tees and bandanas here.
Out in the Cold
Dale Heffernan – Naked & Famous Elephant 11 (20 oz.)
Easily making their way into the Top 20, these Elephants caught a lot of eyes, not just thanks to their strong combs and whiskers, but also their presentation.
They make our Canadian-born founder long for the Great White North. Beautiful presentation of excellent fades.
These snowy shots are a perfect fit with some creamy white cotton. Merz b. Schwanen, who make arguably the best basics in the game, have given us a package of three pieces (two tees and a s/s henley) for one of our winners, and we’re happy to give it to Dale.
You can find Merz’s basics at Franklin & Poe.
The D-Section
Joe Irvin – Brave Star Slubnoxious 3 (21 oz.)
After a full year and then some in his Brave Stars, Joe was in an accident. The paramedics acted quickly, cutting Joe out of his jeans.
While Joe made a quick recovery, the jeans were another matter. They were repaired from stem to stern, bearing a remarkable scar when they crossed the line.
We’re so proud of Joe for stitching up his pair and limping across the line. We hope this beautiful belt from Tannery South will be a welcome reward for giving us one of the best stories of the year.
You can find Tannery South’s belts and accessories here.
Filthy Fades of the Year
Chanaphat Mooumphan – SJF x Candiani (16 oz.)
This Thai farmer puts his jeans through absolute hell in his muddy fields. This nearly unfadable pair was pushed beyond its limits this year, crossing the line covered with repairs and crusted with grime.
The dirt concealed nearly all of Chanaphat’s incredible fading work, so the pair did not place nearly as highly as we expected them to. He deserves special recognition.
We’re thrilled to give Chanaphat one of the Utilitees tees given to us this year by the Japanese brand. Wear it proudly, Chanaphat. See you next year!
You’ll find Utilitees tees here.
Rox Star
Roxanne Pasion – Iron Heart 777S-18oz (18 oz.)
We loved Roxanne’s moody highlight shots, which put her beautiful roping in the spotlight. She’s a legend in the scene, and we’re very proud to have her in our community. This looks like it might be some of her best work to date.
Merz b. Schwanen gave us one ladies’ tee to give away this year, and we’re very happy to give it to Roxanne. It’ll pair perfectly with her beautifully faded Iron Hearts.
You can find Merz b. Schwanen basics at Redcast Heritage.
Do the Twist
Peter Petrov – Samurai 710XX21oz-SY (21 oz.)
We’re used to seeing some amount of leg twist in lay flats, but Peter’s pair has twisted so much that the seam is nearly half-way around. We can’t tell whether they are coming or going.
For making our eyes pop out when looking over submissions, Peter has earned himself something nice.
Our new friends at Baird Jeans (both a sponsor and a competitor this year) gave us one pair of Baird Jeans to give away to a deserving competitor. This much twist has made our man Peter a very deserving recipient of a great pair.
You can take a look at Baird Jeans and their made-in-the-USA pairs here.
Oopsie
Aditya Setiawan – OldBlue Heavyweight Beasts (23 oz.)
When we announced the Top 10s on Denimhunters, we accidentally included Aditya on the list. We published the right list elsewhere, but the mistake led to some confusion. We apologize for the error.
We hope this excellent pair from NBDN makes up for our mistake. Aditya definitely had good reason to hope for a Top 10 finish, and we hated to let him down.
You can see NBDNs impressive made-to-fade line-up here.
Onwards and Upwards
We’ve still got a few raffle prizes to give away (all finishers are eligible for the raffle prizes), but after that, we’ll be closing the book on Y4 and looking ahead to Y5, which will start on September 1st.
Registration for the Indigo Invitational Year 5 will open on February 15th.
If you’re looking for that perfect competition pair, start your hunt here. See you on the starting line!
The post The Best of the Rest: The Y4 Spot Prize Winners appeared first on Denimhunters.
DENIM and PATCHES sourced this post originally published on this site