Authentic Levi's Denim Reimagined Through Traditional Japanese Kimono Textile Art

An extraordinary wearable artwork combining an authentic vintage Levi's Type III trucker jacket with an intricate hand-crafted panel of antique Japanese kimono and obi silk. Created by the celebrated Japanese remake label COTE MER, this one-of-a-kind jacket transforms a classic piece of American denim into a striking fusion of Japanese textile heritage and contemporary artisanal design.

Rather than simple patchwork, the reverse has been completely reconstructed with individually selected fragments of richly woven vintage kimono and obi brocade, framed by full-length industrial zippers that create a bold architectural composition. Each textile section preserves its own history, weaving techniques, and ceremonial symbolism into an entirely unique collector's garment.

Design Character

This piece beautifully captures the dialogue between two iconic textile traditions.

The front retains the timeless appeal of a naturally faded Levi's trucker jacket, showcasing authentic vintage denim with soft whiskering, pale stonewashed character, and classic red tab detailing.

The reverse unveils a museum-worthy composition of vintage Japanese silk textiles. Brilliant gold brocade, vermilion, emerald, violet, ivory, and black geometric fields are assembled into an abstract architectural mosaic inspired by traditional kimono construction. The composition is further framed by two dramatic full-length exposed zippers, introducing an avant-garde structural element that contrasts beautifully with the elegance of the historic silk.

The result feels equally at home within Japanese street fashion, gallery fashion, or contemporary wearable art.

Brand

COTE MER (Japan)

Known for transforming authentic vintage garments into collectible wearable artworks, COTE MER specializes in one-of-a-kind reconstructions using antique Japanese textiles, military fabrics, kimono silks, and vintage denim. No two pieces are identical, making every garment effectively unique.

Base Garment

• Authentic Levi's Type III Denim Jacket
• Vintage stonewashed light indigo denim
• Classic trucker silhouette
• Button front closure
• Dual chest flap pockets
• Side hand pockets
• Adjustable waist tabs
• Heavyweight cotton denim

Textile Art Panel

The rear artwork incorporates carefully curated fragments from vintage Japanese ceremonial textiles, likely sourced from formal kimono and obi fabrics.

Visible motifs include:

• Hexagonal kikkō-inspired geometric panels
• Gold brocade weaving
• Floral medallions
• Chrysanthemum-inspired blossoms
• Paulownia-style foliage
• Seasonal flowers
• Traditional woven cloud motifs
• Nishiki-style metallic weaving
• Multicolored silk brocade

The luxurious woven surfaces display remarkable depth, catching light differently from every angle.

Symbolism

The textile selection reflects many of Japan's most enduring auspicious motifs.

Kikkō (亀甲)

Hexagonal turtle-shell patterns symbolize 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 Floral Motifs

Japanese formal textiles frequently celebrate the changing seasons, expressing beauty, renewal, and harmony with nature.

Gold Brocade

Historically reserved for ceremonial garments, weddings, formal kimono, and elite craftsmanship.

Construction

Unlike mass-produced appliqué jackets, this garment demonstrates true reconstruction craftsmanship.

Features include:

• Genuine vintage Levi's jacket
• Hand-selected antique kimono textiles
• Vintage obi brocade inserts
• Structural panel reconstruction
• Exposed industrial side zippers
• Reinforced internal stitching
• Fully integrated textile composition
• One-of-a-kind assembly

Each silk fragment has been individually positioned to maximize both pattern flow and color balance.

Materials

• Cotton denim
• Vintage silk kimono
• Vintage obi brocade
• Metallic woven threads
• Brass hardware
• Heavy-duty zippers

Condition

Excellent vintage remake condition.

The denim displays attractive authentic fading and natural vintage wear that complements the reconstructed artwork beautifully.

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.

Measurements

Approximate modern fit:

Large to XL

Approximate measurements visible:

• Chest (pit to pit): ≈ 62 cm
• Back length: ≈ 66 cm

Please compare with a favorite jacket for the most accurate fit.

Styling

An exceptional statement piece that pairs effortlessly with:

• Japanese selvedge denim
• Yohji Yamamoto
• Kapital
• Visvim
• Comme des Garçons
• Wide trousers
• Hakama-inspired silhouettes
• Minimal monochrome outfits
• Contemporary streetwear
• Gallery fashion

Collectibility

This jacket appeals to collectors of:

• COTE MER
• Japanese remake fashion
• Levi's collaborations
• Boro-inspired design
• Kimono reconstruction
• Wearable textile art
• Japanese slow fashion
• One-of-a-kind garments
• Wabi-sabi aesthetics
• Avant-garde fashion
• Sustainable luxury fashion
• Artisan denim

As each COTE MER reconstruction uses different vintage textiles, no two jackets are ever exactly alike, making this a genuinely unique collector's piece.

Shipping & Policies

• Ships worldwide directly from Japan.
• Professionally packed with tracked international shipping.
• Vintage and reconstructed garments are sold in as-found condition.
• Minor signs of wear reflect the authentic character of reclaimed textiles.
• Please review all photographs before purchasing.

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Materials

Cotton Denim, Vintage Silk Kimono, Vintage Obi Brocade, Metallic Thread, Brass Hardware, Cotton, Polyester Zippers