We take it for granted that the Japanese are the only ones out there doing great reproductions however this is not always the case. Of late there's been some great additions to the market place by companies around the world including Rising Sun Jeans in Pasadena and even Pike Brothers in Germany but for me hats off goes to John Lofgren of Lofgren Traditional Garments in Sendai Japan. For a Gaijin to make any impact in the zenophobic closed shop that is Japan is amazing, to take on the Japanese at their own game is even more courageous. For me my money is on Johnny-boy! The stuff that he has started to produce is really great and certainly worthy of wardrobe space in our closets, what's even better is through his store the Speedway Shop you can purchase online and he will send it across the globe. In admiration of his achievements I wrote a little spiel about his gig. Enjoy and thank you, The Papa.
A California native and long time resident of Japan, John Lofgren is the creative force behind Lofgren Traditional Garments.
John’s vision for a brand began when he first ventured into a thrift store in the early 1980’s and sensed a deep connection with the style and quality of another time, a time when substance and tradition were considered important and pride was taken in craftsmanship and excellence.
The Lofgren brand embodies these values, timeless, traditional and superior, like an old pair of blue jeans. It’s about garments designed for a customer who understands the difference between fashion and eternal style, who recognises the graceful fading of indigo or the gentle patina of time on an old leather jacket. It’s a brand that connects the customer to an exclusive circle between the designer, textile maker and craftsman and allows for a rugged individualism in the wearing of the product.
Drawing inspiration from 19th to mid 20th century American style and an archive of original vintage items, Lofgren Traditional Garments handcraft their classic and enduring products in Japan using artisans to construct a collection that has a sense of history underpinned by the highest level of quality in manufacture and materials.
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