Editorial
Exploring Kapital: A Deep Dive into Japan's Denim Innovator
Inspired by the Tibetan prayer flags fluttering along the rugged ascents of the Himalayas, our latest editorial captures the inimitable essence of KAPITAL’s unique history. These flags, vibrant and symbolic, echo the spirit of KAPITAL’s collection, representing the continuous cycle of life where fading images and renewed hopes coexist harmoniously.
KAPITAL’s Deep Rooted History
Nestled in Kojima, Okayama, a district synonymous with textile and denim production, KAPITAL emerges as the crown jewel of Japan’s denim industry. Known as the “capital of denim,” Kojima is home to numerous renowned denim brands, yet KAPITAL jeans stand out with its extraordinary legacy. Since its inception in the 1980s, KAPITAL has grown into a highly coveted, globally influential label, adored by fashion enthusiasts and collectors alike. The brand’s unique personality is a blend of experimental approaches, traditional techniques, and Western influences, making KAPITAL clothing a staple in contemporary fashion.
Emergence of KAPITAL’s Denim Empire
Founded in 1984 by Toshikiyo Hirata as ‘Capital,’ the brand aimed to revolutionize Japan’s stagnant denim scene, which had been fixated on imitating American jeans. Toshikiyo’s passion for American jeans blossomed during his time as a Karate teacher in the US. Upon returning to Japan, he mastered denim-making techniques and established a denim factory that replicated the quality of American-made jeans.
In 2002, Kiro Hirata joined his father’s business, infusing it with his expertise in art and design. Under his influence, KAPITAL jeans began to flourish, expanding into new areas of fashion and gaining a reputation for its eclectic designs. KAPITAL clothing started experimenting with synthetic and natural dyes, hand overstitching, and creating a diverse array of garments beyond denim bottoms, including tops, footwear, outerwear, and accessories.
Kiro’s vision for the brand is a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition. Today, KAPITAL is one of the most respected labels in the Japanese heritage landscape, boasting more than fifteen brick-and-mortar stores across Japan and a presence in select retailers worldwide.
KAPITAL’s Men's Collection
The Men's collection from KAPITAL is a testament to the brand’s ingenuity, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with a vintage American vibe. At the heart of KAPITAL's collection is distressed indigo denim, a signature element. The collection pays homage to ancient Japanese styles like Sashiko and Boro, incorporating vintage washing and dyeing techniques that breathe life into each piece.
KAPITAL Century Denim Jeans and Jacket
A hallmark of the KAPITAL collection, Century Denim marries modern Western elements with Japanese traditions. This line has garnered significant Western attention, showcasing KAPITAL’s expertise in dyeing, spinning, weaving, and finishing.
The Century Denim from KAPITAL’s denim collection features the Kakishibui color variation, achieved through the traditional Japanese dyeing technique using tannins from unripe persimmon juice. This process imparts an orangish-brown hue, adds slight water resistance, and theoretically strengthens the fabric. Reinforced with traditional sashiko stitching using natural indigo-dyed cotton yarn, the KAPITAL Century Denim jeans and denim jacket will age uniquely, developing a distinctive pattern over time. Exposure to sunlight and air darkens the persimmon tannin, creating a striking contrast to indigo’s typical sun-bleached fade.
KAPITAL clothing offers a range of jackets and jeans in Century Denim, with various colors, styles, and fits. The SS24 collection introduces an artisanal makeover with a relaxed, cropped fit and pleated front for the jacket, and classic five-pocket, straight-fit jeans for everyday wear.
Rayon Twill Bone Jacket
A standout piece in the KAPITAL Men's collection is the Rayon Jacket, featuring the brand’s iconic skeleton motif across its panels. The Bone Drizzler jacket, crafted from full-rayon, offers a lightweight, luxurious feel with a relaxed, cropped fit. This versatile, work-style jacket is perfect for layering or wearing as a shirt on warmer days.
BORO Denim Jacket
KAPITAL clothing is a result of continuous experimentation, with some items aiming to replicate traditional cuts and processes. The famous Kapital BORO Denim exemplifies this approach, utilizing the Japanese tradition of boro—a class of textiles mended or patched together. Derived from “boroboro,” meaning tattered or repaired, boro employs the traditional Sashiko stitch to create durable and decorative repairs.
The BORO Jacket in the KAPITAL SS24 lineup, part of the KOUNTRY line, is a true masterpiece. Crafted from new fabrics and treated to mimic vintage textile samples, this jacket exudes authenticity. This season’s edition features a lightweight cupro/cotton blend lining with a patchwork denim print, offering breathability and comfort for warmer days, while retaining classic elements like a buckle back and pleated front.
Feather Denim Jacket
One of the most visually captivating pieces in the KAPITAL Men's collection is the Feather Denim Jacket. This slim-fitted, oversized denim jacket showcases a fringed hippie style, crafted using a unique three-dimensional jacquard weaving technique. Made from natural indigo-dyed cotton fabric, the 12 oz jacket features fringes on the hem, adding a distinctive flair and style.
For nearly four decades, KAPITAL clothing has maintained its authenticity and uniqueness, making a lasting impact on the fashion world. The brand’s ability to blend tradition with innovation ensures its relevance in the modern fashion scene. With the ongoing men's collection, KAPITAL’s offering of jeans and denim continues to inspire and captivate, solidifying its place as a timeless icon in the industry.
HAVEN is an official, licensed dealer for KAPITAL. Shop KAPITAL online, in-stores, and via the HAVEN app.
Director: Norihisa Hayashi | Photographer: Ryan Maxwell | Stylist & Film Photography: Aaron Banaticla | Production Assistant: Theo Berkeley | Hair Stylist: Sara Schell | Talent: Zyvia & Bella (Legends Cafe)
