Helmut Lang jeans with rubber applications from S/S 2003. In excellent used condition. Made in Italy.
In our view, S/S 2003 was one of the most sophisticated collections in Helmut Lang's career. Drawing inspiration from a diverse variety of sources ranging from 1990s clubwear, Seditionaries-style layering and technical surfing gear to traditional tailoring, he created a complex yet aesthetically harmonious world where radical deconstruction met luxe modernity. Many of the details that defined Lang's clubwear-cum-couture collections from the mid-1990s were present, highlighting his emphasis on refinement rather than novelty. One of these features was the use of rubber to add a subversively graphic element to outerwear, jeans and T-shirts.
The fabric is a stiff and densely woven denim that has been overdyed for vintage texture with a deep colour finish; its heavy weight the jeans a strong silhouette. An irregularly applied rubber coating adorns various parts of the jeans, giving them a three-dimensional texture that vaguely resembles snake scales or bubble wrap. This unique detailing is striking yet ambiguous and understated, in line with Helmut Lang's highly conceptual approach. It should be noted that the 'Classic' label often changed definition; in this instance the cut is slim and form-fitting, with a narrow straight leg. In our view this is the most flattering Helmut Lang jeans shape.
The front fly closes with five large buttons. All-black hardware engraved with the Helmut Lang logo lends a minimalist edge, while complementing the jeans' dark aesthetic. The interior is flawlessly finished as to be expected, with flat fell seams that ensure the jeans will be worn for years without fraying. Overall, the jeans feel very sturdy and the overdyed fabric will age well over time to develop nice grey fades.
These handsome jeans combine Helmut Lang's cutting-edge aesthetic with sleek detailing and a very elegant cut. The heavy overdyed fabric will age wonderfully over time, while the unique rubber applications encapsulate Lang's idiosyncratic experimentation at its very best.
