2002 Sateen Cotton Tailored Trousers

IT 44: Best for a 29" or 30" waist.

Helmut Lang tailored trousers from A/W 2002-2003. In excellent used condition with replacement buttons. Made in Italy. RRP: $1695 (£1029) (part of a two-piece suit - find the jacket here)

'There were pants in my first collection. We worked on them right away. The only one who I thought did them well was Helmut Lang. There were very few handsome pants on the market.'
- Nicolas Ghesquière interview, 032c magazine

The A/W 2002 collection epitomises the high sophistication of Lang's final years, and we consider it as one of his very best seasons. The sobriety of evening wear and classic tailored shapes was subverted by the use of deconstructed cut-outs and intricately layered jersey skeletons, while lustrous patent leather and exotic skins such as perch and stingray lent an avant-garde edge to the luxurious designs. At the same time, hallmark Helmut Lang materials such as heavy moleskin cotton, raw denim and rubber elastic tape highlighted the collection's self-referential character, which drew elements from Lang's military streetwear collections from the 1990s. The overall result was an eclectic celebration that brought together disparate influences to create a sophisticated and thoroughly modern wardrobe. One of the Austrian designer's most prominent pieces since his label's conception, these trousers are a Helmut Lang classic. Their sharp style encapsulates Lang's streamlined approach to power dressing, where ostentatious ornamentation is rejected in favour of refined silhouettes and luxurious fabrics.

The trousers have an elongated shape with a slim straight leg. The front has a menswear-inspired flat construction with a narrow waistband, a sleek concealed closure and two quarter pockets. The back has a pleated construction and buttoned welt pockets. The look is finished with sharp leg creases. The trousers' minimalist aesthetic is complemented by their high quality fabrication. Although comprised of 100% cotton, the fabric's high thread count and lusciously smooth texture make it very precious. Its dense weave lends it an elegant sateen finish. 

The execution of these trousers is impeccable, from the sharp lines of the waistband to the barely perceptible bar tack reinforcements on the edges of the front and back pockets. Upon a closer inspection, it is evident that the trousers' interior is just as beautiful as the exterior. The waistband is canvassed to prevent stretching and lined with Lang's signature rows of contrasting fabrics with a branded embroidery. It is finished with straps for hanging. The fly closes with five buttons and two hook-and-eye closures; this ensures that tension is distributed evenly without distressing the fabric. 

Worn with the matching blazer jacket or independently, these classic trousers will form an elegant basis for any well put-together outfit.