‘KURO’ is a denim brand that was launched during the 2010 spring and summer season. The brand’s name means ‘black’ in Japanese.
The word ‘black’ can convey a dark, lonely image, or express a mysterious and grand kind of strength. For Japanese people, ‘black’ also represents the color of beautiful hair. All these inspirations that can be derived from ‘black’ have been poured into KURO’s denim.
With Japanese craftsmanship – renowned as being the best in the world in the denim-production industry, in areas such as spinning, sewing, dyeing and manufacturing – poured into every detail, and with playful stitch-work giving rise to flowing lines, as well as its strong emphasis on being ‘Made in Japan,’ this range of items announced its stylish and innovative designs and unparalleled cost-performance when premiering for its first season. It has made a spectacular debut, receiving high praise from showrooms and buyers in countries all over the world, beginning with its exhibition at Italy’s PITTI UOMO, where buyers from around the world gathered.
Collection S/S 2016
Everyone has at least a pair of jeans. There have been various approaches to the notion of contemporary denim with the passage of time. The Gold Rush, a symbol of rebellion and freedom, a reflection of mass consumption, denim lovers’ pursuit of vintage fades and so on. As time progressed, the denim has evolved into modern minimalist designs with distinctiveness.
REMAKE LINE
KURO introduces Denim Remake Line for Spring Summer 2016.
Paying homage to the traditional craftsmen KURO has long worked with for their skilled techniques, Remake Line has expressed the essence of distinctiveness by deconstructing and reconstructing existing denim.
DENIM COAT
This denim coat is made by Yamashi Orimono from the world-famous city Okayama for making high quality denim.
The cut gives an image of a well- balanced A-line silhouette, with mandarin collar, hidden buttons, and thick flap pockets. Sewn by skilled artisans whose experienced craftsmanship appears in details, and brings a sophisticated impression to the entire coat.
Hangloose Co. in Okayama plays an important role in the washing process by taking twice as much time hand washing each pair with special dye, water, and stone to give a natural worn-in touch.
COLLARLESS DENIM JACKET
This collarless denim jacket, woven by Yamashi Orimono in Okayama, is made of 12oz stretch fabric denim. Its classic fit is clean and simple which delivers a sophisticated touch to the whole outfit. Sewn by Oikawa Denim, a legendary factory that gains worldwide reputation in the denim industry for its sewing technique.
The stretch denim fabric is comfortable and easy to wear, alongside traditional washing process with special dye, water, and stone by Hangloose Co.
STAND COLLAR COMPACT YARN DENIM SHIRT
Woven by Hishitomo Trading, the soft texture can be easily felt from the combed cotton yarns. Despite of the stand-collar design, the collar beautifully goes along with the neckline. The soft material and silhouette match perfectly for a sophisticated look. Sewn by our well trusted factory, Kurume Co., and washed by Hangloose Co. through their own traditional washing process.
WESTPOINT DENIM SWITCHOVER SHIRT
This slim and minimal look denim shirt is 36/24 yarns woven on fabric originally used for KURO’s original Westpoint Chino Pant. The design contains a compact regular collar, and different color patterns on the body. Sewn by our well trusted factory, Kurume Co., and washed by Hangloose Co. through their own traditional washing process.
AULICK HERITAGE WASH LINE
Seasonal Heritage Wash Line introduces new light indigo washes with certain distressed patterns on the front side of the jeans for a unique worn-out feel. In Kojima, Okayama,where KURO’s denim is processed, there are many excellent craftsmen and well-equipped factories as part of the local industry.
KURO works with the experienced specialists that take the traditional approach to wash and distress each pair of jeans by hand with attention to details and precise calculation in every stage of manufacturing. From yarn selection and sewing needle size to the finishing process, Aulick Heritage Wash Line shows the original and ultimate skills of the craftsmen in Kojima Okayama.
KURO launched in Tokyo in the Spring of 2010, the name translates to 'black' and was chosen as it represents “darkness and loneliness with an image of great mystery and great strength”.
The Japanese have achieved a widespread reputation for the finest craftsmanship in the denim industry. KURO is 100% 'Made in Japan' and expresses the essence of refined craftsmanship and remains synonymous with quality and creative designs. KURO designs are fully integrated with the highest attention to selection of textiles, spinning, weaving and dyeing in the process of denim manufacturing.
FABRIC.
Yoshikawa Orimono Denim
Washed denim woven on a power loom. It is a beautiful navy blue and its light weight means it particularly suits slim fit jeans. Factory washing produces a very pleasing lengthwise fading.
Nihon Menpu Denim
Dry denim ( kibata ) gives it a typical vintage-styled warp and fluffy touch on the raw texture, with lengthwise fading from the Muraito yarn. Woven on a power loom, this fabric has a characteristically high number of stitches.
We are proud of this processed texture. KURO's magic lies in the detailing and thoughtful (but not over used) washing techniques whilst maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic. Branding is restrained yet artistic; a modest, clean stitching detail on the back waistband.