Kapital began in 1984 under Toshikiyo Hirata in Kojima, Okayama, Japan’s denim capital. The brand started as a workshop devoted to mastering American-style jeans, using Japanese craftsmanship and dyeing techniques. After studying in the United States, he became fascinated by American workwear and its rugged practicality. His Kapital focused on faithful reproductions and artisanal quality, earning recognition for meticulous construction and timeless design rooted in Okayama’s denim heritage. When Kiro Hirata joined the company around the early 2000s, Kapital’s creative direction began to change. Having studied art and design in the United States and worked at 45R, Kiro brought a more expressive and eclectic sensibility to the brand. While Toshikiyo continued to oversee production, Kiro redefined Kapital’s identity by merging Americana with Japanese folk traditions, humor, and imperfection. The brand’s visual storytelling also evolved through collaborations with photographer Eric Kvatek, transforming Kapital into a label that expressed narrative and personality rather than technical mastery alone. Under Kiro’s leadership, Kapital expanded beyond denim into a complete aesthetic universe. New sub-lines like Kountry and Remake emphasized individuality and experimentation, featuring patchwork, sashiko stitching, boro repair, and natural dyeing. These details embodied a sense of human touch and emotional depth, celebrating imperfection as a form of authenticity. The transition from Toshikiyo to Kiro represents a broader evolution in Japanese fashion, moving from replication to reinvention. Toshikiyo’s Kapital was about mastery and respect for tradition, while Kiro’s Kapital became about interpretation and emotion. Together, they built a brand that honors the past while constantly reshaping it, balancing technical excellence with creative freedom. Within this lineage, the 5P denim captures Kapital’s design philosophy in its most tangible form. Introduced during the 2010s and continuing through later Kountry releases, it features flared silhouettes remade with layered patchwork, and hand-distressed or dyed details with each iteration. Each pair is distinct, reflecting the brand’s commitment to individuality and craft. This pair of 5P denim in Crazy Dixie Remake features front and back pockets and Speakeasy eye motif embroideries atop a dreamy tie-dyed front. Tagged Size 32 Waist: 37cmThighs: 28cmKnee: 24.5cmRise: 38cmInseam: 73cmOpening 26cm
Upstairs Garments
Kapital 14oz Denim 5P Rat Flare Pants (Crazy Dixie Remake)
$800 USD
110
Kapital began in 1984 under Toshikiyo Hirata in Kojima, Okayama, Japan’s denim capital. The brand started as a workshop devoted to mastering American-style jeans, using Japanese craftsmanship and dyeing techniques. After studying in the United States, he became fascinated by American workwear and its rugged practicality. His Kapital focused on faithful reproductions and artisanal quality, earning recognition for meticulous construction and timeless design rooted in Okayama’s denim heritage. When Kiro Hirata joined the company around the early 2000s, Kapital’s creative direction began to change. Having studied art and design in the United States and worked at 45R, Kiro brought a more expressive and eclectic sensibility to the brand. While Toshikiyo continued to oversee production, Kiro redefined Kapital’s identity by merging Americana with Japanese folk traditions, humor, and imperfection. The brand’s visual storytelling also evolved through collaborations with photographer Eric Kvatek, transforming Kapital into a label that expressed narrative and personality rather than technical mastery alone. Under Kiro’s leadership, Kapital expanded beyond denim into a complete aesthetic universe. New sub-lines like Kountry and Remake emphasized individuality and experimentation, featuring patchwork, sashiko stitching, boro repair, and natural dyeing. These details embodied a sense of human touch and emotional depth, celebrating imperfection as a form of authenticity. The transition from Toshikiyo to Kiro represents a broader evolution in Japanese fashion, moving from replication to reinvention. Toshikiyo’s Kapital was about mastery and respect for tradition, while Kiro’s Kapital became about interpretation and emotion. Together, they built a brand that honors the past while constantly reshaping it, balancing technical excellence with creative freedom. Within this lineage, the 5P denim captures Kapital’s design philosophy in its most tangible form. Introduced during the 2010s and continuing through later Kountry releases, it features flared silhouettes remade with layered patchwork, and hand-distressed or dyed details with each iteration. Each pair is distinct, reflecting the brand’s commitment to individuality and craft. This pair of 5P denim in Crazy Dixie Remake features front and back pockets and Speakeasy eye motif embroideries atop a dreamy tie-dyed front. Tagged Size 32 Waist: 37cmThighs: 28cmKnee: 24.5cmRise: 38cmInseam: 73cmOpening 26cm
