Size 27: Best for a 27" or 28" waist. Inseam length: 32".
Helmut Lang black jeans with painted details from A/W 2000-2001. In excellent used condition with minor professional repairs. Made in Italy.
In 1996, Helmut Lang was offered the job of head designer at Balenciaga. 'It’s about America. It’s not about couture', he famously stated after rejecting the maison's proposal. Indeed, 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 blue jeans. Their archetypal design was a strong source of inspiration for the designer, who transformed classic denim staplesto highly conceptual garments. In turn, his jeans were not only praised for their sophisticated fabrications but also for their distinctive and precisely-fitting silhouette. Renown NY fashion buyer Gene Pressman stated in 2006:
'Lang has mastered the old-fashioned fit of just being tight and narrow. The [fabrics] are worn in the way I like them. [...] And if Helmut Lang goes out of business? Look for vintage Helmut Lang jeans.'
Lang's iconic 'Painter Jean' was introduced for S/S 1998 and is certainly one of his most celebrated denim creations. Besides dominating the runway show (pictured), the jeans were worn by actress Nicolette Krebitz on the cover of New Order's 2001 album 'Get Ready', directed by Peter Saville and photographed by Juergen Teller. Nearly two decades after their release, they have become one of Lang's most coveted garments.
The jeans' detailing is inspired by Levi's 1947 501XX model, featuring a traditional five-pocket design reinforced with metal rivets. This rare coloured version is crafted from heavyweight white denim that has been overdyed black after the jeans were sewn, then washed extensively and stained. This intricate dying process results in a beautiful faded colour with pronounced variations and a vintage brown tint. The coloured splashes found throughout the piece (the hallmark of the 'painter' model) have been screen printed using thick white and grey ink.
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 silhouette that looks simultaneously effortless and sharp. Like all Helmut Lang denim, the finishing is of a very high standard. The hardware has an antique 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 unusual take on a signature Helmut Lang design, these overdyed jeans are a testament to the designer's groundbreaking fabric experimentation. The unique overdyed treatment will age beautifully with wear to develop a beautiful patina with off-white fades. Classic and simultaneously modern, they are a well-built wardrobe staple that will only improve with age.
