Helmut Lang worker jeans from S/S 1999. In very good used condition with minor signs of wear; fly buttons have been professionally reinforced. Made in Italy.
'It’s about America. It’s not about couture', Helmut Lang famously stated after rejecting Balenciaga's proposal to work as the maison's head designer. Lang had an enduring fascination with American workwear and particularly its most iconic identifier, denim. And of course, few garments are more representative of denim than the classic 5-pocket jeans. Their archetypal design was a strong source of inspiration for the designer, who transformed classic denim staplesto sophisticated high fashion pieces. In turn, his jeans were not only praised for their sophisticated fabrications but also for their distinctive and precisely-fitting silhouette.
This unconventional piece is from Lang's S/S 1999 collection and certainly one of the rarest trouser designs from his Jeans range. The traditional five-pockets found in classic Helmut Lang jeans are present, however the designer has added a multitude of features inspired by contemporary workwear. The legs have an ornate double knee construction, while the back features carpenter-style geometrical pockets and a hammer loop on the left leg. In line with his minimalist approach, Lang has refined these commonplace details to create a restrained yet striking design. The fabric is a heavy duck canvas with a pronounced vintage texture. The jeans have Lang's typical 'classic' cut which consists of a medium rise, fitted seat, fitted thigh and a narrow straight leg. The reward of this carefully considered pattern is a flattering shape that looks simultaneously effortless and sharp.
Like all Helmut Lang jeans, the finishing is of a very high standard with considerable attention to detail. Precise bar tack stitches and rivets reinforce the edges of the various pockets along the legs, while complementing the design's clean lines. The hardware has a matte silver finish and is engraved with the Helmut Lang logo, while the interior is flawlessly finished with mainly flat fell seams that ensure the jeans will be worn for years without fraying.
An exceptional find, these trousers demonstrate Lang's ingenious use of conventional, if not mundane workwear to create timelessly sophisticated designs. While looking spectacular, they are sturdy and will age wonderfully over time. Strongly recommended.
