Helmut Lang distressed jeans from S/S 2004. In excellent used condition with minor signs of wear. 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. 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.'
From the S/S 2004 collection, these jeans are crafted from heavyweight denim that has undergone an intense process of sanding, washing and distressing to achieve a rather exaggerated vintage appearance. Light wear throughout further adds to the beauty of the fabric. The detailing is undoubtedly inspired by Levi's 1947 501XX model, featuring a traditional five-pocket design reinforced with metal rivets. At the same time, Lang's decidedly clean lines as well as the absence of superficial decoration make his jeans timelessly modern despite their century-old origins. The cut is Lang's 'low waist bootcut contour fit', a slightly more aggressivesilhouette that consists of a low rise, fitted seat, fitted thigh and a medium straight leg.
Like all Helmut Lang jeans the construction is extremely precise, with considerable attention to detail. 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. It should also be noted that there are no signs of wear on the crotch area (which is typically more prone to damage) despite the vintage character of this piece.
Overall, these jeans capture the sophistication and subtlety that became synonymous with Helmut Lang's iconic Jeans range. Their unconventional fabric treatment and timelessly relevant details make them a wardrobe essential that will only improve with age.
