The Diesel Paddop: Denim to Die For
Diesel is one of our favorite designers of denim on the planet. They constantly update their fits and washes to maintain a stylish, fashion-forward product. This week, we’ve gone weak at the knees for Diesel’s brand new Paddop 73J.
What the hell is “Paddop 73J,” you ask? Well, Diesel denim works like this. The first part of the name is the fit. The second half, which usually consists of a number and letter, refers to the wash. So, Paddop is the fit and 73J is the wash. You follow? Good. Let’s continue.
The Paddop is a slim fit, which we endorsed last month, and 73J is a distressed, rich blue wash featuring a handful of small tears and holes that give this jean the look of having been worn for a few years. Some people cringe at the thought of pre-torn holes, but we think a moderately distressed jean, particularly one as well done as Diesel’s, is something to admire. Also, much of the disressing is done by hand, so no two pairs look alike.
At $285, this is probably the most expensive men’s jean we’ve ever seen from Diesel. However, hear us out.
Diesel truly is the Mercedes Benz of denim. You’re paying more because it’s a hand-crafted, high-quality, no-detail-overlooked product. For example, Diesel’s denim typically comes from Japanese or Italian mills, which produce the highest-quality denim in the world. And, as we mentioned, a great deal of their distressing is done by hand in their Italian factories.
If you want natural looking holes, you can either jump off a building or let Diesel’s artists do it for you. Option one, you break some bones, option two, you pay a little extra.
Also, take a look at the close-up shots we’ve included below. They show off Diesel’s incredible attention detail, such as the addition of a zippered coin pocket above the left front pocket. Even the zipper has been customized. Around back, you’ll find small, black metal studs that subtly decorate the seam near a hidden, extra pocket. Like perforated leather seats and wood trim in a Benz, it’s details like this that make Diesel’s product stand above the rest.
Certain items, like a t-shirt, should never cost more than a certain amount of money. Christian Audigier, we’re looking at you and your tacky $100 tees. When it comes to denim, however, we’re not against a calculated splurge. Diesel’s Paddop 73J becomes the focal point of your outfit, meaning you can throw on one of The Gap’s $18 Perfect V-neck tees and a pair of Converse and you’ll look like a million bucks. Smart shopping is about knowing where to spend your money, and the jeans on your legs are a great place to spend it all.
Available exclusively at SSENSE.
Article Details
- Published January 21st, 2009
- Department Denim Pants
- Brands Diesel
- Socialize 3 Comments Share This Article
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