The legendary Kato Jeans designed by Hiroshi Kato, who draws all his ideas in a sketchbook and takes them to a tiny downtown factory. He then sits down with the supervisor to give minute instructions on exactly what he is aiming for.
Kato Jeans is based in Kyoto and only a handful of shops carry its pants because Kato has chosen not to enlarge or complicate his operation. A former textile consultant, he takes no short cuts. A pair of Kato Jeans is hand-crafted and marvelously detailed - even the thread on the pockets is dyed to his specifications. He strives for a cut that makes Japanese legs look longer and blends the cotton to accommodate the wilting heat of Japanese summers.
Retailing at 19,800 to 23,000 yen, or about $170 to $195, Kato Jeans are pricey but worth it, says one fan, Jun Yamada. "I had always hated the sight of myself in jeans," he said, "My legs were too short and stumpy."
Kato solved Yamada's problem. "I would look in the mirror and recoil in horror," he said, "But in a pair of Kato I've learned to actually like my body. This is more than a clothing item."
