CONCRETE: A Collaboration With Hans Jellema
Robin Denim and Hans Jellema have teamed up once more for an exclusive photoshoot. Together we travelled to Leeuwarden, one of the oldest cities in the north of the Netherlands (and also happens to be Hans’ hometown) which offers some really unique and photogenic spots. With a clean, modern and crisp aesthetic, we titled the shoot ‘CONCRETE’. We wanted to strip things back and return to where it all started; creating high-quality content of amazing outfits with clean backgrounds.
On a typical cold Dutch winter day, with a mix of sun, wind and rain, we went into the city looking for great spots to shoot. After spending the morning in the age-old city center, which resulted in some cool photos, we went out to the corners of Leeuwarden looking for clean and modern accents.
So let us take you back on this journey with us and showcase the brands who supported us with some high quality and well made garments.
Partners
Above all else, photoshoots with Hans are based on fun and passion. We both have a fascination for great clothes and good photography. This is where it all started and it will always be our motivation. Hans knows how to shoot cutting edge and contemporary photos whilst looking good doing it!
In order to create and curate some engaging and relevant content, we needed to engage with some partners. For every shoot, we are looking for brands who share our passion, vision and motivation for heritage inspired clothing, well made denim and all things indigo. Working with these brands allows us to collaborate with like-minded people and often produces great results for all involved.
When we looked to shoot our CONCRETE concept in Leeuwarden, we connected with the following four brands to bring a truly international perspective to our styling.
ASKET – Stockholm, Sweden
ASKET has been creating meaningful and timeless wardrobe essentials since 2015. With a strong focus on ethical manufacturing and stripping a garment back to its core, ASKET is delivering responsible and clean garments that last.
The brand is striving to be fully transparent about their manufacturing, milling, raw materials and the time it takes to produce garments. With an overall product traceability of 80%, it’s possible to trace the majority of materials used and the third parties which are involved in the production, making the brand a wonderful example of business transparency.
The prices of all ASKET clothing is based on the true value of the garments without added costs or hidden profits. It comes down to materials, craftsmanship and accountability. By shipping directly to consumer, skipping the middlemen and retailer, ASKET is delivering responsible garments for a handsome price.
You can follow them on Instagram here.
A.B.C.L. – Venice, Italy
A.B.C.L. is a young brand which is trying to incorporate the craft and quality of daily life in Japan and Italy. The result of a shared passion and vision of Antonio and Mattia, founders and co-owners of the brand. Part residing in Tokyo and Venice, they focus on seamlessly merging two different worlds and lifestyles into one brand, which we thought was a unique and promising approach.
The starting point for the collections of A.B.C.L. is the admiration of Japanese materials and a sartorial approach on contemporary constructions. The garments are designed following artisanal techniques and include timeless details, which are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Lastly, the name isn’t as difficult as it seems! A.B.C. represents the start of things, the beginning of a masterpiece, and the L derives from Antonio’s surname. We really like what these guys are doing and their unique approach to classic, timeless yet modern menswear.
You can follow them on Instagram here.
Pike Brothers – Bayern, Germany
Pike Brothers’ history began when George and Joseph Pike started the brand in 1930. Originally a small shop in London which specialized in custom-made menswear, the brand then broadened its offering to produce military uniforms during the Second World War. These styles are then combined with the finest fabrics and European craftsmanship to create an unmistakable profile of well made American menswear in Europe; a history and heritage which the brand is still committed to today.
Today, Pike Brothers is focused on creating superior utility garments without losing sight of functionality or style. The brand is proudly working together with exclusive European weavers and tailoring shops where the garments are made by hand, using traditional craft methods. With an extensive collection ranging from heavyweight raw denim to the finest 100% wool flannel shirts, the brand is serving a diverse audience.
You can follow them on Instagram here.
Japan Blue Jeans – Kojima, Japan
Japan Blue Jeans originates from the Japan Blue Company, which started life as a weaving company. They have been in the denim making business for decades and can be credited as one of the companies that took Japanese denim to the next level. The brand is focused on the true essence of denim, without any fuss or frills. Getting the basics right, so to speak. By skipping some expensive, unnecessary and additional details, the brand manages to reduce the price point significantly.
But skipping the expensive details doesn’t mean that Japan Blue is releasing boring garments or taking a ‘shortcut’. To the contrary, the designs are a well-balanced mix of high-quality fabrics, fits and function, finding their origin in the denim and military landscapes. By making use of the latest fabric developments of Collect Mills (the fabric division of the company) Japan Blue Jeans is a leader in the industry.
You can follow them on Instagram here.
We owe all the brands above a big high-five – Thank you for your trust and commitment!
All photos featured in this article are taken by Hans Jellema / @hansjellema.
Share
Tweet
