STEVE AOKI’S DIM MAK TEAMS UP WITH CANDIANI ON DENIM

by Stephen Garner

Grammy Award-winning DJ/music super-producer Steve Aoki has teamed up with denim master Alberto Candiani, the owner of the Candiani Mill, to launch their first collaboration, Dim Mak x Candiani EC-01, a limited edition jean that will stand as a showcase of the future of denim.

The new five-pocket straight-fit jean is crafted with ReGEN Denim – a statement indigo selvedge fabric created for the 80th anniversary of the Candiani Mill made without using any fresh cotton. The exclusive denim fabric is composed of equal parts recycled cotton, made from the mill’s own production waste, and Refibra Technology, a recycled fiber created by Lenzing using cotton waste.

The denim’s wash required very little washing at all.  The distressed, vintage-effects, and even the artwork itself, was created by using laser technology to gently burn the fabric’s surface with varying degrees of intensity.  The yarn is dyed using Candiani’s water-saving Indigo Juice and Kitotex technologies which enhance the custom laser treatments that give the jean its signature look. The whole process of creation allows for incredible savings in terms of water, chemicals, and energy compared to conventional denim, without compromising the aesthetics, performance, and durability of the final product.

The new EC-01 jean, which retails for $150, is completely made in Los Angeles with fabric created by the Candiani Denim Mill and is hand-painted by Aoki and his Dim Mak artisans.

“When I visited the Candiani Mill in Italy,” said Aoki, “Alberto showed me how they were able to reuse waste in making new, even better jeans. I was inspired by their conscientiousness toward the earth and wanted to bring that mindset into Dim Mak with our first collaboration.”

“Steve and I did this collaboration to have fun, and we did,” added Candiani. “We leveraged each other’s expertise and style to create a one-of-a-kind jean that is a true reflection of our friendship. This project was incredibly fun for both of us, made better by playing with the right ingredients.”