Introducing G-Star RAW Research, by Aitor Throup

G-Star RAW disrupted a market flooded with lifeless, heavily treated jeans with the introduction of 3D denim in the mid-1990s. Using additional leg panels and darts, the process treats garments as if they are objects, resulting in a fit and silhouette that is articulated, bold and closer to the body.
Last year, the brand set up an internal innovation laboratory at its Amsterdam HQ, led by the designer Aitor Throup, whose approach is as equally focused on engineering as the latest fad. The resulting 20-piece capsule collection explores the two polar opposite states in the life of a denim garment. It uses the same Italian selvedge fabric both in rigid, loom-state raw denim and bleached to complete white. ‘I am always trying to design things that capture ideas as metaphors,’ Throup says. ‘I really loved this challenge of trying to harness what “raw” means. The idea of doing the whole collection in raw denim meant that we could explore the lifetime of that fabric.’
A classic parka has an integrated, detachable backpack; jeans have hidden pockets. A denim jacket has straps at the back, allowing for it to be carried when not in use. Throup’s approach is exploratory. ‘My brain is constantly obsessing with building product from the inside out. When you build things anatomically, the surface can only be informed by the process that came before it. RAW Research is a place to think of new possibilities. Just how far can we push jeans?’ You’ll be able to see for yourself when the collection launches in November.
The 20-piece collection explores the two polar opposite states in the life of a denim garment. It uses the same Italian selvedge fabric both in rigid, loom-state raw denim and bleached to complete white
A classic parka has an integrated, detachable backpack; jeans have hidden pockets. A denim jacket has straps at the back, allowing for it to be carried when not in use
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the G-Star RAW website
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
London based writer Dal Chodha is editor-in-chief of Archivist Addendum — a publishing project that explores the gap between fashion editorial and academe. He writes for various international titles and journals on fashion, art and culture and is a contributing editor at Wallpaper*. Chodha has been working in academic institutions for more than a decade and is Stage 1 Leader of the BA Fashion Communication and Promotion course at Central Saint Martins. In 2020 he published his first book SHOW NOTES, an original hybrid of journalism, poetry and provocation.
-
The world’s best denim brands, according to Wallpaper*
From heritage brands to luxury names and independent innovators, our comprehensive guide to the world’s best denim brands helps you find the perfect pair of jeans
By Mary Cleary Published
-
London’s Sloane Street has been transformed into a ‘green boulevard’
Iconic shopping destination Sloane Street has had a facelift, now boasting wider pavements, enhanced seating and lighting, and a massive planting scheme
By Anna Solomon Published
-
'We need to be constantly reminded of our similarities' – Jonathan Baldock challenges the patriarchal roots of a former Roman temple in London
Through use of ceramics and textiles, British artist Jonathan Baldock creates a magical and immersive exhibition at ‘0.1%’ at London's Mithraum Bloomberg Space
By Emily Steer Published