OD+ZT Natural Indigo Kasuri Sashiko Down Vest

ODZT004 B

Limited production of 22 pieces

• Hank-dyed Natural Indigo yarn Plaid Kasuri Sashiko fabric
• 100% Beige Polyester Lining
• 800 Fill Power-down (90% down, 10% feather)
• Deadstock "Oshima-Tsumugi" vintage kimono fabric neck lining (woven in Amami-Oshima)
• 6 YKK Japan Ⓡ Permex OD embossed original brass snap buttons
• YKK Japan Ⓡ Vislon 2-wayzipper opening
• Custom red and white zipper taping
• Handwarmer pockets
• Detachable distress whistle on lower zipper

Continuing onwards on our journey exploring traditional Japanese fabrics, we team up again with outdoor aficionados Zanter for the second version of our collaboration vest featuring a stellar Natural Indigo Kasuri Sashiko fabric. 

The base fabric is a celebration of the finest traditional Japanese Indigo textile that we could produce, thanks to the fine folks at Tsujimura-Ai. Starting out with a unique checkered stitch pattern with a 3D texture, the combination of Kasuri-dyed Natural Indigo yarns results in the immensely streaky pattern seen throughout the base fabric of the vest. In this particular case, the Kōshi (Plaid) pattern has undyed yarns featured in the warp, further accentuating the texture of the unique 3D check pattern.

For this project, we were able to include some unique details on this piece - one of those being the varying zipper tape on the zipper closure, to pay homage to our OD logo. Previously seen on our ODZT Haori Jackets, we included our original YKK JapanⓇ Permex OD embossed brass buttons for a little love from yours truly. Usually reserved for serious mountaineering winter jackets that require such a tool, we decided to celebrate Zanter's pedigree as Japan's first down jacket producer with the addition of a detachable distress whistle on the lower zipper.

Finally, the detail that we have been able to include for the first time in our history, and one that has been in the making since about 2021, when we first started collecting said fabrics. About three years ago, we began a quest to collect as many deadstock Japanese Kimono fabrics as we could. Our criteria is that they are deadstock, woven with some element of naturally dyed yarns, and using the highly coveted "Oshima-Tsumugi" style of hand weaving such fabrics on hand looms. These Kimono fabrics are always limited to about 36cm in width, and are 13 meters in length.

Zanter is heralded as the first brand to produce down wear in Japan. The first pieces were worn in 1956 by members of the Manaslu Expedition Corps as well as the Antarctic Observation Corps. Zanter has continued to produce the highest quality Japanese down wear by selecting only the finest materials and using well-honed production methods. Locally sourced high-quality down feathers are extremely difficult to come by, at the most only 10g can be found on the chest area of a suitable Waterfowl. The quality of feathers is also greatly affected by breeding methods, environment, and feed during infancy. These carefully selected feathers then go through a thorough process of washing, drying, dehydration, sterilization, and dust removal which results in a down that not only has excellent heat retention properties but is also durable and sanitary.

*Model is pictured wearing a size M. He weighs 59kg (130 pounds) and is 178cm (5’11”) tall.