COTE MER Levi's Type III Trucker Remake, Antique Kimono and Obi Brocade Back Panel, Twin Zippers, Size L–XL

A naturally faded Levi's Type III trucker turned into wearable textile art: COTE MER has rebuilt the entire back with fragments of vintage kimono and obi brocade, framed by two full-length industrial zippers. American denim and Japanese ceremonial weaving meet in a single, unrepeatable composition.

The Piece

The front keeps the timeless appeal of an authentic vintage Levi's Type III trucker jacket: light, stonewashed indigo with soft whiskering and the classic red tab. The reverse tells another story. Rather than simple patchwork, it has been completely reconstructed from individually selected fragments of richly woven vintage kimono and obi brocade, each preserving its own weaving technique and ceremonial symbolism.

Brilliant gold brocade sits among vermilion, emerald, violet, ivory and black geometric fields, assembled into an abstract, architectural mosaic inspired by kimono construction. Two dramatic full-length exposed zippers frame the panel, an avant-garde structural element set against the elegance of the historic silk, and the woven surfaces catch the light differently from every angle.

This is reconstruction rather than appliqué. The genuine vintage Levi's jacket has been opened up and rebuilt with hand-selected antique kimono textiles and vintage obi brocade inserts, reinforced internal stitching and a fully integrated composition, each silk fragment positioned to balance pattern flow and color.

COTE MER is known for transforming authentic vintage garments into collectible wearable artworks, using antique Japanese textiles, military fabrics, kimono silks and vintage denim. Because every reconstruction uses different textiles, no two jackets are alike, and the piece speaks to collectors of Japanese remake fashion, kimono reconstruction, boro-inspired design, wabi-sabi aesthetics and sustainable, artisan denim.

Details

• Maker: COTE MER
• Model: Reconstructed Levi's Type III trucker jacket
• Origin: Japan
• Material: Heavyweight cotton denim; vintage silk kimono; vintage obi brocade; metallic woven threads; brass hardware; heavy-duty polyester zippers; cotton
• Color: Light stonewashed indigo; gold, vermilion, emerald, violet, ivory and black brocade
• Size: Approx. L–XL (modern fit)
• Measurements: Chest, pit to pit ≈ 62 cm · Back length ≈ 66 cm
• Edition: One of one
• Base garment: Button front; two flap chest pockets; side hand pockets; adjustable waist tabs; red tab
• Back panel: Kimono and obi brocade mosaic framed by two full-length exposed industrial zippers

Condition

• Excellent vintage remake condition.
• The denim shows attractive authentic fading and natural vintage wear that complements the reconstruction.
• The kimono textiles remain vibrant, with only minor age characteristics expected of reclaimed antique silk.
• Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Motif Glossary

The woven fragments, likely drawn from formal kimono and obi, include hexagonal kikkō-inspired panels, gold brocade, floral medallions, chrysanthemum-inspired blossoms, paulownia-style foliage, seasonal flowers, woven cloud motifs, nishiki-style metallic weaving and multicolored silk brocade.

• Kikkō (亀甲): the hexagonal turtle-shell pattern, a symbol of longevity, endurance and protection.
• Chrysanthemum: associated with nobility, refinement, longevity and the Imperial tradition.
• Paulownia: a traditional emblem of prosperity, honor and cultural prestige.
• Seasonal florals: formal Japanese textiles celebrate the changing seasons, expressing beauty, renewal and harmony with nature.
• Gold brocade: historically reserved for ceremonial garments, weddings, formal kimono and elite craftsmanship.

Fit and Styling

The jacket wears as an approximate modern Large to XL; compare the measurements with a favorite jacket for the most accurate fit. As a statement piece it sits naturally with Japanese selvedge denim, wide trousers, hakama-inspired silhouettes, minimal monochrome outfits and contemporary streetwear, and alongside the wardrobes of Yohji Yamamoto, Kapital, Visvim or Comme des Garçons.

Authenticity & Care

Built on a genuine vintage Levi's Type III trucker with its red tab, reconstructed by the Japanese remake label COTE MER with antique kimono and obi textiles. Every piece is examined and documented in Japan before dispatch and is offered with the Japonista authenticity guarantee.

Delivery from Japan

Packed by hand in Japan and shipped insured and tracked by EMS or an equivalent express service. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Returns follow our published policy.

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