Japanese designer gives jeans the twist
With denimwear labels already launching across the domestic market at an unprecedented rate each year, the Japanese designer believes now is the time for "something new and different".
Collaborating with one of Japan's leading kimono manufacturers and distributors, Sakaguchi has created a unique straight leg jean which features three detachable back pockets.
Each pocket is made from 100 per cent cotton and is imprinted with an original, Eastern-inspired pattern. Other styles, which include skinny, boot and baggy cuts, are crafted from Japanese denim and come in a palette of stone-wash, dirty beige and dark navy colours.
Set to launch into the Australian market this July, the collection is positioned alongside labels such as Tsubi and True Religion with wholesale prices starting at $154 for the straight leg cut to $194 for other styles.
Distributor of the brand, Rhonda Martinez Agency, said the new collection "The huge selling point for us was the straight leg jean," Martinez said. "No one offers three extra pockets like this and Australians are very open to new ideas and designs."
Also launching a shirt and T-shirt collection to complement the denimwear line, Sakaguchi has extended the Japanese theme throughout both ranges with exclusive kimono fabrics and screen-printed company logos.
The ambitious designer, who already has a strong client base in both the Australian and New Zealand markets, is also busy preparing for a major push into the Northern Hemisphere this year. Set to debut both his denim and ready-to-wear collections in Europe, New York and Japan in coming months, Sakaguchi said he's not pulling back any time soon.
"We see this as a worldwide opportunity. We want at least one client in every country."