FROM THE START
When FR. started in 2014, it was based on building good products, the right way with natural fabrics. To make products that exist for a reason - not a season.
Our principles are based on:
- Quality & durable products
- Small batch production
- Hands on from start to finish
- Close partnerships with mills and manufacturers
- Invest in good but fewer products that last and age well
This foundation was key in the development of our Japanese selvedge denim.
WHY WE CHOSE JAPANESE SELVEDGE RAW DENIM
Denim has always been a part of the FR. DNA.
Japanese selvedge denim represents many of the principles we have set as a company. From its more traditional, slower but higher quality production, to the value of its construction, to the individual wear and character developed by daily wear.
With these standards, we knew we wanted to create a great pair of denim, but finding the fabric was only the start. We needed to understand the whole process behind them.
HOW IT STARTED - 18 MONTHS IN THE MAKING
It first began with a trip to Japan with a visit to the mill for a 3 plant tour of a proper denim facility. Inside we got to understand the manufacturing process, from the raw cotton to a finished roll. We met and watched the people responsible for those working with the denim. From there, we traveled to Los Angeles, working directly with our manufacturing partner to translate our fabric into a pair of denim jeans.
JAPAN
LOS ANGELES
TORONTO
Over the course of the following months, with multiple trips to Japan, LA and back home to Toronto, was refinement of the product and fine tuning our slim and standard cut prototypes. Hands on, on the factory floor, working alongside those who are experts in their craft. This approach takes a considerable amount of time and travel, but this is central to how we believe products need to be made. No shortcuts.
With our first sample completed, we now needed to know how the product would hold up against the stress of daily life.
REAL WORLD TESTING
How a sample looks off the factory floor and how a sample holds up can be much different as it is worn. We needed to do rounds of fit development with our team in Toronto as well as see the results from daily wear.
Our founder, Ralph wore his sample pair over the course of 120 days. From thousands of miles on his Harley-Davidson, including a ride to Sturgis for the world’s largest motorcycle rally, to cross-country flights and the rhythms of everyday life. Our two core members, Spencer and Adam, also put their sample pairs into their daily rotation.
While we were confident in the durability of the product we also wanted to see how the denim flowed and reacted with movement, how the denim faded and how the denim developed its patina over time. These experiences allowed us to evaluate how we wanted the finished product to be.
THE FINAL SIGN OFF
Over the course of three days, Ralph personally inspected, numbered and signed off on each pair of Japanese selvedge raw denim. His handwriting along with the hand stamped sizing, appears on the inside pocket; each one slightly different from the next. We embrace this imperfection. It's a sign of human involvement in the process.
Our Japanese selvedge denim release consists of only 350 pairs across three editions. Custom branded buttons, rivets & back leather patch. Alongside this release are two long sleeve versions of our Core T-shirt and Heavyweight T-shirt.
Now available.
NEW RELEASES
This small batch production is about working at a scale where we are still connected to the product and producing fewer garments to focus on the details and ensure our products are built to last.
THE FR. FUTURE
This first denim collection represents an important step in the direction of FR. As we continue to build relationships with our mills, our manufacturing partners, and most importantly our community, we can create products that mean something to us.
This first release took 18 months. The knowledge, relationships and effort gathered will shape what comes next.
