FW17 John Elliott x Blackmeans

John Elliott X Blackmeans
FW17 Collaboration

The story behind our ongoing collaboration with the Japanese leather artisans at Blackmeans.

Photography: Nedda Afsari

A little over a year ago, we released our first collaboration with Blackmeans. It was born out of mutual respect and admiration. The guys at Blackmeans are authentic and devoted to their craft. They are leather artisans who work with their hands on products they sell in their own shop, and who in their time off listen to punk rock. From the moment I set foot in their showroom, I realized how much we have in common. We connected on the long hours we work and how hands on we are.

Since that time we’ve become friends. We spend so much time in Tokyo that at this point, it’s an extension of our brand.

For the FW 17 collaboration we brought back two jackets that are representative of what they do and what we do. You’ll find elements from their collection, like a pleated motorcycle detail incorporated into a stadium jacket, and elements in our collection, like gussets applied to a rider’s jacket. We’ve lived in these silhouettes for the last year, and going into our second collaboration paid attention to perfecting small details that matter, so that we could produce even better garments this time around.

We have an ongoing collaboration with Blackmeans because the products are so beautiful. Their attention to detail and quality of leather and hardware are second to none. These continue to be some of my favorite products, and I love this project because I’m proud to have these jackets in my own closet.

-John Elliott

John Elliott x Blackmeans Rider's Jacket
John Elliott x Blackmeans Stadium Jacket

Releasing:

Tuesday October 17th
8AM PST / 11AM EST