OD+ZT Natural Indigo Box Check Sashiko Down Vest

ODZT005

Limited production of 60 pieces

• OD Proprietary Hank-dyed Natural Indigo Box Check Sashiko fabric
• 100% Beige Polyester Lining
• 80% down, 20% feather
• Deadstock "Oshima-Tsumugi" vintage kimono fabric neck lining (hand-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 on our journey exploring traditional Japanese fabrics, we team up again with outdoor aficionados Zanter for our latest version of our collaboration vest featuring a stellar Natural Indigo Box Check 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.

In past projects with Zanter, we have opted to use deadstock fabrics from Tsujimura-Ai, however on this occasion we opted to build a unique fabric from the yarn up. The box check fabric that we developed with the Hamamatsu-based fabric house truly celebrates the origins of Sashiko fabrics, mimicking the rough stitching that was once used to repair garments while also showcasing the variegated hues offered through the process of hank-dyeing yarns in Natural indigo.

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 L. He weighs 59kg (130 pounds) and is 178cm (5’11”) tall.