From Nigo to Toshhikiyo Hirata to Yujiro Komatsu, there is a long-standing history of Japanese designers interpreting American clothing as their own. Many would even go on to say that Japanese brands make American clothing better than Americans can. Look no further than Kapital to demonstrate just that.
Founded in the Japanese denim hotbed of the Okayama prefecture, Kapital has been producing the most elegant western-style clothing for nearly forty years. Though based on the silhouettes of western garments, Kapital products twist the functionality of the pieces they are based on - symmetry is often completely disregarded, pockets are placed in the most strange places, and buttons make irregular appearances throughout Kapital’s collections. Some of their most standout Japanese Americana pieces include their century denim - the Japanese counterpart to Lee’s and Levis, which are designed to be worn over 100 years and are constructed of an unsanforized 12oz. dyed denim adorned with indigo dyed sashiko-style stitching throughout. Other standouts include Kapital’s signature Ring Coat - a crossover between the M65 field jacket and a peacoat that can also be turned into a sleeping bag.
Forty years of craftsmanship have led Kapital to the forefront of western appeal with celebrities like A$AP Rocky and John Mayer sporting the brand’s most iconic pieces. It comes to no surprise that Kapital has withstood the test of time, even surpassing its American counterparts in artistry.
