# Ancient Japanese Denim for Modern Times Diesel Okayama Project By Bianca | Published 2008-06-11 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diesel-okayama-project References: [diesel](http://www.diesel.com/collections/denim-gallery/) Diesel, the much-loved Italian fashion brand, has launched yet another phenomenal [denim innovation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1944-501-jeans-rigid). Seeking inspiration from Japan, the **Okayama Project** incorporates denim woven using ancient methods on sacred shuttle looms. Since the 17th century, the town of Okayama has been a hub of textile production; even today it plays home to over 100 small denim factories, all of which are owned by families. “It was inevitable that [Diesel Denim Gallery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dieseloveslee) - created in 2001 to showcase the brand's most innovative and artisanal products - would make a pilgrimage here,” a press release explains. “The fabric is woven on traditional shuttle looms using single continuous threads, a process that delivers tighter, heavier and more durable material. It's called selvage denim because the weaving process creates a natural finish - or 'self edge' - that does not fray,” the press release details. “In the Okayama Project, 14 oz denim has been exclusively woven for Diesel Denim Gallery and hand dyed with [natural indigo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/u1500ji): the clean, deep ocean-blue colour is another characteristic of the Okayama fabric. Devotees can choose from pure indigo or a washed version with yellow overtones. A dedicated label reads: 'Handcrafted in Okayama, Japan.'” Sorry ladies, unlike much of Diesel's wonderful fashions, this one's just for the guys. It would make a fabulous gift however, especially because each pair comes wrapped in a delicate rice paper bag! ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 66% | Activity: 79% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Ancient Japanese Denim:** Diesel's Okayama Project uses ancient Japanese denim woven using traditional shuttle looms with single continuous threads, creating tighter, heavier, and more durable material than modern methods. - **Artisanal Products:** Diesel's Denim Gallery showcases their most innovative and artisanal products, featuring handcrafted denim produced using ancient Japanese weaving techniques in the Okayama Project. - **Natural Indigo Dye:** Diesel's Okayama Project uses natural indigo dye to create a clean, deep ocean-blue color, providing a market opportunity for natural dye products. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion:** Diesel's innovative use of traditional Japanese denim and artisanal products creates potential for disruption in the luxury denim fashion industry. - **Textile Production:** The use of ancient Japanese weaving techniques and natural indigo dye in Diesel's Okayama Project could disrupt traditional methods of textile production in favor of more sustainable and artisanal methods. - **Gifts and Accessories:** Diesel's Okayama Project creates a market for unique, high-quality denim products as gifts and accessories that use natural materials and traditional techniques. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Co-Branded Bespoke Denim](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dieseloveslee.md) - [Sophisticated Denim Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blue-tab.md) - [Japan Exclusive Denim](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japanexclusive-denim-collection.md) - [Eco-Friendly Denim Dyes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-dye.md) - [Ultra-Wide Collaborative Denim](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superwide-levis.md) - [Sustainable Stonewashed Denim](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/guess-airwash.md) - [Collaborative Relaxed Vintage Denim](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lee-and-beams-1.md) - [Reproduced Premium Vintage Denim](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/9rivet.md) - [Sleek Modern Bag Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trompe-loeil-bags.md)