There are a plethora of Japanese labels known for their reinterpretation of Western staples. Some brands steer towards tradition, while others dabble in the avant-garde. Among the myriad of offerings, few eschew a generalized aesthetic and stand-out among the bunch. Employing traditional construction and innovative design techniques, Kapital is the culmination of Japan’s extensive history and culture. Once a small denim factory, Toshikiyo, and Kiro Hirata have created a world of their own—one bent on taking the traditional and twisting it with a hint of satire. Century denim, Elephant brand bandanas, and the signature Ring Jacket all play with the notion of tradition to offer a pervasive commentary on the complicated relationship between Japan and America. Toshikiyo and Kiro dissect this relationship to explore the vast landscape of cultural transmission to reassess and offer an entirely new perspective.

Written by Gunner Park