MIZRA -The Japanese Traditional & Cool

MIZRA(mizura)n.
1. an ancient Japanese men's hairstyle in which the hair is separated into two knots and curled to fall in front of each ear. Typically worn by young boys in feudal Japan prior to reaching adulthood.

JEANS (jēnz) pl. n.
2. hard-wearing trousers made of denim or other cotton fabric, for informal wear.

(Oxford University Press English Dictionary)

During the ongoing mayhem of uber-exclusive handbags and for-friends-only T-shirts, one can almost be forgiven for overlooking the humble pair of jeans in the chaos of finding your divine ticket into that province of sweet individuality.

After all, most of us only think about buying jeans when the pair we have on suddenly looks a shade too faded at the knees, a little too frayed at the bottom, and those worn-out belt loops hanging like blue ribbons of redemption from the waist, no longer have the same rock n roll charm they once did.

So the search begins, and once more you find yourself amid the usual suspects, still too cool to persuade you to take a seat in their church of chic because you're just another soul that needs a new religion. Well, before you fall predictably into the hands of brother Dior and the like, why not visit the beautiful house of Mizra?

Found in the old imperial city of Kyoto, among golden temples and secret geisha houses, brand designer Yoshiyuki Iwagashi handcrafts the latest pair of Mizra jeans with the help of a dedicated three man team. But beyond the sophisticated leg line, and premium Japanese denim, you can tell this is no ordinary pair of 'Made in Japan' jeans. Delicate kimono fragments hand painted with tigers and chrysanthemum adorn the pockets and hems like mystic heirlooms from a forgotten era while the dyes appear as if from a fairy-tale, intense and rich - it's no wonder to learn they are over a century old. This is truly a pair of jeans like no other in the world, so unique in it's conception not even Mr Iwagashi could reproduce it if he tried.

ROYAL VINTAGE

According to Iwagashi, this is the essence of Mizra. The Kyoto artisan and his disciples strive to establish themselves as something akin to a "culture brand" - conveying the beauty and traditions of this mystical island through the medium of luxury casual clothing.

This beauty of tradition is harmoniously achieved through the use of the same vibrant kaorigi wood dyes and intensive dying methods found in Taishō period Japan(1912-1926). Coupled with a thousand year old twill weaving technique more famously known as Kyoto Nishijin textile and the hand painted shimmer of yuzen artistry, and one of the most divine rear pockets to have ever graced a pair of 14 oz denims is born.

Yet it's not just the patchwork that can inspire new faith. Mizra jeans are dyed using undiluted persimmon tannin solution extracted naturally from the country's persimmon fruits. This produces a kaleidoscope of vibrant tones and deep colours being revealed as the sun wanders slowly by.

photo : MIZRA flagship shop in Kyoto

THE WAY OF THE ARTIST
Symbol of Mizra Derived from the silhouette of an ancient Japanese hairstyle worn by young boys during the years of the samurai.
Original Processing EE processing, involving blast finishing, in addition to original processing techniques are employed by the Kyoto craftspeople to produce greater contrast and more dynamic designs.
Noble Denim An original denim specially ordered from the world renowned denim producers of Okayama prefecture. These 14 oz denims are distinguished by their surface irregularity and their vivid ocean-blue tones, also known as Okayama indigo.
Kaorigi Thinly sliced kaorigi wood, aged over 250 years, is weaved by a process of Nishijin brocade into the patchwork cloth of Mizra's Prestige Line jeans.
Kansourangiku A traditional print pattern originating from Taishō era Japan. Camouflage motif forms the base of the pattern whilst mythological figures such as the phoenix and crane, fly above.

COWBOYS AND SILHOUETTES

Rodeo hang
The original Mizra silhouette is precisely calculated from the position of the hands, waist and pockets, producing a classic off-the-hip look and low hanging pockets.

Almond cutting
Characterized by an arching leg line and the use of godets in the seams to create fuller leg openings.

Cylinder
The inner thigh section has been replaced, made up of three features so that it falls cylindrically at whatever point.

Panel fit
A straight leg cut, this silhouette features distinctive vertical lines on the back surfaces of each leg revealing the use of a mixture of different materials in the panels.

Wide boots cutting
Mizra's interpretation of the vintage boot cut silhouette.

MIZRA -The Japanese Traditional & Cool

ROYAL VINTAGE

THE WAY OF THE ARTIST

COWBOYS AND SILHOUETTES

REBIRTH