weareDenim

Rising Sun & Co.has been producing hand crafted jeans out the back of their shop for the past two years. Rising Sun has a big link back to vintage Americana styles with not one aspect in construction left untouched, whether it be the vintage machines  or the turn of the century details on each pair of jeans. We have been lucky enough to catch up with the crew for a company profile.

Why does the world need Rising Sun Denim?

One of our goals is to show the immense quality that traditional American needle work can produce. Some of the heartbreakingly beautiful needle techniques we use have become obscure artifacts of a forgotten past, made unnecessary by more automated and efficient modern sewing machines.

What is the store behind the name?

We are inspired by the optimistic spirit America is founded on, symbolized by the rising sun. So long as the sun rises and we are provided daylight we can labor for our passion. The idea of using the rising sun to represent this optimism came from Benjamin Franklin who witnessed the signing of the United States of America’s Constitution. In speaking of the painting of a sun on the chair of the Convention President, George Washington, he had remarked often wondering if the sun was rising or setting and with what must have been profound conviction he was certain it was rising.

Where are you based?

We are based in a city named from the tongue of the  Minnesota Chippewa Indians. Pasadena, which means “of the valley,” was meant to convey the fact the city’s location of being on the top of the valley. Today it is home to the Rose Bowl flea market, the most famous vintage denim and workwear destinations in the world. We are inspired by both our neighbors and the 15,000+ monthly Rose Bowl visitors.

How many retail outlets do you have? How many countries?

We currently have select distribution to 10 stores that we feel understand our aesthetics and philosophy. These select stores are in Germany, US, and Japan.

How many styles of denim does your collection have? Ladies/Mens?

Mens: 7 jeans, 3 denim jackets, 1 vest, and chambray and western selvage shirts. Womens: 5 jeans, 2 denim jackets. We also offer a selection of knits and tee shirts.

Whats your price range?

150 – 500 USD; our core styles are in the high 200’s.

Whats your vision/dream for Rising Sun in 10 years from now?

To continue crafting the finest jeans and offer them around the world in our own stores.

What makes the perfect pair of jeans?

We believe in the meticulous pattern making and sewing techniques employed by master tailors of a bygone era. We believe in crafting garments that are certain to last just like in the old days when clothes were tools that helped people provide a living and build a nation. For us the workmanship is crucial. It’s our belief that the sum of all the small details make a world of difference. It is this conviction that sets us apart.

What projects do you have coming up next?

We are working on resurrecting some late 1800’s mine find jeans with some very resourceful denim relic hunters/archaeologists.

With the recent economic downturn can you see a slow down in denim purchases?

The short answer is Yes. But the fact that we have a loyal/cult following is helping us weather the storm. The important point is we founded Rising Sun to be a brand with longevity that will with time have its own heritage and history. This partly explains why while we are aware of fashion’s ever changing trends we do not impulsively jump on any fad bandwagons.

How long would it take to construct a pair of Rising Sun Jeans?

From A-Z, cutting to sewing, it takes a full day.

Is ever single pair made in the back room of your store?

Every denim garment is made in our haberdashery in our shop.

Can a customer buy a ready made pair as well as a made to measure   pair of Rising sun Jeans?

Yes, we offer a ready made selection as well as made to measure service with true tailoring techniques.

What trends do you see coming through for 2010?

As makers of clothing that are meant to withstand the test of time we do not subscribe to trends. Quality and craftsmanship will never go out of style.

What is your best selling styles?

A style called “The Standard”

What are your thoughts on the increasing number of celebrities designing their own lines of denim?

So long as there is design and production integrity we can find room to appreciate it. The problem arises when star power creates an illusion of quality and compromises on product integrity.

What is the worst denim crime?

We refrain from faulting people for loving denim in their own way. One of the most beautiful things about denim is the diverse ways in which people can appreciate it. But we will often guide customers away from embellishments that do not make sense in terms of aesthetics, history, or rational thinking.